People: Meet Ben Gartside
May 28, 2020
Ben Gartside
There is a Strong and Supportive Recreational Marine Industry in BC and Ben Gartsde is one of it’s pillars.
Ben grew up in the family boat yard in Cornwall, in the UK, and started his career in the marine industry at a Yanmar main dealership in 1980. When the family moved to Sidney in 1982 he took apprenticeship training in Marine Diesel Repair, subsequently opening Gartside Marine Engines in 1988.
Having grown up in a boatyard and been an active member of the sailboat racing community, it was natural for Ben to work with boats and, funnily enough, all current Gartside Marine Engines staff are boaters too.
The Sidney Team
Ben has always been supportive of training and raising the level of professionalism in the industry. He is a founding director of the Quadrant Marine Institute and teaches a number of the marine systems units in their apprenticeship program.
Ben was a member of the Marine Industry Workforce Development Committee that developed the current MMT (Marine Mechanical Technician) apprenticeship program in BC, and is himself a certified MMT.
Oak Bay Team
Ben also delivers weekend maintenance and troubleshooting seminars for boat owners. Ben believes everyone should have a working knowledge of their mechanical systems to keep them safe on the water.
Gartside Marine Engines was started by Ben Gartside in 1988 with the goal of providing the boating public with an honest, no nonsense service location where they could be sure to receive high quality work for a sensible price.
Over the years they have grown, with a second location opening in 2005 at the Oak Bay Marina. They now cover the whole of the Saanich Peninsula and Victoria area with prompt efficient service.
