New Boat Yard at Maple Bay Marina

Maple Bay Marina

July 23, 2020

Maple Bay, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC – July 17, 2020: Maple Bay Marina is pleased to announce the opening of the new boat yard under new management. The Marina is welcoming Chris Watson to manage the facility, which will be opening September 1, 2020.

Born and raised on a lake in the Fraser Valley where boating was a part of everyday life, Chris’ passion for all boats grew quickly. As the love for boating grew, so began his interest in boat maintenance, which started at the very young age of 8. Through his keen desire for sailboat racing, it quickly became apparent that a well prepared and maintained boat, was a fast boat! In the years following, 51 to be exact, Chris developed a well rounded skill set in hull and bottom preparation, painting and general yacht maintenance and care. Prior to his eventual calling to the marine industry, he enjoyed a successful career implementing Health & Safety, Environmental, and Quality Management Systems in the Oil & Gas sector. Over the years he also participated in complicated retrofits of wooden boats, in addition to volunteering countless hours at various Yacht Clubs and Sailing Clubs in a number of boat maintenance capacities. Chris now brings both his experience and passion to the boatyard, and is very excited for what the future holds. My successes in life are based on a few simple words my father told me, just as yours may have told you.  “If you are going to do something, do it right, and do it right the first time.”

Maple Bay Marina Fuel DocksAs well, Maple Bay Marina has purchased a new state of the art 50 Ton Marine Travel Lift to haul and move boats up to 70’ on the marina site. This will facilitate maintenance and repair work on boats, and owners will be permitted to work on their own vessels, subject to the Fraser River Best Management Practices. A marine supply store will be opening in the yard with full access to parts and supplies. In addition, certified trades will be on site to assist. 

The marina will also be introducing a Founders Club whereby the first 200 customers will be given preferential seasonal haul-out times and rates on future lifts. Stay tuned for more information in this program.

General Manager, David Messier says, “I am excited to embark on this new endeavour and look forward to welcoming back the boating community to the NEW Maple Bay Marina Boat Yard starting September 1, 2020.”

Maple Bay Marina SlipsMaple Bay Marina is a full service destination marina. We are open year round and offer a broad scope of services supporting boaters in the Canadian Gulf Islands, the East Coast of Vancouver Island in the Salish Sea, and is home to The Shipyard Restaurant & Pub, Mariners Market & Espresso Bar, and the Maple Bay Marina Boat Yard.

Contact Boat Yard Information:
Chris Watson
boatyard@maplebaymarina.com

Related Articles

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club - Wigwam Inn

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

In 1791, a 36 foot sailboat from Spain, captained by Don Jose Maria Narvaez anchored off Point Grey and ventured into Burrard Inlet. The sailors noted several native settlements that were eager to trade and came close by in their dugout canoes. One year later, Captain George Vancouver arrived and set about surveying the coastline. After this flurry of activity the area remained undisturbed and it would be 70 years before the beautiful timber would be cut, sawmills built, and larger ships arriving in a steady stream. This, my friends, was the beginning of Gastown and its many drinking establishments. As the main transportation was by water, young men with time on their hands, when they weren’t boozing, built their own sloops.

 

Highland Yacht Club

Highland Yacht Club

The formation of Glacial Lake Iroquois, at the end of the last ice age, was to have a lasting effect on the boating activity on Lake Ontario. Many years ago, as the lake eroded, it left geological records through alluvial deposits from the Bluffs, which then settled westward to form the Toronto Islands. More recently, the erosion rate picked up quickly in the 1940s when cottages were being built along the bluffs to capitalize on the breathtaking, enticing waterfront view of this “geological wonder” and a unique feature in North America. The result of this consistent and dramatic erosion in the Scarborough Bluffs, has created an impressive portion aptly named Cathedral Bluffs.  The Bluffs were first named by Elizabeth Simcoe, wife of John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, in 1793. She wrote in her diary, “The [eastern] shore is extremely bold, and has the appearance of chalk cliffs, but I believe they are only white sand. They appeared so well that we talked of building a summer residence there and calling it Scarborough.” It runs for 15 kilometres from the Eastern Beaches to West Hill, and soars up to 90 metres at its highest point. A stylized version of The Bluffs appeared prominently on the flag of the former City of Scarborough before it was amalgamated into the City of Toronto. Nestled in the middle and protected on all sides you will find one of the friendliest places on Lake Ontario, Highland Yacht Club.

Midland Harbour Mural

Midland Harbour – Georgian Bay

As an attractive destination for sailors and cruisers alike, Midland Harbour doesn’t really have to try hard to impress; the waters of Georgian Bay attract yachts of all sizes from all over the globe. With a history steeped in lumber and boat manufacturing, Midland Harbour today is an integral part of a thriving town, boasting the largest freshwater marina in the world amongst its offerings. The hometown of Sarah Burke, Glen Howard, Adam Dixon and David Onley to name a few, Midland is the heart of the North Simcoe area, the centre of the neighbouring Georgian Bay communities.

Founded in 1871 the town’s main industry was lumber manufacturing at the Playfair Mill which dominated the town’s waterfront until shipbuilding took over, beginning with Dobson’s Shipbuilding and later as Midland Shipyards. 

power_boat_review-sea_ray_wood-small

Sea Ray Wood Shop – Hallmarks of Quality

While attending the Miami International Boat Show last February, Rob Noyes, VP of Marketing for Sea Ray Boats made special arrangements for me to tour their new woodworking facility at Merritt Island near Orlando.

I’m a lifelong antique boat fan and refinished my own mahogany runabout a few years ago, so the chance to see the latest, state-of-the-art woodworking facility was an invitation I could not refuse.

Video Gallery

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Throw away the box, this is some fresh thinking

Seemingly part sailboat and part spaceship, the new Jeanneau Yachts 55 just busted through the boundaries of traditional yacht design. I couldn’t take my eyes off the bubble hardtop that met me at the dock and I stepped aboard with trepidation. A few hours later, I was planning how to spend my not-yet-won lottery winnings.

Read More

Destinations

Paving the Way to Cleaner Boating – How a Commitment to Reducing our Environmental Impact is Inspiring Cleaner Boating in Ontario

By Dave Rozycki

Over the past seven decades, Ontario’s marina industry has developed alongside some of Canada’s largest freshwater lakes. Boaters have been able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and create lasting memories on the water, with certain marinas dating back to the 1960s. As we reflect on this rich history, we can begin to see trends in how our footprint may have had an effect on the environment, in not-so-positive ways. However, by embracing innovative solutions and adopting sustainable practices, both marinas and boaters hold the key to preserving and enhancing the quality of our lakes and marine life for generations to come.

Read More

Lifestyle