July 28, 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.” 

As 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 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.