Seattle Boat Ownership: Who's In Control?

Seattle Boat Company is an award-winning dealer of new and pre-owned boats in Seattle, Tapps, Kent, and Bellevue, Washington. They are the exclusive dealer of Cobalt Boats, Malibu Boats, and Barletta Pontoon Boats in the Pacific Northwest. The company offers a range of services, including boat sales, boat service, marine services, a boat club, winter storage, and fuel dock amenities. In addition to Seattle Boat Company, there are other businesses in Seattle that offer boat rentals, such as The Electric Boat Company, providing tourists and locals with a unique way to experience the city. Aside from boat dealerships and rentals, Seattle also has a unique boat-turned-house on Mercer Island, known as The Manzanita, which was once a steamship but now serves as a lakefront residence. Lastly, Seattle has its fair share of notable boat owners, including German-American businessman Stephen Orenstein, who owns the Liva O, a 388-foot megayacht.

Seattle Boat Company: Award-winning dealer of new and used boats

The Seattle Boat Company is an award-winning dealer of new and pre-owned boats, offering the Pacific Northwest's best brands in the industry. With locations in Seattle, Newport, Lake Tapps, and Lake Union, they provide state-of-the-art on-water services, including boat sales, service, a boat club, winter storage, and fuel dock amenities.

New and Used Boats

The company offers a wide range of new and used boats to suit different needs and preferences. Their new boat inventory includes brands like Cobalt Boats, Malibu Boats, and Barletta Pontoon Boats, ensuring customers have access to the latest and most innovative vessels on the market.

For those looking for a more affordable option or a specific pre-owned model, the Seattle Boat Company also has a selection of used boats that have been carefully inspected and maintained. Their website and upcoming events provide an excellent opportunity to explore the available options and find the perfect boat.

Comprehensive Boat Services

The Seattle Boat Company doesn't just sell boats; they also provide a comprehensive range of services to support their customers' boating experiences. Their on-water locations offer convenient access to boat services and marine services, ensuring that boat owners can keep their vessels in top condition.

Additionally, the company offers a Boat Club for those who want to enjoy boating without the commitment of ownership. Winter storage and fuel dock amenities are also available, making the Seattle Boat Company a one-stop shop for all boating needs.

Creating Memorable Boating Experiences

At the heart of the Seattle Boat Company's mission is their commitment to creating fun and memorable boating experiences for their customers and their families. Whether it's helping them find the perfect boat, providing maintenance services, or offering convenient storage solutions, their focus is on ensuring that boat owners can fully enjoy the joys of boating on the picturesque waters of the Pacific Northwest.

With their range of services and dedication to customer satisfaction, the Seattle Boat Company has established itself as a trusted and award-winning dealer in the region, making them the go-to choice for anyone looking to buy a new or used boat in the Pacific Northwest.

The Manzanita: A circa-1906 steamship-turned-house on Mercer Island

The Manzanita, a circa-1906 steamship-turned-house on Mercer Island, has an intriguing history. Once a fully-fledged boat, the Manzanita now sits landlocked, nestled among waterfront mansions on the affluent Mercer Island, Washington. Its unique appearance, jutting out of a hillside, gives the impression of a ship that has run aground.

The Manzanita's journey to becoming a lakefront house began about 70 years ago when a resident purchased its stern, hauled it ashore, and transformed it into a guest house. The boat has an even longer history, having been commissioned in 1906 as a steel steam lighthouse tender with a top speed of 13 knots. It faithfully served its purpose of maintaining and supporting lighthouses along the Oregon coast near Astoria for several years.

In 1949, the Manzanita faced an uncertain future as it was slated for scrap. However, a local librarian and her father intervened, purchasing the stern portion of the vessel for $1,000. They transported it to Mercer Island, where it was winched up onto the property and placed on a foundation. This marked the beginning of its transformation into a unique residence, permanently affixed to dry land.

Over the years, the Manzanita has been lovingly restored, with careful attention to preserving its original character and charm. The result is a one-of-a-kind, 1,390-square-foot home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The interior tastefully combines modern conveniences with nostalgic touches, such as wood panelling and original hardware. The main living space features a vintage fireplace and a spiral staircase leading up to a bright and airy room with direct access to the boat's large upper deck.

In 2020, the Manzanita was listed for sale at $1.995 million, providing a rare opportunity for someone to own a piece of seafaring history.

The Electric Boat Company: Offers electric boat rentals on Lake Union

The Electric Boat Company in Seattle offers a unique and enjoyable experience with its electric boat rentals on Lake Union. Operating since 2005, the company provides a safe, fun, and affordable way to explore the city from the water.

The company offers three styles of electric boats that can accommodate between six and twelve passengers. These boats are heated and can be completely enclosed, making them ideal for year-round use. With a cruising speed of ~6-7 mph, the boats are equipped with features like stereos with Bluetooth, upgraded interior seating, cup holders, and even a swim ladder for easy access to the water.

One of the highlights of renting from The Electric Boat Company is the breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and iconic landmarks such as the "Sleepless in Seattle" houseboat and Gas Works Park. The company also offers add-ons to enhance your experience, such as their "Clueless in Seattle" on-the-water scavenger hunt and a GPS-guided audio tour that takes you through 200 years of Seattle history.

Renting a boat from The Electric Boat Company is a simple and accessible process. No prior boating experience or license is required, and individuals over the age of 25 can take the wheel. The rental process is straightforward, and the company provides clear directions to get you out on the water quickly.

With competitive pricing, starting at $99/hour for a boat rental and additional options for catering and add-ons, The Electric Boat Company provides a memorable and enjoyable experience for families, couples, and corporate events alike.

Boat sales: A range of boats are available for sale by owners in Seattle

There is a wide range of boats available for sale by owners in Seattle, catering to various preferences and requirements. From speed boats to kayaks, and luxurious yachts to classic boats, there is something for everyone.

Speed boats and kayaks

If you're looking for speed and adventure on the water, there are several options available. The 2023 Bennington Pontoon Boat SV 20 LST, 2018 Tige R22 wake boat, and the 2020 Yamaha GP1800R HO Waverunner Jetski are ideal for those seeking thrills. For a more relaxed ride, the 2008 Tracker Pro Guide V16, 1998 Wooldridge 16' Alaskan Sled, and the Sun Dance open bow with a 90hp Nissan motor are great choices.

For those who enjoy kayaking, the Valley Aquanaut Kayak, Hobie Malibu Sport Kayak, and the Valley Avocet Sea Kayak are perfect for exploring Seattle's waters.

Yachts and luxury boats

For boat owners seeking luxury and comfort, there are several options available in Seattle. The Outer Reef Yachts 610 MY, also known as the 'perfect-sized' yacht, offers excellent maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior. The Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht is another luxurious option, providing foredeck relaxation, walk-around side decks, and a spacious cockpit for water sports.

The Outer Reef Yachts 880 Cockpit MY is a seaworthy vessel that exudes exquisite detail and unmatched performance, ideal for long-range adventures. The Greenline Hybrid and Greenline 48 Fly, offered by Ocean Trawler Yachts, LLC, are also worth considering for those seeking luxury and performance.

Classic boats

For those who appreciate classic boats, the 1968 Century Resorter 18, 1987 Sea Ray Sun Dancer, and the 1966 Lyman 26 Cruisette are all available for sale in Seattle. These boats exude a timeless appeal and offer a unique boating experience.

Other options

In addition to the above, there are numerous other boats available for sale in Seattle, including the 2023 Bayliner VR 6 Outboard, the 2015 MasterCraft X23, and the 2019 Malibu Wakesetter 21 MLX. With such a diverse range of boats on offer, there is something to suit every boating enthusiast's needs and budget.

Stephen Orenstein: German-American businessman who owns a megayacht

Stephen Orenstein is a German-American businessman with a diverse portfolio of investments and assets. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, on December 28, 1963, Orenstein became a billionaire through his involvement with the Supreme Group, a company founded by his father, Alfred Orenstein, in 1957.

The Supreme Group

The Supreme Group is an overseas supplier of food and fuel that played a significant role in supplying US Army military personnel in Afghanistan. Stephen Orenstein owns 75% of the company and oversees its day-to-day operations. In 2014, two of the Supreme Group's subsidiaries admitted to defrauding the US government by overcharging the US Army for $48 million between 2005 and 2009. This resulted in a $434 million settlement to avoid prosecution and a commitment to keep its owners away from managing Pentagon contracts for five years.

Other Ventures and Investments

Outside of the Supreme Group, Stephen Orenstein has a range of other investments. He and his wife, Petra Orenstein, have extensive real estate holdings in Europe and the United States. Petra owns Cara Investment, a Frankfurt-based family office with properties in London, Frankfurt, and New York. The couple also owns a large estate on the French island of Corsica.

In addition to real estate, Stephen Orenstein has a stake in the German soccer team Eintracht Frankfurt and is a benefactor of the Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art.

The Liva O Megayacht

One of Stephen Orenstein's most notable assets is the Liva O, a 388-foot megayacht delivered in 2023. The yacht features a sleek design, a swimming pool, a helipad, and accommodations for up to 16 guests and a crew of 25. It is legally owned by a Maltese company, with shares held by a German company linked to Orenstein. The Liva O is valued at $250 million and is just one example of Orenstein's vast wealth and luxurious lifestyle.

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