// INDUSTRY NEWS
He served on the Independent Boat Builders Inc.( IBBI) board from 2004 to 2024, including four years as chairman. He has also contributed his expertise to the NMMA Boat Board and NMMA Big Board.
His career came full circle as he has worked alongside his son at Skier’ s Choice for over eight years.
“ One of the things I’ m most proud of is the team and culture we’ ve built at Skier’ s Choice,” Tinker said.“ The foundation is strong, and I have complete confidence in our leadership and employees to continue delivering exceptional products and experiences to our customers and dealers for many years to come.”
West Marine appoints CEO
West Marine has appointed Paulee Day as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Day previously served as the company’ s chief operating officer and corporate secretary. She is the first woman to serve as CEO of West Marine since it was founded in 1968.
Paulee Day
“ I have greatly enjoyed my time at West Marine and am delighted the board of directors has selected me to be the CEO,” Day said.“ Over the past few years, West Marine has significantly transformed its retail and online operations through a heightened focus on core boating, strong vendor relationships and streamlined operations.”
West Marine operates over 200 stores across 34 states and Puerto Rico, and an e-commerce platform that serves retail and professional customers. The company has also expanded its fulfillment capabilities, now offering same-day or next-day delivery from nearly all locations.
“ West Marine is uniquely positioned to offer in-store shopping, e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment and delivery across both B2B and B2C customers,” Day continued.“ Our customer-first focus is reflected in our core boating product assortments, fast delivery and store pickup options for our customers, and solutions-based selling to enable our customers to spend more time on the water or serve those that do.”
Day joined West Marine in 2022 as chief legal and human resources officer. She was promoted to chief administrative officer in January 2024 and chief operating officer earlier this year. Before joining West Marine, she served as executive vice president, chief legal officer and assistant secretary of MarineMax.
Day serves on the American Boat and Yacht Council( ABYC) Board of Directors and is a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She has also been recognized as a Boating Industry Woman Making Waves honoree.
Alera Marine celebrates production of 100th pontoon
Pontoon manufacturer Alera Marine has completed the production of its 100th Alera Model M, just months after its official launch.
“ Reaching our 100th boat is a major milestone for Alera Marine and a direct reflection of the passion, intentionality and craftsmanship our team brings to every build,” said Coley Brady, CEO and founder of Alera Marine.“ I’ m proud of how this team has come together and this achievement proves that the quality and care we deliver is resonating with dealers and customers across the country.”
The 100th boat, a Model M 23Q, showcases Alera’ s signature innovations, from its patentpending ski tow bar with integrated fuel fill and one-piece composite decking to its exterior and interior packages.
“ Our first 100 boats represent far more than units. They represent families confidently enjoying the water and the start of a legacy we’ re proud to be building,” Brady added.“ We’ re honored that our dealers and customers have placed their trust in Alera, and we’ re only getting started.”
Alera Marine stated that it will continue to scale production with new product expansions and additional model offerings, planned for release in the coming year.
Michigan Clean Marina Program certifies four marinas
The Michigan Clean Marina Program has certified four marinas for a three-year term, bringing the statewide total to 105. The newly certified facilities include Freedom Boat Club of Harrison Township, Harbor View Marina of Ludington, Ludington Municipal Marina of Ludington and Riverside Marina of Detroit.
Additionally, seven marinas have been recertified for the next five years as Michigan Clean Marinas: Club Royale – Cass Lake, Waterford Copper Harbor State Harbor, Copper Harbor East Tawas State Dock, East Tawas Lac Labelle State Dock, Copper Harbor Miller Marina, St. Clair Shores Port Austin State Harbor, Port Austin Wyandotte Marina, Wyandotte
Michigan Clean Marinas voluntarily pledge to maintain and improve Michigan’ s waterways by reducing or eliminating the release of harmful substances and helping boaters prevent pollution. Certified marina facilities are recognized as exemplary environmental stewards and must periodically recertify. Training and certification criteria address key topics like siting considerations, marina design and management, stormwater management, boat maintenance and repair, petroleum control, aquatic invasive species, sewage handling, waste containment, disposal and recycling, and laws and regulations.
“ Marinas like these and the many others who participate in this disciplined program show they are aware of and practice good environmental and business stewardship,” said Mark Breederland, extension educator for Michigan Sea Grant and chair of the Michigan Clean Marina Foundation Board.“ The program is a win-win by implementing and certifying on-the-dock practices to minimize potential pollution and encouraging boaters to also take good care of the water and within the marina.”
6 november / december 2025 www. boatingindustry. com