Alan Bohling bought his first boat when he was 15 with money he saved from odd jobs. Growing up on Camano Island, he dreamt of ski boats and luxury yachts.

Now, as the CEO of Seattle Boat Company, lavish boats are his playground.

Twenty years after founding a small boat company in Bellevue, Bohling oversees five locations including, three on-the-water facilities, a Bellevue showroom, and a Kent heated storage facility.

“We have had huge success in the Marine arena because we are in a fantastic area for the boating industry.” Bohling said.

The premier full-service marine dealer was recently named the Second Best Boat Dealer in the Nation and Best in Class award in the category of dealers with five or six stores by Boating Industry Magazine. It was the only West Coast boat dealer in the top 15 and was based on overall business operations, customer service, marketing and professionalism.

The Newport Shores resident landed in the boat business on a whim: one part chance and one part fate.

In his mid-20s, Bohling and some friends opened a small French restaurant in Bellevue called Fountain Court Off Main. After two years he left the restaurant business and began looking for a fresh start. He stumbled upon a small boat dealership for sale. As an avid water-skier and boat junkie, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

Within a couple of years, the Auburn-based company rose to become the world’s largest dealer of Supra, an up-and-coming import ski boat brand. After acquiring Seattle Boat Company, Bohling focused on expanding the quality of services. In 2000, the company opened its first dry stack marina on Lake Union.

“We were an early adapter to dry stack storage on the West Coast. And that has been, along with winter storage and quality service, a strong part of our overall philosophy,” he explained.

Bohling’s biggest advantage is that his company has the exclusive rights in the Northwest to sell the premier Sunseeker line of yachts and Cobalt Boats.

“Life changes when you get out on the water.” Bohling said. “The stress of your day evaporates and the power of the throttle and sounds of the boat are an exciting thrill with an underlying calm.”

Through acquisitions and expansions, Bohling’s business has continued to bring in revenue, despite the current economic climate.

“Boating is a luxury item but owners are very passionate about the experience and we have a very strong market share here in Bellevue and in Seattle,” Bohling noted.

Bohling pointed to the closure of the Olympic Boat Centers in Bellevue as a prime example of the economic climate taking its toll on the industry.

“Times may be tough, but I still remain bullish in where we are headed. There is some pent-up demand for boats because they offer an escape, an experience, and truly a lifestyle,” Bohling said. “We are not going to lose the boating industry - and the Seattle Boat Company is here to stay.”

Seattle Boat Company’s Bellevue showroom is located at 13203 Northeast 16th Street, www.seattleboat.com, 206-633-2628.

Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4602.

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