In Channel Islands Harbor, a new name is making waves in the boating community — and it’s one that’s built on generations of craftsmanship, integrity, and local reputation. Channel Islands Boatyard, the new full-service boatyard serving Ventura and Channel Islands boaters, is more than just another marine business opening its doors. It’s a homecoming for two brothers who have spent their lives building, restoring, and maintaining the very boats that define this coastal community.
At the helm of Channel Islands Boatyard are Chief Executive Officer Jack LeMaire and President Robert LeMaire, both lifelong shipwrights with deep roots in the Ventura and Oxnard boating scene. Together, they bring more than 75 years of hands-on experience and an unshakable reputation for quality workmanship. Their vision for Channel Islands Boatyard is simple but ambitious — to become the premier destination for haul-outs, painting, repairs, and maintenance in a region where such services are in high demand and short supply.
A Boatyard Filling a Critical Need
Channel Islands Boatyard enters the scene with a rare advantage: capability. Its facility, complete with a heavy-duty Marine Travelift, is one of only four within a 30-mile radius of Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors capable of hauling vessels out of the water for maintenance. That fact alone positions the company as a vital resource for local boaters. Between the two harbors, more than 3,500 boats rely on haul-out services every three to four years — and until now, options have been limited.
“Every boater knows that when it’s time for bottom paint or a major repair, getting on a schedule can be half the battle,” said CEO Jack LeMaire. “We’ve been on both sides of that frustration — as contractors and as boat owners. That’s exactly why Channel Islands Boatyard exists. We want to make this process smoother, faster, and built around the customer.”
The company’s founding philosophy is rooted in listening to what boaters and marine contractors have long been asking for — better communication, dependable timelines, and craftsmanship that lasts. With decades of local experience, the LeMaires know the challenges that have frustrated boat owners for years, and they’ve built Channel Islands Boatyard to address them head-on.
Experience You Can Trust
For those who know the Ventura boating community, the LeMaire name already carries significant weight. Jack “Jackie” LeMaire, owner of JL Marine Services, has spent 39 years perfecting his craft as a shipwright, earning a reputation for precision, honesty, and customer satisfaction. His work — from structural repairs to complex refits — has made him a go-to expert for boaters who value quality and attention to detail.
Robert LeMaire, owner of RL Marine Services, has carved out his own niche in the fine finishes that make boats shine. Known for his meticulous varnish maintenance, buffing, deck refinishing, and stainless polishing, Robert has built relationships with customers who trust him to keep their vessels looking their best. “We’ve both been fortunate to work with great clients who value doing things right the first time,” said Robert. “Channel Islands Boatyard is about continuing that standard — but with the equipment and team to handle every part of the process under one roof.”
Building a Team Worthy of Its Name
Channel Islands Boatyard’s greatest asset might not be its Travelift or its location — it’s the people behind it. The LeMaires have assembled a crew of seasoned marine professionals, many of whom have worked with them before. By offering competitive wages, benefits, and an environment that rewards skill and loyalty, Channel Islands Boatyard is already drawing some of the most talented mechanics, painters, and equipment operators in the region.
“Anyone in this business knows that finding and keeping skilled marine tradespeople is half the battle,” said COO Brian Collard, a lifelong entrepreneur who oversees operations and business development. “Jack and Robert’s reputation gives us a huge advantage. People want to work with them because they respect their craftsmanship and integrity. That makes a world of difference in the quality of service we can provide.”
Collard brings decades of financial and operational experience to the table. As a Certified Financial Planner and business owner with a background in managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, he knows how to run a business efficiently while maintaining a customer-first philosophy. His expertise ensures that Channel Islands Boatyard’s foundation is as sound on paper as it is on the docks.
A Modern Approach to a Traditional Craft
While Channel Islands Boatyard’s values are traditional, its business strategy is anything but old-fashioned. The company is employing a multi-faceted marketing approach — combining local networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and online visibility through search optimization and digital advertising — to ensure boaters know there’s a new option for quality service in the harbor.
“We’ve always believed the best marketing is a satisfied customer,” said Jack. “When people see their neighbor’s boat come out of our yard looking flawless, they’ll want the same result. That’s how this business has always grown — trust and reputation.”
That word-of-mouth trust is expected to drive strong initial demand, bolstered by decades of goodwill the LeMaires have built among boaters, marine vendors, and independent contractors. From riggers to electricians, Channel Islands Boatyard is already becoming a hub where different marine trades can collaborate efficiently under one roof — saving customers time and reducing project headaches.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The company’s name carries meaning beyond its founders. “Legacy” isn’t just a brand — it’s a statement about what the LeMaires hope to build for the harbor community. Their approach combines the precision of old-school craftsmanship with the efficiency of modern marine service operations. Every project, from a small touch-up to a full refit, is approached with the same dedication that made their individual businesses trusted names in the region.
“We’ve watched this harbor evolve,” said Robert. “There’s a new generation of boaters coming in — families, cruisers, liveaboards — and they all deserve a reliable, local boatyard that understands their needs. That’s what Channel Islands Boatyard is here to provide.”
A New Destination for Channel Islands Boaters
Channel Islands Boatyard, officially opens as the newest full-service boatyard in Channel Islands Harbor, but its story is already deeply intertwined with the harbor’s past. For local boaters, it represents more than a new option; it’s a fresh start for quality marine service in a harbor that has long needed it.
With its experienced leadership, top-tier equipment, and commitment to craftsmanship, Channel Islands Boatyard is poised to become the boatyard of choice for owners across Ventura County and beyond.
In a community built on salt, skill, and reputation, Channel Islands Boatyard isn’t just repairing boats; it’s rebuilding trust in what a great boatyard can be.
