Celebrating 25 Years of Marinalife

Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years of Marinalife! What began as a groundbreaking idea has grown into an essential resource for boaters and marinas, helping countless people navigate, explore and enjoy life on the water. This is more than a celebration of history; it’s a tribute to the journeys, connections and innovations that have made Marinalife a trusted resource for the boating community.

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The Journey Begins

It all started on a summer day in 1999. Founder Joy McPeters, frustrated with the lack of accessible marina information, imagined a way to connect boaters and marinas through technology. By early 2000, Marinalife was born, and a dream took shape — to make boating more accessible, enjoyable and connected.

From the very beginning, Marinalife was on the move — literally. The early days were filled with road trips and voyages aboard the aptly named boat Marinalife, exploring marinas along the East Coast and beyond. Joy and her team traversed the Chesapeake Bay, ventured down to Key West, and set their sights on destinations as far-reaching as the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Every trip aboard Marinalife was a chance to meet marina operators, listen to boaters’ stories and uncover the unique needs of the boating community.

These adventures didn’t just inspire the team — they defined the mission. Marinalife became more than a platform; it became a trusted navigator, helping boaters create their own stories on the water.

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Navigating Change: Snag-A-Slip Joins The Crew

As the boating industry embraced digital transformation, Marinalife evolved to meet the needs of tech-savvy boaters. In 2017, a new chapter began when Marinalife joined forces with Snag-A-Slip, an innovative platform that revolutionized how boaters find and book slips. Together, Marinalife and Snag-A-Slip became a powerhouse duo, combining Marinalife’s trusted resources with Snag-A-Slip’s seamless reservation technology.

Now, with just a few clicks, boaters can explore destinations, book slips and plan entire voyages from the convenience of their phones. This partnership has redefined the boating experience, bringing convenience and confidence to boaters while empowering marinas to connect with a broader audience.

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The Heart of Boating Adventures

At its core, Marinalife has always been about enhancing the boating lifestyle. Over the past 25 years, it has served as a lifeline for boaters, providing trip itineraries,
destination guides, captain’s tips, and a membership program brimming with exclusive discounts and benefits. Marinalife magazine became a beloved companion, evolving from a simple black-and-white guide into a vibrant publication filled with inspiring stories and essential resources.

Boaters have relied on Marinalife to navigate every step of their journeys, from planning trips to finding the perfect marina. Whether it’s cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, island hopping in the Caribbean, or exploring the hidden gems of the Great Lakes, Marinalife has been there every nautical mile, ensuring boaters can focus on what they love most — being on the water.

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Celebrating 25 Years: Setting a Course for the Future

As we commemorate this milestone, the horizon is brimming with possibilities. 2025 will bring new and enhanced membership benefits, expanded digital content and exciting partnerships that will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the boating world. The boat Marinalife may no longer chart the waters, but its spirit lives on in every innovation, every marina connection and every boater who sets sail with Marinalife as their trusted guide.

Here’s to 25 years of making waves — and many more to come. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a new boater, Marinalife is proud to be your compass as we journey into the next era of boating. Stay tuned for what’s on the horizon, and let’s keep the adventure going!