Stonepeak Takes the Helm at Elliott Bay Marina

Big news for Pacific Northwest boaters — Elliott Bay Marina has a new owner. This week, Matt and Tim sit down with Jordan Glidden, former General Manager of Elliott Bay Marina and current General Manager at Marina Management LLC, to break down what Stonepeak's acquisition of Southern Marinas could mean for one of Seattle's most beloved boating destinations.

Jordan brings a rare insider perspective, having spent a decade at Elliott Bay — starting as a dockhand and leaving as GM — before moving on to manage marinas on Lake Washington. Together, the three dig into Elliott Bay's ownership history, from its origins with local businessman John Kaiser and the Manson Construction family through KSL Capital Partners and Southern Marinas, and what it might mean to have an infrastructure-focused private equity firm like Stonepeak take the reins.

The conversation explores what a well-resourced new owner could prioritize: the restaurant opportunity (RIP Palisades brunch), electrical infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing power demands of modern vessels and superyachts, fuel dock improvements, and why preserving the Elliott Bay community feel matters as much as any capital project.

Whether you're a slip holder, a transient boater who stops in on your way to the San Juans, or just someone who loves the Seattle waterfront, this one's for you.

Note: The hosts have no firsthand knowledge regarding this transaction and have not spoken to any of the parties about the sale. All commentary reflects publicly available information and personal industry experience.