After 139 years, Irwin family gives up Red Bank marina. Here's what will happen

RED BANK - In the family for 139 years, the sale of Irwin Marine, the landmark marina along the Navesink River in Red Bank, gives Channing and Christine Irwin something they haven't had before — summers off.

Sagamore Blue, a Brooklyn-based marina-focused investment and management company, purchased Irwin Marine, including its two marinas on the Navesink River, earlier this month for $5.13 million.

Channing Irwin said the "timing was right."

"We just figured we were still in good health and we could enjoy some time off and we would like to travel," said Irwin, 71, of Red Bank. "This will give us the opportunity to do that, specifically in the summer." (During the summer, the Irwins worked six or seven days a week.)

Red hot Red Bank:See hundreds of apartments, condos planned for the town, and what's already built

Irwin's grandfather, Charles P. Irwin, started Irwin Marine with a dock and a shack on the Navesink in 1884. At the time, Chester Arthur was U.S. president. "There have been 25 presidents since them, but only three Irwins at the helm of our marine dealership," the Irwins wrote in a social media post.

Channing Irwin started in the family business nearly 60 years ago and married his wife Christine in 1978. She joined Irwin Marine in 1982 after working in the banking industry. Their son, Brian, started to work at Irwin during the summers in 1998, but within the last year began a nursing career and now works at Riverview Medical Center.

Red Bank:This town has no limit on legal weed stores. Here's why that could change very soon

Over the years, the business has grown into two marina yards with a total of 145 boat slips and 75 personal watercraft slips. One marina sits next to Marine Park in the shadow of Riverview Medical Center. The other, which was purchased in 1951, is next to the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club.

Red Bank:Pedestrian Broadwalk inches closer to return, but here's why some aren't happy

No lack of suitors

Irwin said the decision to sell came in the midst of consolidation in the marina industry over the last five years.

It has already gobbled up some marinas at the Jersey Shore. Suntex Marinas, which owns marinas in 14 states, purchased family-owned Fair Haven Yacht Works in Fair Haven earlier this month, and in 2022, Green Cove Marina in Brick and Channel Club Marina in Monmouth Beach.

"Over the last 24 months, we were probably getting a call at least once a month from various entities," Irwin said.

Red Bank:Council shoots down mayor's veto, squeezes rules on Airbnb rentals

Sagamore Blue, which owns and operates two marinas in Maryland, initially approached them about two years ago. "They assured us they were going to keep it as a marina."

For the Irwins, it was an important consideration.

"Buyers will come in and develop the waterfront and sometimes keep the marina as an adjunct to the operation," Irwin said. "It was important for us that they stay marinas."

Sagamore Blue has given a strong nod to the Irwins and the marina's history, calling its first New Jersey acquisition the Irwin Marine Center.

"They have built a reputation for exceptional customer service and have established themselves as a trusted name in the boating community," said Scott Kummings, Sagamore Blue's chief executive officer wrote in a Facebook post. "We are excited to bring their expertise and knowledge into our organization and continue providing top-notch service to our customers."

General Manager Tim Ryan said the marina will remain a "full service operation," including its slips, boat winterization and storage and boat maintenance. "The name speaks for itself in the area," Ryan said of Irwin Marine.

Red Bank:Restaurant may become a recreational marijuana dispensary

There's also a Carefree Boat Club and the BoonDocks Fishery, a seasonal restaurant on the dock which reopens May 24.

It has eight employees, including Don Kimber, the marina's longtime service manager.

"Downtown Red Bank over the last few years has exploded and really revitalized the location to the boating community," Ryan said. "It is amazing that you can be on your boat and walk down the street to downtown Red Bank."

Owning and working at Irwin Marine was "not like going to work," Irwin said.

"I think most people would enjoy working on the water," Irwin said. "We try to instill a family atmosphere in our business."

Red Bank:Master plan targets new park, affordable homes, Route 35 traffic

He said he will miss the interaction with customers who would often come to the office to sit and talk. They would come with their boat for the weekend, enjoy Marine Park and the downtown.

"It is just a very comfortable and calming experience for our customers," Irwin said. "We enjoyed our customers because everybody is just so nice. They are coming down. They are in a great mood because they have the weekend off."

David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There column and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.