For anyone who has spent any time at sea, it doesn't take long to come to the realization that maintenance of your boat and gear can be the key to survival. Unfortunately, in the Keys we have seen a continual loss of working boat yards as developers buy them out with big plans to develop these waterfront locations into condominiums and dockaminiums.

The Marathon Boat Yard had been around for decades and fortunately continues to operate as a working boat yard. To this day it's mission is to serve mariners in the Keys as one of the premier full service yards.

The current owners, Bruce and Sherry Popham recently expanded their facilities adding a massive 6,700sq. foot showroom on U.S 1 located next to the boat yard. Now you can shop for a new boat, outboard, diesel engine, or just schedule service in air conditioned comfort. On display are new Parker, Scout boats, and Yamaha outboard engines. Marathon Boat Yard now serves the middle Keys as a certified Yamaha outboard dealer with full maintenance capabilities. These new lines of outboard boats nicely compliment the larger in-board Carolina Classic and Chris Craft sales division.

Marathon Boat Yard continues to service all sizes of in-boards and sailboats as they are dealers for Cummins, Yanmar, Lugger, Detroit, and Volvo diesels. If you are in need of a generator, they also carry Kohler and Northern Lights brand generator systems.

You can bring your boat by water to their full service facility which is equipped with a massive 60 ton Travel lift with 22 foot ways. It is complimented by a 22,000 lb. marine forklift for smaller boats. They also have five service vans so their experienced technicians can cover the Keys from Ocean Reef all the way to Key West.

Bruce and Sherry are extremely proud of the fact that Marathon Boat Yard was designated in 2007 as the only Clean Boat Yard in the entire Florida Keys -- a coveted honor bestowed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection!

The Popham's business philosophy is to "take the best care of your customers, your employees, your suppliers, your community and our special environment." Their goal is to be a "one stop marine center" that provides mariners with solutions and supplies that allow them to confidently get back on the water as soon as possible.

Sherry can be found in the showroom coordinating the retail store, parts, and brokerage sales. She has two capable assistants, Hoss and Mo (Kokomo), two big Chocolate labs that greet everyone as they enter the showroom. If the "pups" are not in the air conditioned show room, you will most likely find them shadowing Bruce as he supervises the yard and works new boat sales.

The mariner's world is a close knit community composed of live-aboard boaters and transient sailors traveling through the Keys. It is not unusual for them to know each other as they share their love of the ocean.

Many of the sailors in the Keys have an interesting background and history. Even though Bruce considers himself to be a true southerner, his family roots actually go way back. In fact, his family settled in America prior to the Pilgrims. His ancestors actually established a settlement called Popham Beach in Maine. The harsh winter weather and formidable conditions convinced them they had to build their own sailboat and return to England. They subsequently sailed this same boat back to the "new world" and successfully established a permanent residence in Virginia.

One of the more unique examples of shared maritime history occurred when Bruce Popham and one of his ship's carpenters, David Drake, realized that their family trees had crossed paths hundreds of years ago. One afternoon over a few pints of beer, Bruce and David made a remarkable discovery. Both of these co-workers were direct descendants to notable American historical figures. Bruce is a direct descendant of Sir George Popham who actually sentenced Sir Francis Drake to death for pirating and profiteering. As it turns out, David happens to be a direct descendant of Sir Francis Drake. They realized that both of their families were instrumental forces in the maritime history of our country.

One of the charms of the Keys is that we are a crossroads for the world where lives and history can cross paths in time. It just goes to show, as Bruce says, it really is a small world, especially amongst those of us who share a love for the open sea.

Capt. Pete Peterson welcomes comments and suggestions sent to petersonventures@aol.com.