About Us

A True Family-Owned Business

BananaBelt Boats and Yachts opened in 2000 by John and Connie Ripley who wanted to build a brokerage with a ‘friends and family’ atmosphere. Since 2005 BananaBelt has sold more boats 28’ to 70’ than any other brokerage in the Pacific Northwest!

In 2013, the Ripley’s daughter Amy Thornton and her husband Matthew took over the family business.  Since then they have successfully expanded it into an even bigger operation. They more than doubled the boat capacity, giving them the ability to store boats as well as sell them.  It’s getting increasingly hard (and costly) to find moorage across Puget Sound.  But BananaBelt is able to provide on-land moorage after you buy your boat with them.

This family-owned business is now passionately led by Matthew and Amy.  Along with their team of dedicated marine professionals, they strive to make your boat buying or selling experience convenient, easy, and most of all FUN!  They are all life-long boaters and own the On-Land Marina and infrastructure needed to take you through the process of getting into (or out of) boating, or into that bigger boat you have always wanted.

The unique concept that makes BananaBelt Boats & Yachts unlike other brokerages is the On-Land Marina. Almost all the listings are out of the water on over 5 acres, blocked up against walkways that let you go from boat to boat and board, similarly to a dock. From the walkways you can access every boat in the yard, plus you can walk around the vessel and see the entire hull! With so many boats to see in one place so easily!

“A Boat Show Every Day!”

BananaBelt also owns 2 KMI Sea-Lifts, giving them the ability to move boats up to 70′ and 100,000lbs from the water to their yard easily and conveniently. In a matter of minutes your boat can be out of the water and across the street to the on-land marina (or vice-versa), safely and more cost-efficient than the competitors. All boat movements required when you buy or sell with BananaBelt will be done by us at the time they are needed, saving you time and money in the process.

BananaBelt Boats & Yachts is not done growing yet!  You will continue to see more facets to the business, as we work to become the destination brokerage to go when you want to go boating in the Pacific Northwest.  Once you buy or sell with us and become part of the Banana Family you will be amazed at all we continue to do to enhance your boating lifestyle.