Meet Tracy: How SeaPen Turned a New Boater Into a Two SeaPen Owner (and Counting)
A Solstice SeaPen Ambassador story about easy boating, flexible docking, and why new boaters choose in water dry docking over lifts, dry stacks, and trailers.
When Tracy and her partner bought their first boat, they weren't sure boating was going to stick. Today, they own multiple SeaPens at multiple marinas, have upgraded boats, and Tracy has personally helped introduce several new SeaPen owners to the system. Her story is one of the clearest answers to a question we get every week: "Is a SeaPen really easier than a boat lift or dry stack, especially for new boaters?"
The short answer is yes. Here's the long one.
From First Time Boaters to SeaPen Owners at Kingsmill Marina
Tracy and her partner were brand new to boating when they bought their first Bennington pontoon and slipped it at Kingsmill Marina in Williamsburg, Virginia. Like most first time boat owners, they were staring down the same set of storage options every boater faces:
Traditional boat lifts, which require pilings, motors, and ongoing maintenance.
Dry stack storage, which means scheduling launches and waiting for staff.
Trailering, which means ramp lines, hitches, and lost weekends.
Leaving the boat in the water uncovered, which invites hull damage, marine growth, and bottom paint cycles.
None of it felt right for a couple who just wanted to enjoy the water.
Then they found the Solstice SeaPen, an in water dry dock that keeps the boat floating on the water but fully dry and protected, with no pilings, no lift motors, and no launch logistics.
In Tracy's own words:
"We fell in love with boating because the SeaPen made it so easy."
For new boaters, that sentence is the entire pitch.
Why New Boaters Choose SeaPen Over Lifts, Dry Stacks, and Trailers
SeaPen solved the friction points that stop new boaters from actually using their boats. Specifically:
No launch delays. The boat lives in the water, ready to go. Tap the app, drop the gate, cruise out.
No bottom paint. The hull stays dry when docked, so there's no annual scraping, painting, or performance loss.
No complicated mechanics. Fewer moving parts than a lift means fewer failure points and less stress.
No construction required. Unlike a lift, a SeaPen doesn't require pilings or permits in most slips.
Works in most slip configurations. Floating docks, fixed docks, single slips, and marina settings.
For someone new to boating, those aren't minor perks. They're the difference between a boat that gets used every weekend and a boat that sits covered until you sell it.
Why She Bought a Second SeaPen at a Second Marina
Here's where Tracy's story gets interesting.
Once boating became genuinely easy, the couple realized something: their favorite waterfront restaurant was at a different marina across the water. They wanted to cruise over for dinner, tie up, and stay the night without the hassle of running the boat home in the dark.
The solution? They bought a second SeaPen and installed it at the second marina.
Now they have:
One SeaPen at their home marina (Kingsmill).
One SeaPen at their "dinner marina."
Total freedom to cruise, dock, and overnight the boat at either location.
This is something a fixed boat lift or dry stack contract can't offer. The SeaPen is modular, portable, and can be installed in most compliant slips, which makes multi marina boating actually practical.
If you dock at more than one marina, or think you might one day, SeaPen gives you flexibility no other dry dock system provides.
Bennington pontoon at Kingsmill Marina in Williamsburg, VA
40' Jeanneau in Williamsburg, VA
Becoming a Solstice SeaPen Ambassador
Tracy's SeaPens get attention. A lot of it.
She fields questions at the dock constantly, from neighbors, passing boaters, marina managers, and anyone who walks by and stops to look. She has personally introduced multiple new SeaPen owners to the Solstice team just by answering questions honestly and showing off her setup.
When the team flagged how engaged she'd become, we made it official. Tracy is now a Solstice SeaPen Ambassador, representing the brand with exactly the kind of real world credibility that matters most: she's a boater, not a salesperson.
Upgrading Boats AND SeaPens: Future Proofing the Setup
Tracy and her partner recently upgraded from the Bennington pontoon to a Jeanneau, a larger and more capable boat that reflects how much their time on the water has grown.
Because the SeaPen system is scalable, the upgrade didn't mean starting over. They moved into a brand new 51' x 15' SeaPen, sized for the Jeanneau with room to future proof for whatever boat comes next.
Same SeaPen system. Bigger footprint. Same easy operation.
This is one of the most underrated benefits of SeaPen ownership: your storage solution grows with your boating life. You're not locked into a piling setup or a dry stack contract that doesn't fit your next boat.
Why Tracy's Story Matters for Every Boater Considering a SeaPen
Tracy is not a lifelong captain. She is not a go fast boater or a commercial operator. She is a boater who wanted the experience to be simple and found a dry docking system that delivered.
Her story highlights what the SeaPen is really about:
Ease of use for boaters at any experience level.
Flexibility across multiple marinas, multiple boats, and multiple lifestyles.
Scalability so you can upgrade your boat without replacing your dock.
Protection that keeps your hull dry, clean, and ready whenever you are.
Peace of mind knowing your boat is secure whether you're home or miles away.
When boating is easy, it's enjoyable. When it's enjoyable, you do it more. And when you do it more, you fall in love with it, exactly the way Tracy did.
Frequently Asked Questions About SeaPen for New Boaters
Is SeaPen good for new boaters?
Yes. SeaPen is one of the easiest storage options available for first time boat owners. There are no launch delays, no lift mechanics, no trailering, and no complicated procedures. You simply open the gate via app or manual control and cruise out. Most new boaters who choose SeaPen report using their boat significantly more than they would with a lift or dry stack.
Can I use a SeaPen at more than one marina?
Yes. Because SeaPen is a modular in water dry dock, owners can install units at multiple marinas. Many Solstice customers, including Ambassador Tracy, own SeaPens at two different marinas to support multi location boating.
Is SeaPen better than a boat lift?
For most boaters, yes. SeaPen keeps the boat floating on the water rather than suspended above it, which eliminates pilings, lift motors, cables, and most failure points associated with traditional lifts. It also requires no construction in most slips and offers easier daily access. See our full comparison in SeaPen vs. Boat Lifts: What's the Difference.
Does SeaPen work for pontoon boats?
Yes. SeaPen is used by pontoon, tri-toon, center console, cruiser, sportfish, performance, and sailboat owners. Tracy's first SeaPen held a Bennington pontoon before she upgraded to a Jeanneau.
Can I upgrade my boat without replacing my SeaPen?
If you're staying within the same SeaPen size category, yes. If you're moving up to a significantly larger boat (as Tracy did, moving to a 51' x 15' SeaPen, you can upsize the SeaPen while keeping the same proven system. Resale demand for pre-owned SeaPens is strong.
How do I get a quote for a SeaPen?
Visit our Get a Quote page or reach out to the Solstice Docking Solutions team directly. We'll help you size the right SeaPen for your boat, slip, and marina.
Ready to Make Boating Easier?
If you're a new boater wondering how to actually use your boat more, a seasoned boater tired of the friction of lifts and dry storage, or a multi marina owner looking for flexibility, Tracy's story is proof that the SeaPen changes the game.
