Ship to Shore was founded in September 1996 by Bob and Jean Ellsworth. Bob Ellsworth has spent much of his life around boats and ships as an inventor, an entrepreneur, former U.S. Marine, owner and master of the 88-ft. yacht M.V. TRITON and a co-owner of Stanich Dock in Gig Harbor.

Bob knew Gig Harbor's Maritime Community needed a lower-cost alternative to driving across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge into Tacoma to purchase marine supplies and equipment, so Ship to Shore was successful almost immediately. The company began in a small storefront on Uddenberg Lane but was relocated to another facility on Harborview Drive in April, 2000. After nine years in that location, the property reverted to the Gig Harbor Historical Society to make way for their museum project. Ship to Shore relocated to their current location at 3306 Harborview, directly across from the Gig Harbor Public Dock.

Because the Ellsworths were also RV owners, Ship to Shore soon began carrying a small line of RV parts, supplies and accessories which has slowly expanded over the years into the selection of RV goods the company offers today.

Bob and Jean ran the company until 2002 when it was sold to Doug and Dawn Doyle. Doug suffered a serious illness in December of 2004 and became physically unable to operate the company, so ownership of the company reverted to the Ellsworths the following year. In June, 2005, Ship to Shore acquired the assets and inventory of Gig Harbor Kayak Center, and the company's name changed to Ship to Shore Marine & Kayaks.

Today, Ship to Shore provides Marine, RV and Kayaking equipment and supplies, but more importantly, we provide expert advice, friendly encouragement and the benefit of our extensive experience with the products we offer. All of the products you see on this website are available for sale both locally and online.