Local Businessman Invests in Marina Del Rey-Catalina Ferry after Wife misses Last San Pedro Ferry

Los Angeles traffic through the I-405 corridor is legendary, with no relief in sight. Ron Hoffman, an avid sailor living near Marina Del Rey, often took his boat to Catalina early to secure a good weekend mooring, then waited for his wife to arrive after work on Friday. On one too many occasions, Hoffman's wife called, saying she'd missed the last San Pedro or Long Beach ferry, stuck in the notorious I-405 traffic. With his wife on the mainland without a ride, Hoffman spent many a Friday night alone at Catalina. Out of frustration came opportunity.

"Research told us," comments Hoffman, "that a third of Catalina visitors, mostly Westside and San Fernando Valley residents, plus LA visitors staying near LAX, found the drive to San Pedro or Long Beach ferries excessively time consuming and frustrating. Yet it is their only option." The Hoffmans decided to take matters into their own hands. "We saw a better way, and invested in a Marina Del Rey-based ferry service. After their investment, Hoffman also accepted the CEO position at Catalina-Marina Del Rey Flyer during its startup years.

After leasing ferries for three years, they decided to commission a passenger ferry specifically built to handle the Catalina channel smoothly. Hoffman comments, "The new vessel, Marina Flyer, is the first of its kind, constructed of light but strong aerospace materials. This stable, new hydrofoil-assisted catamaran is fast, efficiently powered by waterjets."

Designed to store luggage on the main deck, rather than the hold, Marina Flyer's passengers carry their luggage right onto and off the boat. As a result, Catalina visitors can begin their precious vacation up to an hour quicker than competing services using conveyor unloading. Hoffman proudly remarked, "We can usually get a boat loaded or unloaded in less than ten minutes." Bikers and kayakers are delighted they can bring both aboard the Catalina Ferries for a minimal charge. The friendly crew assists on and off-loading recreation gear as well as luggage.