Snug Harbor Marina was established over 50 years ago.  Originally the  Middlesex Brick and Tile Company used the peninsula in the late 1890’s to load its product on double masted schooners to transport down Lake Michigan.  After the decline of the lumber industry the original office, made of Pentwater brick, served as a furniture company and then a small aircraft plant. During one winter retaining walls were constructed around the peninsula; during another, T-docks and fuel dispensers were constructed near the southeast end; during the winter of 1958 the Tower from the abandoned Coast Guard Station from the north channel wall was hauled over the frozen ice to become the trademark symbol of Snug Harbor Marina; during another the turn of the century information booth from the Pere Marquette Railroad Co. station was moved to the property. During the Spring of 2003 the hull of one schooner that burned to the waterline and was scuttled about the turn of the century was found off the Southeast T-docks of Snug Harbor Marina. (See Beginnings of a Marina.)

Sailing back to Chicago after a race to Mackinac Island in 1977, Jack Witt pulled into Snug Harbor Marina on Pentwater Lake. While visiting with the owner he learned the marina was for sale. "I had been sailing since 1970 and that was the total extent of my knowledge of the business," he said. "One day I just decided I wanted out of the corporate world and to make it on my own," he said.  “The rest just happened." Much of the equipment, including the travel lift, was old and in need of repair. Jack describes those early years as “creative usage” of equipment. Cosmetic repairs to the old building were made; docks were repaired; the 60 foot transient docks were replaced with 70’s; walkways were replaced; the fuel system was replaced. (See Before Reconstruction.)

In 1997 Snug Harbor Marina was completely rebuilt from scratch. The Laundromat, Boutique / Office, and Washrooms occupy one building; the service department another. A separate storage building was constructed off-site. A 35 Ton Travel lift  that can haul/move 35 ton, 53 foot vessels was purchased. Over 3000 feet of sea wall and walkways have been replaced. A completely new electrical system provides 50 amp and 30 AMP power to all docks. While the  building was beyond repair, Jack saved the huge beams and several truckloads of original Pentwater brick.  These materials were used in the boutique / office so that some of the history of that building could be preserved. Amenities including Satellite TV hookup and wireless internet access have been added. Picnic tables, park benches, new grills, and new water systems have upgraded every facet of the Marina. (See A New Snug Harbor Marina.)