Meet the Captains & Crew

Get to know the team behind your Tiki Hut Boats adventure.

Meet Our Team

Man in sunglasses and cap at tiki bar

Captain Scott

Captain Scott is the founder, designer, and builder of Tiki Hut Boats. Scott brought both vessels to life from the ground up. He got his start on the water at a young age—commercial fishing with his dad when he was barely the size of the fin of a sunfish—and has been hooked ever since. With more than 40 years of commercial and recreational

fishing experience throughout New England. Scott combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a true love of being on the water in everything he does. Scott holds a USCG 100 Ton Master License.

Scott has owned boats since his teens and brings a strong background in carpentry, giving him a deep understanding of both the build and operation of every vessel he runs. His hands-on knowledge is part of what makes the Tiki Hut Boats experience feel so seamless and well thought out.

At the heart of it all is Tiki Hut Boats—Scott’s primary focus and passion—where he continues to refine, build, and deliver the experience guests have come to love.

He also owns TBL Fishing Charters out of Salem, Massachusetts, a business he’s been running since 2017 and still finds time to get offshore whenever he can.

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Captain Karen

Captain & Thirst Mate Karen

Captain & Thirst Mate Karen is the owner of Tiki Hut Boats in Salem, Massachusetts, and she proudly wears many hats—from First Mate to clean-up crew. Witty, a little sassy, and always sweet, she has a gift for turning strangers into fast friends (don’t be surprised if you leave your Salem harbor cruise with a few new ones after 90 minutes).

She holds a USCG 25-Ton Master License.

Karen brings a natural gift for caring for people, with a background as a medical assistant and a genuine ability to make everyone feel comfortable, welcome, and part of the experience. She also plays a key role in shaping the Tiki Hut Boats vibe—creating the menu, styling the space, and adding the thoughtful details that make each cruise feel special.

She was excited to build something truly unique in Salem with Scott and helped bring Tiki Hut Boats to life as a place where guests can relax, laugh, and escape for a while.

When she’s not on the dock or out on the water, she enjoys cooking, walking, gardening, spending time with her two grown kids and her parents, and catching up with friends.

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Captain Mark

Captain Mark

Captain Mark joined the Tiki Hut Boats crew in 2024, and brings a steady hand at the helm, along with strong local knowledge of Salem Harbor. He holds a USCG OUPV License.

A retired Assistant Harbor Master for the City of Salem, Mark has decades of experience navigating local waters.

He brings a calm, confident style that puts guests at ease from the moment they meet him at the top of the ramp through the time they disembark from the Tiki Time. He keeps every trip safe and easygoing.

Known for his big smile and outgoing personality, Mark is hysterically funny and has a way of making everyone feel welcome. Don't be surprised if you leave the boat laughing.

Mark enjoys time on the water with family and friends.

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Captain Matt

Captain Matt

Captain Matt joined the Tiki Hut Boats crew in 2025, bringing years of experience as a Captain on ferry boats in Salem and Boston harbors. He holds a USCG 100-Ton Master License.

Having also worked on excursion vessels and ferries since his teenage years, Matt brings extensive time at the helm and deep knowledge of these waters.

His steady confident approach makes every cruise smooth and enjoyable.

Known for his quick wit, Matt keeps things light with his perfectly timed one-liners. He is quick to join in whatever fun is happening.

When he’s not cruising with us, Matt is usually chasing adventure — whether that’s skiing with his family, kayaking, or working as a white water rafting guide.

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Captain Chris

Captain Chris

Captain Chris joined the Tiki Hut Boats crew in 2025, bringing decades of experience and a lifetime on the water. He holds a USCG 100 Ton Master license with a Sailing Endorsement.

A seasoned mariner and a Navy veteran, Chris has sailed over 60,000 miles and visited 40 countries. His deep knowledge and steady presence make every cruise feel effortless and enjoyable.

Tiki Secret: He is a 3 chord wonder at guitar and a self-proclaimed terrible chess player. When asked to give us info for his bio Capt Chris exclaimed "Me momma was a mermaid. Me father was King Neptune." Maybe if you ask him nicely, he will recite the full sailor-style chant while you enjoy your cruise.

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Captain Judd

Captain Judd

Captain Judd joined the Tiki Hut Boats crew in 2025. bringing over 30 years of experience navigating the waters of the North Shore. He holds a USCG OUPV License.

With decades at the helm and a lifelong connection to these waters, Judd knows these waters like the back of his hand. His calm, easygoing style and deep local knowledge make every cruise smooth, safe, and enjoyable.

When he's not cruising with us, Judd likes to travel with his family. He has been on five of the seven continents so far.

For over 20 years, Judd has run his own local fishing charter business — CJ Charters.

Fun Facts: Judd loves cheesy dad jokes, and whatever you do, don't ask him to whistle.

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Smiling senior man with sunglasses at marina

Captain Bob

Captain Bob joined Tiki Hut Boats in 2025, bringing a lifetime of boating experience to the crew. He holds a USCG 100 Ton Master License with a Sailing Endorsement.

From sailing competitively in Narragansett Bay to operating both power and sail vessels, Bob's experience runs deep. Growing up in Barrington, Rhode Island, and now calling Manchester-by-the-Sea home,

He has a lifelong connection to the water that shows in every cruise.

Bob is a true team player and never hesitates to jump in when someone needs a shift covered or a hand doing something. Or two. His friendly demeanor and genuine love of being around people make him a joy to have aboard.

When not on the water, in the off-season, Bob trades the waves for the court as a certified IAABO basketball official, refereeing games across the North Shore.

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Smiling woman looking through handheld telescope

Thirst Mate Ashley

Ashley joined the Tiki Hut Boats crew in 2020 after Karen suddenly needed backup.

Rewind to 2020, Karen thought she had COVID and had zero backup. She called Ashley, and with zero bartending experience at the time, Ashley met Scott at the ramp twenty minutes later and jumped right in. She quickly proved herself to be a natural.

What started as helping out has turned into her becoming a trusted and valued part of the crew.

Ashley brings a calm, capable presence with a friendly, easygoing personality that makes guests feel comfortable right away.

When she’s not on the boat, you might find Ashley around town singing in local bands, teaching drama, or bartending.

A little Tiki secret—if the moment is right, Ashley might break out the ukulele and play a tune or two during the cruise.

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Woman in cap smiling with two dogs

Thirst Mate Kristen

Thirst Mate Kristen joined. Tiki Hut Boats in 2025, and quickly became one of those people you can always count on. She’s the kind who would give you the shirt off her back without thinking twice.

A local through and through, Kristen is known for her incredible cooking, quick wit, and just the right amount of sass and spice.

She’s usually the first to grab the water guns or bubble guns and get the fun started, keeping the energy high from dock to deck.

When she’s not on the boat, you’ll likely find her working at other favorite local spots in Salem or helping out wherever she’s needed. Kristen is a true asset to our team.

Fun fact: Kristen once drove all the way to Florida to bring home one of Greta’s corgi siblings, Stella—so yeah, she’s all in on the THB family. Always ready to jump in, cover a shift, or lend a hand, Kristen brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of personality to her shifts when she can, along with Fur Mate Stella.

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Smiling woman holding tropical drink at marina

Thirst Mate Emerson

Thirst Mate Emerson joined Tiki Hut Boats in 2026, and brings both bartending and nautical experience to the crew.

With years of experience on both land and sea, Emerson brings a calm, easygoing presence and a smile that brightens even the foggiest Salem day. Growing up on the water, she spent years sailing with her dad and later ran launch boats in Salem Harbor, so she is right at home aboard.

Whether she's mixing drinks or welcoming guests, Emerson creates a relaxed, fun vibe that fits perfectly with the Tiki Hut Boats experience.

Fun Fact: Emerson is Captain Chris's daughter, and they'll be teaming up together on the Tiki Time this season.

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Smiling man with tropical drink at tiki bar

Thirst Mate George

Thirst Mate George joined. Tiki Hut Boats in 2026, and he has been "shaking" things up for almost 20 years.

With nearly two decades behind the bar, George has seen it all and poured just about everything. After years of fast-paced high-volume spots, he's excited to slow things down and focus on what matters most: attention to detail, well-balanced cocktails, and a great guest experience.

When not aboard the Tiki Time, you'll most likely find George watching horror movies with his two Pomskies or planning his upcoming Fall wedding.

Tiki secret: George is trained in musical theater and may break out into song when the vibe is right.

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