About Us
Frank Koff at Red Top in the early 1930's. (Thank you Frank Penn for this picture)
According to a late 19th Century map of South Seaside Park, a dock for boaters has been located at the foot of 20th Avenue since 1881, 142 years! Red Top Boats Marina, LLC has been a fixture at that same location on Barnegat Bay in South Seaside Park for 93 of those years. The business was started as Red Top Boats in 1930 by Frank Koff, a sailor who immigrated from Germany in 1910. A master boat builder, he built all of the rowboats that he used as rentals. Frank hired local teenagers to work the beach. They cleaned the returned boats, getting them ready for the customers who came down from the city for a day of crabbing and fishing.
In 1948, Frank sold the business, the property, and his own home on 20th Avenue to one of his former teenage employees. The new owner was Ralph Richardson, who with his wife Emma and their growing family, moved from Milltown to make their home
In 1948, Frank sold the business, the property, and his own home on 20th Avenue to one of his former teenage employees. The new owner was Ralph Richardson, who with his wife Emma and their growing family, moved from Milltown to make their home
on the island.
In the 1960's Ralph changed the name of Red Top Boats to
In the 1960's Ralph changed the name of Red Top Boats to
Red Top Boats Marina when he started renting slips. He was at the helm of his business for 60 years until his death in 2008.
Red Top Boats Marina, LLC is still owned and operated by members of the Richardson family. The 2023 season will mark our 75th year in business.
Red Top Boats Marina, LLC is still owned and operated by members of the Richardson family. The 2023 season will mark our 75th year in business.