Jim and Sharon Doub

Jim and his wife, Sharon have lived on Lake Union on their house barge since 1996. Their home is a City of Seattle permitted barge, permit #8, called Hot Fudge. They are liveaboards at Westlake Marina, and have received an eviction notice with a June 30, 2000 deadline. Their family is very active in Seattle’s water oriented lifestyle.

Jim has been a sailor for 35 years, is a US Coast Guard licensed skipper, and is an ASA certified sailing instructor. Jim has a marine software business, Portage Bay Marine, Inc. located one dock away from where they make their home. His wife Sharon is a Washington state native who works within walking distance from their home.

Together, Jim and Sharon offer sailing tours and instruction to others through their Sailing in Seattle business. Their sailboat is conveniently located just next to their house barge Hot Fudge. Several of their grown children are also active in Seattle’s marine industry. A son, Russell, owns and manages Timeless Marine, in Ballard, that designed and built the Synergy 1000 racing sail boats. He has most recently formed a Seattle Syndicate for the America’s cup race 2003. Daughter Heidi is the Executive Director for Force 10 Productions which directs the Seattle Superyacht Show. Another daughter, Kati, is studying at the University of Washington for a degree in Biological Oceanography.

The family also races in local and national sailing regattas. The entire family enjoys their days spent on the water, often sailing, kayaking or visiting with neighbors. "The liveaboard community is close knit, and supportive of each other." It is a much loved and valued lifestyle.