about Harbor Boating, Inc.

Serving Baltimore's Harbor since 1975

The locally owned maritime operator behind Baltimore Water Taxi, Baltimore Water Charters, Baltimore Water Cruises, and Baltimore Water Trolley.
A boat floating on top of a body of water.
A man and a woman are standing on a boat.

Built on the Harbor

Harbor Boating, Inc. has operated vessels in Baltimore Harbor since 1975. The company was founded to provide practical, water-based transportation in a city defined by its waterfront. From the beginning, the focus has been straightforward: safe, reliable movement on the water.

As Baltimore evolved, so did the company. What began as a single transportation service expanded to meet new patterns of movement and demand. In 2010, the business was acquired and modernized, and in 2011 the Baltimore Water Taxi trade name was established to reflect a clearer, public-facing transportation offering.

Over time, additional service lines were added, allowing Harbor Boating, Inc. to serve residents, businesses, visitors, and public partners through a broader set of on-water operations.

A Multi-Line Maritime Operator

Today, Harbor Boating, Inc. operates several distinct service lines, all supported by the same fleet, crews, and operating standards. Each service is designed for a specific purpose, but all are built on the same operational foundation.
Baltimore Water Taxi
On-demand, point-to-point harbor transportation
Baltimore Water charters
Private charters for corporate events, weddings, celebrations, and group transportation
Baltimore Water cruises
Ticketed public cruises and seasonal experiences
Baltimore Water Trolley
Ticketed hop-on, hop-off routes circling the Inner and Outer Harbor
Commercial Maritime Services
Contracted management, operational, maintenance & repair and support services
A large boat floating on top of a body of water.

Experience Backed by Operations

Fleet & Vessels
  • Multiple vessel classes
  • Purpose-built passenger boats
  • Climate-controlled options
  • Year-round readiness
Crews & Safety
  • Licensed captains
  • Professional crews
  • Established operating protocols
  • Daily harbor operations
Access & Coordination
  • Flexible boarding locations
  • Harbor-wide routing
  • Water and ground coordination
  • Predictable execution
A boat that is sitting in the water.

A Trusted Harbor Operator

Harbor Boating, Inc. serves as the contracted operator of the Harbor Connector, a City-supported water transit service connecting key waterfront neighborhoods. This role reflects a long-standing relationship with the City of Baltimore and reinforces the company’s position as a trusted harbor operator.

Prepared for What Comes Next

With decades of operating history and a modernized service structure in place, Harbor Boating, Inc. continues to focus on measured growth, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

The company’s approach is deliberate, grounded in experience, and shaped by daily operations on the harbor.
A boat is in the water in front of a city.

Meet Our Team

Our management team brings more than 175years of combined experience to operating, managing and marketing HarborBoating’s taxi, cruise, and charter operations.

Mike McDaniel
Founder and CEO

With more than a dozen years of combined experience as CEO of Harbor Boating, Inc. and a maritime towing company he founded in Hawaii, Michael is a seasoned maritime operator and an expert on Baltimore waterfront operations. A Major in the Marine Corps, Michael had numerous commands and conducted more than 100 successful combat missions.

Lewis Hubbard
VP and COO

Lewis’ maritime career spans more than 22 years from deckhand to mate, to captain, Shift Supervisor, Operations Manager and now Chief Operations Officer. He has managed water taxi, cruise and charter operations In Baltimore and water taxi operations in Jacksonville, Florida. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Sail Baltimore nonprofit and holds a 100-ton Master’s License with a Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement.

Jarid Wing
General Manager

Combining nearly 20 years of hands-on maritime experience with a love of teaching, Jarid rose through the ranks from deckhand to mate to captain and holds a 100-Ton Inland and Near Coastal Master’s License. In addition to being a captain and a team leader with Harbor Boating, he was a Baltimore Maritime Museum docent and taught maritime skills such as boatbuilding, navigation, charting, and plotting to Baltimore youth as part of the National Science Foundation’s Voyage of Exploration Program.

Alan Hochman
CFO

Alan is management consultant specializing in strategy, planning, and marketing, and in developing and bringing new products to market. He was Vice President of Marketing & Sales for several technology companies in the U.S. and Europe and co-founded and sold a digital media startup to a Fortune 500 company. For more than 20 years he has consulted with startup and early-stage companies around the world helping more than 100 founders bring their ideas to life, and with established companies to develop effective business, product, and market strategies.

Stacy Wenchel
VP, Sales

Stacy joined Harbor Boating after working for 5 years in the Baltimore hospitality industry.  She combines a deep understanding of the local tourism market with years of experience promoting hospitality and recreation to Baltimore visitors and residents. As a Social Media Influencer she has promoted numerous businesses, building their brand recognition and boosting sales. At Harbor Boating, Stacy has built a roust online presence and strong brand recognition for HBI’s Taxi, Cruise, and Charter businesses.

Nicholas Culwell
Director, Harbor Connector Operations

A licensed 100-ton captain, former U.S. Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate with a number of medals and commendations to his credit, and former port Superintendent, Nicholas brings both military and civilian marine operations experience to the management of the Baltimore Harbor Connector. From running small boats to piloting 225-foot Coast Guard vessels, he is also experienced in customer relations, back-office operations, scheduling, and vessel safety.

John Stump
Chief Mechanic

With more than 50 years of marine industry experience, John is the dean of Baltimore marine mechanics. Before founding Bluewater Marine Service in 2005, he worked for marine service companies and marinas around Baltimore becoming an expert in commercial engine and propulsion systems. John holds seven manufacturer certifications and is one of the most trusted mechanics in the Baltimore area. He has supported Harbor Boating vessels for more than 30 years.