Ellen Kietzmann
Freelance Writer at Searchshop Media Network
She grew Blue Ox's dealer network from 100 to 2,500 brand-loyal partners. That's 22 years of earned expertise.
Ellen Kietzmann brings more than 25 years of senior leadership in the RV and outdoor recreation industry. She spent 22 years at Blue Ox — rising from Vice President of Sales & HR to President — where she grew the dealer network from 100 to 2,500 brand-loyal partners, expanded annual RV sector sales by 800%, and earned both the Jim Barker Award and the Chairman Service Award for her lasting contributions to the RV industry. As President, she led strategic planning, market expansion, product partnerships, and a dealer certification and training program that became an industry standard. Following Blue Ox, Ellen served as Chief Operating Officer at Universal Group, Ltd., where she streamlined operations and led agency acquisition initiatives. Her product expertise — built through two decades of dealer training, channel development, and direct manufacturer partnerships — informs every review and buying guide she contributes to.
Awards & Recognition
Career Highlights
- ►Grew Blue Ox's dealer and distributor network from 100 to 2,500 active partners over 12 years
- ►Created the RV industry's first branded dealer certification and training program
- ►Jim Barker Award recipient — the RV industry's top honor for sustained industry contribution
- ►Led Universal Group as COO through strategic acquisitions and operational restructuring
How We Evaluate
- ✓Product specifications, compatibility claims, and performance ratings are verified against manufacturer documentation, service manuals, and category standards
- ✓Verified owner reviews from multiple platforms are analyzed to surface real-world reliability patterns, common failure modes, and use-case fit
- ✓Safety-critical claims — load ratings, electrical specs, recalls — are cross-referenced with manufacturer data and federal safety databases
- ✓Ellen is editorially responsible for every recommendation on this page — whether evaluated through direct use or thorough desk research — and updates picks when new information changes the ranking
Articles by Ellen Kietzmann 29 published
Buying Guides & Best Picks23 articles
Best Marine Radar Systems for Coastal and Offshore Boating in 2026 (2026)
Choosing among today’s marine radar systems is easier when you focus on real-world range, target separation, and integration—not marketing claims. We compared the top options for coastal cruisers, offshore anglers, and passagemakers to find the best radar setups for 2026.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Best Electric Anchor Windlass for Boats Under 40 Feet in 2026 (2026)
Choosing the right electric anchor windlass can turn anchoring from a back-straining chore into a one-button routine. We compared the top models for boats under 40 feet based on pull power, durability, installation, and real-world usability.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Best Marine GPS Chartplotters for 2026: Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad Compared (2026)
We compared the top marine GPS chartplotter units from Garmin, Lowrance, and Simrad to find the best picks for fishing boats, bay boats, and family cruisers. This guide breaks down real strengths, tradeoffs, and the models we’d actually install at the helm.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Tackle Boxes and Bags for Saltwater Fishing in 2026
We researched the best saltwater tackle boxes and bags for 2026 with a focus on corrosion resistance, layout, carry comfort, and real on-boat usability. These are the tackle storage picks we’d trust for everything from inshore skiffs to offshore center consoles.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Winches for Trailer, Sailing, and Anchoring Applications
A good winch makes loading, trimming, and anchoring safer and far less frustrating. We researched leading options across trailer, sailing, and anchoring rigging applications to find the models that deliver real pulling power, control, and durability on the water.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Freshwater Pressure Pumps and Water Systems for Cruising Boats
A dependable freshwater pressure pump is one of the most important pieces of cruising-boat plumbing. We compared the leading pumps and water-system options for real-world reliability, noise, flow, and ease of installation so you can choose the right setup with confidence.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Toilets for Boats of Every Size
Choosing a marine toilet is really a plumbing decision as much as a comfort one. We compared the best manual, electric, and portable heads for small skiffs, cruisers, and liveaboards so you can buy once and install with confidence.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Autopilots for Powerboats and Cruisers
A good autopilot does more than hold a heading—it reduces fatigue, improves fuel-efficient tracking, and makes long runs safer and easier. We compared the best marine autopilot systems for powerboats and cruisers based on steering type, control features, installation demands, and real-world usability.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards for Ocean, Bay, and Flatwater
We researched leading inflatable paddle boards across choppy bays, calm lakes, and exposed shoreline conditions to find the best options for real-world boaters and paddlers. This guide breaks down the top picks, who they suit best, and what actually matters before you buy.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Metal Polishes for Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Chrome
We researched leading marine metal polishes on stainless steel rails, aluminum trim, and chrome hardware to find the formulas worth keeping on board. These are the products we recommend for faster oxidation removal, better shine, and easier upkeep in real boating conditions.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Cleaning Products for Fiberglass, Vinyl, and Metal
The right marine cleaner can save hours of scrubbing and help protect fiberglass, vinyl, and metal from long-term damage. We researched leading products and compared where each one works best so you can choose the right cleaner for your boat, not just the loudest label.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Boat Fenders for Every Slip, Dock, and Hull Type
The right boat fenders do more than prevent scuffs—they protect your gelcoat, rails, and sanity at the dock. We researched leading styles and sizes to find the best fenders for different hulls, slip conditions, and docking habits.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Bimini Tops for Boats: Shade, Fit, and Wind Resistance
A good Bimini top does more than add shade—it has to fit cleanly, stay quiet underway, and hold up when the weather turns. We compared top-rated options for frame strength, fabric quality, fit range, and wind manners to find the best Bimini tops for real-world boating.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Waterproof Marine Speakers of 2026
We researched and compared this year’s top waterproof marine speakers to find the models that actually hold up on open water. From loud party-cove setups to clean, balanced sound for fishing and cruising boats, these are the speakers we’d trust aboard our own rigs.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Stereos and Head Units for Saltwater Boats
We compared the best marine stereos and head units for saltwater boats with a focus on durability, sound control, connectivity, and real-world usability. These are the models we’d trust for center consoles, bay boats, pontoons, and offshore rigs.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Portable Outboard Motors for Small Boats and Tenders
We compared the most practical portable outboard motors for tenders, inflatables, jon boats, and small skiffs. This guide focuses on real-world usability, weight, shaft options, and reliability so you can choose the right motor without guesswork.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Life Jackets for Boating, Fishing, and Watersports in 2026
We researched today’s top life jackets across cruising, fishing, paddling, and tow-sports use to find the models that actually work on the water. This guide breaks down the best PFDs for comfort, mobility, and all-day safety so you can buy with confidence.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Batteries: AGM, Lithium, and the End of Lead-Acid
Choosing the right marine battery is one of the biggest upgrades you can make for reliability on the water. We researched leading AGM, lithium, and flooded options to find the best picks for cranking, house loads, trolling motors, and all-around boat power.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Boat Seats for Helm, Leaning Posts, and Long Days
A good boat seat does more than look sharp at the dock—it reduces fatigue, improves posture, and makes long runs far more enjoyable. We compared helm chairs, leaning-post options, and all-day seating features to find the best boat seats for real-world comfort and durability.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Tow Ropes and Towable Tubes for Boat-Towed Watersports
We researched the tow ropes and towable tubes that matter most for family lake days, fast-paced rides, and rougher water. This guide breaks down the best options for watersports with practical recommendations, comparison tables, and buying advice you can actually use.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Marine Waxes and Polishes for Gelcoat Protection
Keeping gelcoat looking sharp takes more than a quick wipe-down. We researched leading marine waxes and polishes to find the best options for gloss, protection, ease of use, and real-world maintenance on recreational and fishing boats.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Saltwater Spinning Reels for Inshore and Offshore Fishing
We researched and compared the best saltwater spinning reels for inshore, surf, and offshore anglers who want dependable drag, sealing, and long-term value. These are the reels we’d confidently spool up for real-world fishing, from redfish flats to tuna runs.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Best Bilge Pumps for Boats of Every Size
A reliable bilge pump is one of the most important safety and maintenance upgrades on any boat. We compared top bilge pumps by size, output, durability, switch compatibility, and real-world usability to help you choose the right setup with confidence.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Comparisons3 articles
Garmin vs Lowrance vs Humminbird: Choosing a Marine Electronics Ecosystem (2026)
Choosing marine electronics is less about one perfect screen and more about picking the right ecosystem. We researched Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird across real boating use cases to see which brand makes the most sense for anglers, cruisers, and upgrade-minded owners.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Which Trolling Motor Brand Should You Buy? (2025)
Minn Kota and MotorGuide have been the two biggest names in trolling motors for years, but they serve different boaters best. We compared their steering, GPS features, durability, noise, and real-world usability to help you buy the right motor with confidence.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Bruce vs Danforth vs Plow: The Three Classic Anchor Designs Compared (2025)
Choosing between Bruce, Danforth, and Plow anchors comes down to bottom type, boat size, and how you actually use your boat. We compared the three classic anchor designs using practical on-water experience, setup behavior, reset performance, and what real boaters report after seasons of use.
By Ellen Kietzmann
More Articles3 articles
Building a Marine First Aid Kit: What to Include and What to Skip
A good marine first aid kit is more than a plastic box with bandages. We break down what to include, what to skip, and how to build a boat-ready kit that actually improves safety when things go sideways on the water.
By Ellen Kietzmann
The Marine VHF Radio Buying Guide: Fixed-Mount, Handheld, and DSC Explained
A good VHF radio is still one of the most important pieces of safety gear on any boat. In this guide, we break down fixed-mount vs. handheld radios, explain DSC in plain English, and share the practical features we actually look for after testing marine electronics on the water.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Dock Lines: How to Choose Length, Diameter, and Material
Choosing the right dock lines is just as important as choosing the right fenders or anchors. In this guide, we break down line length, diameter, and material based on real-world boating needs so you can dock with more confidence and less guesswork.
By Ellen Kietzmann
Founding Reviewer Disclosure
Ellen Kietzmann is a Founding Reviewer of TopBoatGear. TopBoatGear earns affiliate commissions when readers buy through links on this site — this does not influence editorial decisions. All product recommendations are based on firsthand expertise and independent evaluation. See our Editorial Policy for full details.