CarsDirect.com Exec Navigates New Waters

It’s been almost six months since Scott Painter stepped aside as chief executive of CarsDirect.com, the Los Angeles-based online car retailer he founded last year. Though Painter is still vice chairman of the company, he lately has turned his attention to a new venture: BoatsDirect.com.

Last week, the Internet boat retailer announced that Painter had come on board as its chairman and a founding investor. The Santa Monica start-up plans to build a Web site where consumers can research, price, finance, insure, purchase and arrange delivery of new boats. BoatsDirect.com said it is still courting investors and business partners in advance of its official launch.