With 2018 in our rear view ski mirror, we point the bow toward a happy, healthy and safe 2019!

As the year comes to an end, it's the perfect time to reflect on the events of this past season and cast our gaze to the horizon! Let's look back at just a few highlights and milestones from the boating industry and Wayzata Marine in 2018.

Boating Trends and Lifestyles

Wake Surfing Wake surfing continues to be hugely popular and the boats that are equipped for surfing keep getting better and more versatile. While inboard and V-Drive boats dedicated to surfing still appeal to purists, they tend to be more challenging to maneuver in tight situations and can be a bit bumpy in rough water. V-hull stern drive boats are much easier to control around the docks and typically provide a smoother ride in the chop. With the introduction of the Volvo Forward Drive, boaters can enjoy the best of both world: excellent surfing AND a smooth riding, easy to drive boat. Wayzata Marine's premium brands- Chaparral, Regal, Four Winns and Chris Craft all utilize the Volvo Forward Drive and cutting-edge surf packages with the best components and technology available. 

Day boating and entertaining

Open Bows continue to be a favorite among Lake Minnetonka boaters. They are roomy and versatile boats with well-designed interiors, easy to use controls, luxury amenities, lots of storage, advanced electronics, and high-end navigation equipment. Many of the large open bow boats still offer enclosed compartments with porta-potties, and separate sleeping berths. And, when you add wake surfing options, boats like the Chaparral 297 Surf becomes the ultimate SUV of the waterways! 

Pontoon Boats remain a strong segment of the recreational boating market and continue to lead in market share among several boat types. The versatility of pontoon boats appeals to boaters of all kinds. The functionality, seating capacity and entertainment friendly layouts of pontoon boats, along with the ability to do a variety of activities like fishing, water skiing, tubing and wake boarding, make them a great solution for families looking for an all-purpose boat!

Milestones

Wayzata Marine Founder Gary Briggs Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

In December, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas recognized Wayzata Marine founder Gary Briggs for his many contributions to the boating industry and the community. Gary founded Wayzata Lake and Lawn in 1967, which eventually became Wayzata Marine. In 2001, he sold the company to his son Dave. He's enjoying retirement in San Diego, but still comes back to help out during the busy spring launch and fall storage seasons. Congratulations Gary on this well-deserved award! 

New line of pontoons!

Wayzata Marine welcomed Barletta Pontoon Boats to its store on Lake Minnetonka in September. Barletta is the hottest new line of pontoons on the market and will fit perfectly with the current lineup of quality fiberglass boats from Chaparral, Regal, Four Winns and Chris Craft. Boaters now have a trusted dealer with more than 50 years of experience to serve their pontoon boating needs! 

After another year of great boating and summer fun, we leave 2018 in our wake. Now it's time to gear up for another memorable season on the water.

Charting a course for 2019!

Wayzata Marine is poised for another fantastic year with exciting new products, new amenities, and the same great customer focused service that has propelled us forward since 1967!

Making a Splash in the Pontoon Boat Market!

It's no surprise that Wayzata Marine was awarded the Barletta Pontoon Boat line to serve Lake Minnetonka and surrounding areas. Barletta builds the highest quality pontoon boats with an unmatched standard equipment list, the finest materials, and a ride that is so quiet, you won't believe your ears! These attributes make them a perfect match for Wayzata Marine and will fit nicely among the current line-up of quality boats from Chaparral, Regal, Four Winns and Chris Craft. Look for Barletta Pontoons in booth 402 and 502B at the Minneapolis Boat Show January 24-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Or better yet, stop by and see them in our showroom on Maxwell Bay on Lake Minnetonka.

New Models

The beautiful, newly introduced Regal LS4 and LS6 are perfect examples of the brilliantly designed, well-appointed and versatile boats available from Wayzata Marine.

New docks coming in 2019

Wayzata Marine slip customers will love the new docks being installed for the 2019 season. We will continue to offer the same great service to marina customers designed to make boating as easy and worry free as possible. We'll keep you posted on the progress of the installation!

New Boaters

Wayzata Marine is proud to be anchored as the premier choice for Lake Minnetonka boaters.  We're proud of our 51-year heritage and will always strive to make every aspect of the boat buying and ownership experience easy and fun! So, if you're considering a boat for your family, stop in and see us. We'll help you discover the best size, style and type of boat that's right for you. You'll enjoy our laid back but professional approach to the whole process.

Will you take the plunge this year?!

The best customers in the world!

To all our wonderful customers, thank you for trusting Wayzata Marine! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM WAYZATA MARINE!

*DISCLAIMER: The overuse of nautical puns and metaphors may cause dizziness, headaches and/or nausea but could knot be avoided!