Wilson Marine – Serving Michigan Boaters Since 1949

Since its humble beginnings on Lake Chemung in Brighton, Michigan, Wilson Marine has evolved into a true boating cornerstone—and not just because of its inventory. Founded by water-enthusiast Ken Wilson in 1949, and still family-run by the third generation today, this dealership embodies a legacy of passion, personal service, and boating excellence.

What began with Ken’s vision to provide quality products, great selection, and unbeatable service, has flourished into one of the Midwest’s most renowned marine operations. Over the years, the “Service First” philosophy has resonated through every department. By the 1950s, instead of expanding showroom space like competitors, Ken focused on building an exceptional service department, even welcoming service customers who purchased their boats elsewhere.

Today, Wilson Marine is family-owned and operates across five Michigan locations, backed by a dedicated team of more than 150 year-round employees. Whether you’re buying a boat, requiring repairs, or shopping for parts and accessories, you’re not dealing with a corporate giant, you’re interacting with a passionate team that treats you like family.

A testament to their service-first approach, Wilson Marine stocks more inventory than any dealer in the Midwest. From a wide array of models, colors, brands, and engines, odds are the boat you’re eyeing is already on their lot. They are also proud to be one of the leading Sportsman dealers in the region, providing Michigan boaters with models that are designed for the days that matter. Their experienced team works closely with every customer to ensure they find the right Sportsman boat to match their lifestyle and favorite waterways.

Beyond offering a massive selection, Wilson Marine offers Wil-Care—a specialized service program that delivers “peace of mind” well beyond the dock. Expect perks like 100% dockside warranty coverage, loaner motors, complimentary pontoon trailer rentals, and more. Their technicians are factory-certified by major brands like Volvo Penta, Mercruiser, Mercury, and Yamaha, so your boat is always in expert hands.

One of their standout features is the on-the-water facility in Brighton, complete with a private ramp onto Lake Chemung and a dedicated Test Drive center. Customers can literally experience their boats before buying them—now that’s immersive service. And for those boating closer to the east side of the state, Wilson Marine’s Harrison Township location serves as a gateway to Lake St. Clair. Known for its vibrant boating scene, fishing opportunities, and easy access to both Detroit and the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair is a natural hub for boating activity. Having Wilson Marine right there ensures boaters can enjoy this incredible waterway with confidence and support.

Under the leadership of Ken’s sons, Ron and Randy, Wilson Marine kept growing—expanding showroom space in the late 1980s to display more than 50 boats indoors, becoming one of Michigan’s largest showrooms. Their commitment to service and quality earned them “National Dealer of the Year” from Boat and Motor magazine in 1990.

By the 1990s, annual sales topped 1,000 boats. The service campus expanded into a massive 18,000 sq ft, spread over 20 acres, featuring 26 service bays, a state-of-the-art paint and fiberglass shop, and an on-site water test facility. The early 2000s ushered in even more growth: a second showroom opened, followed by a test-drive center, expanded storage for over 750 boats in the air and 500 indoors, plus much larger parts and accessories departments.

Today, with third-generation family members Brad and Greg at the helm, Wilson Marine continues to thrive—doubling its yearly sales and serving boaters in Michigan with their 75 years of experience.

More than just a dealership, Wilson Marine is woven into Michigan’s boating heritage. They’ve sold over 150,000 boats, meaning if you've boated in Michigan, there's a chance Wilson played a role in that outing. And with their commitment to Sportsman Boats, Wilson Marine continues to ensure customers enjoy every moment on the water with reliability, style, and unmatched support. Just recently Wilson Marine hosted their first ever Sportsman Boats customer raft up on Lake St. Clair. Once again going above and beyond to give their customers a level of support rarely seen. Customers enjoyed spending time with fellow Sportsman owners and are already looking forward to next years event.

Whether you’re planning your first boating adventure or seeking support for years of water-bound memories, Wilson Marine offers more than boats, they offer a trusted partner who understands the joy of time spent on the water.

Catch you on the water, Michigan!