There are plenty of places to buy a boat, have an engine serviced, or find someone to take care of your boat for the winter.
So why choose Clark Marine?
We think that's a pretty fair question.
We've been serving Maine's boating community since 1958, and while the boats, engines, and technology have changed tremendously over the years, the principles behind our family business have remained remarkably consistent.
Love people. Do excellent work. Keep your promises.
Sounds simple, doesn't it?
Of course, doing those things consistently takes a tremendous amount of intention, education, hard work, and occasionally a healthy sense of humor.
At Clark Marine, we're locally owned, family-run, a little informal, occasionally ridiculous, and unapologetically passionate about what we do.
Here's what that means to us.
Integrity Isn't Optional
We believe a good business should be good for everyone it touches.
Our customers. Our employees. Our manufacturers. Our community.
That philosophy influences everything from the way we price our services to the way we train our team, select our products, and handle difficult situations.
We believe in transparent pricing, honest conversations, ethical business practices, and treating people with respect.
We operate as an insured professional business, follow applicable laws and industry requirements, and continually work to improve our processes.
But integrity is about more than following the rules.
- It's about doing the right thing when nobody is watching.
- It's about telling someone the truth, even when the truth isn't particularly convenient.
- It's about recommending the repair someone actually needs instead of simply the one that generates the biggest invoice.
- And sometimes, it's about admitting that we're not the right people for a particular job.
We would rather be honest about our limitations than make a promise we can't confidently keep.
And we intend to stay that way.
We're honest to a fault.
We Do What We Say We'll Do
One of our guiding principles is pretty straightforward:
We do what we say we'll do, when we say we'll do it, and in the manner we say we'll do it.
We believe your time matters.
Your money matters.
And your trust matters.
That's why we work hard to provide clear estimates, realistic expectations, transparent communication, and dependable follow-through.
We would much rather underpromise and overdeliver than make commitments we aren't confident we can meet.
Now, are we perfect?
Absolutely not.
We're a busy marine dealership staffed by actual human beings. Parts get delayed, unexpected repairs are discovered, schedules change, and sometimes we make mistakes.
When that happens, our responsibility is to be honest about it.
We admit when we've made a mistake. We act quickly. We use the resources available to us to make things right.
We don't believe accountability is something you practice only when it's easy.
Your trust is something we work to earn, protect, and deserve.
Dedication to Education: Excellence Isn't an Accident
Boats and engines are complicated. They're also constantly evolving.
The technology changes. Manufacturer recommendations change. New products enter the market. Better methods become available.
We believe our responsibility is to keep learning.
That's why Dedication to Education has been one of the cornerstones of Clark Marine for decades.
We invest in ongoing professional development across our dealership, not just in the service department.
Our technicians, parts professionals, salespeople, and management team pursue education through our original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), outside training organizations, industry associations such as the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), and other professional resources.
We also believe there's tremendous value in learning from one another, staying curious, sharing knowledge, and occasionally reading a really good book.
Our team dedicates significant time to technical and product training during the winter months, while staying attentive to manufacturer updates throughout the boating season.
But we don't pursue education simply to collect certificates.
We pursue it because an educated team makes decisions based on knowledge, not guesswork.
Better diagnostics. Better product recommendations. Better repairs. Better decisions.
And ultimately, a better experience for our customers.
We're proud of our team's knowledge, but we'll never pretend there's nothing left to learn.
Quality Parts. Qualified People. High Standards.
Not all repairs are created equal.
And not all parts are, either.
When you trust us to work on your boat, we take that responsibility seriously.
Our approach to repairs and maintenance is grounded in manufacturer recommendations, established industry best practices, and the knowledge of trained parts and service professionals.
We prioritize OEM parts, approved fluids, and manufacturer-specified service procedures because the quality of the materials and methods used in a repair matters just as much as the skill of the person performing it.
We also maintain strong working relationships with our manufacturers and professional networks, helping us stay informed about evolving products, technical recommendations, and service requirements.
A Clean, Well-Stocked Parts & Accessories Department
Our parts department is more than a place to purchase an oil filter.
It's a resource for boat owners looking for dependable advice, appropriate components, and products they can feel confident using.
We stock a wide range of OEM parts, oils, filters, fluids, maintenance supplies, and boating accessories.
Our trained parts professionals work to ensure customers receive the correct components for their engines and applications.
Whether we're sourcing parts for a repair, helping someone tackle a do-it-yourself maintenance project, or evaluating equipment for an upgrade, we want to provide knowledgeable recommendations.
- Sometimes that means recommending a more expensive component.
- Sometimes it means identifying a simpler solution.
- And sometimes it means telling someone that a particular product or repair isn't the right choice.
Our goal isn't to sell you more parts. It's to help you get the right ones.
Controlled Costs: Working Smarter for Our Customers
We believe excellent service and responsible pricing should go hand in hand.
That's why Controlled Costs has long been an important part of our operating philosophy.
Behind the scenes, we invest a tremendous amount of thought into how work moves through our dealership.
We evaluate our processes, identify unnecessary steps, improve scheduling, and look for ways to eliminate wasted time, materials, and movement.
In business, this is often called process mapping and continuous improvement.
Around here, we tend to think of it as working smarter.
- A well-organized parts department helps technicians find what they need.
- Clear processes reduce confusion.
- Thoughtful scheduling helps us make better use of our facilities and equipment.
- And ongoing employee training helps our team work more confidently and efficiently.
All of these things help control operating costs, allowing us to offer competitive pricing while continuing to invest in quality products, professional education, and excellent service.
But there's one distinction we feel strongly about.
Cutting corners isn't the same as cutting costs.
We're interested in eliminating waste, not sacrificing quality.
Because doing the job correctly the first time is good for everyone.
Speed to Service: Because Maine Summers Are Short
If there's one thing every Maine boater understands, it's that our boating season never seems quite long enough.
And when something goes wrong with your boat, time suddenly becomes very valuable.
That's why Speed to Service is another important focus at Clark Marine.
We work hard to maintain the people, equipment, facilities, and organizational systems necessary to serve our customers efficiently.
But one of our greatest advantages comes from the way our team works together.
We don't believe in creating an internally competitive environment where employees guard information or operate in isolation.
We encourage our technicians to share knowledge, collaborate on difficult problems, and use one another's experience to find solutions.
That approach gives us a broader pool of expertise to draw from when diagnosing problems and planning repairs.
Our service operations also provide capacity to handle a substantial volume of work throughout the year.
We continually evaluate scheduling, staffing, and workflow to keep boats moving through our facilities as efficiently as possible.
Of course, some repairs are complicated. Some parts are difficult to obtain. And there are times when demand exceeds immediate availability.
We won't promise that every repair will happen overnight.
What we will promise is that we take your time seriously, communicate as clearly as we can, and work hard to get you back on the water.
Because your boat belongs on the lake.
Not in our parking lot.
We Choose Our Manufacturers with Intention
We're proud of the brands we represent, and we don't choose them simply because they make attractive products.
We look for quality craftsmanship, strong manufacturer support, dependable warranty programs, and products that offer real value to the people who own them.
We also value manufacturers who stand behind their dealerships and help us take care of our customers.
That philosophy has led us to work with some exceptional marine brands.
Avalon Pontoons & Tritoons
Beautifully built pontoons with thoughtful layouts, impressive craftsmanship, and options ranging from family recreation to premium luxury and performance.
Crestliner Aluminum Fishing Boats
Tough, all-welded aluminum boats designed for fishing, outdoor adventures, and practical everyday use.
Crownline Fiberglass Deck Boats
We specialize in Crownline's outboard-powered EXS Series because we believe these boats offer an exceptional combination of size, performance, stability, quality, and value for Maine lakes.
Mercury, Suzuki, Honda & Yamaha Outboards
We believe different engines have different strengths.
Our experience with multiple major outboard manufacturers allows us to help customers evaluate the options that best fit their boats, activities, and budgets.
One-Stop Shopping & Service: Making Boat Ownership Easier
One of our greatest goals is to make life on the water as easy as possible for our customers.
That's why we've intentionally developed a dealership capable of supporting so many aspects of boat ownership.
For our storage and service customers, we also offer additional benefits designed to make year-round boat ownership easier, including priority service status and preferred pricing on qualifying services.
We offer:
- New and pre-owned boat sales
- Avalon pontoons and tritoons
- Crestliner aluminum fishing boats
- Crownline outboard-powered fiberglass deck boats
- Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha outboard service
- Outboard diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs
- Freshwater Mercury and Suzuki repowers
- A well-stocked marine parts and accessories department
- Boat winterization, shrink-wrapping, and storage
- Spring commissioning and seasonal maintenance
- Boat transportation and delivery services for qualifying customers
- Marine electronics, steering, and other improvements
Our goal is to develop long-term relationships where we understand your boat, its service history, and the way you use it.
That familiarity helps us provide better recommendations and anticipate maintenance needs.
And there's something important we'd like you to know:
You don't have to have purchased your boat from Clark Marine for us to care about you.
We welcome service customers who purchased elsewhere, provided their boats and engines meet our service guidelines.
Because taking good care of people is what we're here to do.
An Exceptional Boat Delivery Experience
Buying a boat should be exciting.
But for many first-time buyers, it can also come with a few nerves.
How do I operate everything?
What if I have trouble docking?
Am I going to know what I'm doing when I get out on the lake?
We understand.
That's why our Exceptional Delivery Process is such an important part of buying a boat from Clark Marine.
We don't believe that handing someone the keys and sending them on their way is enough.
- Our boat sales include both on-land and on-water orientation to help customers become familiar with their new boats.
- We take time to explain controls, equipment, boat operation, and important ownership considerations.
- We want our customers to have an opportunity to ask questions and become more comfortable before taking on the responsibilities of boating independently.
- And we don't reserve that care exclusively for first-time buyers.
Even experienced boaters can benefit from becoming familiar with a new hull design, different engine, or updated technology.
Our goal isn't simply to deliver a boat.
It's to help deliver the confidence to enjoy it.
Our Employees Are Family, Too
Here's something we believe wholeheartedly:
You cannot build a business that genuinely cares for its customers without first caring for the people who make that business possible.
Our team is the heart of Clark Marine.
We work hard to create a culture where people can be exactly who they are, provided they share a commitment to hard work, humility, integrity, and teamwork.
We believe in treating one another as equals.
We laugh together. We learn together. We celebrate together. And when life gets difficult, we show up for one another.
We invest in professional development and share in the financial success of the business with our employees.
We protect our team, support their families, and work to make sure every person knows their contributions matter.
We're proud that Clark Marine has repeatedly been recognized as a great place to work in the marine industry.
But awards aren't the reason we do these things.
We do them because they're right.
Happy, respected, well-supported people are better equipped to do excellent work.
And more importantly, they're people who deserve to be happy, respected, and supported.
We Believe in Taking Care of Our Community
Clark Marine has been part of Maine's boating community since 1958.
This is where we live, raise our families, work, play, and build our friendships.
And we believe that being a good local business means contributing to the well-being of the community around us.
We support organizations doing meaningful work in areas such as water quality and watershed protection, disability services, food insecurity, veterans' affairs, and other important local causes.
Some of that support is financial.
Some of it is practical.
And much of it happens quietly, through relationships we've developed with people and organizations whose work we believe in.
We don't see generosity as a marketing strategy.
We see it as a responsibility and a privilege.
Our philosophy is to approach life with open hands, share what we can, and show up where we're needed.
Come As You Are. We Certainly Do.
We're a little different.
We can be informal. We're occasionally silly. We love a good conversation, a good laugh, and an exceptionally good dog.
We tend to become Facebook friends with our customers.
We love meeting the grandkids, hearing about summers at camp, and getting caught up on everything that's happened since we last saw you.
And if you're the hugging type, there's a pretty good chance someone here has a hug waiting for you.
But don't mistake our casual atmosphere for a casual approach to business.
We take our work seriously. We just don't believe we have to take ourselves too seriously.
We're educated, professional, hardworking people who genuinely care about doing a great job.
- We want you to feel comfortable asking questions.
- We want you to understand what you're buying and why we're recommending it.
- We want you to feel appreciated, respected, and cared for.
- And we want you to leave knowing that the people helping you actually care about you.
As for the rest of our personalities?
Well, you'll just have to come in and find out.
We're in This for the Long Haul
One of our greatest joys is having customers who have been with Clark Marine for generations.
We've helped people purchase their first boats, maintain the boats their children grew up on, upgrade when their families changed, and introduce entirely new generations to life on the water.
We've made friends along the way. Lots of them.
And those relationships mean more to us than any individual transaction.
We don't want to sell you one boat and never see you again.
We want to be the people you call when something goes wrong, when you're ready for something new, or when you just have a question.
We want you to feel comfortable stopping by to say hello.
And we want to hear about the new puppy, the grandkids, the fishing trip, and that absolutely ridiculous thing that happened at camp last weekend.
Because at the end of the day, that's what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
We love our people. And we love being part of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clark Marine
How long has Clark Marine been in business?
Clark Marine has proudly served Maine's boating community since 1958. We're a locally owned, family-run marine dealership based in Manchester, Maine.
What makes Clark Marine different from other boat dealerships?
Our business is built around ethical practices, transparent communication, continuing education, quality workmanship, controlled costs, and long-term customer relationships. We invest in our team, follow manufacturer service recommendations, and work hard to do what we say we'll do.
Does Clark Marine service boats purchased from other dealerships?
Absolutely. We welcome qualifying boats purchased elsewhere. Our service department works on eligible Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha outboards, as well as qualifying sterndrive systems. Acceptance depends on the boat, engine, age, condition, and type of work requested.
Does Clark Marine use original manufacturer parts?
We prioritize OEM parts, manufacturer-approved fluids, and appropriate service procedures. Our trained parts and service professionals help ensure that the parts and materials we recommend are suitable for the application.
What does Clark Marine do to keep service costs competitive?
We focus on process improvement, efficient scheduling, employee training, waste reduction, and responsible operating practices. Our goal is to control unnecessary expenses without compromising workmanship or product quality.
Does Clark Marine provide technician training?
Yes. We invest in ongoing education through manufacturer training, industry organizations, outside educational resources, and internal knowledge-sharing. We believe professional development is essential to excellent service.
What boat brands does Clark Marine sell?
We specialize in Avalon pontoons and tritoons, Crestliner aluminum fishing boats, and Crownline outboard-powered EXS fiberglass deck boats. We also carry a changing selection of pre-owned boats.
Does Clark Marine help first-time boat buyers?
Of course! We help customers compare boats, layouts, engines, and equipment, and we provide on-land and on-water orientation with our boat sales.
Does Clark Marine offer boat storage and winterization?
Yes. We provide winterization, shrink-wrapping, winter storage, spring commissioning, and other seasonal services for qualifying boats. Our storage customers may also qualify for additional year-round service benefits.
Where is Clark Marine located?
Our main dealership is located at 57 Puddledock Road in Manchester, Maine, near Augusta. We also operate service and storage facilities in Central Maine.
Which areas does Clark Marine serve?
Our local service area includes Augusta, Manchester, Winthrop, Monmouth, Waterville, Oakland, Cobbossee Lake, Maranacook Lake, the Belgrade Lakes Region, Damariscotta Lake, Clearwater lake and beyond. We welcome boat buyers and repower customers from throughout Maine and Northern New England.
Come Meet the Clark Marine Family
We could spend all day telling you about our experience, training, manufacturers, and services.
And trust us, we love talking about those things.
But the best way to understand Clark Marine is to come visit.
Meet the team. Walk around the boats. Ask your questions. Tell us what you're excited about and what's driving you crazy.
Bring your family. Bring your dog. Bring your sense of humor.
We'll bring the knowledge, the enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for the opportunity to help you.
Because after all these years, the most important thing about Clark Marine hasn't changed.
We do everything with love.
