There's nothing quite like boating in Maine.

The early morning fishing trips. The kids begging for one more ride on the tube. The afternoons spent anchored in a quiet cove with friends, snacks, and absolutely nowhere else you need to be.

Those are the moments that make boating special.

But before you can enjoy them, you have a pretty important decision to make.

Which boat is right for you?

At Clark Marine, we've been helping Maine families answer that question since 1958. And here's something we've learned along the way: The best boat isn't necessarily the biggest, fastest, fanciest, or most expensive.

It's the boat you'll actually use.

We're not here to talk you into buying something you don't need. We're here to help you find the boat that makes you excited to get out on the water.

Let's figure out what that looks like.

Smiling mom and toddler in a green life jacket out on the boat
1958Helping Maine families since
3Distinct styles of boats
New & UsedBoats for every budget
1

Start With How You Want to Spend Your Time on the Water

Before you start comparing horsepower, floorplans, and price tags, think about what your ideal day on the lake looks like.

Are you picturing the whole family piled aboard for an afternoon of swimming and cruising?

Getting out before sunrise to find the perfect fishing spot?

Pulling the kids on a tube until everyone is thoroughly exhausted?

Or finding a quiet corner of the lake, turning off your phone, and doing absolutely nothing?

Maybe it's a little bit of everything.

Friends fishing and cruising aboard a pontoon on a sunny Maine lake

We always encourage customers to think about how they'll use their boats most often rather than buying around an activity they might do once or twice each summer.

A few questions worth asking yourself:

  • How many people will usually be aboard?
  • Will you be fishing, cruising, swimming, tubing, or waterskiing?
  • Do you want plenty of comfortable seating or more open floor space?
  • Will you keep your boat at a dock, on a lift, or on a trailer?
  • What lake or body of water will you use most often?
  • How important are speed, handling, and watersports performance?
  • What purchase price and ongoing ownership costs feel comfortable?

Don't worry if you don't know all the answers.

That's why we're here.

2

Which Type of Boat Is Right for You?

At Clark Marine, we specialize in three distinct styles of boats, and each offers something different.

Pontoon & Tritoon Boats: Comfortable, Social & Versatile

Best for: Family cruising, entertaining, swimming, relaxation, and all-around lake enjoyment.

If your perfect boating day includes family, friends, snacks, swimming, and comfortable places to stretch out, a pontoon might be exactly what you're looking for.

Modern pontoons offer spacious layouts, comfortable seating, plenty of storage, and a variety of floorplans to match your family's priorities.

And today's performance tritoons are capable of much more than a relaxing cruise. With the right equipment and horsepower, they can deliver impressive speed, responsive handling, and plenty of fun for watersports.

At Clark Marine, we're proud to offer Avalon Pontoons, a manufacturer we've represented since 1998.

Avalon offers everything from practical family cruising layouts to fishing pontoons and premium luxury tritoons.

Family standing aboard their new blue Avalon pontoon at the dock

Why we love them:

  • Comfortable seating and spacious floorplans
  • Great options for entertaining and family recreation
  • Available fishing and watersports configurations
  • A wide variety of horsepower and performance packages
  • Thoughtful storage and amenities
  • Options ranging from accessible family boats to premium luxury models

A pontoon is a particularly appealing choice when comfort, passenger space, and versatility are your biggest priorities.

Explore Our Avalon PontoonsLearn Why We Love Avalon
Clark Marine team member smiling at the helm of a Crestliner aluminum fishing boat

Aluminum Fishing Boats: Tough, Practical & Ready for Adventure

Best for: Fishing, hunting, exploring, camp use, and boaters who appreciate practicality.

Some people want a boat they can load with fishing rods, tackle boxes, and muddy boots without thinking twice about it.

We understand completely.

Aluminum fishing boats are popular throughout Maine for their durability, practical layouts, and versatility.

At Clark Marine, we're proud to offer Crestliner, known for its all-welded aluminum hull construction and purpose-built fishing boats.

One of our most popular models is the Crestliner Kodiak, which offers an especially appealing balance of fishing features, comfortable seating, performance, and price.

The Crestliner lineup also includes Retriever, Hawk, and Fish Hawk models, each designed for different boating priorities.

Why we love them:

  • Durable welded aluminum construction
  • Practical fishing and storage features
  • Options for shallow-water use and larger lakes
  • A range of sizes and horsepower configurations
  • Available trolling motor and electronics setups
  • Competitive boat-motor-trailer packages

An aluminum fishing boat is a great choice for someone who wants a capable, versatile boat that puts function first.

Explore Our Crestliner Fishing BoatsLearn Why We Love Crestliner

Fiberglass Deck Boats: Sporty, Comfortable & Fun to Drive

Best for: Cruising, watersports, swimming, and families who want sporty performance with comfortable seating.

If you love the feeling of driving a fiberglass sport boat but still want room for family and friends, a deck boat may be the perfect middle ground.

Fiberglass deck boats combine sleek styling and performance-oriented hull designs with versatile seating and recreational features.

At Clark Marine, we've chosen to specialize in Crownline's outboard-powered EXS Series.

Why?

Because we believe these boats offer a particularly appealing combination of size, stability, quality construction, price, and performance for Maine lakes.

We're also big believers in modern outboard engines. Their accessibility for routine maintenance, strong performance, and practical ownership advantages make them an excellent fit for many freshwater boaters.

Why we love Crownline:

  • Sporty fiberglass hull design
  • Responsive handling and enjoyable performance
  • Comfortable, versatile family seating
  • Great options for watersports
  • Modern outboard propulsion
  • A practical balance of boat length, usable space, and value

A fiberglass deck boat is a wonderful choice for families who prioritize sporty handling, comfortable cruising, and recreational versatility.

Explore Our Crownline BoatsLearn Why We Love Crownline
3

Consider the Lake You'll Be Boating On

Here's something that doesn't always get enough attention when people shop for boats.

Where you boat matters.

A boat that feels perfect on a small, sheltered pond may not be the ideal choice for a larger lake where wind and afternoon chop are common.

Likewise, a bigger boat isn't automatically better if you're navigating narrow channels, launching frequently, or dealing with a smaller dock.

At Clark Marine, we've been helping Maine families find the right boats since 1958. And after spending generations on the waters of Central Maine, we've learned that no two lakes—or boating families—are exactly alike.

Woman relaxing on a pontoon on a breezy Maine lake under cloudy skies

Cobbossee Lake & Maranacook Lake: Our Backyard

Cobbosseecontee Lake and Maranacook Lake are home to some of our largest and longest-standing customer communities.

From families spending summer afternoons cruising on Cobbossee to anglers enjoying an early morning on Maranacook, we've helped generations of local boaters find boats that fit their favorite lakes.

Whether you're considering an Avalon pontoon for family cruising, a Crestliner fishing boat for your favorite fishing spots, or a Crownline EXS for swimming and watersports, we're happy to walk you through your options.

And because we're located in Manchester, just outside Augusta, we're close by when you need us.

The Belgrade Lakes, Waterville & Oakland

We also work with customers throughout the Belgrade Lakes Region, including boaters on Great Pond, Long Pond, and Messalonskee Lake.

Whether you're shopping for a comfortable pontoon, a versatile fishing boat, or a sporty fiberglass deck boat, we'll help you compare the features and performance characteristics that matter most for your boating plans.

We also welcome boaters from Waterville, Oakland, China Lake, and surrounding communities who are looking for a knowledgeable, family-owned Maine dealership.

Sebago, Moosehead, Rangeley & Beyond

Our boating community extends well beyond Central Maine.

We welcome customers from Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, the Rangeley Lakes Region, and throughout Maine.

Larger bodies of water can present different challenges, particularly when wind and waves pick up. Choosing an appropriate hull design, boat size, horsepower package, and equipment is especially important.

Whether you're shopping close to home or planning a trip to Manchester to find your next boat, our goal remains the same:

Help you choose a boat that fits your family, your lake, and the way you want to spend your time on the water.

What We'll Help You Consider

When we're helping you select a boat, we'll talk through:

  • Lake conditions: Size, exposure to wind, typical waves, and shallow-water considerations.
  • Docking and storage: Dock dimensions, water depth, lift capacity, and seasonal storage plans.
  • Boating activities: Fishing, cruising, entertaining, swimming, or watersports.
  • Boat size and horsepower: Matching the boat and engine to your intended use.
  • Your experience level: Choosing a boat you'll feel comfortable operating.

Because the best boat for your family isn't just the one that looks great in our showroom.

It's the one that makes you excited to get out on your favorite Maine lake.

4

Think About Horsepower, Handling & Performance

Horsepower matters.

But more horsepower doesn't automatically mean a better boating experience.

The right engine depends on the boat's design, its rated horsepower capacity, your typical passenger load, and what you want to do on the water.

A family that primarily cruises around the lake may have very different needs from a family that spends every weekend tubing or waterskiing.

Likewise, an angler who wants reliable transportation to a favorite fishing spot might prioritize something entirely different.

We can help you understand:

  • What different horsepower options mean for performance
  • How passenger load affects acceleration and handling
  • The differences between two-tube pontoons and performance tritoons
  • Why hull design matters as much as engine horsepower
  • Which engine packages make sense for your intended use
  • What to consider for fuel consumption and maintenance
Clark Marine team member in a Clark Marine shirt driving a fishing boat across a Maine lake

Our goal isn't to sell you the biggest engine we can.

It's to help you choose a setup that performs the way you expect it to.

5

Don't Forget About the Cost of Ownership

Buying a boat is exciting, but the purchase price is only one part of the equation.

Before making a decision, it's worth considering what ownership will look like throughout the year.

These costs can vary significantly depending on the type of boat, size, engine, and how frequently you use it.

We're happy to talk through those details before you purchase.

Depending on your boat and how you use it, expenses may include:

  • Routine engine maintenance
  • Winterization and storage
  • Docking or mooring arrangements
  • Insurance and registration
  • Fuel
  • Trailer ownership and maintenance
  • Additional accessories and equipment

Because we don't want you to simply be able to buy your boat.

We want you to be comfortable owning and enjoying it.

6

New or Used: Which Makes More Sense?

There's no universal right answer.

  • New

    A new boat offers the opportunity to select modern equipment, enjoy applicable manufacturer warranties, and potentially choose the exact configuration you want.

  • Pre-Owned

    A pre-owned boat can offer excellent value and may allow you to purchase a larger or better-equipped model at a lower upfront price.

  • Know What You're Buying

    The important thing is understanding what you're buying.

When evaluating a pre-owned boat, consider its condition, age, maintenance history, engine hours, equipment, and any repairs it may need.

And remember that the cheapest boat isn't necessarily the best value.

An inexpensive boat that immediately requires extensive repairs may cost more than a well-maintained option with a higher asking price.

At Clark Marine, we offer both new and pre-owned boats and are happy to discuss which makes the most sense for your circumstances.

Explore Our Pre-Owned Inventory
7

The Dealership Matters, Too

Here's where we'd like to make a little pitch for ourselves.

At Clark Marine, we've been serving Maine's boating community since 1958.

And while the boats, motors, and technology have changed considerably over the decades, our approach to customers hasn't changed much.

  • We believe buying a boat should be fun.
  • We believe questions deserve real answers.
  • And we believe you should feel just as good about the dealership you choose as you do about the boat you purchase.

When you visit Clark Marine, you won't find a rigid sales script or pressure to make a decision before you're ready.

Bring your spouse. Bring the kids. Bring your parents, your boating buddy, or whoever else has a stake in the decision.

We'll talk through what you're looking for, show you your options, and explain the differences.

When you purchase a boat from us, we also provide on-land and on-water orientation to help you become comfortable with its features and operation.

And with an experienced service department, we're here to help with maintenance and ownership long after your purchase.

We've watched customers grow from first-time boaters into experienced captains. We've helped families upgrade as their children got older, find boats that better suit changing lifestyles, and introduce entirely new generations to boating.

Those relationships mean a great deal to us.

And we'd love the opportunity to build one with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Boat in Maine

What's the best type of boat for a family?

That depends on how your family enjoys the water. Pontoons are excellent for comfortable cruising and entertaining, fiberglass deck boats combine sporty performance with family-friendly layouts, and aluminum fishing boats are ideal for families who prioritize fishing and practical versatility.

Should I buy a pontoon or a fiberglass boat?

If spacious seating, entertaining, and relaxing are your top priorities, a pontoon may be a great fit. If you prefer sporty handling and a more traditional fiberglass driving experience, a deck boat might suit you better. Both can offer excellent options for family recreation.

What size boat do I need for a Maine lake?

Consider the number of passengers you typically carry, your preferred activities, lake conditions, dock or lift dimensions, and whether you plan to trailer your boat. Bigger isn't automatically better.

How much horsepower do I need?

That depends on the boat, your passenger load, intended activities, and performance expectations. We'll help you compare appropriate engine packages within the boat manufacturer's specifications.

Is a new or used boat better for a first-time buyer?

Both can be good options. New boats offer modern features and applicable warranty coverage, while pre-owned boats may provide greater value at a lower purchase price. Condition, budget, and long-term plans should guide the decision.

Can Clark Marine help me learn to operate my boat?

Absolutely! We provide on-land and on-water orientation with our boat sales. We're happy to help you become more comfortable with your boat's controls, handling, and essential operation.

Where can I shop for boats in Central Maine?

Clark Marine is located at 57 Puddledock Road in Manchester, Maine, near Augusta. We sell Avalon pontoons, Crestliner aluminum fishing boats, Crownline outboard-powered fiberglass deck boats, and a selection of pre-owned boats.

Let's Find Your Boat

We could spend all day talking about boats.

Actually, we often do.

But what we'd really like to know is what you're dreaming about.

Is it an early morning fishing trip? A long summer afternoon with the kids? A beautiful evening cruise? Or simply having a reason to get outside and enjoy everything Maine has to offer?

Whatever your perfect day looks like, we'd love to help you find the boat that makes it possible.

Come visit us in Manchester. Walk through the boats. Bring your questions. Bring your family.

There's no rush, and there's no pressure.

Just good people, great boats, and a whole lot of enthusiasm for life on the water.

Explore Our Boat InventoryContact Our Sales Team
Clark Marine57 Puddledock Road, Manchester, Maine207-622-7011sales@clarkmarinemaine.comFun on the water starts here.