Est. 1999
A Family Business Built On The Water
Service 1 Marine was founded in 1999 by Bob Stratton, an experienced marine mechanic, salesman, and entrepreneur who set out to build a low cost, high quality boat storage facility for the growing Chicago boating community in New Buffalo, Michigan. With twelve years of experience at two local marinas behind him, Bob opened Service 1 Marine in July of 1999 and began working out of his home and his truck, walking the docks with his tools and flyers to promote boat storage, marine engine repair, and electronic installation.
Bob spent that first year trying to get zoning approval to build a boat storage facility in New Buffalo ahead of the coming winter season, but the city would not allow it within its limits. After promising storage to loyal customers for years, it looked like there would be nowhere to lay their boats up for the season. With a little luck and a lot of determination, and with help from his father, Leonard Stratton, Bob purchased a ten acre piece of land just over the Indiana line, free of the zoning restrictions holding him back. That property is now home to the largest and most popular boat service and storage facility in the area, with the largest fleet of heavy equipment around for moving large vessels nationwide.
List With Me! Store For Free!
Bob Stratton · Owner And President
In July of 2000, Bob opened a boat brokerage division built around that promise, and it has helped Service 1 Marine build one of the widest selections of used boats in the Midwest.
Our Story
Where We Have Been
Founded And Finds A Home
Bob Stratton founds Service 1 Marine and later buys land just over the Indiana line to build storage.
Boat Brokerage Opens
Bob opens a boat brokerage built on one promise, list your boat with me and store it for free.
Honoring Leonard Stratton
Bob loses his father, Leonard, and places a memorial in his name at the storage grounds.
Business Doubles
Word of mouth and loyal customers help the business double over the next two years.
Third Storage Building
A third inside heated storage building goes up as business triples again.
Still Family Owned
Service 1 Marine offers a full range of engine, hull, and storage service, still family owned.
- 1999Year We Opened Our Doors
- 10 AcresOf Storage Grounds Just Over The Indiana Line
- 3Inside Heated Storage Buildings
- Family OwnedAnd Still Growing Today
Today
A Full Service Department
Today, Service 1 Marine handles far more than boat storage. Our team works on engines, propellers, fiberglass, and every water system onboard, and offers winterization, shrink wrap, transportation, and captaining service throughout the season.
Meet The Team
The People Behind Service 1 Marine
Thank you to everyone who has made us successful, and to our employees who are family.
Bob Stratton
Owner And President
(269) 469-9911Bob founded Service 1 Marine in 1999 and still walks the docks to help customers find the right storage or the right part. He built the business from a truck and a toolbox into the largest boat storage and service facility in the area. We will save you money on boat storage, that is a promise. List your boat with me and store it for free. Whether you are buying or selling, our staff is here to meet all of your needs and go beyond your expectations. Between our location, our sales staff, and our presence at local boat shows, we are proud to be a hub for boat sales on the Great Lakes.
Matt Kay
Mechanic And Service Writer
(269) 469-9911Matt has been in the marine industry his entire life. Ask him for anything, and he will find a way to get it done, with a smile. Matt handles service writing and mechanical work across engines, propellers, and general repairs, and is often the first person you will talk to when scheduling service.
Ready To Work With Us?
Reach out today to talk storage, service, or anything else your boat needs.