Wayzata Marine
Professional Services
At Wayzata Marine we appreciate the value of time on the water in Minnesota. Time on the lake is a precious commodity and we’re committed to helping our customers make the most of it. No one knows or understands Lake Minnetonka better than we do.
Our History
Our company history began in 1967, when Gary and Darlene Briggs opened Wayzata Lake and Lawn, a retail store offering boats, lawn tractors, snow blowers, snowmobiles and garden supplies. Through the 60s and 70s, the store grew and changed with customer demand. By 1980, the company was focused completely on marine sales and service. In 1982, the corporate name officially changed to Wayzata Marine and our notoriety as a leader in the boating industry began to grow. 1986 was a sad year at Wayzata Marine, Darlene passed away after 49 short years.
In 1989 Chris Craft became our premier brand. This was also the year that their son Dave’s status changed from part time sales person to sales manager. Dave grew up in the business, made his first boat sale in 1978 at age 13, and advanced as a full time sales person, sales manager and then became General Manager in 1994.
The next big break came when Chaparral and Wayzata Marine joined forces in 1995. Both companies were on the move growing together and offering high quality boats that Lake Minnetonka boaters fell in love with. In 1997, a new state of the art showroom was built to exclusively display the Chris Craft product line. This facility became known as Minnetonka Marine, and it contributed to several company awards, including designation as “The Marine Retailer of the Year,” by a national publication in 1997, and recognition as the nation’s largest Chris Craft dealer for the third consecutive year in 1999.
In 2000, the current home of Wayzata Marine was acquired on Lake Minnetonka. This awesome 2.3-acre location features guaranteed lake access, 260 feet of shoreline, 77 permanent slips, a fork & travel lift and launch ramp. The start of 2001 brought an ownership change to the company. Dave and his wife Dava bought the company from Gary. 2001 also brought a change at Chris Craft, with new ownership. The Four Winns product line was brought in. Most days you can find Gary, Dave and the third generation Jason and Taylor helping boaters enjoy their time on the water.
Every year since 2006, Wayzata Marine has been proudly included in Boating Industry’s Top 100 Dealers.