Hannay's Marine

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. The marine industry to this day honors her memory by awarding the Darlene Briggs Marine Women of the Year award. It is the top award for women at all levels in the marine industry. It has become a very coveted award. 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 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. That year Wayzata Marine and Minnetonka Marine were also awarded the prestigious Tiara Yachts dealership. 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. As our business has expanded and evolved over the years, personalized, local service and long-term customer relationships have continued to help us establish an outstanding reputation and make us a leader in the boating industry. Buying a boat can be confusing to some, but we've made it as clear and simple as possible for our customers. Check out our boat buying guide.

HistoryBill Hooper started the business after working for 4 previous other sailboat dealers beginning in the 1970's and has been sailing since those days as well from racing in the midwest & Canada & Florida & cruising from the Chesapeake Bay to Key West, Hawai'i, California, the Caribbean & all over the Bahamas. Brian Jepsen came into the business in the early 90's & he has many racing credits & cruising experience. David Marsh, Bill's first employee still is with the company & heads up the service end of the business & there isn't much he can't do & do well. He and his wife keep a boat in Florida and have sailed it from there to Venezuela & back. We've had several other great employees through the years who have helped make Hooper's what we are today.SpecialtiesWe are a sailboat dealership specializing in SAILBOATS. We sell New J/Boats (performance cruisers & one design racers from 22 - 65') & we sell more used sailboats than all the local dealers combined. If you are looking for a boat or wish to sell your boat, give us a call. We are very successful and we have buyers waiting. We also have a retail accessory store that is very well equipped with what you want for your sailing vessel. We have a quality service department & can take care of all of your sailboat needs from fixing to upgrading including fiberglass repair, woodworking, metal work, electrical.....on and on. We are Nissan/Tohatsu Outboard dealers & we are a great source for parts too. We have a 5 acre DIY boat yard for those needing to work on their own vessels, or for storage anytime of the year. We also have transportation to get your boat on a cradle to it's destination. Our uniqueness is that we know all about sailboats & their systems. We are not fancy like the big box stores, but we do more than sell you parts (first of all we know the parts), but we can problem solve, show you different approaches & help you choose the best solution. We have cruising, offshore & racing experience. We know most everything about our area and more when it comes to sailing, marinas, resources, etc. We can be a valuable help for you. Check out our web site: www.hoopersyachts.com.