A fishing boat leaves a Finger Lakes marina before sunrise. On Long Island, a family prepares a new center-console for its first trip across the bay. Farther south, an enormous custom yacht sits inside a shipyard while engineers plan a complete refit.
New York’s boating industry covers much more than boat sales. It includes recreational dealerships, custom boatbuilders, yacht repair yards, winter storage, dockage and marine servicing. The following companies were selected for their New York operations, product range, industry experience and ability to support boat owners after purchase. Let us explore our leading boat company picks for 2026.
1. Strong’s Marine
Strong’s Marine is one of the largest recreational boat and yacht dealers based on Long Island. The four-generation family business employs more than 200 people and operates showrooms, service centres and marinas across Mattituck, Cutchogue, Southampton, East Hampton, Port Washington, Freeport, Fire Island and Lindenhurst.
Its new-boat range includes brands such as Cobalt, Pursuit, Regal, Grady-White and Cobia. The company’s yacht division represents Cruisers Yachts and Fairline while also handling selected brokerage yachts and pre-owned boats.
Strong’s provides marine repair, seasonal storage, dockage, financing, trade-in assistance and boat-selling services. Its Boat Club and rental operations also give customers access to boating without purchasing a vessel immediately.
Why Strong’s Marine is included: Its extensive Long Island network and combination of sales, yacht brokerage, service, storage and dockage make it one of New York’s most complete recreational boating companies.
- Mattituck Bay location: 2400 Camp Mineola Road, Mattituck, NY 11952
- Official website: https://strongsmarine.com/
2. Smith Boys
Smith Boys is a family-owned New York boat dealer founded in 1937 and headquartered on the Niagara River in North Tonawanda. Its operating network reaches Western New York, Chautauqua Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Conesus Lake and other boating markets across the state.
The company sells new and pre-owned fishing boats, pontoons, wake boats, runabouts and deck boats. Brands shown through its dealership network include Sea Ray, Bayliner, Malibu, Crownline, Smoker Craft, Starcraft and Carolina Skiff.
Smith Boys also offers maintenance, repairs, parts, winter storage, boat rentals and slip services. Its marine operation serves ordinary recreational customers as well as selected commercial, military and law-enforcement requirements.
Why Smith Boys is included: Its long New York history, wide model selection and strong service-and-storage network make it especially useful to boaters across Western and Central New York.
- Headquarters: 280 Michigan Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
- Official website: https://www.smithboys.com/
3. Morgan Marine
Morgan Marine is a full-service boat dealership located on Keuka Lake in Penn Yan. It is an authorised dealer for Boston Whaler, Four Winns, Premier Pontoons, Supra, Hobie and other recreational-water brands.
Its inventory covers fishing boats, pontoons, bowriders, watersports boats, kayaks and paddleboards. Customers can shop for both new and pre-owned models, arrange financing or request a trade-in evaluation.
The company also operates service and parts departments and provides summer dockage, winter storage, a fuel dock, boat lifts, rentals and cottage accommodation. This makes Morgan Marine particularly practical for Finger Lakes customers who want to purchase, store and maintain their boat through one local company.
Why Morgan Marine is included: Its waterfront Keuka Lake location and combination of boat sales, repairs, storage, dockage and rentals make it a strong Finger Lakes boating centre.
- Address: 2 Route 54–East Lake Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527
- Official website: https://www.morganmarine.net/
4. Derecktor Shipyards
Derecktor Shipyards was founded in Mamaroneck in 1947. Its New York facility remains the company headquarters and new-construction base while also providing repair and refit services for yachts and commercial vessels.
The company has built a wide variety of craft during its history, including America’s Cup vessels, large private yachts, ferries, research boats and US Coast Guard cutters. Its work is considerably more specialised than that of an ordinary recreational dealership.
The Mamaroneck yard can support custom construction, engineering, repowering, structural work, mechanical repairs and complicated refit projects. Derecktor also operates large-yacht facilities in Florida and a yacht yard in Maine.
Why Derecktor Shipyards is included: Its custom-building heritage and capacity to undertake complex yacht and commercial-vessel work give it an important position in New York’s marine industry.
- New York headquarters: 311 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
- Official website: https://derecktor.com/
5. Scarano Boat Building
Scarano Boat Building is an Albany company specialising in custom-designed power vessels, sailing vessels and historic replicas. It has designed and constructed boats for more than 35 years.
Rather than selling mass-produced recreational models, Scarano works with owners to develop vessels for particular operating requirements. Its portfolio includes passenger vessels, charter boats, sailing craft and traditional designs built with modern engineering and systems.
The company also provides repair, restoration, design and marine-canvas services. Its construction knowledge can be valuable when restoring an unusual or historically important vessel.
Why Scarano Boat Building is included: Its custom engineering and ability to construct powerboats, sailing boats and historic replicas make it one of New York’s most distinctive boatbuilders.
- Address: 194 South Port Road, Albany, NY 12202
- Official website: https://www.scaranoboat.com/
What Should Boat Buyers Compare?
Buyers should first decide how the boat will be used. Fishing, watersports, overnight cruising and family recreation require different hulls, engines and layouts.
Compare the full delivered price, engine warranty, electronics, trailer, commissioning, winter storage and future service access. A low purchase price may become less attractive when the nearest authorised service centre is several hours away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it better to buy from a local boat dealer?
A: A nearby dealer can make warranty work, seasonal maintenance and urgent repairs easier. However, buyers should still compare prices, service reputation and brand authorisation.
Q: Should a used boat receive a marine survey?
A: A professional survey is advisable for larger or expensive used vessels. It can identify structural, electrical, mechanical and moisture-related problems that may not be visible during an ordinary inspection.
Q: Does the boat price include a trailer?
A: Not always. Larger boats may be sold without trailers, while smaller models may offer one as part of a package. The quotation should clearly list the boat, engine and trailer separately.
Q: What is winterisation?
A: Winterisation prepares the engine, plumbing, batteries and other equipment for freezing temperatures and long-term storage. Incorrect preparation can lead to cracked components and expensive spring repairs.
Q: Can buyers test a boat before completing the purchase?
A: Dealers may arrange a demonstration or sea trial, particularly for larger or pre-owned boats. Buyers should confirm whether fuel, launch or inspection costs apply.