Crowe Marine first opened its doors in 1959. The dream began with fishing trips on the St. John's River in Astor, Florida. Two brothers, C.D. and Robert Crowe, along with C.D.'s son Bill, would leave East Point, Georgia and head south to "Ormand's Jungle Den Fish Camp," in Astor, Florida.
The men would take the trip twice a year to fish. After several years heading south for these fishing trips, C.D. Crowe approached the owner of Ormand's to buy one of his rental boats. The owner said, "you don't want to buy one of these beat up boats. I will hook you up with the boat builder and let you buy one at my cost." The boat company was Orlando Clipper.
C.D. traveled to Orlando, Florida in the mid 1950's and bought one boat. The Orlando Clipper was intended for personal use by the Crowe family and they kept it out in front of Crowe Sign Company in East Point, Georgia. One day a gentleman came along and was interested in buying that boat. C.D. sold him the boat and went back to Orlando and bought two more Orlando Clipper boats. Thus began the first generation of Crowes in the marine business. In 1964, Bill Crowe joined his father's business and is still active in the showroom every day.
In 1994, Brian Crowe, Bill's son, joined his father in the business. Since then, Bill, his wife Julie, Brian, and his wife Beth all run the business and can be seen every Tuesday through Saturday meeting customers and working with their passion, the boats.
In 1996 the family made a brave decision to pick up and move their successful business to the Lake Oconee area. Bill and his family had spent many weekends enjoying beautiful Lake Oconee. After much discussion, Bill and Brian moved the business to it's current location in February 1996. It was a risk, but today you can see the rapid growth the Lake Oconee area has had. Bill, Julie, Brian and Beth have never looked back on their decision to relocate. If you drive by today, you will see a family friendly business with the largest selection of boats on Lake Oconee.
The company has changed its new boat lineup several times over the years. Currently we sell new Bennington pontoon, Chaparral, Hurricane, and Kawasaki Jet Skis. In addition, our parts department sells a complete lineup of parts and accessories as well as Hyperlite and HO watersports gear.
Our service department provides in house and on the lake service, repair, and maintenance. All of our techs are Yamaha certified professionals.
Basically, we are a one stop shop for all of your Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair, and Lake Jackson fun on the water needs! Come on by and see us anytime at 1010 Lake Oconee Parkway in Eatonton.
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