All year long, both residents and visitors alike look forward to spending sun-filled days on Southeastern Wisconsin’s waters, and when the time comes, everyone makes sure to enjoy it to the fullest. We’re brought together by our love for melodic mornings listening to waves hit the shore, afternoons soaking up the warmth, and indulging in the captivating sunsets over the lake.
This cherished lake lifestyle wouldn’t be possible without the reliable local businesses responsible for the region’s boat and pier services. Lake & Country had the opportunity to sit down with four local businesses: Gage Marine, Austin Pier Service, Jerry’s Majestic Marine, and The Boat House to get an insider’s look on what makes these businesses passionate about keeping life on the lake in motion all season long.
Gage Marine
Tracing its roots in Lake Geneva back to 1873, Gage Marine is a well-known and respected local marina known for its quality of service and expertise. Gage is family owned and operated, with a location on the waterfront in Williams Bay on the northwest side of Geneva Lake, as well as a second location in Delavan. Gage provides a variety of services for both private piers and boats, including pier maintenance and painting, pier and lift services, boat storage, wood-working, fiberglass repair, and sailboat rigging. This local marina is also known for offering unique community driven services that give everyone the opportunity to be a part of the lake experience.
“The Boat Club” is a unique service provided by Gage, which benefits anyone who wants to enjoy being out on the water regularly but doesn’t want to own their own boat. With a fleet of top-of-the-line boats available, customers can choose which watercraft is best for their specific needs. This service is convenient for families with children as well as for individuals who want an easy and accommodating boating experience. Another service Gage offers that allows you to relax while you’re at the lake is known as, “Gage In & Out Valet”. With this service, customers can enjoy more time on the water, as Gage staff members will launch, retrieve, and stock your boat with all the necessities
Austin Pier Service
Austin Pier Service is located in Walworth, Wisconsin, and is known for its exceptional service, particularly when it comes to installing and servicing piers, boat lifts, and restoring anchors and buoys. Established in 1963, Austin Pier Service is a second-generation family owned and operated company. They provide complete year-round pier services, keeping everyone’s piers in tip top shape.
Darrell Frederick, President and CEO of Austin Pier Service, takes pride in his family owned business, which is now moving into their third generation. As steadily as their business has grown over the years, Darrell notes that they have always stayed true to their original vision, thus focusing on completing each individual job with excellence. They pride themselves on being professional, and their loyal customers can attest to that. In fact, some have been using their services for over 40 years!
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“The characteristics that set us apart is quality and being true to our word, and I pride myself on that. We may not be the cheapest pier service, but we are very dependable and take care of our customers,” Darrell explains.
Jerry’s Majestic Marine
Jerry’s Majestic Marine, founded in 1984, is family owned and operated with three locations in the area: Walworth, Lake Geneva and Fontana. Jerry’s offers an array of services for your boating needs and is known for their remarkable service department, winter/spring care and maintenance, haul in and out service, boat storage, and impeccable boat detailing. With over 200,000 square feet of indoor storage and service space as well as knowledgeable staff, they are well equipped for taking care of your boat all year round. Mark Oglesby, General Manager of Jerry’s, elaborates: “We are often referred to as a spa for your boat. We take care of your boat and handle all sizes, makes and needs.”
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Jerry’s also provides their customers with special offers, for example, winter storage customers can have access to dockside boat washing. This service is offered weekly, biweekly, and monthly, with dockside washes in the Abbey Marina or at private piers on Geneva Lake!
The Boat House
Lastly, The Boat House, with over 35 years in the industry, strives to enrich their customers experience on the water by providing top quality service, superior brands and a highly experienced staff. National Marketing Director, Trent TerHaar states, “We strive to be there for boaters at any time of their boating experience, whether it’s their first time and they’re thinking about renting or joining a boat club, or they’ve owned multiple boats and expect premium service.” The Boat House has seven locations in the United States, with four in the Midwest and three in Florida. Their facility in Lake Geneva, located on the eastern shore of Geneva Lake provides boat rentals, buoy and slip rentals, and a full-service boat club. While their second location, The Boat House in Lauderdale Lakes, offers a large selection of new and pre-owned boats, pier and lift services, a parts and service department, and boat rentals.
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Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, just getting started, or simply curious about the process, these expert local businesses have you covered. From the hard work of pier and boat lift installation to getting your boat out on the water without any hassle, each business understands that it’s a community effort to make sure that both residents and visitors alike are out enjoying the beautiful water and sunshine of Southern Wisconsin all summer long.
By: Jen Yih
Photography by: Matt Haas
