Bartos Group BLOG

In this episode produced by the Bartos Group, Mary Bartos sits down with Kevin Woods to give a complete look behind the scenes at Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida. For boat owners and seasonal residents alike, the conversation outlines everything from brokerage and listings to the seasonal routines that keep boats reliable all year. Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida emerges in the discussion as a full-service partner—sales, service, storage and demo experiences—designed to keep vessels in top shape and owners confident on the water.

What Marco Yacht Sales Does — Sales and Service Under One Roof

Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida operates with two complementary divisions: a sales department focused on new and pre-owned boats, and a certified service department that maintains and repairs virtually every system on a boat. Kevin outlines the new boat brands they represent—Trifecta, Blackjack, Frontier and Blackwood—and emphasizes that their pre-owned listings and brokerage services make selling or trading a boat simple for owners on Marco Island and beyond.

The service side of Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida is Mercury, Suzuki, and Yamaha certified, and staffed with a multi-skilled technician team. Whether a customer owns a single-outboard bay boat or multiple-engine offshore center consoles, the shop’s technicians are organized by specialties to address engines, electronics, electrical systems, plumbing and refits.

Brands, Brokerage and Flexible Storage

For owners thinking about buying or selling, Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida supports the entire transaction lifecycle: listing, marketing, storage and delivery. The company maintains a storage yard for boats that need to be moved from lifts quickly, and their sales team handles everything involved in listing a boat so sellers can focus on the rest of their move or sale.

Seasonal Care: Winterizing and De-Winterizing Made Easy

One of the most practical parts of the interview is Kevin’s explanation of seasonal care. For seasonal residents who split time between homes, Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida provides on-dock winterization and spring commissioning (de-winterization) that minimizes headaches and time out of the water.

Winterization is more than topping off fluids—Kevin describes it as lubricating internal engine components and applying protective treatments (like fogging oil) that prevent corrosion and degradation while a boat is idle. The process typically takes about two hours on site at the dock, making it convenient for owners preparing to leave the island.

“When you leave, we’re going to pretty much winterize your boat… it’s going to protect everything and it’s also going to make sure that when you come back, you’re going to have a good boat.”

When owners return for the season, Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida performs the reverse: they de-winterize, remove fogging oil residues, run the engines, check systems and ensure the boat is ready for the first outing. Again, the on-dock service is efficient—about two hours—so owners can enjoy their time rather than spend it troubleshooting mechanical surprises.

Major Repairs, Refits and Systems Work

Beyond routine maintenance, Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida handles major repairs and complex refits. Kevin shares examples of ambitious projects—such as removing an older diesel inboard from a late-1980s Proline and converting the boat to a modern outboard setup. That project included complete plumbing, electrical, battery systems and structural work.

This capability means the shop can tackle everything from electronics upgrades and rewiring to full propulsion changes. Owners who want to modernize an older hull or reconfigure systems will find the shop equipped and experienced.

Trailers, Lifts and Logistics

Getting a boat out of the water is handled with flexibility. For most projects Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida uses service trailers to haul vessels to their shop. For larger boats, they partner with local marinas— San Marco Marina and Calusa Island Marina in Goodland—which have lifts capable of handling bigger hulls. Boats are brought to the shop, repaired or refitted, and returned to the owner—minimizing downtime and logistical headaches for the owner.

Why Local Knowledge Matters for Seasonal Residents

Marco Island attracts many seasonal property owners who want the benefits of Southwest Florida living without being year-round residents. Kevin and Mary discuss how having a trusted local partner is essential: the shop monitors seasonal needs, understands marina logistics, and provides on-dock convenience that respects an owner’s schedule. That local expertise is exactly what Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida delivers—particularly valuable for owners who are only on the island for part of the year and need reliable, prompt service.

Open House & Demo Days: October 10–12

Instead of being physically present at the Marco Island Yacht Club boat show, Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida will host an open house at their shop during the same weekend—October 10–12. The event will include refreshments, shop tours, and most importantly, demo rides on Blackjack and Trifecta models to let prospective buyers experience the boats on the water.

Demo rides will run out of Calusa Island Marina in Goodland, with the company providing transport from their shop (761 E Elkcam Cir, across from the recycle center next to the firehouse) to the launch location. Scheduling a demo is simple: call the shop or stop by to reserve a time slot and experience the boat firsthand, which Kevin emphasizes is crucial—photos and showroom views only tell part of the story.

Practical Tips for Boat Owners

• Schedule winterization before you leave: Plan ahead—winterization takes roughly two hours and prevents costly springtime repairs.
• Book a spring commissioning: De-winterizing ensures fogging oil is cleared, batteries are healthy, and the boat is ready for immediate use.
• Keep a trusted local service provider: A local shop like Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida offers quick, reliable access to certified technicians.
• Use demo rides when buying: Always request a sea trial or demo day to evaluate performance, ergonomics, and handling.

FAQ

How long does winterization or de-winterization take?

Typically about two hours on the dock for most outboard-powered boats. The team performs necessary lubrication, fogging, and system checks to protect engines and prepare them for idle or active use.

Does Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida tow boats or lift larger boats?

The shop uses service trailers for most hauling and partners with local marinas (San Marco Marina and Koose Island/Koose Island Marina in Goodland) that provide larger lifts for boats the trailers can’t manage.

Can they perform full refits and engine conversions?

Yes. Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida handles major refits, including complete propulsion conversions, rewiring, plumbing upgrades and full system overhauls.

Do they list and sell boats on behalf of owners?

Yes. Their sales department manages listings, brokerage, and storage solutions for sellers who need their boat moved quickly or stored while awaiting sale.

How do I schedule a demo ride during the boat show weekend?

Call the shop at the number provided on their website or stop by 761 E Elkcam Cir to reserve a demo slot. Demos launch from Koose Island Marina and transportation from the shop will be coordinated.

Final Thoughts and How to Reach Them

Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida positions itself as more than a dealership—it’s a local marine partner that understands the needs of seasonal and full-time boaters in Southwest Florida. From quick on-dock services to complex refits and brokered sales, their capabilities are broad and designed to reduce stress for boat owners.

To schedule service, a demo, or to list a boat, owners are encouraged to contact the shop directly. Visit the Marco Yacht Sales website or call to reserve your demo during the October 10–12 open house, or to schedule winterization and spring commissioning services. Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida is ready to keep your vessel seaworthy and your boating season uninterrupted.

Contact and location reminder: Marco Yacht Sales — 761 E Elkcam Cir, Marco Island, FL. Call to schedule service, storage, or a demo day and experience why Marco Yacht Sales Southwest Florida is a go-to resource for boat owners in the region.