E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works

E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works America's first Chris Craft Dealership. Celebrating 100 years of marine expertise in Northern Michigan. Check out Liberty Bay Cookie Co. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

and Mackinac Island Cookie Co.! FALL HOURS
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

Service – Our certified Mercury, Johnson/Evinrude and Yamaha and Honda Marine mechanics are in Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. We service inboards, outboards, fiberglass, aluminum, and carbon fiber hulls. Rigging - As Honda and Yamaha dealers, we take repowering your boat to the next level. With almo

st 100 years of boat knowledge, we'll provide you with the perfect motor that will meet your boat and lifestyle needs. Antique Wooden Boat Restoration – As the first Chris Craft dealer in the world, we take wooden boats seriously. Our team of highly skilled craftsmen take pride in our antique wooden boat restoration process. We are capable of taking the skeleton a woodie rebuilding and restoring Chris Craft, Garwood, Lyman, Thompson and other classic names to factory-fresh condition, maintaining originality at all times. Check out our photo albums for projects complete and in the works. Seasonal Storage – Prices and individual estimates are available upon request. We provide both heated and cold storage. With our indoor-only policy, you are guaranteed the best care for your boat. Call for seasonal rates and to be added to our wait list. Fuel – Our *BRAND NEW* 65 ft. gas and diesel dock can accommodate boats drawing up to 10 feet of water, so that we've never had to turn a customer away. We pump marine-grade fuel has been pre-treated with ValvTect. Keep an eye on our page to find an updated price for ethanol-free fuel and diesel. Seasonal Docking - We have season long slip rental available. Being located centrally between Mackinac Island and Drummond Island there is so much to see! Not to mention exploring the 36 Les Cheneaux Islands that surround us - call for pricing and reservations.

Looking for a job on the water!? We’re hiring at Mertaugh Boat Works! Come in person, send us an email or give us a call...
06/10/2026

Looking for a job on the water!? We’re hiring at Mertaugh Boat Works! Come in person, send us an email or give us a call for more information and to apply!

Yes that is snow on the docks on May 1! Mother Nature may be confused, but we’re staying on schedule. Boating season wai...
05/01/2026

Yes that is snow on the docks on May 1!

Mother Nature may be confused, but we’re staying on schedule. Boating season waits for NO ONE! 🚤⛵️⚓️

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from one of Earth's most gorgeous archipelago's, the Les Cheneaux Islands! French for "the channels", it's named for the unbelievably beautiful waterways that wind and weave through the islands. Many daily drivers to the islands are the classic wooden boats sold new from our marina, and boating through the channels feels like a step back in time. If you have not been to the Les Cheneauxs put it on your list for this summer! It is truly the Upper Peninsula at its best 😍

Does it feel like spring yet? 🤪
04/10/2026

Does it feel like spring yet? 🤪

02/17/2026

Check out Mackinac Island Cookie Co.!!

01/25/2026

A little snowmobile tour of frozen Les Cheneaux! So different from summer 🥶 but how fun is it to see the drifts and ride by all the boat houses?! We’re so lucky to live in such a special place. Time to warm up though…I think it was like 10 degrees out 😂

!!!
10/03/2025

!!!

Today's work view! Can you tell where we are?
10/01/2025

Today's work view! Can you tell where we are?

💙✨
08/01/2025

💙✨

🎉 Celebrating 💯 Years of E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works! 🛥️

1925–2025

A century ago, Gene Mertaugh built a boat house from scrap lumber in Hessel, Michigan—and in so doing, he launched a legacy. In 1927, he became the very first Chris-Craft dealer in the world, often driving the boats up to Hessel from Algonac on Lake Huron.

From those early days to today, E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works has stood as a symbol of craftsmanship, community, and commitment to classic boating.

Over the decades, the helm passed from the Mertaugh family to Bruce & Nancy Glupker, and finally to Shelley & Brad Koster—each generation preserving the magic of wooden boats in the Les Cheneaux Islands.

As they celebrate 100 years of tradition, restoration, and service, we hope you'll join us Saturday, August 9th, as we honor the role they’ve played in our community AND in helping to host our show.

The "Boat Sheaux" wouldn't be in its 47th year without the commitment of the leadership at E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works over the years. We truly can't thank all of them enough. 💛

💯 Here's to the next 100 years on the water.

📸 Pictured: a colorized tribute of an iconic vintage photo of Gene Mertaugh.

Generators are running and everything is ice - we've never seen anything like this before! Stay safe, everyone! Warmer d...
03/31/2025

Generators are running and everything is ice - we've never seen anything like this before! Stay safe, everyone! Warmer days and repaired power lines are ahead.

Address

296 S Hessel Point Road
Hessel, MI
49745

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(906) 484-2434

Website

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