About IMC
Islands Marine Center (IMC) was launched in 1972 by Ron and Jennifer Meng. These hardworking newly weds established IMC on Lopez Island, a remote location where few could see the need or feasibility for a marina. Despite naysayers, the couple buckled down and slowly expanded from selling parts and marine services out of the trunk of a Volkswagen to what has become a full-service marina, boat dealership and repair facility with more than 25 employees.
Now, almost four decades later, with the Mengs still standing at the helm, IMC attracts customers from all across Washington as well as maintaining a strong customer base throughout the United States. The Mengs believed IMC’s success would hinge on their ability to find a market niche and then fill it better than anyone else. “We knew early on that Lopez is 40 minutes from America,” said Ron. “In order to stay in business we had to offer something unique. People pass up a lot of other boat dealerships to come to us.”
As the commercial fishing fleet in the San Juan Islands waned in the late 1970s and pleasure boating began to fill the void, the Mengs noticed that many boaters were purchasing the wrong kind of vessel for their needs. They also noticed many boaters didn’t know how to properly run or care for their boats.
The need for boating education sparked an idea. By taking a very personal approach to becoming a boat dealership, the Mengs began matching customers with boats that fit their needs. They instituted a hands-on orientation, which they provided to every one of their boat buying customers.
Today, as dealers of Ocean Sport, Harbercraft and Pursuit boats, IMC continues that tradition. Every new boat sold comes with a thorough, two-day orientation that familiarizes the new owners with the operation and maintenance of their boat.
Today, IMC has expanded into a full-service facility featuring a 100-slip marina, a factory trained service department, a fully-stocked chandlery and auto parts department; a dealership for Ocean Sport, Pursuit and Kingfisher boats and Yamaha motor sales. IMC also offers year-round boat storage and haul-outs to 25 tons.
IMC's sales office, Ship's Store, Napa Auto Parts and Marine parts department are all located in our main building. On the top floors are two connecting apartment's that are rented out or provided for customer's who are orientating their new boat.
Our 100-slip marina went through major renovations in the last few years, as floats and hardware were replaced after 20+ years. We also added a brand new pump-out system - the only one in Fisherman's Bay. We are also proud to be one of Washington State's Certified Clean Marinas.
Our three bay shop provides customers with the absolute best and latest in marine service work. Our certified mechanics (outboard and stern drive) attend service school on a yearly basis to keep abreast of the changes and innovations in the industry. We also have a state of the art rigging team, as well as an experienced detailing department.
Our Ship's Store is stocked with everything you might need on your boating adventures. Everything from parts for those unexpected breakdowns to books for those lazy summer days on deck. We carry a variety of educational books, charts and cruising literature as well.
Since the islands are known for great fishing (and because many of us fish ourselves) we also carry a wide selection of fishing tackle, bait, downriggers, downrigger parts and equipment and lots of other fishing gear.
We also carry Yamaha motors in our Ship's Store. As well as a wide array of parts for these outboards as we are an authorized dealer and service facility for Yamaha.
Our well stocked parts department carries thousands of parts and items that come in handy for boaters.
We even stock kitchen supplies, just in case you forgot your spatula.
Don't forget to bring a souvenir home! We've got those too.
Rain gear, crab cookers, BBQ utensils, and much more..... Come on in - You'll be surprised at the variety of items we have in our well-stocked store!
Islands Marine Center
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P.O. Box 88 2793 Fisherman Bay Road Lopez Island, WA 98261, United States |
Tel (360) 468 3377 Fax (360) 468 2283 Email Us www.islandsmarinecenter.com |
