About Petzold’s
Petzold’s Marine Center, a family-owned business since 1945, has been a trusted name in the boating industry for 80 years. With sales locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island, we offer a premier selection of new and pre-owned boats, along with expert brokerage services, trade-ins, financing, maintenance & Marine Store. Our dedicated team provides unmatched customer service, helping boaters find the perfect vessel and ensuring a seamless buying or selling experience. At Petzold’s, we’re more than a dealership—we’re a community of boating enthusiasts committed to making your time on the water unforgettable.
Our History
1945
Early Years: Outboard Motors & Expansion
- William & Agnes Petzold begin selling outboard motors, including Martin, Champion, and Evinrude as well as building row boats out of the basement of their home.
- As demand grows, the business builds a separate store and shop on Route 66 in Portland to accommodate larger boats using wood from a chicken coop, with outboard models reaching up to 25 feet.
1950s
Growth & New Brands
- Petzold’s starts selling factory-built boats, beginning with Tomahawk brand 12–16-foot wood runabouts.
- Bill and Agnes Petzold leave their full-time jobs to pursue their passion for boating. Agnes steps away from her role as a schoolteacher to manage the office, while Bill leaves his machinist position to focus on building the business.
- Inventory expands with new boat brands, including Trojan, Pembroke, and Owens.
- A small location on the Connecticut River off Grove Street in Portland was purchased to launch boats and offer moorings
1959
A New Waterfront Location
- Servicing and transporting larger boats from the highway location becomes difficult and an on-water location was needed.
- Bill Sr. purchases a seven-acre lot at the former Gildersleeve Shipyard in Portland, CT on the Connecticut river. The land had been vacant since 1930.
1960s
& 70s
A Permanent Home on the River
- In 1962 William Petzold Junior graduated college and runs the route 66 location.
- 1966 – Petzold’s moves all services to its new location on the Connecticut River on Indian Hill Ave in Portland.
- The company discontinues outboard motor sales and service
- A travel lift well, 40x100-foot storage shed, and small workshop are built.
1980s
& 90s
Expansion & Increased Capacity
- William Sr.’s daughter, Elaine, and her husband, Richard Cote, join the family business. Richard takes the lead in the service department while Elaine manages the office operations
- The original shed is expanded, and a showroom and additional storage buildings are constructed.
- Two more travel lift wells are added, along with 15-ton, 35-ton, and 55-ton travel lifts, allowing boats up to 70 feet to be hauled.
- The facility becomes a winter storage destination, with the capacity to store 300 boats and offering summer slips for boaters on the Connecticut River.
- Several more boat lines were added including Egg Harbor, Viking, Silverton, Mainship & Ocean Yachts.
- During the mid 80’s a major Marine Trade Magazine surveyed dealers all over the country and Petzold’s was named largest boat dealer with one location.
- Develops one of the largest discount marine stores, selling parts and accessories.
2000s
Full-Service Boating Center
- Petzold’s grows into one of New England’s largest boat dealers, representing top brands like Silverton, Mainship, Sabre & Back Cove.
- A full-service & repair department, Ship’s Store, and motor parts department support boaters year-round.
- The brokerage division becomes a key part of the business.
- In 2008, Ken and Bob Petzold take over the family business. Bob becomes President, overseeing the yard operations, while Ken serves as Vice President, leading the sales department.
2010s
Expanding to New Markets
- Petzold’s expands to two satellite sales offices in Norwalk, CT, and Warwick, RI to better serve the Connecticut shoreline and Rhode Island markets.
- Become authorized service providers for Yanmar, Crusader, Kohler and Volvo.
2020s
Celebrating 75 Years
- 2020 – Petzold’s celebrates 75 years in business with the purchase of a 146-slip protected marina in Chester, CT. Formerly Chrisholm Marina, the newly named Chester Boat Basin offers full-service, dockage, and storage and a family friendly atmosphere.
- Services expand to Yamaha & Mercury Outboards.
- Today, the fourth generation works alongside Bob and Ken, ensuring that a Petzold family member is always on-site. You’ll find Heather, Dominic, Josh, and Connor continuing the tradition of excellence and family involvement
- 2023 Petzold’s adds the prestigious Chris-Craft boats to its boat brand line-up.
