Family Owned. Water Obsessed.
Three generations of one family, one community, and one unshakeable belief — there is no better place to be than out on the water. Bay Outboard Marine has always been more than a dealership — it's a gathering place for the boating community of Mid-Michigan. For nearly eight decades, our showroom in Saginaw has been where local anglers, families, and water enthusiasts come not just to buy boats, but to talk fishing, share stories, and get advice from people who genuinely know and love the water.
That sense of community is something no chain dealership can replicate — and it's something we're deeply proud of. Today, our indoor showroom is stocked with some of the most respected names in the industry. As Mid-Michigan's largest stocking dealer for tri-toons, we carry Tahoe Pontoons — built right here in Michigan and known for their innovation, quality, and performance. Our aluminum fishing boat lineup includes Starcraft®, SMOKER CRAFT®, and Starweld in a full range of sizes and configurations. Whether you're rigging out for serious tournament fishing or looking for a comfortable pontoon for family days on the lake, we have a boat that fits your life and your budget.
Saginaw, MichiganOur beginning
Built From The Water Up, One Boat At a Time
Bay Outboard Marine began in 1946 with a simple idea and a great deal of hard work. Founder John W. Fobear Sr. started by building small wooden boats by hand — working late into the night, driven by a genuine love for the water and a belief that he could build something that would last. What he built lasted nearly eight decades. Today, under third-generation leadership, the Fobear family continues to serve the boating communities of Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland with the same commitment to quality, honesty, and customer satisfaction that John instilled from day one.
We are not a chain. We are not a franchise. We are a family — and this dealership is our life's work. As we head into our eighth decade, Bay Outboard Marine remains as committed as ever to the communities of Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. We continue to invest in our team, expand our inventory, and stay ahead of the latest developments in marine technology — because our customers deserve nothing less. The boats change, the brands evolve, and the industry moves forward — but the values at the core of this business remain exactly what John W. Fobear Sr. built them to be in 1946. Family. Integrity. A love for the water that never fades.
"John worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to grow the business. That spirit — of doing whatever it takes, of caring deeply about the craft — is still alive in everything we do today."
— The Fobear Family · Bay Outboard Marine · Since 1946
Nearly Eight Decades On the Water
From hand-built wooden boats to Michigan's largest stocking tri-toon dealer — this is the story of a family and a community that loves the water.
Where it all began
John W. Fobear Sr. begins building small wooden boats by hand in Saginaw, MI. His passion and dedication lead to Chris Craft kit boats and the creation of what would become Mid-Michigan's most trusted marine dealership.
Fiberglass & aluminum boats
The business expands to selling manufactured fiberglass and aluminum boats, including Chris Craft outboards — meeting the growing demand from Mid-Michigan boating enthusiasts and establishing a reputation for quality.
Second generation takes the helm
John's three sons — Ron, Fred, and Jack — take over leadership of the dealership. They introduce larger Rinker boats and Crest pontoon boats, broadening the product range and deepening community roots.
Mercury outboards & new horizons
The outboard lineup expands to include Mercury® engines. The dealership continues to grow its service capabilities, parts inventory, and brand relationships — building the foundation for the modern dealership it would become.
Third generation — and still growing
Now in its third generation, Bay Outboard Marine is Mid-Michigan's largest stocking tri-toon dealer. We carry Tahoe Pontoons, Starcraft®, SMOKER CRAFT®, Starweld and Vexus Boats
Our expertise
Factory Certified. Community Trusted.
Our team also holds factory certifications for Mercury®️, Yamaha®️, and Suzuki®️ outboards, with over 115 years of combined technician experience.
That expertise means your warranty stays intact, your engine is serviced to exact manufacturer specifications, and you leave our shop with complete confidence in your boat. Whether you need routine maintenance, engine repairs, winterization, or warranty work — we are the most qualified team in the region.
Factory certification isn't just a plaque on the wall. It means our technicians have completed rigorous manufacturer-approved training programs, have access to proprietary diagnostic tools and technical service bulletins, and are held to a standard of service that independent shops simply cannot match. When your engine needs attention, the difference between a certified technician and a general mechanic can mean the difference between a repair that lasts and one that fails again six months later.
When you leave your boat with us, you can walk away with genuine confidence — not just hope. Every repair is performed to the manufacturer's exact specification, every part used is approved for your specific engine, and every job is backed by the kind of accountability that only comes from a family business with nearly 80 years of reputation on the line. We don't cut corners. We don't guess. We do it right — because our name is on the door, and that means everything to us.
What we stand for
Values We've Upheld For 80 Years
Three generations of the Fobear family have put their name on this business. Every interaction, every repair, every boat sale reflects our personal reputation — and we don't take that lightly.
We hold the highest certification available in our region for Evinrude® and are factory certified for all major outboard brands. Your boat deserves more than a guess — it deserves qualified hands.
Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland aren't just markets to us — they're home. We've served these communities for nearly 80 years and we intend to be here for the next 80.
