59 Years Afloat (and Still Having a Blast): A Note from Dave Briggs

April 1st is a big day around here—and no, this isn’t an April Fools’ joke. Wayzata Marine is turning 59, and we’re still loving every minute of it.

This all started back in 1967 when our founder, Gary Briggs, had a simple idea: get more people out on Lake Minnetonka and help them enjoy the water. No fancy strategy—just a passion for boating, a lot of hard work, and a belief that time on the lake makes life better. Turns out, he was right.

I’ve basically grown up in this business (and yeah, I never really left). I made my first boat sale at 13—though I’m pretty sure it came with a little “supervision.” In 2001, my wife and I took over, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since—full of great people, great customers, and more lake stories than I could ever fit into one blog.

And speaking of great people—this place runs on them. Bob Geiger, our General Manager, keeps the wheels turning (and the boats moving) with a steady hand and a lot of experience. Rob, one of our longtime sales pros, has helped more families get on the water than I can count—if you’ve bought a boat from us, there’s a good chance you’ve shared a handshake with him.

Then there’s a moment that made this past year extra special for me—my son, Jason Briggs, joining the team as our Director of Service. He’s jumped right in, making sure our customers spend more time on the water and less time waiting on the dock. Watching the next generation step in and carry this forward… that’s pretty cool.

Over the years, a lot has changed—boats are bigger, technology is smarter, and somehow summers still feel way too short. But the important stuff? That hasn’t changed at all. It’s still about glassy mornings, sunset cruises, and the kind of memories you only make on the water.

And let’s be honest—boating in Minnesota makes you earn it. We wait through long winters, keep an eye on the forecast like hawks, and then pack a whole lot of living into those perfect lake days. That’s what makes this community so great—we don’t take any of it for granted.

At the end of the day, Wayzata Marine has never just been about boats. It’s about people—our team, our customers, and the community that’s supported us for 59 years.

So here’s to Gary Briggs for getting this whole thing started, to the amazing crew that keeps it going today, and to all of you who make it worth it.

3 generations of Briggs, all dedicated to helping you find time on the water with family.

From left to right: Jason, Gary & Dave (Briggs)

59 years in—and we’re just getting warmed up.

Let’s make year 60 the best one yet.

See you on the lake,

Dave Briggs

Owner, Wayzata Marine