Ed Watkins Marine - Lake Norman

I purchased a G3 Sportsman in 2024. Kevin Franklin made the process of buying my boat easy and simple! The boat captain, who took us out on Lake Norman, was very helpful in showing me the ins and outs of the boat I purchased! I definitely recommend buying a boat from them!

Ed and his entire team are awesome! Our sales rep, Scott Hyder, took our Triton boat in on a trade (based on pictures only) and we purchased a brand-new 22' SunCatcher pontoon and we could not be more excited! They delivered it right to the marina where we have it docked. A special BIG thank you to Ken Nance, who met us out on Lake Norman and spent time with us showing us how to operate the various systems and accessories on our new boat. He was so patient and kind and left us feeling much more comfortable with operating our new boat. We would highly recommend that if you are in the market for a boat, you head straight to Ed Watkins Marine!

Ken Nance and his team were amazing. It was by far the most hassle free boat or car purchase I have ever been apart of. They were also thousands less than any other dealers I looked at.

Refreshing to see a company that cares! Salesman JW was great to deal with. After looking for a 27cc stingray for months, I contacted many boat dealers. I was ready to trade up on my 24 ft dc stingray and other dealers were not interested in a trade. They just didn’t fit my needs. After contacting JW he made it happen and saved me lot of trouble trying to sell it myself. He gave me a fair price and I also got a good deal on the new boat compared to other dealerships! If you’re in the market for an offshore boat or any boat check out these guys. The 27 cc stingray is an awesome fishing-family boat with high end options. It’s made local for a fair price compared to other manufacturers, I studied a lot and you can’t beat what that boat offers for the price. Mike the service manager helped rig the boat and went the extra mile to get the boat the way I wanted it which included trolling motor, dual monitors, marine radio. It was all installed at Ed Watkins and that was nice ! Mike and Jw took me out on water and showed me everything about the boat. Any questions I had were always answered. Jw would text or call me back immediately, They are just a great bunch of guys. I met Ed Watkins he’s also great guy. There were a few glitches I noticed on the boat they sent Tyler a tech another great guy to my house a hour and 1/2 away to address issues. In todays times myself being a business owner these guys understand that customer service is so important. We are lacking this in todays times, so I’m picky with who I deal with! I don’t right many reviews for good reason most employees or businesses don’t care! But when I find a company that does business the way I do I let people know you. You can trust Ed Watkins and his team to do you right! Thanks Mitch James

I purchased a Stingray DC231 That Ed Watkins received as a trade in. The Boat is in pristine condition, and everything functions, I couldn't be more pleased with the vessel. Here is where Ed Watkins went way above and beyond. Where the rear ladder folds up and tucks into the boat, if its not closed all the way, it damages the gelcoat. This boat had that damage it wasn't substantial mostly cosmetic but it had a small hole. The day I put the boat under a deposit, without asking or charging me, Ed Watkins sent the boat off for repair, and got it back the same day. I didn't ask for the repair to be made, and they didn't charge it back to me. They honored the sale price we agreed on. Working with JW and Ken from the Cornelius location was an absolute pleasure. The price was excellent, the communication and service was drama free. I bought a boat that is good at all the things I need it to be, but it's not great at any of it. I will be a return customer, as soon as I am done pulling tubers and wakeboarders... and I get back into a fishing boat, This team has earned my business.
-Raymond Blanco

I am so glad we didn’t look at these reviews before we purchased a used boat. I can’t get over some of these negative reviews! I can say, though, I am extremely grateful we did not have a negative experience. We purchased a used pontoon boat. Our salesman JW was absolutely awesome! Friendly, professional and personable. We also had the pleasure of working with Ken, the boat captain. He was awesome as well. We had a test run on Lake Norman. He was funny and knowledgeable. We also had our 3 year old with us and both JW and Ken were great with him as well. It was an all together great experience.

New or previous boat owners, great place to buy! I was referred to Ed Watkins Marine by a friend but was not sure if it was right for me because of the distance where I boat, (at the NC coast (outer banks)). It was the right decision, especially for new owners. I bought a new Sea Pro deep V from Ken N., he was patient and spent a lot of time working through the boats accessories, functions and demo on the water. Great tips for operation, trailer, and on the ramp!
Spent whatever time I needed and was timely in responses!

Thank You Ed Watkins Marine! From my 1st contact with Jamie to finishing touches with Ken the entire process was pleasant, no pressure and hassle free.
We found our boat online while 7 hours from Denver they made the extra steps needed to make it all happen even opening up when closed to fit my schedule so I could pick it up. So don't hesitate to contact Ed Watkins for your future purchases.

The staff at Ed Watkins Marine was super friendly and helpful. Me and my father visited Lake Norman for a family vacation. When we got to our rental we were unable to park our boat trailer at the property. We met an Ed Watkins staff member at a local public boat launch. He went out of his way to help us store our trailer at Ed Watkins Marine. We couldn’t be more thankful. highly recommend!!

Why did we drive 5 hours to buy our new 248 SeaPro from Ed Watkins Marine?

First and foremost, the customer service. Received contact from the sales staff the morning after submitting an online inquiry after hours.

The knowledgeable, professional, and courteous staff facilitated our out-of-state purchase process. We were able to negotiate the sales price and arrange financing over the phone in advance of coming to the dealership.

There was no hesitation in arranging a sea trial in 32-degree pending snow weather. Ed Watkins Marine offered the best overall package and features for the price.

It was a pleasure to do business with Ed Watkins Marine! We’d like thank Ed, Scott, Mike and Tina for everything!

Overall, a great experience purchasing a new boat at Ed Watkins. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. I was coming from several states away. Ended up with a boat cover installed on the boat that didn't quite fit right, and there was some followup needed to get the warranty information on my Yamaha outboard. The thing I appreciated was that Scott stuck with me on the service, even after the purchase, didn't ghost me because the transaction was done, stuck with it until all the outstanding issues were taken care of. I'd work with him again on a future boat purchase as well.

I had some motor issues and a broken skag that needed repair. I let Ed Watkins know I had a bass tournament in two weeks and asked it it was possible to have my boat in time. They made a spot for me a repaired the boat the next day! I was blown away!

I worked with Ken when purchasing my boat. Ken made the entire process simple, and also made it fun, which is how buying a recreational toy should be. The entire purchase process was easy, and the Ed Watkins team really catered to my needs. I will purchase another boat Ken in the future.

The cast and crew at Ed Watkins Marine are second to none. Between the cordial informative customer service department as well as the trustworthy sales department the “team” at EWM left me worrying only about if it was going to be sunny or raining as I launched our boat. Follow up questions after our purchase of our new cruiser were met with extreme detail and explanation. This team has got it together and they know their stuff. I don’t even have to mention how well they worked on getting us the correct price for the product. We will be purchasing our next boat there as well. Can’t wait!

Worked with Ed to create products for an upcoming boat show. He is great to work with, personable, and we enjoyed working with this business!

I just purchased a boat from Ed Watkins Marine in Denver, NC, and Scott Hyder was great to work with. They are a very nice group of people, and the customer service was amazing. Scott was willing to work with me, and I really appreciate that. I would highly recommend Ed Watkins Marine for any boating purchases.

Our recent experience with Ed Watkins and his team was true “white glove”. They took their time to understand our needs and provide recommendations that resulted in another satisfied customer. If you are in the market for a boat on Lake Norman, make Ed your go-to! 10 stars!

By far the very best experience buying a boat. Michael in sales was great to work with. He gave me great information about the boat I purchased, an 18’ G3 Bay Boat with 90hp Yamaha SHO. We had a great time outfitting the boat just like I wanted. Michael and the service department did a great job installing my lights, radio, and master power switch. Looks so good; best boat work I have seen.

One thing too is every time I have walked in the showroom at Ed Watkins, everyone is super nice and helpful. I always look forward to stopping by and sharing how much I enjoy my boat. These are some good people!!!

Super happy with my boat, the deal we made, and the new friendships I have made!

Kevin Jones

We having been shopping for tritons for over a year and just did not find one we loved or a dealership we felt comfortable with until we went to Ed Watkins Marine. It was a great experience from the moment we stepped on their lot Micheal made us feel comfortable and never pressured to buy. As first time boat owners he made sure we where comfortable with the boat and has been very responsive to our messages with questions and concerns since. Will defiantly continue our business with them in the future!

After another mechanic shop had my pontoon boat for 3 months and overcharged me and messed it up worse than it was, I took it to Ed Watkins Marine. Dropped it off at 4 pm on a Thursday afternoon. 9 am the next morning, they called me and told me what was wrong with it. After they ordered parts and made sure everything was right before they called me to come get it. Ive had it back over a month now, and everything runs perfect. Great group of guys, very informative, they keep you updated on whats going on, and what to expect. Ed Watkins will be my go to shop for repairs, and service. Thank You !