Making Waves

A Look Inside Wyland’s Marine’s Legacy

Photographer / Jessica Whitehead

Every year there comes a time in late spring when the air gets warmer and the days get longer, and plans point to spending time on the water again. What better way to beat the winter blues than to start preparing to hit the water for family fun, fishing and more.

Wyland’s Marine in Elkhart and Mishawaka is the one-stop shop to answer those nautical needs. From new and preowned watercraft sales, service and even financing, Wyland’s Marine is a comprehensive company serving water activity enthusiasts for 85 years.

Wyland’s Marine has been family owned and operated since 1941. Earl Wyland first opened Wyland’s Marine on U.S. 33 in Elkhart, selling Evinrude outboards along with hunting and fishing gear. In 1983, the Wyland family acquired Bulldog Marina on Jackson St. in Elkhart along the St. Joseph River, where the original store still stands today. San Pan and Aqua Patio pontoons were the main seller in those days.

A decade later, in 1993, a second location opened in Mishawaka, also along the St. Joseph River, and both stores are still in operation today, with plans to open a third location in southern Michigan soon.

Today, this impressive full-service marine business is helmed by Owner Steve Wyland, and run by General Manager Tim Buzalski, Office Manager Taylor Wyland and Sales Manager Abe Buzalski.

Wyland’s Marine sells a variety of watercraft and equipment. Watercraft lines include Bennington, Godfrey, Evotti and Sylvan pontoons, as well as Hurricane deck boats, Yamaha outboards and Kawasaki jet skis. Boats can be customized with items such as the Lillipad Ladders and diving boards, which they sell. Customers can also find RGC boat lifts and docks, and Trailmaster trailers at Wyland’s.

In addition to watercraft and equipment sales, Wyland’s offers full boat and engine service with their factory-trained technicians and service personnel. Additional services include repowering older boats with new motors, installing electric bimini tops, and new boat covers and canvas.

“We are always looking for younger folks interested in becoming mechanics,” Buzalski says.

And if all this doesn’t make the argument for Wyland’s Marine being a one-stop shop for all things water activity, add to the list annual watercraft maintenance such as detailing and algae build-up removal, boat lift and dock installation, winterization service and inside boat storage. In fact, Wyland’s Marine has the capacity to store over 800 boats inside their clean, metal storage buildings for the winter. Pickup and delivery are available with or without a personal trailer.

Rental needs are covered on Wyland’s menu of services as well, with over 70 slips available to rent between both store locations. Freedom Boat Club is onsite to answer Wyland’s customers’ boat rental requests.

Wyland’s stays current on watercraft innovations and connected to customers by participating in the annual Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show for more than 40 years. This year’s Chicago show is scheduled to take place January 28 – February 1, 2026. They also participate in South Bend’s Michiana Boat & Sports Show, this year taking place January 23-25, 2026. Wyland’s also holds their own in-house show in February.

For more information about Wyland’s product lines and services, visit wylandsmarine.com. Wyland’s Marine has two locations, one in Mishawaka at 13100 Jefferson Blvd. You can call them at 574-259-1510. You can visit the Elkhart Store at 3931-A East Jackson Blvd and call 574-295-7632.
They are closed for the season until May.