Richardson's Boat Yard: A Century of Making Waves on Sebago Lake
You know, there's something special about a business that's been around for over a hundred years. Richardson's Boat Yard in Standish, Maine, is one of those rare gems. Nestled on the shores of Sebago Lake Basin, this place has been the go-to spot for boating enthusiasts since 1921. Can you imagine? A whole century of helping folks get out on the water!
The Richardson Family Story: Four Generations of Boat Lovers
It all started with Arthur F. Richardson back in '21. The guy had a vision - he bought 300 acres of lakefront property (talk about a smart investment!) and set up shop with a single boathouse. From there, it was all hands on deck:
- 1946: Arthur's son, Everett, took the helm
- 1975: Richard Richardson stepped up to the plate
- 1993: Brothers Jeff and Rick became the fourth-generation co-owners
Now, that's what I call keeping it in the family! It's pretty amazing when you think about it - four generations of Richardsons, all dedicated to helping people enjoy life on the water.
Full-Service Marina: More Than Just a Place to Park Your Boat
These days, Richardson's is a lot more than just that original boathouse. We're talking:
- Over 300 dockage slips
- Two showrooms stocked with the latest and greatest in boating gear
- A couple of full-service departments staffed by folks who really know their stuff
- Winter storage for about 900 boats (because, let's face it, Maine winters are no joke)
The service team at Richardson's? They're the real deal. Whether you need a quick oil change or your engine's making a noise that sounds like a bag of wrenches in a washing machine, these folks have got you covered. They approach every job with the same care and attention to detail that Arthur instilled over a century ago!
Expanding the Fleet: Not Just Any Old Boats
As times changed, so did the boats at Richardson's, from wood to fiberglass. In 1985, they started selling Chaparral boats - sleek, stylish, and perfect for cruising Sebago in style. A few years later, they added Lund boats to the mix, which was great news for the fishing crowd. Robalo fiberglass fishing boats were also added to the lineup, in case aluminum fishing boats weren’t your style. Richardson’s also sells and services Bennington’s, the number one pontoon brand. For the adventure seekers, they also have Sea-Doo personal watercrafts and the customizable, jet-powered Switch pontoon.
It's like they say - there's a boat for every boater at Richardson's.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter in Richardson's Story
Now, you might think a century-old business would be set in its ways, but that's not how the Richardsons operate. Jeff and Rick are always looking for ways to improve and innovate. They're exploring new technologies, thinking about sustainability, and figuring out how to make the Richardson's experience even better for the next generation of boaters.
More Than Just a Marina: It's Part of the Community
At the end of the day, Richardson's Boat Yard is more than just a place to buy, store, or fix your boat. It's a part of the community, a place where memories are made and traditions are born. It's where grandpa taught dad to fish, and now dad's teaching the kids. It's where friendships are forged over early morning coffee on the docks and sunset cruises on the lake.
Here's to Richardson's Boat Yard “the family boating marina on Sebago Lake” - 100 years down and many more to go. May your winds be fair and your waters calm!