MLA Business Member Spotlight: Hamilton Marine

It all began in Wayne Hamilton’s garage. In 1977 Hamilton, a commercial fisherman with a bad back, began selling fishing supplies from his Searsport home to local fishermen, then to fishermen throughout the coast. Once each week Hamilton would tow his snowmobile trailer filled with equipment to commercial fishing co-ops, bringing what the fishermen needed right to the docks.

From Wayne Hamilton's garage to throughout the coast. Hamilton Marine photo.

His business took off. “Hamilton Marine has always had a direct connection to the fishing industry,” said Evan Kohls, Hamilton Marine director of sales. “Our stores are in fishing communities. We want to do a good job for our customers. Wayne really prides himself on that.”

The company has grown steadily decade by decade, offering products to boatbuilders, sailors, pleasure boaters and commercial fishermen in Maine, New England and elsewhere. Today Hamilton Marine operates stores in Kittery, Portland, Rockland, Searsport, Southwest Harbor, and Jonesport. Customers can shop for just about anything related to boats in person, online, or via Hamilton Marine’s extensive annual catalogue.

“We serve commercial fishermen, boat builders, and retail customers,” Kohls said. “One segment will be stronger in a given year. During Covid, retail was strong. People were shopping online. Now boatbuilding and commercial fishing are good for us.”

Hamilton Marine has consistently shown its support for Maine’s lobster fishery. Whether it was donating much-needed funds to the MLA legal defense fund, selling Save Maine Lobstermen gear, or providing gift certificates for MLA events, Hamilton Marine has been in the MLA’s corner for many years.

“It’s part of our roots,” Kohls explained. “It’s part of the importance of lobstering to Maine. We want to stay informed on the issues lobstermen are facing. And we want to support them when we can.”