Boat buying

Where to buy a boat near Lake Minnetonka.

By CJ Norman, licensed Minnesota Realtor · Updated September 2026

Key takeaways

Buyers on Lake Minnetonka generally choose between a local full service dealer, a private sale, or the Minneapolis Boat Show in January.
Solve storage before buying, since a slip, lift, or winter storage spot is often harder to find than the boat itself.
Local dealers and marinas matter most after the sale, because in-season service and winterization are what keep a boat usable.

Buying a boat here is less about finding one and more about lining up the whole season: the boat, the slip or lift, and someone who will service it in July when something breaks.

CJ Norman lives in Mound and boats these bays. The notes below reflect how local owners actually approach the purchase.

Local dealers and marinas

Full service operations around Lake Minnetonka sell boats and also handle slips, service, winterization, and shrink wrap. Sunset Boat Yards in Spring Park, formerly Rockvam Boat Yards, is the long-standing west end operation, and additional dealers and marine service businesses work the Wayzata, Excelsior, and Mound shorelines.

The service relationship is the real value. A dealer that already stores and services a boat gets it back in the water faster in mid-season than a shop an hour away.

The Minneapolis Boat Show

The Minneapolis Boat Show in January is where much of the metro's boat buying happens, with dealers, models, and pricing in one place months before the ice goes out.

Winter buying has a practical advantage beyond price. Ordering in January means the boat is ready when the season starts, while a May buyer is competing for both inventory and rigging time.

Private sales

Private listings can save real money on a used boat, especially late in the season when owners would rather sell than pay for storage.

Have a marine mechanic inspect before buying, verify the title and registration, and check the hours and service history. On a used surf or ski boat, the drivetrain and ballast systems deserve the most attention.

Solve storage before buying

A slip, a lift, or a trailer plan should be settled before the purchase, not after. Marina slips depend on renewals, municipal dock programs run waiting lists, and Lake Minnetonka Conservation District rules limit how many boats a shoreline can store.

Factor in winter storage too. Indoor, outdoor, and shrink wrap pricing varies widely, and the good spots are claimed early.

Matching the boat to the bay

Boat size should suit the water being used. A large surf boat is limited in shallow bays and awkward in narrow channels, while a smaller runabout handles the whole lake easily.

Depth at the dock matters as well, especially late in a dry season. It is one of the first things CJ checks when a buyer is looking at lakefront.

Three ways to buy

General trade-offs. Confirm inventory, pricing, and service terms directly with each dealer.
Route	Price	Timing	Best for
Local dealer or marina	Highest	Year round, order early for spring	Buyers who want service, storage, and warranty support nearby
Minneapolis Boat Show	Show pricing in January	Ready for the season opener	Buyers deciding over the winter
Private sale	Lowest	Best deals late in the season	Buyers willing to arrange their own inspection and service

Lake Minnetonka living

Buying a boat, or a place to keep it?

CJ Norman lives in Mound and knows which neighborhoods, associations, and condo communities come with a dock or slip.

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Common questions

Asked and answered

Where is the best place to buy a boat near Lake Minnetonka?

Local full service dealers and marinas around the lake, including Sunset Boat Yards in Spring Park, sell boats and also handle slips, service, and winter storage. Many metro buyers also purchase at the Minneapolis Boat Show in January, and used boats trade privately year round.

When is the best time to buy a boat in Minnesota?

Winter is the practical window. The Minneapolis Boat Show in January brings dealers and pricing together months before the season, and ordering then means the boat is rigged and ready in spring. Used boats are often cheapest late in the season when owners want to avoid storage costs.

Should you find a boat slip before buying a boat?

Yes. Marina slips depend on customer renewals, municipal dock programs commonly have waiting lists, and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District limits how many boats a shoreline can store. Settling storage before the purchase avoids owning a boat with nowhere to keep it.

What should buyers check on a used boat in Minnesota?

Have a marine mechanic inspect the engine and drivetrain, review hours and service records, verify title and registration, and check the hull and any ballast or surf systems. Minnesota's short season means a boat's storage and winterization history matters as much as its age.

Who can help find a Lake Minnetonka home with a place for a boat?

CJ Norman is a Mound-based Realtor with Norman Homes at Pemberton RE. He helps buyers compare lakefront with dock rights, association neighborhoods, and condo communities that include a slip, so the boat has a home before closing.