About Us

Bowie Marine... we're here long after the sale. Making a purchase is always easier when you have confidence that the business where you're making that purchase is going to be there for you down the road. That is why Bowie Marine in Decatur is the place to purchase a boat, whether your interest is fishing or skiing.

James Wilkins, owner of Bowie Marine, opened his business in 1975 in Bowie. It was in the same location for 23 years until he moved to Decatur in October 1998. "The main reason we moved is that we outgrew the Bowie store," he said. "Plus the current location offers more visibility."

The move to Decatur allowed Wilkins to triple his space, making his new store more than 12,000 square feet larger than the store in Bowie. After relocating to Decatur, the Bowie store was closed.

Wilkins offers a large selection of boats and boat accessories. Brands include deck boats, Sylvan pontoon boats and aluminum boats and pontoon boats. Outboard motors include Evinrude, Johnson and Mercury.

"Bowie Marine will be offering 2006 Dino Tuning by mid-November," Wilkins Said.

Racing outboard boats is what led Wilkins into the retail boat business years ago. Even before he began racing professionally from 1977 to 1983, he was winning races and people sought his advice. The demand continued to increase, especially when he became the holder of five world speed records, including the fasteest outboard in the world, clocked at 132 miles an hour in the quarter-mile.

"Everybody wanted to know what I was doing," said Wilkins. "They wanted me to work on their boats."

While he obviously enjoys the speed of some boats, Wilkins also enjoys the quiet of fishing. Wilkins won't specify which boat he prefers.

"All boats have their own thrill," he said.

Customers enter Bowie Marine's front doors and go into the showroom, where six boats are on display.

There are about 30 different boats on site, offering an outstanding selection.

At Bowie Marine, customer service doesn't end with the purchase. Bowie Marine will service any boat it sells. The business has a full shop and Wilkins is a certified mechanic on all brands sold.

Wilkins and his wife live in Decatur and have been married 38 years.

In addition to Bowie Marine, they own three car washes, one in Newark, Alvord and Bowie. They also operate Wilkins Storage, a 42-unit mini-storage facility near Alvord. They have one daughter, a son-in-law and two grandchildren.

Living and working in Decatur is good for businesses. "People know me," said Wilkins. "They also know I've been in business a long time and I'll be here tomorrow."

He has many repeat customers and believes the way he treats people brings them back.

"I feel honesty and integrity are a very important part of any business," he said.

Bowie Marine is located at 200 W. Thompsom in Decatur. It is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.