So you want to know more about us? Thanks! We are glad to know you're interested in who we are and what we do. We will try to tell you our story as quickly as we can. To know us now you need to know where we came from...

 

Suncoast Marine Center has a long and storied history in the Tampa Bay boating community. Founded as Seminole Marine in 1969 by three buddies with a knack for business and a boating addiction, we have been around for a good long time. We got our start as a Johnson outboard dealer, and soon became one of the nations largest. Sometime around 1984 the company experienced a few changes including the name. We officially became Suncoast Marine Center! We became an Evinrude dealer along the way too. At our Seminole Boulevard location we became renowned for great engine prices and honest, fast service. During the 80's and 90's the company thrived along with the Tampa Bay boating community. The late 90's were tough with the decline of OMC and the purchase of Evinrude by BRP. After all things are a pendulum, when there are great times you have to expect a few bumps right? With a lot of hard work and continued support from our awesome customers we survived the tough times.

 

After many years, thousands of engines, and lots of great customers Suncoast Marine Center went through its biggest change yet. The company was bought by Robert & Kendra Burke. With a renewed approach to business and boating we set forth a period of growth and expansion Suncoast had not seen in a long time. We rapidly outgrew the original site. So we moved the company.... twice. First in 2003.  The first move didn't fit the image we had in mind. (Things aren't worth doing if you cannot do them right.)  So in April of 2009 we moved to our current (awesome!) facility on Belcher Road.  We continued to grow and develop the business. In 2012 we bought the property and building, added Yamaha outboards to our stable and began remodeling our facility. That was one hell of a year for us. In 2019 we added Mercury Marine, when it became appraent Evinrude was experiencing some changes that could affect us. In 2020 Evinrude halted engine production... That was heart breaking for us. She's been our main line for 51 years. But Times change, Its been a wild ride, and we are still developing, changing and evolving. You might ask why? We have a great place, an amazing crew, a large client base, three powerhouse brands... Well, the why is the most important part of the story...

 

Suncoast Marine Center is a company like no other. Our first priority is you. Dedication to exemplary customer service is our highest priory. Our quality is unmatched. Our experience and knowledge are superior. When we (Bob & Kendra) took over this company we had a simple mission in mind. To be the very best servicing dealer there was. We aren't perfect, but damn if we aren't the best at what we do. We believe you cannot be great at everything so we stick to our nitch, Outboard motors and the boats they go on.  There isn't too much we cannot do for you and your boat. Bob and I don't believe in being good at what we do. We believe in being great at it. We deliver on that every day through our quality, integrity, reliability and dedication. No one will work as hard for you as we will. Period.

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Suncoast has always been an award winning Evinrude dealer. We have won for being the largest in sales; both in parts or engines almost yearly since our beginning. We exceed the service requirements for Evinrude Platinum Dealers, We exceed service requirements for Yamaha dealers too. Our entire service staff are factory trained and certified. We have two Master Technicians on staff.  We are the best at what we do because we are dedicated to it and because we are blessed with an all star staff and a great customer base. Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit about us. Your interest and your business mean a lot to us.

 

Thank you,

Bob & Kendra Burke

 

(photo: Milwaukee Evinrude Dealer

Awards Dinner: National PAC Dealer of the Year)