Nathan Lewis
Shop Manager/Master Technician

Back in 1978, Raymond Lewis had a vision for the future of his family. A fisherman and boat lover, he wanted to build a business that not only could be passed down but one that was based on offering the community something enjoyable. Today, Kokomo Marine, located at 2000 North Phillips Street, continues to fulfill that dream.

“My dad started a company in 1959 that sold fresh produce,” says 2nd Generation Owner Dale Lewis “Later, he had two automobile body shops. Eventually, he decided that automotive wasn’t going to be the future of the family and started looking at other avenues. He wanted something that was tied to fun, since our family went boating every week, he went into the marine business”.

 “The family business started in one building that was as big as a 4 car garage and grew into what you see today on North Philips plus several buildings on 25 acres.”, he adds. “When my father passed away in 2000, I took over the running and managing the shop. In 2021 we lost our mother, Violet Lewis. So now with the help of my son Nathan who is now the shop manager I run all other aspects of the business.”

“My son started pushing a broom for his grandfather at a young age and working the shop. When Nathan graduated High School he was already a seasoned Technician.” He adds. “Nathan and I are Certified Technicians through Mercury Marine and Mercruiser.  Being a Certified Technicians, we can work on Boats, Outboards, Inboards, Electric Outboards and Trailers. Nathan’s son and daughter have also worked at the business. That would make it a 4th generation of our family working together.”

Kokomo Marine accommodates its customers with sales, service, storage, and anything else needed to meet all their boating needs. We have several warehouses all across America with access to most accessories and equipment that could ever be needed. We sell New and Used boats, engines trailer and electronics. We have been a Mercury Marine service center since the day we opened the doors.

NEW in 2023, we have become a Smokercraft Fishing Boat Dealer. Smokercraft are manufactured in New Paris, Indiana. Smokercraft along with Mercury Marine are outstanding and provide exceptional products.

As a Gold Star Mercury Marine dealership, Kokomo Marine technicians must maintain their training. As today’s consumer wants equipment that is up-to-date that means we must stay up-to-date in the technology and working on the “onboard” computers. Each year, we attend training at Mercury and Mercury requires 30 additional hours of book/online training.

Customers travel from Indianapolis, Lafayette and even many states that surround Indiana to visit Kokomo Marine. Many are second-generation boaters who took over their father’s boat. Others come from boating families and want to get a boat of their own as they become adults. Word of mouth also drives people to the business.

“We really enjoy the work we do,” Lewis says. “Our work is done so customers can have a lot of recreational enjoyment. Our Dad had the foresight and a plan and our family has continued to execute it.”

Kokomo Marine is located at 2000 North Phillips Street in Kokomo. Visit them online at KokomoMarine.net or call at 765-457-2202 for more information.