Salty Dog Marine was incorporated in late 1982 and immediately purchased the assets of Fortune Marine. Fortune Marine had been the worlds largest Hobie Cat dealership for a number of years and operated out of a former roller skating rink located on Whitmore Lake, Michigan. Due to increased business and space requirements Salty Dog has relocated to better facilities twice. The last move was in early 1992 to a new 4,000 square foot building located in Brighton, Michigan.
Over the years Salty Dog Marine has evolved from being exclusively a sailboat dealer to a full service marine supplier and soft-goods manufacturer. In cooperation with Sailing Systems Inc. (purchased by the Hobie Cat Co.) a full line of trapeze harness, catamaran covers, sails, trampolines, and other items were developed. Monohull covers and sails were then added to the product line to satisfy the needs of a growing small boat customer base. In 1995 a new line of bias cut trampolines were designed and added to the product mix. In addition Salty Dog has made, or is currently making, oem items for American Sail, Hobie Cat, Murrays Marine, International Marine Marketing, Laser/Sunfish Inc. and numerous small sailboat dealers.
Salty Dog Marine also stocks parts and accessories from the major suppliers of small boat equipment and maintains a fully staffed mail and phone order department. Offering a 30 day money back guarantee, discounted prices, and personalized service, the crew of the Salty Dog looks forward to assisting you.
Update - Fall 2001 -
On September 1, 2001 Salty Dog Marine closed its sail loft and retail location in order to concentrate on its e-commerce and ebay business. Expanding building and labor costs along with the seasonal nature of sailing all played a part in managements decision to close two out of three business segments. Further it was felt that not enough effort was being applied to Salty Dog Marines expanding e-commerce business and as such customer service had suffered.
Salty Dog Marine apologies for any inconvenience this change of business may have caused our customers and looks forward to serving its customers for many more years.