Elk Rapids Marina is a family-owned, full-service marina in Northern Michigan built to make boating easier, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone from first-time renters to long-time boat owners. Located on Elk Lake just 20 minutes north of Traverse City, ERM brings together boat sales, parts and service, dock and hoist solutions, storage, slip rentals, gas dock access, and on-the-water rentals in one connected operation.
With roots tracing back to the 1980s, the marina entered a new chapter when Lewis and Susie Cooper purchased the business in 2021 and began reimagining it as a more modern, welcoming, and community-driven destination. Since then, Elk Rapids Marina has expanded its offerings, broadened its brand lineup, and continued investing in the customer experience on and off the water.
Today, Elk Rapids Marina operates from two main Elk Rapids locations. Boat Sales, Rentals, and the marina are based at 118 Bridge Street, while Dock & Hoist Sales, Parts, and Service operate from 603 Bridge Street. ERM also operates seasonal electric jet ski rentals in Traverse City, extending its reach while staying rooted in Northern Michigan boating.
As a full-service marina, ERM supports customers across every stage of boating ownership and use. Our services include new and pre-owned boat sales, trade-ins, parts and factory-trained service, seasonal and transient slips, summer and winter storage, dock and hoist sales, boat rentals, captained experiences, and seasonal gas dock access.
Our showroom reflects the way people actually boat in Northern Michigan. Current ERM brand offerings highlighted across our website and dealer listings include Centurion, Supreme, Tahoe, Delta, Taiga, Iguana, Montara, X Shore, and Verano, giving customers options that range from family cruising and watersports to premium specialty and electric watercraft.
Service remains a major part of who we are. Elk Rapids Marina is an authorized, factory-trained Mercury, Suzuki, PCM, and Ilmor Marine service center, and our team brings more than 75 years of combined experience to the shop. Whether customers need maintenance, repair, rigging support, or parts, our goal is to keep them confident on the water.
Beyond boats, ERM has grown into a larger waterfront solutions business. We offer ShoreStation, Michigan Lake Products, Snap Dock, used hoists, and other dock and hoist services designed for Northern Michigan waterfront living. For property owners, that means one trusted partner for lifts, docks, floating systems, accessories, and ongoing support.
Innovation is also a real part of the ERM story. Elk Rapids Marina has positioned itself as an early regional adopter of marine electrification and new waterfront technology. Outside coverage has documented ERM’s electric boat launch activity, high-power charging investment, e-boat summit, public demonstrations, and the marina’s role in hosting innovation-focused events in Elk Rapids.
We also believe a marina should be part of its community, not separate from it. ERM is a proud member of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and supports organizations tied to marine trades, clean water, and regional stewardship, including Torch Lake Protection Alliance, Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association, and Paddle Antrim.
At the end of the day, Elk Rapids Marina is here to help people enjoy Northern Michigan boating with less friction and more confidence. Whether you are buying, servicing, storing, renting, upgrading your waterfront, or simply spending the day on the lake, our mission is to deliver an experience that feels knowledgeable, welcoming, and worth returning to.
Proud Member of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
