Wrightsville Yacht Brokerage

Wrightsville Yacht Brokerage started in a 20x30 building on Wrightsville Avenue... With a bank loan of $10,000, Kay purchased three 1970 model Grady White boats and three trailers in the fall of 1969 to sell along with the 12 Chrysler Outboard Motors. Kay knew the only way to succeed in Johnson Evinrude outboard country was to provide the best customer service possible. It was slow in the beginning. Kay jokes about being a “real shade tree mechanic” because the outboard test tank was a 55 gallon drum behind the building under a huge live oak tree... No matter the day or time, WYB was available to its customers to keep them running and make sure they were happy. Today Crocker’s Marine still strives to provide the most outstanding customer service available.

During these early, lean years, every dime that was made was put back into the company. Through hard work, dedication, focus, and a desire to succeed, the company prospered. As soon as the deed of trust was signed on our present site, the historical oil embargo of 1973 took affect. Kay, worried about bankruptcy, asked himself, who would buy a boat when people were lined up for miles just to get gas for their automobile? On top of this, President Carter banned boating on Sundays as a means of conserving fuel. Through hard work and the grace of God he made it through these times.

Eddie Smith brought it to Kay’s attention that the name of the company did not relate to the business. The name Wrightsville Yacht Brokerage suggested sales of large yachts but in reality, the business was selling smaller boats with outboard motors. After three or four years of persuasion, Kay changed the name of the company to Crocker’s Marine. This was great advice! Eddie continued through the years to give his input, such as owner tournaments, Ocracoke trips, and a Grady club; just to mention a few. Eddie wanted to grow the manufacturing side of Grady White, but he knew he had to help the dealerships grow as well. (continue...)

Story Navigation

• The Story of Crocker's Marine
• Yacht Brokerage at Crocker's
• Crocker's Marine
• Looking to the Future
• Crocker's Sponsored Events