Top 7 CRM for Boat Dealerships
Boat dealerships thrive when they manage customer relationships, inventory, and sales efficiently. The right CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software helps you close more deals, automate follow-ups, and improve customer retention. In this post, I’ll break down the 7 best CRMs for boat dealerships, show you real ROI stats, share expert opinions, and answer the most common dealer questions.
Table of Contents
Why Boat Dealerships Need Specialized CRMs
Generic CRMs help with customer data, but marine dealerships need more. A boat sale involves boats, trailers, engines, financing, and service tracking. A marine-specific CRM manages all this while boosting sales.
- Dealers using CRMs report 29% revenue growth and 34% productivity gains (DesignRush).
- Each $1 spent on CRM returns up to $8.71 in ROI (Bytegain).
- CRM adoption increases customer retention by 47% (PipelineCRM).
Expert Insight:
Rebecca Wettemann of Nucleus Research states:
“With a return of $5.60 for every dollar spent, investing in CRM is a no-brainer.”
The Top 7 CRMs for Boat Dealerships
1. DockMaster
DockMaster is a marine-specific DMS/CRM designed for dealerships. It integrates sales, service, F&I, and accounting.
- Tracks serial numbers (boats, trailers, motors).
- Automates billing, follow-ups, and inventory.
- Strong adoption because it matches marine workflows.
2. Lightspeed Marine DMS
Lightspeed helps marine and RV dealerships manage sales, service, and parts.
- Cloud-based with real-time access.
- Connects all departments.
- Automates follow-up reminders and inventory alerts.
3. Blackpurl
Blackpurl combines CRM, marketing, and dealership operations.
- Helps build dealer websites with CRM built in.
- Automates marketing campaigns.
- Excellent for dealers who want to focus on lead nurturing.
4. Winboats
Winboats focuses on boat dealerships only.
- Supports inventory and marine workflows.
- Helps dealers track customer interactions.
5. Rollick Aimbase
Rollick Aimbase focuses on marketing automation for marine and powersports.
- Automates customer engagement through SMS, email, and ads.
- Integrates with lead capture tools.
- Used by brands like Nautique.
6. BoatWizard CRM
BoatWizard CRM works best for brokers and digital dealers.
- Integrates with marketplaces like YachtWorld.
- Captures leads directly from listings.
- Designed for online boat sales.
7. MyDealersEdge
DealerEdge offers CRM plus inventory management.
- Simplifies dealer workflows.
- Connects to dealership networks.
Quick Comparison of the Best CRM for Boat Dealerships
| CRM Solution | Marine-Specific | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DockMaster | ✅ Yes | Full-service dealership workflow | Multi-department dealers |
| Lightspeed DMS | ✅ Yes | All-in-one platform | Growth-oriented dealerships |
| Blackpurl | ✅ Yes | CRM + marketing automation | Dealers focusing on digital |
| Winboats | ✅ Yes | Marine-focused | Small to mid-size |
| Rollick Aimbase | ✅ Yes | Multi-channel engagement | Marketing-driven |
| BoatWizard CRM | ✅ Yes | Marketplace integration | Online brokers |
| MyDealersEdge | ⚠️ Limited | Dealer network CRM | Franchise dealers |
FAQs About CRM for Boat Dealerships
Do boat dealerships really need a marine-specific CRM?
Yes. Unlike general CRMs, marine CRMs track boats, engines, trailers, and service history in one system.
Which CRM is most popular?
Globally, Salesforce is the most popular CRM. It holds around 23% of the CRM market share, making it the leader for several years (Statista, 2024).
What CRM do most car dealers use?
Most auto dealers use CDK Global or Reynolds & Reynolds as their Dealer Management System (DMS), which includes CRM tools. Other popular CRMs in automotive retail include:
VinSolutions (by Cox Automotive)
DealerSocket
Elead CRM
Who is the No. 1 CRM provider?
The No. 1 CRM provider worldwide is Salesforce, based on revenue, adoption, and innovation. It has led the market for over a decade and is often chosen by enterprises across industries.
What are the 4 types of CRM?
The 4 main types of CRM are:
Operational CRM
Analytical CRM
Collaborative CRM
Strategic CRM
Conclusion: Set Sail with the Right CRM
Choosing the right CRM for your boat dealership means more sales, smoother operations, and happier customers. Start by listing your must-have workflows, demo a few marine CRMs, and launch a pilot program. Measure success, refine usage, and then scale across your dealership.
👉 Now it’s your turn:
Which CRM do you think fits your dealership best—DockMaster’s marine focus or Lightspeed’s all-in-one system? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
