Hartzel Marine has been a family-run shop since 2001. Built up looking after Niagara boaters out of Thorold, and as of 2026, right here in Dunnville on the Grand River. Licensed, factory-trained, and the same crew that's been at it for over twenty years.
Family-run since 2001 · Now in Dunnville, Ontario · Serving Haldimand, Norfolk & Niagara boaters
Our shop is at 1066 Broad St E. We service boats from across Haldimand, Norfolk and Niagara. Dunnville, Cayuga, Port Maitland, Port Dover, Welland, Port Colborne, Thorold, St. Catharines and beyond.
We started in 2001 in the Niagara region as an auto shop, moved into marine work in 2009, and spent the next two decades looking after boaters out of our Thorold location. In 2026 we brought the whole operation to Dunnville and the Grand River. Same crew, same approach, new home port.
Most boats see the same hands year after year. That is the difference between a shop that knows your boat and a shop that doesn't.
Six things that guide the work. Every estimate, every repair, every winter.
We don't start paid repair work without a written, itemized estimate. You see the work and the price before we begin.
Every job is logged against your boat. What we touched, what we replaced, what's due. Next year's tech opens the file and already knows.
Impellers, plugs, filters, anodes, Tohatsu OEM. If we have it on the shelf, you don't wait a week for it.
Five techs, year after year. Your boat sees the same hands. That matters.
We say when an engine isn't worth fixing. We say when a fiberglass repair will hold and when it won't. No upsell.
Winterization booked by Sept 15. Spring tune-ups from March 1. We don't pretend the shop is empty in July.
The same hands on your boat, season after season. Here's who you'll be dealing with.
Dave came up as an apprentice mechanic through the 1980s and 90s, opened Hartzel Auto Service in 2001, and in 2009 saw the opening in the marine industry. Pivoting the business into the dealership it is today. He runs the shop on transparency and well-informed decisions, and stays closely involved in the community and in bringing along the next generation of techs.
Forty years of mechanical experience made Wayne the ultimate expert on boats, and the glue that held the Hartzel Marine team together, pairing hard work with a quick sense of humour. From a tricky trailer hitch to a maintenance call, his knowledge was second to none, which is how he earned the shop title "Superhero of Service." Now retired, he spends his time with his wife, kids and grandkids, out on the water, or exploring in the motorhome.
Cedric joined Hartzel Marine as Bookkeeper just over a year ago, though plenty of folks know him as the "guy you ask about Dave when you can't find Dave." He keeps the shop organized behind the scenes, while the rest of the crew bring the fun, family-like atmosphere he can't help but appreciate.
Open Mon–Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Easy parking. Walk-ins welcome at the parts counter.
