About Anchors A’Weigh
35 Years of Family-Owned Marine Expertise in Waukesha, WI
At Anchors A’Weigh, boating has been part of our family business for 35 years. John and his wife started the company together, and today our children are involved too, helping us continue the same hands-on approach that has kept customers coming back for decades. We specialize in trolling motors, marine electronics, boating supplies, installations, service, and repairs, with particular experience in MinnKota, Humminbird, Garmin, Lowrance, and MotorGuide products. So whether you’re upgrading your electronics, replacing a trolling motor, or trying to solve a frustrating marine equipment issue, our goal is to give you knowledgeable help from people who understand the products.
35+ Years
Of Marine Industry Experience
Family-Owned
Since 1990
MinnKota Certified
Service Center
Products, Parts, Service, and Installation in One Place
One of the advantages of working with Anchors A’Weigh is that customers can come to us for both products and service. We carry boating supplies, trolling motors, marine electronics, parts, and related products, while also providing installation, repair, and service for selected equipment.
That combination makes the process easier when you are building or upgrading a system. Instead of purchasing equipment in one place and then searching for someone else to install it, you can work with a team that understands both sides. We also keep stock on hand that may not always be available through other local sources. For customers trying to get back on the water quickly, having access to the right product or part can make a real difference.
Trusted by Boaters for 35 Years
We have been serving the boating community for 35 years, and that longevity is one of the clearest signs of the relationships we have built. We work with recreational boaters, anglers, hobbyists, and customers who simply want dependable equipment and informed support.
Some people come in knowing exactly which trolling motor or fish finder they want, while others need help understanding the options. We are comfortable with both kinds of customers and are happy to talk through the setup before anything is purchased or installed. Our goal is to remain the kind of local marine shop people think of first when they need reliable information, specialized products, or help getting a system working correctly.
A Hands-On Team With a Family Work Ethic
Because Anchors A’Weigh is family-owned and operated, the business has always felt personal. We work together, share responsibilities, and stay directly involved in the services customers rely on. That hands-on structure also helps us maintain consistency. The same family that built the company is still involved in the day-to-day work, so customers are not dealing with a business that has become disconnected from its roots. We value practical knowledge, reliability, and a willingness to help. Those qualities have carried us through decades of changes in the industry and continue to shape how we interact with customers today.
A Family Business That Has Grown With the Boating Community
Anchors A’Weigh started 35 years ago when John and his wife decided to build a business around the marine products and services boaters needed. From the beginning, it was a family operation, and that has remained true as the company has grown and changed.
Today, John, his wife, and their children all play a role in the business. One son handles trolling motor installations, while another son, who is also a firefighter, helps with installations as well. That kind of family involvement keeps the company personal and gives customers direct access to people who have been around the business and the boating industry for years. Over time, our services have evolved with what customers are asking for. While repair work is still part of what we do, the business has shifted more heavily toward rigging, installations, trolling motors, and marine electronics, reflecting the growing importance of technology and proper setup on modern boats.
More Than 30 Years of Marine Knowledge Behind Every Recommendation
One of the biggest differences between buying from us and ordering from a large online retailer is the experience that comes with the product. We have spent more than three decades working with boating equipment, troubleshooting problems, installing systems, and learning what works in real-world conditions. That experience matters when you are choosing between trolling motors, locators, electronics, or accessories that can look very similar on a product page. The right answer often depends on the boat, the way it is used, the equipment already installed, and what the customer wants the system to do. We take time to help customers sort through those details. Our goal is not simply to sell a box off the shelf, but to help you leave with a product or setup that makes sense for your boat.
Trolling Motors Are One of Our Core Specialties
Trolling motors have always been an important part of our business, and they remain one of the areas where we bring the most specialized experience. We sell, install, service, and repair trolling motors, with strong familiarity across brands such as MinnKota and MotorGuide.
A trolling motor installation involves more than mounting the unit to the bow. Power requirements, wiring, batteries, controls, mounting position, and integration with other electronics can all affect how well the system performs once you are on the water.
That is why we increasingly focus on rigging and installation work. Customers want equipment that is set up correctly from the beginning, and our hands-on experience helps us approach those installations with the practical knowledge that comes from years of working on different boats and configurations.
Marine Electronics That Are Installed With the Whole System in Mind
Modern marine electronics can do far more than they did when we first opened. Fish finders, chartplotters, sonar systems, GPS, and networked electronics have become an increasingly important part of the boating experience, especially for anglers and customers who spend a lot of time on the water.
We work with major marine electronics brands including Humminbird, Garmin, and Lowrance. Our team can help customers choose equipment, understand compatibility, and install systems in a way that considers how the different components need to work together.
That combination of product knowledge and installation experience is one of the reasons customers return to us instead of relying entirely on online ordering. Buying the equipment is only one step. Getting it set up properly is what allows you to actually use the technology the way it was intended.
Why Boaters Keep Coming Back
A large portion of our business comes through repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. After 35 years, that means a lot to us because it shows that people are not just finding us once. They are coming back, and they are sending friends, family members, and other boaters our way.
We believe those relationships are built through experience, straightforward help, and the ability to solve problems. Customers know they can walk into the store, explain what they are working on, and talk with someone who understands marine equipment rather than someone reading information from a screen. That kind of trust is difficult for a big-box retailer or online marketplace to replicate. We may compete with companies like Cabela’s and Amazon on product availability, but our real advantage is the knowledge and service that comes before and after the purchase.
We Work on the Problems That Are Not Always Simple
Not every marine equipment issue has an obvious answer. Sometimes a customer comes in because a trolling motor is acting unpredictably, an electronic system is not communicating properly, or an installation done elsewhere is not performing the way it should.
Those situations are where experience becomes especially valuable. Years of hands-on work give us a stronger base for troubleshooting and figuring out what needs to be repaired, replaced, or reconfigured.
We do not promise that every problem will have a quick fix, but we do take the time to understand what is happening. That practical approach has helped us build a reputation as a local resource for boaters who need more than a simple retail transaction.
Adapting Through Changes in the Marine Industry
Running a small marine business for 35 years means adapting to plenty of changes. Product technology has advanced dramatically, customer buying habits have shifted, and online retail has created a completely different competitive environment than the one we started in.
We also experienced major changes in demand during the COVID period. Business increased significantly at that time, and while demand later declined somewhat, activity has remained above pre-COVID levels.
Those changes have reinforced the value of staying flexible. We continue to focus on the areas where our experience adds the most value, particularly rigging, installations, trolling motors, marine electronics, service, and the kind of advice customers cannot always get from a website.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer trolling motors, marine electronics, boating supplies, parts, installations, service, and selected repairs. Our specialties include products from MinnKota, Humminbird, Garmin, and Lowrance.
We have been family-owned and operated for 35 years. John and his wife started the business, and today their children are involved in the company as well.
Yes. Trolling motor installation is one of our core services, and our family team handles this work directly. We also assist with related rigging and setup.
Yes. We provide trolling motor repair and service, although our business has increasingly shifted toward rigging and installations. Contact us with the issue and we can discuss whether it is something we handle.
We work with major brands including Humminbird, Garmin, and Lowrance. We also carry and service trolling motor products from MinnKota.
Yes. We can talk through your boat, existing equipment, and how you plan to use the system. From there, we can help you narrow down options that make sense for your setup.
We offer more than the product itself. Our customers get decades of marine experience, product knowledge, installation support, and local service that large online retailers cannot always provide.
Yes. We carry a range of boating supplies, electronics, trolling motors, parts, and related products. Availability varies, so it is a good idea to contact or visit us if you are looking for something specific.
We are a strong fit for boating enthusiasts who need trolling motors, marine electronics, installation, service, repair, or boating supplies. We are especially helpful when you want knowledgeable guidance rather than just a product sale.
Bring Us Your Boat Project and Let’s Figure It Out Together
After 35 years, we still enjoy helping customers solve the same basic challenge that brought many of them through our doors in the first place: figuring out what their boat needs and getting it set up correctly. At Anchors A’Weigh, our family combines decades of marine experience with trolling motor expertise, electronics knowledge, product sales, installation, and service. So whether you are upgrading to new equipment or trying to solve an existing problem, come see us and tell us what you are working on. We’ll help you sort through the options and find the right next step for you and your boat.