Len's Cove Marina is a third-generation family business celebrating 65 years of operation. It blends its historic roots with today's best boating, water sports, marine products, rentals, sales and services. Len's Cove Marina has it all!

"Some marinas feel like a boatyard but we have the feel of an active resort - a place where you want to spend time," says owner Sean Horsfall, who takes pride in the 35-acre site's many amenities.

There are cabin accommodations, walking paths, a pool, store, The Galley restaurant as well as 180 boat slips on Big Rideau Lake on the Rideau Canal Waterway.

"We're pretty unique. Not many marinas, if any, have a combination of services like we have," says Sean. "I'm always looking to do the things other marinas aren't doing while also providing the best products and services."

Len's Cove is also famous for being a marina with the largest YouTube following in the world with close to 50,000 subscribers viewing their "Lessons in Boating" videos. Some of the Len's Cove instructional videos have more than a million views.

"It exploded," says Sean of how the videos launched during the pandemic really took off. They've given his business a competitive advantage because people want to purchase a boat from someone they've come to know through helpful videos.

"We want people to make the right choice. I love that feeling of a person pulling up to the dock with a smile on their face because of a boat we've sold them," says Sean.

"We were once a marina that sold boats. Now we are a boat dealership that also has a marina," says Sean. In the early days, they had about half a million in boat sales. Today it is over $10-million in boat sales. They offer an assurance plan and will purchase a boat back from the customer if it isn't the right fit. Service and storage are available for all watercraft sold.

A lot has changed since Sean's grandparents purchased the property in 1958 but the warm family atmosphere remains. Sean's dad, Doug, and his uncle, Steve, were the second generation. Sean started at the marina at a young age and took it over when his father retired. Customers are very loyal with generations of families returning year after year. There is a neighbourhood feel walking around the resort with people gathered at picnic tables and kids eating popsicles.

"We care about our customers. They're here at the marina, in the cabins and at the restaurant," says Sean. He is also proud of his dedicated staff of up to 62 people at peak season, including technicians for boat and engine repair.

Learn more about Len's Cove Marina on their website and by visiting their Facebook and Instagram pages. Don't forget to check out their YouTube channel. You can call 613-272-2581 or send Sean an email. The marina is located at 1 Water Street. The Galley Restaurant is located at 11 Water Street, Portland.

Photos: One of the many watercraft sold at Len's Cove; the onsite shop and the interior of one of the newly-renovated cottages.

Story and photos courtesy of the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office.