​​​​​​​Marine Specialties: A Legacy Built Since 1974

Marine Specialties: Reno’s Premier Boat Dealer – Making Waves Since 1974

For over 50 years, Marine Specialties has been the #1 boat dealership serving Reno, NV, Sparks, NV, Northern Nevada and Northern California. As Reno’s trusted boat dealer, we specialize in high-performance wake boats, ski boats, and pontoon boats, providing top-tier sales, service, and watersports expertise.

From our beginnings in Sparks, just minutes from Reno, we’ve built a reputation as the go-to Reno boat dealership for families, watersports enthusiasts, and performance boaters alike. Whether you’re searching for new wakesurf boats, ski boats, luxury pontoon boats, or expert boat service in Reno, we’re here to help.

At Marine Specialties, we don’t just sell boats—we create lifelong memories on the water. Whether it’s a family’s first wakeboard session on Lake Tahoe, a father teaching his child to ski on Lake Almanor, or friends cruising Pyramid Lake, we believe every boat is a gateway to adventure.

That’s why we stand by our motto:

"Making Waves – Creating Memories Since 1974."

Reno’s Leading Boat Dealer for Wake, Ski & Pontoon Boats

Marine Specialties is the top boat dealership serving Reno, Sparks and Northern Nevada, offering the best selection of wakesurf boats, wakeboard boats, ski boats, and luxury pontoons from Nautique, Sanger, and Barletta pontoons.

✔ New & Pre-Owned Boats for Sale in Reno – Wakeboard boats, wakesurf boats, ski boats, runabout boat and pontoon boats.
✔ Certified Boat Service & Repairs in Reno – Preventative maintenance, diagnostics, winterization, and upgrades.
✔ Boat Storage Near Reno – Secure, climate-controlled indoor and gated outdoor storage options.
✔ Watersports Pro Shop – Reno - Sparks Best Selection – Wakeboards, waterskis, wakesurf boards, wakefoils, life vests, tow ropes and more.
✔ Accessories & Parts – Reno - Sparks Best Selection – Cleaners, Anchors, Docking, Electrical & Boat Trailer Parts as well as OEM Service Parts for PCM, Indmar, Mercruser & Volvo.
✔ Trade-Ins & Consignments – The Best Way to Sell Your Boat in the Truckee Meadows – Upgrade or sell your boat with ease.

Located just minutes from Reno, our Sparks, NV boat dealership is Northern Nevada’s one-stop shop for everything boating-related.

The Founding of Marine Specialties: A Family Legacy

Marine Specialties was founded in 1974 by Bill and Gail Canepa, a husband-and-wife team with a shared passion for boating, watersports, and customer service.

Gail Canepa: The Heart of Marine Specialties

While Bill was the racing expert and technical mind behind performance boating, Gail Canepa was instrumental in shaping Marine Specialties into the community-focused, customer-driven dealership it is today. Her dedication to customer service, dealership operations, and relationship-building helped Marine Specialties grow into Northern Nevada’s most trusted boat dealer.

Gail played a key role in:
✔ Managing dealership operations, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.
✔ Building long-term relationships with boaters, many of whom became repeat customers across multiple generations.
✔ Supporting community involvement, including waterski tournaments and sponsorships that helped grow the sport.

Together, Bill and Gail built Marine Specialties into more than just a dealership—it became a cornerstone of the Reno boating community.

The Racing Legacy: Bill Canepa & Marine Specialties' Competitive Roots

Marine Specialties was founded by Reno native Bill Canepa, a competitive boat racer and waterskier who turned his passion for watersports into Reno’s leading boat dealership.

Bill Canepa’s Drag Boat Racing Career

In the 1960s and 1970s, Bill Canepa made a name for himself in drag boat racing, piloting high-performance flat-bottom drag boats across the West Coast. Known for his fearless speed and technical expertise, he competed in high-stakes nitromethane-fueled races, hitting speeds over 100 mph—an impressive feat in that era.

Bill’s experience in competitive boat racing gave him a deep understanding of marine performance, leading him to establish Marine Specialties in 1974. His goal? To provide high-performance boats, expert service, and racing-grade technical knowledge to fellow boating enthusiasts.

Competitive Waterskiing & Speed Ski Racing

Beyond drag boat racing, Bill Canepa was also an accomplished competitive waterskier, specializing in slalom waterskiing and marathon ski racing. He competed in various slalom skiing events, showcasing precision, agility, and technique on the water. His marathon ski racing took him to adrenaline-fueled competitions where athletes raced at extreme speeds, testing both their endurance and skill.

A Strong Foundation in Education & Watersports

Bill Canepa attended the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he further developed the skills and business acumen that would help him successfully launch Marine Specialties. His son, Jim Canepa, followed in his footsteps—not only attending UNR but also competing in slalom waterskiing.

Jim’s deep connection to watersports and competition influenced his leadership at Marine Specialties, ensuring that the dealership remained focused on performance boating, expert service, and a passion for the watersports lifestyle.

Growth & Key Milestones
From Humble Beginnings to Reno’s #1 Boat Dealership

Marine Specialties has grown from a small boat dealer in Reno-Sparks to an award-winning dealership, earning national recognition for outstanding service, sales, and customer satisfaction.

📍 Key Moments in Marine Specialties' History:

  • 1974 – Marine Specialties Partners with Sanger Boats

    • Marine Specialties secures a partnership with Sanger Boats, a brand known for high-performance ski and wake boats. Today, Marine Specialties remains the oldest Sanger dealer in the country, a testament to its longstanding reputation and commitment to quality.

  • 1979 – Begin Sponsoring Waterski Tournaments & Marathon Ski Races

    • Marine Specialties becomes a driving force in the local watersports community, sponsoring competitive waterski tournaments and marathon ski races in Northern Nevada and California.

  • 1980s – Expansion & Growth

    • As demand for waterskiing, and family boating grows, Marine Specialties expands its showroom, service department, and pro shop to provide a full-service boating experience.

  • 1998 – Marine Specialties Partners with Nautique

    • Marine Specialties secures a partnership with Nautique, bringing industry-leading wakeboard, wakesurf, and ski boats to its customers.

  • 1999 – Marine Specialties Joins the WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association)

    • Marine Specialties becomes a proud member of the WSIA, a national organization that promotes watersports safety, advocacy, and industry growth. As a WSIA member, Marine Specialties is committed to boating safety, promoting responsible wakeboarding and waterskiing, and growing the watersports industry.

  • 2000 – Sponsorship of INT League for Waterski & Wakeboard Tournaments

    • Marine Specialties sponsors the INT League, helping to grow grassroots wakeboarding and waterski competitions across the U.S.

  • 2001 – Correct Craft CSI Award & Top Dealer Recognition

    • Marine Specialties is recognized by Correct Craft for outstanding customer satisfaction and named a Top Dealer in the industry.

  • 2005 – First Boating Industry Top 100 Dealer Award

  • 2009 – Marine Specialties Joins the Nautique 20 Group

    • Marine Specialties is invited to join the Nautique 20 Group, an elite network of top-performing Nautique dealers focused on business best practices, customer service innovation, and industry growth.

  • 2010 – Second-Generation Leadership: Jim Canepa Takes Over

    • Jim Canepa takes over day-to-day operations, bringing modern business strategies, digital marketing, and luxury pontoon brands into the dealership.

  • 2011 – Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce Membership

  • 2014 – Joins the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)

    • Marine Specialties becomes a member of the MRAA, reinforcing its commitment to customer service, employee training, and industry best practices.

  • 2015 – 2022 – Multiple Top 100 Dealer Awards

    • Marine Specialties continues to be recognized as a Boating Industry Top 100 Dealer in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022, proving its longstanding reputation for excellence.

  • 2021 – Supporting Lake Conservation: Marine Specialties Donates to the Tahoe Fund

    • Marine Specialties adds the Tahoe Fund to its list of charitable contributions, supporting environmental conservation and sustainability efforts to protect Lake Tahoe and surrounding waterways.

  • 2022 – Expansion of Service Department

    • To meet growing customer demand, Marine Specialties expands its service department with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, additional service bays, and factory-trained technicians.

  • 2023 – MRAA Certified Dealer & Expansion of Boat Storage

    • Marine Specialties earns MRAA Certified Dealer status, meeting 70+ best-practice standards for dealership operations and customer satisfaction.
    • The dealership expands into a new boat storage facilities, providing secure, climate-controlled storage options.

  • 2024 – 50 Years in Business

    • Marine Specialties celebrates five decades of industry leadership, maintaining its family-owned roots and reputation for excellence.

  • 2025 – Partnership with Barletta Pontoons

    • Marine Specialties partners with Barletta, adding luxury pontoons to its lineup, providing high-end comfort, performance, and craftsmanship for boaters.

Jim Canepa’s Leadership: A New Era of Excellence in Nevada Boating

After taking over in 2010, Jim Canepa has led Marine Specialties into a new era of innovation and growth while maintaining its customer-first philosophy. Under Jim’s leadership, Marine Specialties has:

✔ Expanded its inventory to include luxury pontoons and cutting-edge wake boats
✔ Upgraded its service department with advanced diagnostics and a highly trained technical team
✔ Embraced digital marketing, launching social media engagement, online boat sales, and virtual tours
✔ Maintained its Boating Industry Top 100 Dealer status, proving its consistent excellence

Jim continues to uphold Marine Specialties' legacy while driving the business forward, ensuring customers receive top-tier service, the latest technology, and the best boating experiences available.

A Legacy of Excellence & Reno’s Trusted Boat Dealer

For over 50 years, Marine Specialties has been the trusted name in boating for Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada. From its roots in drag boat racing and competitive waterskiing to becoming a nationally recognized, award-winning dealership, the company remains family-owned, community-focused, and dedicated to delivering the best boats, service, and customer experience possible.

Visit Reno & Sparks Premier Boat Dealer – Marine Specialties