About us

35 Years of Trusted Marine Service in Ocklawaha
About Cooters Marine Service and Repair
For over three decades, Cooters Marine Service and Repair has provided reliable, high-quality boat repair to the Ocklawaha and Central Florida boating community. Founded by Cooter Carroll, the shop began with a simple mission: to deliver expert boat repairs with honest, neighborly service.
What started as a small one-bay workshop has grown into a full-service marine repair facility that locals know and trust. Today, we serve a wide range of recreational and utility boat owners who rely on our expertise to keep their vessels safe, reliable, and performing at their best.
We believe in doing things right the first time—no shortcuts, no inflated prices, and no unnecessary repairs. That’s how we’ve earned the loyalty of generations of boat owners and why customers continue to refer us to their friends and family.
What Sets Us Apart
Deep Local Knowledge
Operating out of Ocklawaha for 35 years gives us a unique advantage. We understand the conditions of Florida’s lakes and waterways, and we know the kinds of wear and corrosion boats face here. That means our repairs and recommendations are based on real-world knowledge—not guesswork or generic advice.
Full-Service Capabilities
We’re more than a tune-up shop. From inboard and outboard motor repair to electrical installs, fuel system work, and structural repairs—we provide full-scope marine services in-house. You won’t need to haul your boat around to multiple shops. We take care of everything from diagnostics to sea-testing.
Hands-On Experience You Can Trust
Our team doesn’t just read manuals—we’ve turned the wrenches, pulled the motors, rewired the consoles, and rebuilt fuel systems hundreds of times. That experience helps us troubleshoot quickly, recommend smart solutions, and deliver results that last.
Transparent Service with Integrity
No upselling. No hidden fees. No technical jargon to confuse you. We explain what needs fixing, what’s optional, and what can wait—so you can make informed decisions about your boat. We’ll treat your boat as if it were our own, and we’ll never recommend something we wouldn’t do ourselves.
Who We Serve
We proudly serve boaters across Ocklawaha, Lake Weir, The Villages, and surrounding areas. Whether you fish every weekend, take the family out a few times a year, or operate a work boat, we offer tailored services to meet your needs. From bass boats and pontoons to center consoles and small cruisers, we work on a variety of boat types and brands.
Our clients range from casual weekend boaters to serious anglers, seasonal residents, and even commercial operators. What unites them is the need for a trustworthy mechanic who values their time, respects their equipment, and gets it right.
Meet the Owner – Cooter Carroll
Cooter Carroll, founder and lead technician of Cooters Marine Service and Repair, has been around boats his entire life. After years of working on motors and marine systems for family and friends, he decided to open his own business in Ocklawaha. Since then, he’s built a reputation as one of the most reliable marine mechanics in Central Florida.
Cooter still works hands-on every day—diagnosing problems, installing new systems, and overseeing every repair that goes through the shop. When you bring your boat to us, you’re not just another job ticket. You’re working directly with someone who takes pride in the outcome and stands behind the quality of every repair.
Built on Reputation, Backed by Quality Work
Most of our clients come from word-of-mouth referrals. Why? Because we’ve built a reputation for being honest, dependable, and thorough. Boats are more than just machines—they’re your escape, your passion, your investment. We take that seriously.
That’s why we use high-quality parts, follow proven repair practices, and test everything before it leaves the shop. If we say it’s fixed, it’s fixed. And if anything ever goes wrong, we’re here to make it right.
Proud to Be Part of the Local Boating Community
We don’t just fix boats—we live the lifestyle. Our shop supports local lake clean-ups, community events, and fishing tournaments. We’ve partnered with area marinas and have helped hundreds of residents prepare for every kind of trip—from weekend getaways to seasonal haul-outs.
Supporting other local businesses, sharing resources, and being part of the greater Ocklawaha boating community is just as important to us as turning a wrench.
Get to Know Us – And Let Us Get to Know Your Boat
If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced boat mechanic who takes pride in his work and values his customers, give us a call or stop by the shop. Whether you need a quick electrical install, engine troubleshooting, or a complete overhaul—we’re ready to help.
We’re here Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. You can find us at 16415 Southeast 119th Street in Ocklawaha or reach us by phone at
(352) 630‑4935. Let us show you why so many Central Florida boaters trust Cooters Marine Service and Repair.