Boat Trader and The Boat Yard Celebrate 20+ Year Partnership Driving National Growth through Digital Innovation

MIAMI, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than two decades, The Boat Yard, Louisiana's largest boat dealership, has been redefining what a single-location dealership can achieve. Founded by Tracy Palmisano with a bold vision, the Marrero-based operation has grown into a 10-acre, full-service dealership with more than 500 boats in stock – a level of inventory typically seen only in multi-location dealer groups.

From day one, Palmisano made Boat Trader a cornerstone of his marketing strategy. He recognized early that success in the marine industry would depend on reaching the broadest possible audience, not just locally but nationally. By relying on Boat Trader's unmatched digital reach, social media presence, and ability to put boats in front of millions of active shoppers, The Boat Yard quickly established itself as a national leader – today, 80% of sales come from out-of-state buyers.

"Exposure is everything," said Tracy Palmisano, founder and owner of The Boat Yard. "When customers are searching across different channels – whether online, social, or mobile – we have to be everywhere. As an early adopter of Boat Trader, we've been able to not only broaden our visibility but also connect the right buyers with the right boats."

He added, "That's especially important when you carry nearly 25 different types of boats, from aluminum fishing rigs to offshore center consoles to catamarans. Marketing this kind of variety has to be strategic and precise, and Boat Trader has been the partner that helps us get it right."

Andreas Madsen, Chief Revenue Officer at Boat Trader, said: "The Boat Yard exemplifies what's possible when a dealership invests in smart, targeted marketing. Tracy has relied on Boat Trader since the very beginning, and together we've built a model that shows the power of digital exposure. Whether it's families looking for pontoons or anglers shopping for offshore boats, The Boat Yard's ability to reach and convert buyers nationwide is remarkable."

The Boat Yard's inventory is as diverse as it is deep, with models ranging from entry-level aluminum boats and bass boats to bay boats, catamarans, pontoons, cruisers, and high-performance vessels. By leveraging Boat Trader's advanced digital tools and social media reach, The Boat Yard ensures each boat type reaches the most relevant buyers, no matter how they are shopping.

Beyond reach and variety, The Boat Yard has reimagined the buying process itself. With financing, registration, warranties, inspections, and even a 40-foot test tank available on-site, customers regularly leave with their new boat in under 90 minutes.

"Boating should be exciting, not stressful," said Palmisano. "We've built a system that eliminates the hassle and lets buyers get on the water faster."

The Boat Yard's story is more than a dealership success — it's proof that vision, adaptability, and innovation can redefine what's possible in the marine industry. By combining a massive and diverse inventory with a streamlined buying process and unmatched digital exposure through Boat Trader, The Boat Yard has set a new standard for how customers expect to shop for boats today.

"We've built our business by always looking ahead," said Palmisano. "As boating continues to evolve and buyers rely even more on digital tools, we'll keep growing with Boat Trader at our side — making sure customers across the country can find the right boat, the right way."

With eyes on the future, The Boat Yard is poised to continue leading the way as boating becomes even more connected, accessible, and customer-driven.

About Boat Trader

Boat Trader is the largest online boating marketplace in the United States, connecting millions of boaters and buyers with thousands of dealers, brokers, private sellers, and manufacturers. Boat Trader offers AI-driven search tools, financing services, and market insights to make boat discovery and ownership accessible, engaging, and seamless.

About The Boat Yard

Founded in 1985, The Boat Yard is Louisiana's largest-volume pre-owned boat dealership, operating a 10-acre facility in Marrero with more than 450 boats in stock, from pontoons and bay boats to offshore vessels and catamarans. Known for its streamlined process, buyers can complete financing, inspections, warranties, and registration on-site. The Boat Yard is also an authorized dealer for trusted brands and offers a top-rated consignment program to help sellers achieve top value. With a reputation built on innovation, service, and selection, The Boat Yard continues to help families and friends enjoy the boating lifestyle.

Media Contact:
Courtney Chalmers
VP of Marketing, Boat Trader
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-877-354-4069

SOURCE Boat Trader