VALDOSTA — The one constant in the boat business in Lowndes County for more than three decades is Winsel Love. He’s been working for others for more than 35 years, but as of two weeks ago, he’s now his own boss.

Love began his career with Valdosta Marine Center, a business his father owned, in the mid-1970s. When the business closed, he worked for Don’s Boats and Motors in the early 1980s, working in boat sales and repairs. When the business sold to A.D. and Alan Holt in 2002, he continued his career with them. The Holts renamed the South Patterson Street business Diamond Eagle Marine, and enjoyed success during the last several years there and at a second location at Five Points.

“They decided this year to get out of the business and they sold off the boats and most of the merchandise. I bought the tools, lifts, etc., and took the business over,” Love said.

Now named Winsel’s Boats, the location and much about the business has stayed the same. In today’s economy, Love said the business is more repairs than new sales.

“Right now, people are sticking with the boats they have, so we are stressing service hard,” he said.

Love kept the same technicians that have been at the business for years and added a new technician so that customers can be confident in their service.

Despite the slowing economy and the even slower sales of new boats, Love said the sale of used boats is still going well. He is buying some from owners, and others he is selling on their behalf.

Although the shelves are pretty empty right now, as the Holts liquidated almost everything, Love said he has more merchandise on the way and can order what he doesn’t have in stock.

On a Friday afternoon, just days after he opened, the shop had a steady stream of customers coming and going, looking for accessories, batteries, or to pick up a newly repaired boat. The interview was understandably interrupted many times, but Love graciously handled it all calmly.

“We’ve only been here about a week or so, and we’re working night and day to keep up. Right now, we’ve got about 35 to 40 boats to be serviced,” he said.

His wife is helping out when she can, but Love said he will be hiring an employee or two when he can slow down long enough to catch his breath.

“I’m working about 80- to 90-hour weeks, but that’s good,” he said. “This business is all I’ve done my whole life; it’s the only thing I know.”



Fact Sheet

• Winsel’s Boats is located at 2330 Highway 41 S. and is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday or “whenever.”

• The business repairs motors, sells new and used boats, and performs custom rigging, to include adding GPS units, radios and other electronics.

• The phone number is the same as Diamond Eagle Marine, (229) 244-6500.