About Us

We are Advanced Marine Inc, The Lower Unit Specialists, located in northern Michigan in the town of Interlochen.

Advanced Marine Inc has been servicing boaters since 1986 and although we no longer offer general repair, we still have a strong focus on lower units and offering quality parts at competitive prices.

We are committed to making your purchase a pleasant experience and will be there for you through the installation process. Most of our customers install the unit and adjust it themselves and we offer over the phone assistance with your home installation if needed. If you are after parts, we only sell trusted high quality lower unit replacement parts, the same parts we put into our own units. You can buy here with confidence.

We have 5 employees working here, which makes us a small to medium-sized business. We like it that way because it means our customers get the attention they deserve. It’s not unusual for me to be answering questions and helping customers from 9am until 8pm (EST) in the summer months. Feel free to call anytime you need a parts quote or some advice from The Lower Unit Specialists.

lower unit shop overhead view
Aerial photo of the shop taken in 2000 by Joe Eby, the owner.

Meet the crew:

Lower Unit Specialist Joe

Joe Eby is the founder and owner of Advanced Marine Inc and The Lower Unit Store. He started the company 36 years ago and has been there ever since. Joe generally answers the phone, gives customers tech help, and runs the shop. In his spare time, Joe enjoys snowmobiling and exploring the woods in his dune buggy. Joe is from Traverse City, Michigan.

Lower Unit Office Manager Merri

Merri Hulgan is the office manager and handles all the parts we send nationwide. Merri has worked for Advanced Marine for 10 years and is a crucial part in running the business. In her spare time, Merri enjoys snowmobiling and biking. She was from Illinois, married the boss, and somehow became the boss. She keeps the lights on, pays the bills and keeps everyone in line.

Mechanic Sam

Sam is our in-house mechanic. He helps recondition all of the lower units we sell. In his spare time, Sam enjoys riding his motorcycle in Northern Michigan.

Jeff The Lower Unit Stores Shipping Manager

Jeff is our shipping manager, yard coordinator, and grounds maintenance guy.

Jim is our outboard motor used parts coordinator. He disassembles outboards we purchase and directs the parts to the proper location.

Shop Dog

Baby is our shop mascot, she is the nicest Rottweiler you could ever meet. She belongs to Sam and greets our walk in customers. Baby sadly has passed on, but will live forever on this page….

Check out these reviews from our happy customers!

Call Joe!