About Us

Birbarie Marine Sales was founded in 1946 by brothers Paul and Nick Birbarie following WWII.  In the pre war years both Nick and Paul had been active and very successful in outboard hydroplane racing across the country which led them to pursue a future in boating.  Nick returned from the German theatre with a mind full of ideas on how to squeeze more speed out of yesterday’s cast iron.  Domestic outboard production had virtually been suspended during the war years so the ‘40’s saw rapid improvement in manufacturing and technology as the outboards grew from 22 to 30, 40 and 50 HP.    Paul would continue on to conquer many State, Regional and National Championships in addition to setting numerous speed records and winning his class in the 1949 Albany to New York marathon in a homemade (Nick built) 8’ Hydroplane!  Nick was the “wrench” behind the scenes that always had something new to try out for the next race.  In an effort to support the racing, they bought two properties and started both Birbarie Marine and Branford Marine Railway.  Paul ran the retail and repair facility on Rt. 1, while Nick ran “the Railway” by day and was a garage foreman for SNET at night.   Following his racing roots, Skip carried on the family tradition with Nick as mechanic/mentor and Paul as “sponsor” during the ‘70’s and early ‘80’s.  Nick’s endless devotion and ideas earned them countless wins and titles, culminating with the ultimate reward in 1976 as they won the class OA-250cc hydroplane World Championship.

Today, nearly 60 years later Paul is still active while his kids Mindy and Skip carry on the family run business.  Route 1 houses the offices, marine store, parts, service and a 5,000 SF showroom.  While the “Railway” as it is still known (although the actual railway has been gone for years) is dredged to 6’ deep at mean low water allowing for 85 in water slips and winter storage for almost 200 boats. 

With approximately 12 year round employees including 5 (plus Skip when need be) factory trained technicians servicing Mercury, Yamaha, Johnson and Evinrude outboards Birbarie is second to none in Outboard service.  We are especially proud to be the oldest Boston Whaler dealership in existence.  Despite Paul’s telling Dick Fisher that “those things would never sell” as Dick was hawking his goods throughout New England, towed behind his station wagon, starting in 1958.    

Although the business has changed tremendously in almost 60 years, one thing remains the same; Customer Service.  Long before the term was coined, Paul and Nick found success by exceeding customer expectations.  While the words honesty and integrity have lost meaning and become trite in today’s “mission statements”, Birbarie was built using the true meaning of such words, as building blocks.  Doubt it?  Ask a customer..........

Today you will find the same focus on customer service with a strong reinvestment commitment.  Recent improvements include dredging the marina, a new Travel lift, trucks and a forklift.  Future capital expenditures include a new lift well, bulkhead and dock improvements. 

As a third generation approaches involvement in the business, we pause to look back and thank the generations of loyal customers we’ve grown to know and become friends with.  Many of today’s customers are Grandchildren of former customers that fondly recall their earlier visits to Birbarie’s.  Summer “cottages” are still passed from one generation to the next and memories of summers past still draw those families to the shoreline.  Fortunately, Haycock Point, Indian Neck, Pine Orchard and the Thimble Islands in Stony Creek are still thriving communities comprised of tight knit locals in addition to our seasonal families.  From Fenwick Borough to Fairfield Beach, the Berkshires to Branford Point and well beyond our extended families remain our sole focus.  Customer address’ like State College, PA; St. Louis, MO; Angel Fire NM; Marco Island, FL; and yes Norway, Greece, Switzerland, Barbados and the UK prove our attraction to a worldwide customer base.  Boats and/or products have been sent to over ½ the US States and many distant points of earth. From research boats (17’ Boston Whalers) headed to the Arctic Circle to outboard engines and parts destined for Egypt, Mexico and (frequently) Barbados. 

 In our 43rd year of representing Boston Whaler we are anxious to show you the model of your choice from the all new 110 Tender to the breathtaking 320 Outrage.  Most models are not only in stock but available to view year round in our 5,000 square foot heated showroom.  And now, in March of 2004 we have most recently achieved “Master Dealer” status with Boston Whaler.  One of few dealers so recognized it proves our commitment to probity and long term customer relations.