Moose Island Marine Supply in downtown Eastport, is transitioning to its next chapter with the sale of the business from its founder, Dean Pike, to Matt Lacasse, a former student and employee of Pike’s.
Founded in 1980, Moose Island Marine Supply, at 5 Sullivan St., is said to be the easternmost marine supply store in the U.S. The store serves the region’s fishermen, boaters and tradespeople.
Terms of the deal, which is closing this week, were not disclosed.
Pike is stepping into retirement.
“Running Moose Island Marine for the past 45 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Pike. “Matt’s dedication and proven ability to successfully manage Deep Cove Marine Services make him the ideal person to carry this business forward.”
Lacasse is an alumnus of the Boat School, a trade school in Eastport. Pike was his second-year instructor.
“He and I are the only two people from Calais to graduate from the Boat School,” Lacasse told Mainebiz.
At the time, Pike’s operation included an associated boatyard at 19 Deep Cove Road.
Lacasse went to work for Pike. In 2019, Lacasse formed a company that bought out the boatyard, which he renamed Deep Cove Marine Services to provide repair and maintenance services to local fishermen, boaters and tradespeople.
With the purchase of the supply store, both operations will continue as Moose Island Marine, employing a total of about 13 employees year-round, with more sometimes added in the summer.
“We’re full steam ahead,” said Lacasse.
Lacasse said the acquisition positions him to preserve the business while modernizing operations for the future, including system updates and enhancements aimed at improving customer experience.
“This is more than a business — it’s a vital part of the Eastport community,” he said.
