Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

[BugsBunnyBoater]

I have noticed in the last few years that good boat repair shops are hard to find. My question is do you have a local shop that you really like? And do you feel that repair prices are fair.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

that is why i opened my at home business.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

I used a guy that a few people recommended and said he was real good as far as price. I had a lower unit rebuilt(guts) and was the first time I had ever used him in the four years that I owned the boat, do I really like him? Well he did a very good job on the lower, very professional, and didn't try to rape me as far as price goes, not only that but I dropped the boat off on a Mon and he told me it would be ready Fri so I would have her for the weekend. Yes I would take it back to him If I needed to and would recommend him to others, The places here in town, 3 of them, I wouldn't bring her to them at all. So far he has done me right, but thats just once that I have used him. He's done right by me.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

I have a guy that isn't afraid to work on older equipment and charges very fair rates. One time when I took my boat to him because I thought I was having cooling problems (turned out I'm a moron and didn't have the leg submersed far enough when I was testing it) he even swapped a questionable thermostat out of my motor with a known good one from a parts motor he had and didn't charge me anything for it. My preferred marine mechanics would be Gary H NC and Tashasdaddy but unfortunately they are a little too far away

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

Love my guy - Mike at M&M Marine in Rochester, NY. Have worked with him 8 years now and he helped me 1) buy the first boat for a GREAT price 2) sell it after 7 years for 90% of original purchase price and 3) helped me find my current boat (which he helped me negotiate to 60% of original price). Great guy, does exactly what I need done and keeps me on my toes as in "hey man, it's time to do XYZ". Prices are market-rate (fair compared to others).

Others have had mixed experiences with Mike but he's ok by me.

Suggestions: Establish a working relationship with your boat guy. Make sure you're flexible and realistic. Pay him on time. Allow him to have some wiggle room when hauling or launching your boat (e.g. don't be an azz about your launch date in Spring). He will reward you with his dedication and focus when he has competing priorities.

Having a reliable, honest, and friendly boat man makes boating sooooo much better. I think my attitude helps, too. Know too many owners who are such pricks... and they are usually the ones that get the shaft.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

Follow up: The problems I hear about are almost ALWAYS due to the owner, not the boat guy. Honestly, look through posts here and at other sites... newbie idiots who buy a 1886 Bayliner (sorry for the jab, but that's the most common situation), never had it surveyed, run it dry in the driveway or just run it without maintenance for a few years, and wonder why they need $1,000+ in engine repairs. Duh...

Everyone should understand that boating is expensive. You simply cannot buy a junker boat and think it will be free to use. Again, DUH !!!!!

You get what you pay for and paying is part of boating.

 

[BugsBunnyBoater]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

I think I have found a great local shop in Beaumont, Tx. Here is my story
I bought my 1975 Mako 1994 Johnson 112 for a local shop. I was given a 30 day warrenty on the motor but was unable to get it on the water in that time. The motor threw a rod on the muffs so I called the shop and he said bring it in and I will fix rebuild or get you a new outboard asap.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

I have a local shop with alot of mechanic's in it but there is one guy that i really like to work on mine. He's an older gent that isnt afraid to tell me im an idiot when i need it. Got to respect that. They do good, fast work for a decent price and stand behind it. They are also the only J/E dealer around here.
they also have a ton of old parts in semi vans for sale.
Van's Sports Center in Grand Rapids MI.
They have customers from as far as nebraska they ship parts to.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Do you have a boat repair shop that you really like?

I have two shops I like...

My driveway and My dad's driveway.

Wouldn't let anyone else touch a boat of mine.