Boat Service & Repair

[Sharp shooter]

If you're looking for a boat service and repair shop what types of questions would you want answered before you felt comfortable letting them service or repair your boat?

If I were to go to a shop, I'd want to know that the place was reputable. I like Pfaff, Prime, GT and Concept Marine because they're top shelf, local to me and capable of anything. Lately I've been getting help from Rick King for engine stuff and Bubby Wilton when he's available.

[She's Mine]

If I were to go to a shop, I'd want to know that the place was reputable. I like Pfaff, Prime, GT and Concept Marine because they're top shelf, local to me and capable of anything. Lately I've been getting help from Rick King for engine stuff and Bubby Wilton when he's available.

Sorry to say one of the names you posted here is not reputable/ top shelf. They might have a big name but that doesn't make them reputable/ top shelf. I know everyone has a difference of opinion based on their experience but my personal experience was not pleasant.

[Eli]

I would ask if they have completed a certified technicians school. :0)...

I always start with a phone call to get a comfort level then go in to talk before letting them work on it.

I started going to Inland Empire Performance in Ontario last year since its so close to my house. The guy Alex knew what he was doing and got the boat dialed in...

If I were to go to a shop, I'd want to know that the place was reputable. I like Pfaff, Prime, GT and Concept Marine because they're top shelf, local to me and capable of anything. Lately I've been getting help from Rick King for engine stuff and Bubby Wilton when he's available.

Thanks guys. These are all great suggestions. What would you want to know, if anything that is of the most importance to you? For example, years of experience, range of work, do you prefer a specialized place or full service, would you prefer a shop that can work on all types of engines or just the type that you have? What other items are important to you?

[Ziggy]

Talking with the place, talking with the tech(s) and getting some info before anything. Hearing from past patrons. Been around long enough to smell a BS'er.

[Nordic Bear]

Talking with the place, talking with the tech(s) and getting some info before anything. Hearing from past patrons. Been around long enough to smell a BS'er.

The place I worked for back in the day required the mechanics to get Mercruiser certified, as we were a Dealer shop. The owner always said our reputation starts with what we can advertise, "Certified Technicians",,,, it wasn't a terribly difficult cert' to get, but it did require alot of school time. That doesn't mean that once a person aquires their certificate they continue to provide good service. But it's a start, I gave up working on boats because I learned if you turn the hobby you love into a job, you wind up HATING your hobby.... but I STILL love turning wrenches on my boat and my buddies boat... it's a HOBBY I once again love.... (if you can talk to the Tech,,, and he/she appears happy, attentive, and enthusiastic,,,chances are you found a good one!)

[Ziggy]

The place I worked for back in the day required the mechanics to get Mercruiser certified, as we were a Dealer shop. The owner always said our reputation starts with what we can advertise, "Certified Technicians",,,, it wasn't a terribly difficult cert' to get, but it did require alot of school time. That doesn't mean that once a person aquires their certificate they continue to provide good service. But it's a start, I gave up working on boats because I learned if you turn the hobby you love into a job, you wind up HATING your hobby.... but I STILL love turning wrenches on my boat and my buddies boat... it's a HOBBY I once again love.... (if you can talk to the Tech,,, and he/she appears happy, attentive, and enthusiastic,,,chances are you found a good one!)

Very true. I was a car dealer for decades. Letting customers talk with their techs was one of things I encouraged....made them feel much more comfortable.

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