GoodShops/Bad Shops?

[Fish mojo]

I'd like to here some recommendations and horror stories of boat mechanics in the Portland area. My experience is the bad out number the good 10-1. I had Cascade Marine on Stark soak me out of about 3 grand on an outdrive and still not even align the motor right. They'll never see my shadow in their doorway again. Beaver Marine in Gresham seemed pretty good. How about some others?

[mike5097]

Last year I needed a transom replacement on my aluminum 22’ boat.
I had the work done by Marinetech Unlimited LLC on 10707 NE 2nd Ave
Portland.
The work was shoddy, with attention to detail at a bare minimum.
They had my boat for over 3 weeks, and it looked like the work was done at the last minute by losers.
When I complained, their response was to note the disclaimer on the bottom of the receipt that said:
“All disputes will be settled in arbitration”.
I just paid ‘em,chalked it up to experience and got the hell out of there.
Check them out on the Better Business Bureau web page for OR/WA.
Don’t get burned by these guys.

[Fish mojo]

Scratch those guys from our list. Did you file a complaint with BBB? I know its a hassle, but thats the only way we can get these issues public. Anyone have any good recommendations?

[mike5097]

I started to, but then I found this on the BBB web page:
"However, the Better Business Bureau terminated this company's Bureau membership on October 5, 1999 for failure to uphold the Bureau standards. Specifically, our files show the company did not abide by the terms and conditions of binding arbitration."

Like I said, a hard lesson learned, but a little older and wiser.

mike

[STRIKE ZONE]

I purchased an 1991 85 horse suzuki jet system that had been rebuilt by the owner of Marine tech.I paid them around $500.00 bucks
to mount the jet on my sled,The mount job had looked as if the seventh grade shop class put the thing on.I got the motor at a good price and runs great and have never had a problem with it.But two weeks after I bought it and had in mounted the motor was making a chirpping sound I brought it back down to them he said it was the wear part in the pump and wasn't covered on the 90 day warranty and that it would be around $350.00
bucks to fix I said go for it,after it was fixed I told him that we should slit the cost as it should have been covered,he agreed to this so I wrote a check out for $167.00 said thanks then walked to my truck
hooked up boat & trailer called the old lady and told her to stop payment on the check.I haven't heard a thing about that and it's been three and a half years now.The jet system run's and works great.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

[Catchn not fishn]

I have used R&M marine in Tualitin they have always been fair and honest in thier dealing, they are good shop to take my motors.

Phone number 503 650-4417

[WaterDog]

I'm ith you Big Willie! I've had more than one bad experience with Stevens.



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EAT, SLEEP, FISH!
website (http://www.sites.onlinemac.com/rspofford)

[Pirate]

Fish
I've had excellent success at South River Marine in Corvallis on my Yamaha's and I think they are opening up somewhere around Portland. Might be worth a look. Good Luck

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B

[Crusty]

I have had my I/O serviced at Beaver Marine for the last three years. With a name like that, it has to be good.

Crusty

[Joe Schwab]

Ditto on Beaver Marine. They offer top quality service and back it up. Been there done that. I'll drive from Tillamook to Gresham to use their expertise.

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[RKB]

Try Northwest marine & sport if you find your self on the east side of washington.
They have A top notch sevice manager and
repair crew.

[Hottamale1]

Guys...

Go see Terry at South River Marine's new store off McGloughlin behind Hollywood Video. THIS guy really knows his stuff and specializes on Yamaha Motors. He ran a test on my Merc 60 HP, gave it a tune, and out the door I went (after I sold it)

Scott www.hottamaleoutdoorshow.com (http://www.hottamaleoutdoorshow.com)

[Ocean]

I have have had general good work at Stevens Marine in Tigard. Their parts manager's name is Scott and I have found him to be helpful and honest. Don't bother with their service manager, talk to Scott if you want something done right.

I had an awful experience at Magnum Marine in Clackamas two years ago. Poor workmanship, engine wouldn't start after tune-up, charged way over estimate, etc. They were real jerks. I had to write the BBB to get it straightened out. Don't go near the place.

[FishinMission]

While I can't say anything bad about Steven's Marine shop work, I will say I can get Merc parts alot less expensive at other dealers. I usually go to Oregon City Marina for my parts. Call around before you buy from Steven's.

[Big Willie]

Steven's sucks...period. Have had bad luck shopping for boats, friends have had terrible luck with service. I bought a used 8hp long shaft Merc from Sportcraft under the 205 bridge. A really good motor, took it back for service and did a great job. I would recommend Sportcraft Marina to anyone.
-Gary