Catastrophic Incompetence and Gross Negligence at Blake's Boats
My experience with Blake's Boats for a simple engine replacement was not just disappointing--it was an ongoing nightmare that exposed my family to significant danger due to corner-cutting, negligence, and a breathtaking lack of accountability. What started as a standard block replacement in early May 2025 ballooned into a four-month odyssey of failed repairs, dangerous electrical modifications, and outright managerial disregard.
The quoted timeline of 6-8 weeks was the first lie, with the boat finally ready on July 26th. The first outing the very next day proved the engine was not ready at all: it died less than half a mile from the dock. This immediate, total failure was the beginning of an unacceptable cycle of runaround.
A Comedy of Failed "Fixes"
Upon returning the boat, I was repeatedly told it was "ready," only for their diagnoses to be proved immediately wrong. First, I was told the issue was "bad gas"--a transparent attempt to shift blame. When the boat failed again less than a mile from their shop, Jason, the owner, refused to even speak to me, sending out a thoroughly baffled Leroy, who admitted he had "no idea what was going on." The subsequent "fix" (a new fuel pump) also failed upon testing, demonstrating a complete inability to correctly diagnose or repair their own faulty installation.
The final insult in this period came on September 20th, when Jason, having fired the technician Leroy (the only person I was told was working on the boat), delivered a final, incorrect diagnosis: a failing Ignition Control Module (ICM). He also returned the boat with two missing cushions and a vague promise of compensation.
External Inspections Reveal Dangerous Malpractice
It was only after taking the boat to two specialized Chaparral marinas in Austin area that the full, terrifying extent of Blake's incompetence became clear. Both independent inspections concluded that the engine replacement was performed improperly and/or the component installed was defective, as the engine is currently exhibiting an audible, loud rod knock--a sign of fundamental internal damage.
Worse than the mechanical failure was the sheer negligence:
Used and Rusted Oil Filter: A new engine block was fitted with a used and rusted oil filter, demonstrating a level of mechanical malpractice that is simply staggering.
Dangerous Electrical Override: To keep the flawed engine running, Blake's had replaced the manufacturer-recommended 20 AMP main powertrain fuse with an oversized 30 AMP fuse. This dangerous, reckless hack bypassed the safety mechanism designed to prevent overheating, melting wiring insulation, and, critically, fire.
Misdiagnosis: Both outside experts confirmed Jason's final diagnosis was incorrect; the ICM was working perfectly. The constant fuse tripping points directly to improper wiring of the new engine block.
Blake's Marine delivered a severely compromised engine, attempted to mask their mistakes with dangerous electrical overrides, and demonstrated zero customer accountability. They took a simple repair and turned it into a safety hazard, wasting months of my time and thousands of dollars. The result is a boat that is now actively damaged, and their conduct demands the strongest possible warning to future customers: Avoid Blake's Marine at all costs.
Jason never provided any warranty information. Their persistent failure to professionally repair the boat prevents me from ever trusting them or anyone associated with them that are capable of repairing the boat. These are the pictures of the boat this morning. There is an oil leak following their professional work. read more