I made the catastrophic error of giving this shop a second chance. A mistake I will not be…read morerepeating, and one I hope to save others from making.
The First Offense: The Nissan 9.8HP
In early March, I brought them my new to me Nissan outboard with two clear issues: it was running rough and, most critically, leaking oil. My one request: please have it ready by the beginning of April, as my boat goes in the water at month's end. "No problem," they said. "Two weeks tops."
April arrived. I called. The response: "Oh yeah, I'll look at it next week." I called again. "I'm waiting for a part." As the end of April loomed, I was finally given their real policy: "We don't look at the small outboards until last."
After 45 days of needless hounding on my part, I got my engine back, $450 lighter. It ran well... but the oil leak was still there. The primary reason I brought it in was never addressed.
The Unforgivable Second Chance: The Tohatsu 4HP
Foolishly, I assumed the first experience was a fluke. I brought them a second engine, a Tohatsu 4HP, for an overheating issue and a faulty gear shifter.
Three weeks go by. I didn't need it immediately, so I wasn't in a rush. Then, I received five separate calls pressuring me to come pick it up and pay. The irony is astounding: they have no qualms about making a customer wait for weeks, but they demand their money the instant they are ready.
I paid nearly $200, took it home, and discovered it was in worse shape than when I dropped it off. The gear shifter won't engage reverse at all--and the engine won't even start. My fault for not testing it on the spot, but their fault for performing absolutely zero quality control on their "repair."
The Verdict:
I have learned my lesson. This shop is the definition of incompetence and poor customer service. They are masters of delay, excuses, and taking money for work either left undone or done incorrectly.
Save your time, your money, and your sanity. Stay well clear of this place. I would have gotten more value from lighting my cash on fire--at least that would have provided a few moments of warmth.
Pros: None.
Cons: Incompetent mechanics, abysmal communication, zero accountability, and a blatant disregard for their customers' time and property.