Finding a good mobile mechanic that will work on stern drives is difficult in this area. Most of the greats are retired as this technology is getting long in the tooth. I was very pleased to find Lakeside Boat would visit my marina and work on my motor. The scheduling was hard to get done though - I was ready to find another mechanic before we started. Once the work was on the schedule, I felt good - going to get some maintenance (tune up/oil change) and have my manifolds replaced as they were getting on 5 years (routine to change them on that interval). Josh sent me a bill for parts estimated - and I know that that will vary to some degree once the work starts. Paid it right away because I wanted to get the boat in tip top again. During the day of the service, I got a call - a part was not anticipated, and it would add $900 to the bill. Ok. At that point, I'm kind of committed so I said OK. I didn't realize I was going to pay shop labor rate for Josh to drive to Kent to pick up those parts and then drive them to Edmonds. That added $1000 to the bill for delivery and then Josh waiting around. At the end of the day, I got the call that the boat was done - and because it would not start (it had been running for me reliably until then) another part was needed. Again, at that point I'm committed. Got the final bill via the online portal - and paid it right away even though I was at that point in total sticker shock. The total price came in over $5,000. I had questions. I finally got Josh on the phone - he's disappointed, I'm disappointed - because I've had mobile work done on my boat for years and years - and never had this feeling that I got fleeced. After the phone call... I still feel like I got fleeced. I inspected the work - it looks solid. They have a good mechanic. I question the business ethic however. Still waiting for an itemized bill. read more

I held off on writing this review as I was waiting to see how management was going to handle damage that was done to my boat while in their care over the winter. Unfortunately, they didn't think they were responsible for the damage so with that, I couldn't discourage using Lakeside enough. I dropped my boat off for winter storage and picked my boat up approximately 6 months later in the spring. When I picked up, I wasn't able to hook up the trailer because of damage to the trailer tongue coupler. After giving the boat a thorough check, it was noted that a hole was punched through on the forward end of the outboard engine cowling and there was damage to the back end of the boat. After lifting up the seats to access the underseat storage (pontoon boat with bench seating), every compartment was soaked and had standing water. The operations manager claimed it was because I dropped it off in November. Even though I paid over $3K for indoor winter storage, they blamed it on me for the time of year I dropped off the boat. I eventually found out that the boat was transported in the winter months with no cover on from Kent to Lake Stevens and then later from Lake Stevens to Fisherman's terminal area (about 90 miles in total) to their new shop. When pressed about who did the transportation, I was told, "by friends paying them in pizza and beer". Upon getting the boat in the water, I discovered that the starboard speakers on the boat were not working. Once again, none of these issues existed prior to or on the day of dropping off the boat to them. Lakeside was unwilling to take any responsibility for these issues so hopefully trying to save anyone else a headache by using them for future boat storage. read more

I recommend Josh and his team. They gave me an accurate quote and a quick turn around for a starter issue. I really appeciate his communication and diagnosis. Back on the water and happy! Julie G read more

I had an absolutely terrible experience at this shop and would strongly recommend avoiding it. Their focus seems to be on making as much money as possible rather than actually fixing your issue. I took my boat in to have the outboards fixed, and they charged me for 3 hours of labor at $190 per hour just to replace the valve in the prime bulb. They refused to run the engine after the repair, claiming they were too busy and didn't have time. Afterward, I discovered the engine still wouldn't start. When I brought it back, the technician spent 30 minutes just getting it to turn on, claiming it was a new issue that would require additional charges. To make things worse, the owner Josh started talking shit at me and accused me of being unreasonable when I questioned the service. To owner's reply: Rude and full of false accusations! I am being completely truthful. After two weeks, I tested it out in the water returned with the same issue--my outboard still wouldn't start. As I mentioned, the technician spent 30 minutes just trying to get it running, only to suggest there might be an additional problem with the tiller arm, which would incur extra charges. It's absolutely true that the technician refused to demonstrate the outboard running when I picked it up. You should talk to your tech. The boating business suffers because companies like yours focus on ripping customers off and lack integrity, making the experience of customers so unpleasant read more

Thank you Joshua!!! We will give you another shot just for writing me back and being a straight forward and honest fellow boat owner! I will have my husband refer to this review - we will need to get winterized in a few months. Take care, Tanya B read more

Fantastic experience, fair pricing and very knowledgeable mechanics. I heard about Lakeside Boat through the Seattle boating community, as they came highly recommended seeing how close they were to the east side. I took my Sea Ray to Josh and his team for service on the carburetor and some engine work. I was quite happy with the initial estimate, transparency and honesty. Their rates are very reasonable, he explained what was needed for the boat now and what could be addressed later in the season. His mechanic is amazing and walked me through his approach to fixing the boat. I'm very happy with the work his team provided and will continue to have him look after my boat. read more

I have had extensive boat repairs done here and always on time and done nearly perfect. Currently I keep my boat stored and with the new ownership it's been perfect as well. Josh has earned my business. I feel like I'm dealing with a great family of boaters who appreciate me and my boat. read more

Josh and his team are outstanding! Highly recommend this shop for all boating repairs and maintenance. We're new to boating and Josh was really patient walking us through all the maintenance options and pricing. Communication and service were both top notch! read more

Iv'e taken my boat to josh twice now once for a bearing replacement and a shift cable replacement. Both times I have been impressed with the quick turn around times and the high quality of workmanship that this shop produces. When test driving after repairs I can't believe the huge performance improvement and comfortable ride that myself and family can enjoy while boating on Lake Washington. Hats off to Josh and crew team! read more

Chris and his shop are generally good guys. I've used them several times when I'm in a pinch and need engine work that I can't do myself. He even encouraged me to do the job myself if its simple to save money. He always calls ahead and keeps me up to date with what's going on prior to do the work. The shop is an extremely convenient location on the south end of Lake Washington. My guess is the other negative reviews were just from disgruntled customers who need to communicate better. read more

We had an outstanding experience with Lakeside. They are communicative, thorough, and excellent diagnosticians. In addition our boat was returned looking absolutely beautiful. They are a full-service operation and we needed them to do everything from picking up the boat from our dock, hauling it out to a trailer, conducting the maintenance and repair, detailing, and returning the boat to our dock. They did everything flawlessly and even left us with a full tank of gas. Josh and crew are our new go-to shop. read more

I had a fuel issue. By sharing with them some information on how the boat was performing, they were able to fix my problem by replacing the fuel pump. It took a little longer to get my boat in from their original estimate. I realize It is a busy time of year for boat repairs and they are busy but it would have been nice to have been communicated with when they realized they wouldn't get it in as soon as they hoped. Once they were able to get the boat in, they were able to complete the repairs and completed by the time they said they would be complete. I have been to another shop and when I picked up my boat they left it dirty with oil foot prints from being down in the engine compartment. When I picked up my boat from Lakeside, if they tracked up any dirt, they took the time to clean up after themselves or took time to protect the surface before they started. They also took the time to help me hitch up the boat and make sure my trailer lights were working before I left. Boat now runs great. If I need help or future work on my boat, I now have a great place to go for repairs. I would recommend Lakeside to others that need boat repairs!! Thanks!! read more

I would suggest you go elsewhere.. I had a very poor expensive experience with these guys. Bottom line, they will hold your boat hostage & numbers change when they have the boat apart. FYI: I posted an honest review & they took it down. This is a revised post. read more

Worse service ever, I had the bottom cleaned and he bleached out everything ruined paint on the trailer. I showed up to pick up my boat and the wrong boat was out front. I paid for heated storage and seems my boat was stored somewhere else. I would NEVER bring my boat back EVER. read more

I agree with the other reviews on customer service. I was told to pick my boat up on a Friday at 4pm and drove over an hour to get there and they had decided to leave early for the day without informing me despite their insistence that they would. I was not able to get my boat until Monday and had to make another return trip. Every year the price goes up and up for a simple winterization and this year the amount of antifreeze needed mysteriously doubled which added to the fee. This will be the last year I use their services and cannot/will not recommend them again. Find another shop and you will be better for it! read more

Lakeside Boats is the most convenient and professional boating service on the South End. I've read these other reviews and know by talking to Chris about these that they were disgruntled customers who did not try to work things out. Typical of any small business, you can't make everyone happy. My boat is safe and secure in a tightly secured facility and ready to lanuch just an eighth of a mile from the lake. Much better than a U-store or a self storage, Chris knows boats. After one outing my dual props on the Cobalt were bent and he was able to get them machined the next day and I was out of there for a reasonable price. Regardless of the negative postts here, I can vouch as a 5 year Yelper, Lakeside Boats is a real bargain for the service you get. With one phone call and 5 minutes, my boat is ready to tow to where ever I need. During the winter I plan to have him winterize and tune my Volvo Penta and keep my Cobalt in ship shape. Small businesses need your support so if you are contemplating a boat storage facility, and want access to Lake Washington, you can't go wrong. Chris has 21 years of experience in the Boating industry and knows your boat inside and out. 5 stars for sure. read more

I emailed Chris because I purchased a boat from CA and needed to find a shop in the area to service it. I had very specific questions for him to find the shop that is right for me. Not only did he not answer my questions, all he replied with was "LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS" and a flier about how much their services cost. Um... I did have questions and you didn't answer them, Chris! I will not do business with a shop that can't read an e-mail and answer accordingly, his chance to make a good first impression and he ruined it. read more

Last year I asked them to do winterization on my boat. After winter when I started my boat at home to check everything I find out that my BLOCK CRACKED!!! Than oil level was way to high. I called Chris to ask him: "why oil level is too high and block has a crack in it?" - he sad that: "I don't know why you have a cracked in a block but its not our fault!" THEY JUST FORGOT TO PUT ANTIFREEZE IN IT! Worse service ever, stay away of those guys if you still have a boat with them just take it ASAP becouse they will rips you off every time with the parts that they never changed and service that they never done...!!! read more

Not impressed at all! Brought my boat down to be winterized and have a few things checked out (prop and lower unit). After giving specific Instructions about a few concerns on the boat I expected them to be addressed. When picking up the boat, i asked what they had found in relation to my concerns and got the deer in headlights look from what i assume to be the manager. After reminding him of what needed to be done he still had no clue. The manager then called a mechanic over and we all walked to the boat so i could further explain my concerns. After getting excuses, no real answers, and the mechanic acting like a juvenile talking over myself and the still deer in headlights looking manager then saying "im out" and walking away i left never to return. I know these shops are busy and things can be overlooked, NO big deal... HOWEVER after not offering any solutions or to take another look (without charging $1200 more), or even a simple apology, you are hopefully reading this review. read more

Chris really disappointed me in post service follow-up. The number of hours billed for a fairly simple task was stunning, but I can't prove they fraudulently billed without further research. What I prove is that when the boat ran worse after their "thorough" inspection and "tune-up" and they were completely unwilling to take responsibility and fix the situation. In fact, they were just rude after the bill had been paid. I recommend avoiding this shop if you have a choice. read more

I wish I would have read the other reviews on yelp and other sites. The mechanic, Chris, has poor customer service and acts like he doesn't want your business. They are quick to empty your wallet and the verbal quotes increase drastically. I have never experienced this before. I suggest others pondering this place to AVOID it at all costs. You will pay an arm and a leg and leave very unpleased. The worst place on the eastside for boat service. This place is a scam and should be inspected by the better business bureau. I don't normally write reviews, but know I should to hopefully help others avoid similar situations. read more

I brought my boat to Lakeside a few week ago because it's nearby my house. Chris gave me an estimate and said he was pretty sure about the estimate. But after a week when he called me to pick it up it became a totally different price. He changed something on the boar WITHOUT asking me first. That was the first thing I'd ever heard of from my experience. I hate to argue with him and paid. One week later, there was something wrong with the boat when I took it out to the water. It didn't happen before I took the boat to Lakeside. I brought it back to Chris. He said that was not his prob WITHOUT even look at it! and said if I wanna get it fixed, I have to pay. I decide not to, then Chris started to speak "F" words. I was so shocked that a person could be such an a**hole when he couldn't make the $$ out of you. Later I found out that some boat shop actually did some weird things to the boats and made it hard to be fixed. I hope my BAD experience with Lakeside would not happen to anyone else. If you want a good service and if you care about your boat as much as I do, DO NOT GO THERE!!! read more

This business should be avoided at all costs. If there was a "0" star rating for this place I would give it a negative 3. Read the negative reviews, I wish I had done that before taking my boat here. These people have experienced the same type of "expert custom boat repair" that I was also unfortunate enough to have to suffer with. This business person claims to have 20 plus years in the boat repair business. When asked questions about certain facts any boat shop would know, I was told, "I don't know". When an estimate is given, even if there is a change of plans, there should be a written statement saying costs of repairs are going to be a certain amount. This person feels there is no need to abide by his estimate and once you give him a deposit your money is his to spend until it is all gone. The work performed by this shop was horrible. Everything that was supposed to be done was either incorrect or had to be reworked by some other shop or by myself after I got my boats out of this shop. Parts are replaced without giving proper notice or other options or without permission. Workmanship is something to take pride in. This shop has no concern for workmanship whatsoever. Everything that was done to my boats had to be repaired again elsewhere. This place might be o.k. to store a boat because it is close to the water. If you value your boat and want it repaired properly do yourself a big favor and save yourself a lot of headache by taking your boat someplace other than Lakeside Boat Service. read more