Best place for quick haul out and repairs. Axson is friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Fantastic...Axson Smith and his son, Axson III, along with their outstanding team provided extraordinary customer service and were very reasonable. In my 50 years of boating I've never had a more positive experience with a boat yard! read more

I arrived at Grand Manor Marina in my 2007 Sea Ray 52 Sedan Bridge in July, 2023. My Cummins Diesel engines were running warmer than I was comfortable with, so I contacted Axson at River Forest. He met me at my Boat, and, after examination, and Sea Trial, came up with a plan to remedy the situation. Axson showed great interest in my concerns, was excellent in communicating with me, and arrived at the Boat "on time" every time that we scheduled something. He did a wonderful job of "getting us back on the water", and I will always be appreciative of his efforts. Chuck Sherwood, Tampa, Fl read more

River Forest Shipyard was recommended to us by a local marina when we encountered engine issues approaching Belhaven. Axon from River Forest Shipyard promptly and DILIGENTLY attended to our issues that were not simple and made our needs a priority. We are enthusiastic in our praise! Axon is a skilled problem solver who doesn't cut corners. That's what you want & need when you've invested a bundle in a boat. If you appreciate nosing out solutions and a job well done, this is your place! read more

Well it's been over a year since I had river forest repair my boat. I have to say ever since axon jr fixed her the boat hasn't had a problem since and not only that it's never run as good as it does now . The only thing was that it took as long as it did but now I know why she runs perfect. At this time now I want to thank axon jr for doing the perfect job that he did . read more

I had the distinct displeasure of spending a week at this boatyard with a friend waiting for his boat to be ready to be splashed. This after being told by the yard it would be ready when we arrived, it was a full 6 days before we got in the water! If my friend Dave had not brought another friend and incredibly knowledgeable mechanic, I'm positive we would have never gotten out of there. The deceptive practices employed by the owner seem to be the only way he knows how to do things, and he's gotten away with it thus far, but that should change soon as there is a yard being built within spitting distance of this one. I must say, the employees did not share the same attitude of the owner, they were all wonderful, but they're employees and have to do as they are told. In closing, while in this nice little town for this unexpected extended visit, we met locals who were not bashful about telling us stories about the owner of the yard, things like owning another local business, a bar, closing it down and keeping the tips intended for the bartenders! This man has no morals at all and should be avoided at all costs! read more