In the past I brought my boat to the service department for some troubleshooting. I requested the Yamaha computer. When I asked for this service 6 months ago he told me no that he would not just do that. He said he wanted to go through my entire engine to make sure I put the fuel filters.. which only snap on one way.. on in the correct manner and he would charge 1,200 for it. I told him I can't afford that now and all I'd like is the engine codes read. He refused service. I took the boat home and got busy with work.
6 months later I went to the boat to try it out again and noticed my power lift trim rod leaked all the oil out. So I went to sea witch for all parts needed as I always have. I've always bought everything from there. Ivan the parts guy is very knowledgeable and kind. I went home and couldn't get the ram off because I don't have the tool. So I called service and asked how much to replace the seals and then hook up the computer. The service guy (owner?) remembered me and gave his price for both, which I was happy he was finally being real with prices so I accepted. He did complain on the phone saying the computer is worthless and won't tell me anything because these engine only ever have fuel problems. I said I'd like to see the results please and took my boat over.
I showed up at 4:50 and they signed me in. All 3 shop doors, both gates and the showroom floors were open. I was given the paper at 4:56 and asked to drop my boat off in the back and told I can leave after that. I had my 3 kids 8-11 with me. I dropped my boat off and tried to drive out at 5:05. That shop guy must be WAY faster than he looks because he completely closed and locked everything. I mean everything, I couldn't get out. I drove around the entire place twice. I banged on every shop door including the back. I could hear people laughing in there but there are no windows. After banging for 5 minutes I went to the showroom back door, which if anyone has been there you know you can see straight through to the front door and everything inside except behind parts and where the sales desks are but it is still a big open room. That back door is metal and so is the frame.when you grab the handle and shake it back and forth it is so loud that my kids could hear the rattling 20' away in my 2018 Cummins ram so anyone in that small echoing showroom should have heard it. After another 5 minutes I gave up, got in my truck and drove to the gate that was locked and waited. After more time I called and left a message on sea witch marine phone then called the police for assistance in getting out. I had to find someone to pick up my oldest daughter who was stuck on the side of the road because her practice got out. After nearly 30 minutes, the same service guy (owner?) who told me to put my boat in the back casually walks up to the gate, pulls out his keys, unlocks it, opens it and turns his back to me. As I drove out I asked him what happened? He responded "what do you mean?" I said my family and I have been locked in for a half hour, my 13 year old daughter is stuck on the side of the road waiting for me. He knew I was there. He said "it was not locked and we (him and his friend) were in the showroom". I told him I could see in the showroom and banged on the door for almost 5 minutes, is this how he usually treats all customers is to lock them in and be nowhere to be found for a half hour? He told me that I'm unreasonable and to get my boat that he refuses service. I responded saying so this is how you treat customers and if they try to talk to you about it you kick them out?
Something that should be very concerning to every boat owner, I know how much boat stuff costs and Sea Witch Marine obviously allows people to just stay back with all the peoples boats and thousands of dollars in shiny merchandise. Very risky. I told the owner that at no point should they allow non employees in the back alone where everyone's stuff can be easily stolen.
I grabbed my boat and left. In my opinion, peveryone should stay far away from this place. Their parts are much more than other places, they feel the Yamaha computer is not worth anything and say they want over $1,200 to tear down a Yamaha 150 4 stroke. I can completely disassemble everything down to the block in 15 minutes without any training.. so either their techs and the "owner" don't have the right experience to be working on boat engines or they are adding more time than it takes to get money. The "owner" manager of parts (John I believe) is a liar (says the gate wasn't locked even though he unlocked it in front of me and also says he was in the showroom I could clearly see in and was banging on) and in my experience overcharges for labor. I'd love to see the video footage of the whole thing. He says I never went to the showroom and the gate wasn't locked.
Stay away unless you like, in my opinion, being ripped off and disrespected. read more