I feel badly that two others had issues buying parts and getting work done, but in terms of Skipper Bud's as an overall operation, this place is the BEST. I spent two years getting jerked around by other Chicago marinas before I was ultimately stranded with a boat that didn't work. With winter approaching, someone suggested I reach out to Jim Wardlow at Skipper Bud's. Not only did his team come down to personally tow my boat, but Jim kept in touch with me throughout the winter to let me know why it wasn't running. He took pictures of my engine and sent them to me with a diagnosis and expert suggestion. Then he told me to go do my research to make sure it seemed right and fair. It was a big lesson in boat mechanics, and a big relief to be treated with such kindness and candor. The next summer, my boat ran perfectly. Jim or coworker Debb even checked in on occasion to make sure it was running the way it should. Despite having hundreds of customers, I've never experienced more personalized, comprehensive and honest customer service. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

I wrote a review about being ripped off on a boat I purchased from Skipper Bud. On June 26 I received an email asking me to discuss the matter with their general manager Bill Wood. They left a phone number for me to call which I did, with no response from Wood. They told me this is certainly not the type of business they do etc. The email was probably some type of fishing-I stand by my initial yelp post. No decency-bad people. read more

My experience at SkipperBud's in Winthrop Harbor was extremely disappointing. After having my boat serviced, I took it out for what should have been a routine trip. Within a short period of time, the engine began making abnormal sounds and then stopped running altogether. Being stranded on the water after just paying for repairs is unacceptable and resulted in the added expense and inconvenience of needing a tow back to shore. The customer service experience did not inspire confidence either. While waiting for my boat, I observed Bill Wood repeatedly raising his voice at employees, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for both customers and staff. During my conversation with him, his behavior struck me as unusual and unprofessional. He appeared disoriented and gave me the impression that he may have been under the influence of alcohol, although I cannot say that for certain. Regardless of the cause, it did not inspire confidence in the management of the business. Between the failed repair, the inconvenience of being stranded on the water, and the poor customer service experience, I left with serious concerns about the quality of both the work and the professionalism at this location. Based on my experience, I would not return and cannot recommend this business. read more

I had problems from the Sea ray factory, that should have been detected by Skipper Buds. Customer service was terrible. Once the sale is over, even a couple of weeks after buying a new boat, well, you are on your own. read more

If you're looking for a place to store your boat, Skipperbud's is not the place for you - unless you want it to be "worked on" by passing strangers who feel like taking a few things, like your outboard. And don't bother trying to get any help from Skipperbud's, because their only advice is to "call your insurance." If you're looking to spend over $1300 (27ft sailboat) for a publicly accessible parking lot to put your boat in - one where strangers can have a field day with your boat - then by all means, give these folks a ring! Their so-called "yard" is more like a free-for-all, with no access control or security whatsoever. Anyone can drive right up, 24/7. If you can get into the park, you can go right up to any boat. Even the small fenced-in area where they launch boats is usually unlocked, making it easy for anyone to come in and help themselves to your property. For outdoor storage they spread boats across multiple locations, including parking lots and areas with broken fences, no lights, no security cameras, no staff - because what could possibly go wrong? To make matters worse, Skipperbud's has recently changed ownership, losing the small feel and independence that made it appealing in the first place. Now, reps have no autonomy and follow fixed policies, making you feel like nothing more than a number. At the end of the day, you're better off taking your boat and your money elsewhere. For the exorbitant fees they charge for this "storage", you can find much better options with actual security and access control - and you won't have to worry about strangers helping themselves to your vessel. read more

Skipperbud's - Boating Near Me - Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

Scam artists stole 5k from me ordered the wrong boat and refused to give me my money back

I tried buying a 260 Sundancer "Perky" (VIN# SERV1469H718). it is a 2018 boat. The agent (Brett) told me the price, I offered the same amount as the asking price. He told me that next offer was smaller than mine. Guess what - apparently "overnight" the boat sold for less than my offer and he is already in possession of the new sales contract - I am looking to speak with the owner of "Perky" as it smells fishy that a lower bid is accepted over higher one!!!! I just wonder if the owner even knew about my offer to begin with? I read all these "great" reviews here and do not believe they are real. It does not sound like an honest place to make transactions or sell or buy a boat. Stay away. read more

I would never recommend working with Skipper Buds for any circumstance, especially when buying a boat through brokerage. They are horrible customer service advocates, they are all talk and don't have the action to back it up. Jack Carren messed up a deal that cost us money and time. Another Sales Rep from a company down the road came in to save the deal. Plus, they are more expensive than any other Marina on the Lake between Waukegan and North Point. Just because they are a big operation, they are not a reputable one. Even their service department seems to be as lazy as their sales department is. Don't let the scene at North Point and Tropics make you think that Skipper Buds is a good place to buy a boat. RUN, don't walk, down the road to another Marina to buy a boat. read more

Think twice about skipperbuds. Read reviews not just the bad or good the names that post there reviews

I have been at Skipper Buds for a couple years on and off. Ok place. I agree with those below that they are a monopoly. Have to use their services in their yard. And they aren't cheap. I tried to have my boat waxed and buff by another company and they got kicked out of the parking lot. I thought that was a bit uncalled for just to wax my boat. Oscar Padilla, the service manager is a nice guy . Sometimes you don't always hear from him the same week, but I know he is a busy guy. He has been there for years. As long as you play by their rules you are fine. Don't cross the line or your in trouble. read more

I agree with both other ratings. I've had my boat there to be sold since fall of 2012.. It is almost winter 2014. You wouldn't believe how many repairs had been done and each taking over 6 months and still to day it is not on the showing block. These service guys suck ass, the managers suck ass, the sales team are two faced condescending bastards. oh and by the way this is based on the second boat I bought from them. read more

Skipper Buds is a monopoly within the Chicago harbors. You are at there mercy to get work done. Expect long delays if you didn't buy the boat from from them. Tomas Tobin the service manager lacks any customer service skills. He promises calls that never exist. As soon as you make note, he throws you to the curb. I assume when you have enough business you can treat customers anyway you want. I will never buy a boat or have anything done by them. What a waste of time and energy. read more

Be cautious when buying parts. I talked to the parts desk at 11am and was quoted $114 for an IAC. When I arrived at the parts desk to purchase the IAC, the price was all of a sudden $172. She said the price must have just updated. read more

I'm not sure how or why Joel R's review is tagged as not recommended, as it appears spot on to me. I have been calling and emailing Skipper Buds for MONTHS to perform work they are contracted to perform through Chicago Harbors/Westrec and they have not responded to a single request - not even to acknowledge I have made a request. I am sure that if he were still alive, Dante would have made another Ring in Hell for anyone associated with Skipper Buds. I am disgusted I have to award a single star to submit this review. read more

I dock and store my boat at Montrose Harbor. Skipperbuds provides a mobile maintenance service there. Over the years they rebuilt my rudder and replaced the driveshaft and propeller. They have changed through-hole hoses and fixed engine problems. All this from their mobile van. They do excellent work and will give great advice. I am glad they are a resource. read more

Great service! They really went above and beyond what I was expecting. Had my boat stored here and then decided to sell it before the next season. Jim W. took care of getting the boat ready before the buyer showed up and kept me in the loop the whole time. read more

Doing dry stack - very professional - informative - good accommodations - having services performed to correct issues with previous choice (Lake Marine in Woodstock) - will write separate review on their incompetence. read more