Reputable Service

R

Rain

New member
Master Marine in Mt. Vernon, WA is the closest marine full service center to me. Have any of you C-Brats in NW WA had experience with them? I tried a search on the forum, but didn't learn anything. Could be my search ability. If so, I apologize in advance.

They do service Suzuki outboards, which is what is on my new (to me) boat.
 
I've used them both for personal & work boats. I would not recommend them.

I believe there is a Suzuki dealer in Everett. Others, Localboy for example, has Suzuki OB. They should be able to recommend someone.

jd
 
I understand others have reservations about Master Marine but I've been using them for the annual service for most of the years we've had C-Dancer and they've always done a good job. I've heard Performance Marine in Everett is pretty good but never used them for service. Of course YMMV.
 
I would like to use them for service as time goes on, but right now I am looking for someone to provide a lot of add-ons like:
Electronics
Arch
Kicker
Heater
Etc.

I really appreciate the feedback. It is always good to get personal referrals when possible.
 
I'm not sure about the best installation services in Puget Sound but I know Harvey likes to use electronics installers in Portland, there are a few local radar arch fabricators like Tanner and Rail Makers but I don't know if they install and Performance Marine or Master Marine can install your kicker. I guess what I'm saying is you'll have to use a variety of installers for different types of installations.
 
Yeah, Harvey turned me on to his electronics place in Portland, Rodgers. I asked them to quote but won't hear from them until early next week.

If I have to drag the boat around a few times to get everything done properly, so be it. I am excitedly anxious, of course, but not going to rush.
 
I live in Mount Vernon and have used Master Marine for service on and off for 12 years...and still do. Previously for a Sea Sport with Yamahas, currently for a Tom Cat with Hondas.

The reason for the 'on and off' is because in my experience that is the nature of the service they provide. Sometimes very good, other times...not so much.

For example. Last year I had them do some DC electrical work on the the Tom Cat. Their rigging guys did just a great job, at a price I thought reasonable, and were consistently pleasant to deal with, even though quite busy.I believe the same workers are still there, and I would use them again for that kind of thing.

Other times, particularly with routine engine maintenance (a separate part of their business), you sometimes get the impression they all woke up on the wrong side of the bed that week, and would prefer you just go elsewhere...and so that is what you try to do. Bringing it up with the owners (who are frequently on site) does not help...they can be the grumpiest of all.

Have also used Tom and Jerry's, just on the east side of the Channel bridge once, but chose not to return. Have considered using the Honda outboard dealer in Bellingham, and have stopped by their place on occassion. They were competent, friendly and helpful. Except for the long road haul, I might be inclined to use them.

Finally, there is an independent outboard mechanic who used to work for Master Marine, quit and opened a shop on his own (Peterson's Marine). He is about a mile off the freeway on Stackpole, just south of MV, and he seems to have developed a following, at least for engine work. His overhead and hourly charge is lower than at MM.

Good luck.

KW
Tom Cat 25.5
 
I do highly recommend Rodger's Marine Electronics in Portland. They are easy to deal with, highly professional, and service what they sell, and they sell everything. Tim and Jan are owners, and they are there every day, Jan and Marty do sales and the short Marty is an electrical engineer, so he knows what can and will work. And they don't pay me to say this, they just do great work for me when I go there.

I don't know that I would shy from EQ just because Les is not there. I don't think he has had any turnover in his shop for years.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

January_2010_346.thumb.jpg
 
We have a Suzuki also.......purchased at Master Marine. They had assured me that the rigging from my 2005 Suzuki was compatible with the new 2014 Suzuki. It wasn't. 6 months later they changed the rigging after numerous unexplained problems. Had the rigging been changed at the time I would have had to pay for it so I didn't dispute that but it was just the inconvenience and the time it took. After much negotiation on the cost we finally settled on what I thought was a fair price.

As you have found out, Master Marine is the only Suzuki authorized shop between Bellingham and Everett. We keep our boat at Twin Bridges and do not have a trailer........which we are trying to rectify so if any of you know of a used trailer for sale, please let me know. With no trailer we are sort of stuck with Master Marine. The other shops do not seem to water access.

Despite all this I guess Master Marine is okay.
 
As far as EQ goes - Kathy pretty much handles the service side of things with Les handling sales. Les can be heavily involved in the more custom aspects of an install but generally isn't too involved in the details of routine installs. Carl (the main mechanic/installer) is good and the pricing at EQ is fair. I would go there independent of Les' availability. The installation of a kicker, arch, heater and electronics are all fairly routine and Carl can handle any of those without issue. Some of those are also easily self installed. Self installation has some downsides but the advantage is that you know how to fix things and where to look when problems later occur.
 
Would suggest looking into Bitter End Boatworks in Bellingham (they also own Hilton Marina - dry storage). Reputable guys who can do all the items you listed.
 
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