I don't know if this has been asked before but I was just curious as to what lengths you would go to to make sure your boat had top notch maitenence.

i drove 6 hours up to a well known person on lake texoma only to be ripped off. people will rip you off if they live on your block or 12 states away. best of luck to anyone looking for a real mechanic that knows how to provide service instead of bull****.

Hey Dredge-

I know a real mechanic do you need the number

I've taken my Sonic from Toledo back to the factory in Florida for service already.

BTW- this "real mechanic" also provides pick-up and drop-off service.

Yeah I know this is a shameless plug but hey I gotta do my part

That's a really tough question.
It all depends on what is wrong with my boat. Little stuff to medium stuff, I will do on my own. I'll spend 8 hours doing something I can pay someone to do in 2, as either way, it will take me a couple days to get it to and from someone who CAN do it in 2 hours, plus the costs associated.

Things that I can't figure out, and that I have OSO telling me 15 different things about, it will go to a certified mechanic; at a reputable establishment, that can get me in. I do have to drive about 80 miles before I will find a reputable mechanic that I will let look at my boat though.

I also like to use my boat. I am not going to take it several states away, as doing so probably costs me a month of boating season. Some folks investing in the refurb or upgrade of a very prestigious (to them) boat, will be inclined to have it done wherever, whenever. Case in point, Hot Duck, having Tres Martin doing his Apache.

BTW, I really miss CheckmateF1 living up here in VA. Eric is a great mechanic, a good friend, and saved me loads of cash and frustration.

Well, LOL, technically I take it from Oklahoma to Miami (Lip-Ship) for quality service! Thats kinda far, right?

Depends on what needs to be done, but in most cases I prefer someone close by. That way if there are any problems I can stop by. Most shops will tell you they stand behind their work, but if I have to drag the boat 6 hours away to get something fixed again, that's more than I want to endure. I would rather find a good, reputable mechanic close by and know that I can go to him when I need to. By the way, I found that tipping your good mechanic shows him (or her) how much you appreciate their work and gets you priority service next time you need it.

I'v been burned by shops near and far, but the ones that are near I can stop by as many times as needed to get resolution.

Thanks for all of the feed back...it's very educational. Come on guys and gals post your feelings on this.

I'm lucky, Art Lilly's shop is about a mile away. My other boat is in Miami at Doller, but it was already in FL so technically that was pretty close too.

-Greg