How to Find a Great Repair Shop

Dealing with boat repairs is no easy task and finding quality boat repair shops can be even more difficult. Some people may just google things like: “boat repair near me” or “boat repair shops” which may work for some, but there are other things you need to consider first. Namely, what is it exactly that you are looking for?

To understand what it is you are looking for you first need to understand that not all boat repair shops offer the same services. Some boat repair shops may be comprised of a single individual who fixes boats as a professional trade. Others may be a franchise or chain that offers multiple boat mechanics under the same roof. Others still only deal with specialized systems or types of boats such as large yachts. Most people will find that average boat repair shops can handle their needs and will not need access to a highly specialized service.

Methods to locate “boat repair near me”

After you have decided the level of attention your boat needs, the next step is locating the properly certified boat repair shops. One method we often hear about from our customers is asking the dealership where they bought the boat. The dealerships may even have a partnership with specific boat repair shops meaning that you may be entitled to a discount. If you bought the boat from an individual rather than a dealership, reach out to the individual and ask them who they used or who they would recommend.

Another resource for finding boat repair shops is using boating forums and social media groups. Both of these options are full of boating enthusiasts that can help answer the question: how do I find boat repair near me? The only issue with both options is that they are global meaning that the individuals you are talking with may in fact live thousands of miles away. Hopefully, given the large size of some of these groups, you will be able to locate quality boat repair shops. The final resource is simply word of mouth. Do you know other boaters? Have you asked who they trust? Have you asked them: is there boat repair near me? Sometimes just asking a person can open avenues you were unaware of. Many people in boating have wide circles and tapping into their knowledge base can be a smart move.

What to check once you select a repair shop

Once you have selected a few boat repair shops, it is time to vet them. When looking at who to trust with your boat there are a few select things that you need to look out for and pay attention to. The first thing to take note of is their immediate work area. If the shop is in disrepair with cluttered tables of junk and old parts, then you may want to look elsewhere. Also, if the back of the building is loaded with rotting boats and parts, then that’s a red flag. Well-maintained boat repair shops show that they take themselves, their business, and your boat seriously. These are the people that will focus on getting the job done right the first time. We are not done just yet as there are other factors that you should take into consideration.

Their experience and qualifications

The first question you should ask is how long the current mechanics have been repairing vessels. That is not to say that new mechanics with a few years of experience are bad. It’s just that more experience means that they are likely better at problem solving and have seen your particular issue before. That goes a long way to getting you back on the water faster. Another thing to look for is whether or not they have certificates and if they are displaying them. Reputable boat repair shops take pride in their certifications and proudly show them off out in the open. The more certifications that you see, the more experienced they are and the better training they have. Additionally, you may want to ask if they have what are known as “master technicians”?

A master technician has earned three or more certifications in areas such as boat building, marine engine systems, electrical processes, marine corrosion maintenance, and more. Many of these certifications are offered by the ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council). The master technician title is only awarded to the best marine technicians and is a solid sign that you have found the highest quality boat repair shops possible. Now that you have selected the right boat repair shops, there is only one more question to ask.

Where do they get their parts?

They should be getting parts from a long-trusted supplier. Not just a fly by night company, but one with a long track record of offering high quality electrical solutions. Pacer has earned the title of a trusted partner after more than forty years in the marine industry. Serving some of the world’s largest boat builders, Pacer is a leader in marine electrical solutions. The boar repair shops you’ve selected should be ordering from Pacer, or at the very least, using Pacer’s high quality marine grade wire.