frustrating boat repair---word to the wise!!

well, 10 weeks ago, i had an issue with my ranger. it would not come up on plane. it got to about 1500 rpm's and would not climb enough to get on plane. i had been hearing about this new place on the radio. it is called marine specialties. it is located on havens drive in north shreveport. it runs just south of 220 between north market and grimmet drive.

i took my boat to them and after two weeks, i had heard nothing so i called them. the guy told me that they had just pulled my boat in that morning and he would call me that afternoon. i heard nothing. so three days after that i called back. and a different guy told me that they had just pulled my boat into the bay and i would know something that after noon. yall seeing the trend here?? someone has lied to me.

5 weeks after i took them my boat, and after they repeatedly told me they would call me and give me a diagnosis, which they never did, i got my boat back. only to take it to the lake and it was doing the exact same thing. so i called them and they told me to bring it back in and they would move it to the front of the line. well, to make a very long story short, they had it another 5 weeks before i got it back. they never once called me about my boat. i did not want to be "that guy" that called and bugged them about the boat every other day, but 6 times they told me they would call me back and i NEVER got a call from them.

i have not taken it to the lake since i picked it up yesterday. but i would steer clear of this place. they over promise and under deliver. their customer service is crap and i won't be back.

doc :)

Doc, I hate hearing stories like that. but I bet they wanted their money right now not 10 weeks from now. I bet they are on your black balled list. Sounds like the Ford dealer in New Iberia that wanted to replace the engine in my truck when I only needed one fuel injector. In the process burnt my starter up and drained both the batteries.

Wow Doc, what a joke. That's about 8 weeks longer than I would have let them have my boat. Hope the repair worked, but looking at their track record I wouldn't hold my breath.

Doc.....you have a very good reason to be upset.....people like that can't stay in business long....word eventually gets around and I think you did right in reporting it to all your fishing buddies.....sorry you had to go thru that....I lost faith in my repair shop and now am looking for a new one for my regular maintenance......thinking about Cabellas in Gonzales.....

I've used Letsinger's Marine in Monroe for years. You pay dealer prices but I've always been very pleased with their work and attitude. They always called if there was an unexpected issue, etc.

With service of that Quality, Better Business Bereau, ​ Does come to mind

Bummer Mark, I feel for you.

Doc I know you are upset about the way you was done and you should be. If it is not fixed I would take it to Webster Boats (Smith Marine) in Minden they are by far the best on Mercury motors in the area all of them are going to be expensive. I hope you got it fixed and don't have any more trouble.
Buster

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Originally Posted by Tbone

I've used Letsinger's Marine in Monroe for years. You pay dealer prices but I've always been very pleased with their work and attitude. They always called if there was an unexpected issue, etc.

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You're right Tbone, their time aint cheap but they usually get it out pretty quick

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Originally Posted by docwaldo

well, 10 weeks ago, i had an issue with my ranger. it would not come up on plane. it got to about 1500 rpm's and would not climb enough to get on plane. i had been hearing about this new place on the radio. it is called marine specialties. it is located on havens drive in north shreveport. it runs just south of 220 between north market and grimmet drive.

i took my boat to them and after two weeks, i had heard nothing so i called them. the guy told me that they had just pulled my boat in that morning and he would call me that afternoon. i heard nothing. so three days after that i called back. and a different guy told me that they had just pulled my boat into the bay and i would know something that after noon. yall seeing the trend here?? someone has lied to me.

5 weeks after i took them my boat, and after they repeatedly told me they would call me and give me a diagnosis, which they never did, i got my boat back. only to take it to the lake and it was doing the exact same thing. so i called them and they told me to bring it back in and they would move it to the front of the line. well, to make a very long story short, they had it another 5 weeks before i got it back. they never once called me about my boat. i did not want to be "that guy" that called and bugged them about the boat every other day, but 6 times they told me they would call me back and i NEVER got a call from them.

i have not taken it to the lake since i picked it up yesterday. but i would steer clear of this place. they over promise and under deliver. their customer service is crap and i won't be back.

doc :)

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Doc, can i ask what the diagnosis was?

the diagnosis after 10 weeks was a broken reed assembly on one of the cylinders. not exactly sure what that does, but i know it is important. they replaced the entire reed assembly on that side of the motor.

Hope they fixed it this time. I don't mind paying, but I want prompt service and I want the problem solved. Also, doc I heard if you carry to many poles in your boat, it wears out the reeds. :)

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Originally Posted by docwaldo

the diagnosis after 10 weeks was a broken reed assembly on one of the cylinders. not exactly sure what that does, but i know it is important. they replaced the entire reed assembly on that side of the motor.

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we are happy for you that they found the problem.....always a good feeling to get it back and know it is fixed right....nothing like having confidence in your mechanic....and....never got too many poles or shiners....or batteries.....

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Originally Posted by dpisani

Hope they fixed it this time. I don't mind paying, but I want prompt service and I want the problem solved. Also, doc I heard if you carry to many poles in your boat, it wears out the reeds. :)

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dang, i wonder why it lasted this long. LOL. hadn't taken it out yet, i worked last weekend. but i will take it out this weekend and give yall a report, of the boat and the fishing.

doc :)

Hey Mark,

C.Dave put me in touch with a fellow that lives in Blanchard. I've had him do some work for me and I think the longest he's had it was a week and that's only because I couldn't get out there to him to pick it up. Give me a holler if you want his info.
Scott

I always use Walt Adams down in south Bossier...does great work at half the price of others and he has never had my boat longer than 3 days. Most of the time I have gotten it back the next day. Walt has created a great name for himself. He does absolutely no advertising and obtains all his business by word of mouth.

Walt Adams- 318-268-9061
318-752-9258

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Originally Posted by bassadict69

I always use Walt Adams down in south Bossier...does great work at half the price of others and he has never had my boat longer than 3 days. Most of the time I have gotten it back the next day. Walt has created a great name for himself. He does absolutely no advertising and obtains all his business by word of mouth.

Walt Adams- 318-268-9061
318-752-9258

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thanks. i will put his number in my phone.

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Originally Posted by docwaldo

thanks. i will put his number in my phone.

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Well...did the boat work??

yes it ran like a scolded dog. it dang well better after 10 weeks!!