Harbor Marine

I took my boat there at the end of the 2021 season for a basic etec 200hr and lower unit oil service. I was having no issues with the motor. First, I was greeted outside by the rudest person I had ever met, explaining that he didn't have time for me and walked away. I followed him inside when the receptionist indicated not to worry about him and they would help me out. I scheduled the service with the statement the 200hr service was $450-$500. Well after two weeks and $750, I figured, whatever I'll pay it. In addition, the gentleman in the office when I picked up the boat indicated there were NO issues with the motor. This is a weekend recreational, low hour (600) boat. I used it probably 10 times, approx. 100hrs during the 2022 season. This past season, 2023 and even less hours, I noticed a clunking noise when shifting into reverse. I figured after the season, I would do the water pump and check the shifter height myself. When I pulled the shift rod housing, what did I see, chocolate milk, yes water in the oil. Shocked, I pulled the upper plug, then the lower plug to drain the lower. To my surprise, NO WASHER WAS ON THE LOWER PLUG DRAIN SCREW. There was no service done to this lower unit after it left Harbor Marine so, guess who made the mistake? Possibly costing me a $1500 item. Yep, the certified mechanic. ONLY USE THIS SHOP IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE WORSE THEN WHEN YOU GOT THERE.

No complaints with the quality of, or time for, service. I will be continuing the relationship with them.

Light failed multiple times after installation. Still waiting on a final resolution.

They were excellent.

The water is an integral part of life for those who live in Ocean City, MD. In the spring, everyone is anxious to get their boat on the water. I sadly discovered that I needed to get the carburetor cleaned. I took the boat to Harbor Marine. The owner said they would be happy to perform the service, estimating the cost of the job at $180 and time to complete the work at one week. A week passed with no call from the shop, no surprises there. But after a week and a half and being anxious to get on the water, I called the shop to find out the status of the work. I was shocked to find out the work had been complete for several days - strike one - and that more work had to be performed at a total cost of $485 - strike two! The owner explained the engine needed - and they had replaced - the impeller and water pump - in addition to cleaning the carburetor. I was angry that the total bill was so much higher than the original estimate and that the shop had not called to discuss the additional repairs and obtain my authorization. Regardless, I picked up the boat and paid the bill. The following day, I put the boat in the water and was furious to find the engine running incredibly rough and that the boat wouldn't even plane out before engine alarms starting sounding. It wasn't very far, but I limped back to the boat landing and trailered the boat. I returned to the shop and explained the situation. The owner said he'd take care of it for free, but not before he tried to tell me I probably needed another $50 fuel filter... plus the installation labor of course. I explicitly requested I be called if there were any other parts or labor required, beyond investigating and fixing the source of the original, faulty repair. Two more weeks passed before I had to again call them to find the status of the work. I was then told, the thermostat on the engine needed to be replaced and that they had already ordered the part. I was angry again, that I had to call them first and that they already had plans in motion to do work I had not authorized. I was told the cost of the part was $30 and that the labor to do the work would be $100. I told them not to do the work - that I would replace the thermostat myself - a very straight forward and easy operation. I returned to pick up the boat, only to find the it full of water from a heavy rainstorm. The plugs had been left in place by the shop, not allowing the water to drain. The water was less than an inch from covering the battery. In addition, the shop had not fully reassembled the engine and those parts were floating in the water! Strike three!! I replaced the thermostat and put the boat in the water only to find the problems still existed. I took the boat to a second shop, who looked it over and confirmed one cylinder was not firing. I returned to Harbor Marine, only to be told by the owner that the carburetor needed to be replaced - without even looking at the boat!