Now thats good service!

[Random guy]

On Sunday my infamous outboard gave me trouble again. I had images of broken rings, cooked pistons, a huge bill and lots of downtime in my head. After a day to think things over I began to call around to shops looking for some answers and get a rough idea of how bad this was going to hit the wallet. The general consensus was “Your motor is blown up or in bad shape and its going to cost you several thousand.”

Yes thousands.

Until I called a shop in Albertville Minnesota by the name of Pro-tech Marine and talked to Steve & Jim. Steve gave me the answer I was looking for “I can’t really tell you until I look at it. It could be as minor as a sensor or as major as a rebuild. ” Finally a guy who was honest and straight forward as he could be.

Then I was surprised when he asked me how soon I can get it up to him to look at! The other shops told me two weeks get it in the door and some of them just about hung up when they heard what type of motor it was. I showed up at 7:30 AM with busted boat in tow and Jim jumped all over the motor and checked some of the obvious stuff and figured they would have to plug it in and it might be a wait. With my schedule I had to leave the boat behind and head off to work only to look in my rear-view mirror to see them putting the boat in the shop to begin working on it. I thought I was impressed until I got to my office a couple hours later and it was Steve on the phone with the answers why the motor was acting up. He then offered many options on how we can approach the situation. WOW!

As some of you know high performance motors can be tough to get parts for and with my tournament schedule and booked guide trips I don’t have much room for down time waiting for parts. Well Steve jumped all over this also and is going through great lengths to find solutions.

I cannot recommend these guys enough, and this is coming from a guy that has been kicked out of dealer shops for being a bit cantankerous.

Give them a call at Pro-Tech the next time your motor stops motoring. 763-493-0402

[marine_man]

It's always great to hear about good service...

What did the problem end up being?

marine_man

[BobT]

Thanks for the information. It would be great if somehow the fact that you are spreading the word could get back to them so they know their efforts are being rewarded.

One comment though. I wouldn't be quite so quick to discredit the other places you contacted just because they wouldn't or couldn't respond as quickly. Maybe they were just that busy and you caught Pro-Tech Marine at a slow time. Don't know if this is the case but it's easy to respond enthusiastically and promptly when you're looking for work.

We'd all like to think we are the only customer that matters when we need help but let's face it, we are only getting in line.

As far as those that didn't seem too keen on the idea of working with your motor, perhaps it's best because maybe they had no knowledge of the product. I would rather have the repairs done by a qualified mechanic than one that claims he/she is qualified.

Bob

[Random guy]

Marine Man, the computer has gone bonkers.

BobT, The big problem with mine is it is the exact year and model that is known for its trouble and it has a bad bad reputation. A great mechanic can work on it and have it come back in a week. Not that the mechanic did a thing wrong, it's just the nature of that beast. Alot of shops, good shops at that have outright told me they are very hesitant to work on it. I don't blame them one bit, heck I'm scared to start it most days.

I'm just saying I spend alot of time in outboard shops because of my motor and my driving habits, Pro-Tech impressed me and I thought I would say something about it. Thats all.

[cjac]

Hey Jon,

Quote:

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I'm just saying I spend alot of time in outboard shops because of my motor and my driving habits

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We need to work on the "red line" concept with you!

Glad to hear that you found a place to take care of you, nice to know that I have someone close on my end of town if I need it! (Knock on wood!!)

Good stuff on the west side, we'll have to get you out on a few of these 'ski lakes as well. Let us know how it ends up and drop me a note if you''re looking for a ride this weekend.

Chris

[Random guy]

Quote:

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We need to work on the "red line" concept with you!

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The mechanic also brought that up. Those computers really tattle tail on a guy.

[Chad Halvorson]

Can they fix my 2004 carburated Yamaha 4-stroke! If so Ill bring it to them, 2 other shops have tried and failed.

[Mark Christianson]

I had some repairs done to my Honda outboard at Pro Tech and they were by far the most reasonably priced.

Motor runs like a champ again.