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Name:	OForester -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/1/2012 9:19:12 PM

I recently had my boat serviced at Kowaliga Marina. When I launched the boat, I cranked it, and then opened the engine cover just to make sure that the engine wasn't leaking any water. There was no water leaking from the engine, but I quickly noticed that water was shooting in from where the drain plug should be and that three inches of water had already collected in the boat. The people at the marina had taken the plug out and never put it back in. Fortunately, the nose of my boat was still over the trailer, and I was able to get out quickly. This was the first time I've taken my boat to Kowaliga, and they did a fine job other than forgetting to replace the drain plug, but that's inexcusable. I also called to let them know about this...I had to leave a message, and they didn't call back. I've had work done before at Anchor Bay and Wayne's Marine. Anchor Bay is sometimes slow, but I would recommend them, as they are honest people. As of now, I plan to return to Anchor Bay, but does anyone have a recommendation for another service department in the Lake Martin area? in particular, for a late model inboard ski boat? Thanks

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/1/2012 10:33:51 PM (updated 5/1/2012 10:38:38 PM)

Cathouse Performance Marine. Fast and efficient and (in my opinion) the best service on the lake. Take it to them, or they will even come to you.....It probably won't happen, but If they ever did screw up I guarantee you would get a very quick call back to make it right.

.....do a forum search, and you will see many many testimonials.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/1/2012 11:34:23 PM

Cathouse is the way yo go. Steve is honest and really knows his stuff. Scroll down and see all the help he has been to forum members. Here is his website http://www.cathouseperformancemarine.com/

Name:	Pontoonfisher -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/2/2012 7:40:11 AM

I would say that that is your fault. They probably left the plug out on purpose. If your boat was on the trailer and stored outside waiting for pickup than you want the plug out. I am sure they have had people not pick up there boats for extended periods of time. It doesn't take much rain to filll up a boat that is stored on a trailer. I am sure you would be singing a different tune if they left the plug in and you didn't pick up the boat up for several weeks and we had a bunch of rain and your bilge filled up with water. I have made this mistake before. When I went to step on the back of my 23' center console the whole rig, boat and trailer tipped back and was sitting at about 30 to 45 degrees. You should always check the plug before you launch. To me that is just common sense.

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/2/2012 8:10:18 AM

After re-reading his post, I agree. On the first read, I misunderstood and thought he meant the engine block plug. I always store my boats with the drain plug out.

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	Check everything......
Date:	5/2/2012 9:02:24 AM

We have had discussions about normal and not so normal maintainance here on this forum many times. We have also discussed safety. ALWAYS do the following before launching ANY boat. Do a complete walk around. Start at the front of the boat, and simply walk around the outside and gander for any loose parts, damage to the hull, etc. When you come to the stern (The business end of the boat) grab the outdrive, or outboard engine and give it good yank back and forth, taking notice of any excess slack or loose steering pins, bolts, prop and so on. Lean over and check the drain plug and see that the back straps are removed (whew have I forgotten those a few times). Continue on around looking and climb in. Honk the boat horn so that the driver knows its ok to back you in (kinda lets you know the horn works) hook your kill switch up and enjoy your day. As an avid performance boater, It would be insane NOT doing this when climbing in a 150mph boat. Or, any boat. I would welcome your business at my shop, but I have made that same mistake many times myself. And yep, I've let rain fill up a few. Kinda danged if you do, danged if you don't. My .02 worth. I hope the rest of your day went well.

Respectfully,
Steve

Name:	OForester -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/2/2012 9:16:55 AM

You make a good point. But I would expect them to let me know if the plug had been taken out. If it was a universal practice, I wouldn't complain, but I haven't experienced this with any other marinas. I also worked in the service department of a marina for several months when I was in college, and not once did we return a boat to a customer with the drain plug out. Also, I called the marina that morning to let them know I would be picking the boat up that afternoon.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Check everything......
Date:	5/2/2012 11:48:01 AM (updated 5/2/2012 11:48:57 AM)

"Grab the outdrive and give it a good yank back and forth"? Between this post and Kizma's about Dixie Sailing Club, I have to wonder.... ;-)

Name:	Maverick -	Reply
Subject:	Check everything......
Date:	5/2/2012 12:41:03 PM

I am not going there Summer Love. But have to agree 100%+ with Cat's comment, very sound advice that should be heeded by all boaters novice or professional !!!

Name:	firewater -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/2/2012 1:06:49 PM

Sign on customer side of cash register@Kowaliga service . ATTENTION All boats on trailers will have drain plugs out. Please check before lauching.

Name:	Summer Lover -	Reply
Subject:	Check everything......
Date:	5/2/2012 1:36:32 PM

Agree Mav - when I was a kid, we took a family vacation on Lake Guntersville. The old cabin did not have a boat ramp, so we launched, my dad and brother took the boat (stern drive), and I drove the truck back to the cabin. I was parking when my mom said that my brother was yelling something. My dad was circling the boat and my brother was holding up the plug and between laughs, saying that the bilge pump was not working, and requested that I take the trailer back to the ramp.. :-)

Name:	John boy -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/2/2012 5:33:29 PM

I'm not putting blame on anyone but wouldn't it be a smart thing for the customer to check the drain plug but the shop could have zip tied the drain plug to the sterring wheel or keys as a reminder. I know I have poured fresh oil all the way through an engine and out the drain because I got in a hurry. No one gives you experience ....you have to pay for it.

Name:	USAF Sea Doo Dude -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/3/2012 12:48:41 AM

Sorry OForester, but I have to agree with firewater...while I'm not really happy with Kowaliga's turn-a-round time or prices...there is a sign right next to the register telling you that drain plugs are left out. On the bright side, having personally forgot, 1 time, to put the drain plug in before launching...I'll bet you'll never-ever-ever forget to check it/them again before launching...I know I haven't! Sometimes even check it twice cause I have to wait so long for an inexperienced trailer backer up-er, that I forgot if I had already put it/them in.

Remember, everything in life is a learning experience...sometimes good, sometimes bad!

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Boat Service / Kowaliga Marina
Date:	5/3/2012 2:04:10 PM

Have a friend who keeps his boat at Ridge Marina in rack storage. They serviced the boat winter and he had them do spring service, they launched the boat for him, he took the boat from the slip at the marina to his house, did not check his bilge that night and the boat sank at his house. Engine block plug had been left out by Ridge, but they would not accept responsibility. Insurance paid about $8,000, and the Ridge got the money for fixing the boat. Very expensive new boat. Watch out for yourself.

Name:	MikeS -	Reply
Subject:	Check everything......
Date:	7/21/2020 11:13:38 AM

Dock and Lift Depot does service calls- Decent parts pricing too.

https://dockliftdepot.com/

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