Paying a Visit to a Marine Service Department
Collins Marine in Tonawanda is your Lake Erie boat dealer, serving western New York State for over 30 years. Below, you’ll find a helpful rundown on when you should head to a service department, how to get an appointment and ways to prepare.
Do You Need Their Help?
No matter how theoretically easy a maintenance task may be and no matter how many YouTube videos there are demonstrating how to do it, there are always going to be tasks that are outside of your skill level or risky enough that you’d prefer an expert to do them. If you’re in this category, then you should definitely visit a service department. While the expense may seem like a lot, think about all the money you’ll save on repairs if something goes wrong in your garage.
It’s also a good idea to visit the service department as soon as a problem arises, rather than waiting weeks or months to see if it improves on its own.
Where Should I Go?
Chances are good that if you’re near a large body of water, there are going to be many marine service options nearby. It’s a good idea to look up customer reviews online and check out the company’s website to make sure they offer the services you need. Location may be another priority, as you won’t want to tow your boat any further than you have to.
Should You Schedule In Advance?
Yes! Always try to schedule a maintenance appointment in advance. Marine service departments like the one here at Collins Marine are often very busy, especially during the peak boating seasons (spring and summer). You’ll have to work with their schedule and that may mean taking a weekend off boating, but the sooner you schedule, the sooner you can get your boat taken care of.
What Should I Do to Prepare?
Before you visit the service department of your choice, you should make a list of what issues on your boat will need to be addressed. If there are any parts or records you need to bring to the mechanic, place them in a bag in your car so you don’t forget them. List out all the “symptoms” of your boat’s problem, whether it’s slow starting, engine grinding, leakage or low performance. Taking these steps will help the mechanics to address your issue faster.
When you’re ready to bring your boat in for service, contact us here at Collins Marine so we can schedule you a maintenance appointment with our service department. We can address any issues you may be having and get you back on the water as soon as possible.
Looking to purchase a new boat instead? Stop by our Tonawanda, NY, dealership to check out our full stock of new and used boats for sale. Collins Marine proudly serves the greater Buffalo metropolitan area and all our New York customers who boat in Lakes Erie and Ontario.