Reviews: River Forest Boatyard/Shipyard

Reviewed by: André Blair on Oct 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.1'

Rating: 5

I strongly recommend this family shipyard. I was there for a quick haul-out / cutlass bering, found out my shaft was finished. Within a week, I had a new Q22 shaft. Axon (father'n son) gave me great advice and were quick to send me back on the ICW. I was provided a golf kart and a car to do my groceries. You're having a mechanical problem, call River Forest Shipyard, Belhaven. Quick and friendly. Merci.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Roger S. on Apr 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

Needing a haul out to repair a small thru hole in our bilge, address a vibration on our port side, and replace seals on our shaft logs, I called practically every boatyard between Jacksonville, FL and Hampton, VA and no one would commit to helping us out for almost 3 months. I spoke with Axson at River Forest Boatyard and he assured me that he would take care of us as soon as we could get our boat from Florida up to Belhaven, NC. Upon arrival, weather delayed our haul out by a day. Once on the hard inspection confimed the port prop was slightly bent and starboard was questionable. The props were off in 30 minutes and on their way to a top notch prop yard in Norfolk, VA. River Forest had a driver at the prop shop ready to pick them up the moment the work was done a day later. All the other repairs, which were much more involved than expected, were done when the props arrived back at River Forest and we were splashed and on our way. Total time on the hard was ~48 hours. We stayed on our boat the whole time which River Forest accommodated with power, rest room and outdoor shower. The final bill was very reasonable. Plus, we were allowed to do some of our own work while in their yard. We cannot say enough about River Forest Boatyard and their determination to help boaters any way they can.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Jul 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Axson Smith III came to Dowry Creek for repairs to my boat. Had to replace a Mac valve that operated all systems on my boat. Axson had not worked on this part or systems previously and he procured parts and completed repairs with no previous knowledge. While on board he reengineered and repaired an access door to the wheelhouse. Axson demonstrated a large degree of mechanical knowledge and skill in addition to squeezing us in between scheduled jobs. There is nothing in the way of a repair that I would not ask Axson to perform on my boat.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: George Fentress , Heron's Watch, on Oct 12, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We experienced a hose leak, necessitating a BoatUS tow and the sourcing and installation of the replacement part. Axson Smith coordinated the tow and executed the repair. I give Axon high marks for his technical skills, professionalism, and communication of where we stood in the repair cycle. River Forest Shipyard is a excellent source for quality service work. A family business exhibiting pride and teamwork.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer