Reviews: South River Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: Mike Bruno on Oct 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 5

In a world where boat maintenance is fraught with eye watering expense and lots of unknowns, I found Skip Bennett's Marine to be a welcome surprise. Currently on a reverse great Loop boat trip, I had some preventative maintenance issues I wanted addressed as I passed down the East Coast. I sent out a bit of a email blast to multiple maintenance providers in the Chesapeake Bay stipulating my "to-do" list. Being a bit obsessive about price, value, and quality....I did a lot of time consuming comparative shopping so you don't have to.

Here is what I found. At skip Bennett's the shop rate is quite competitive (and I say that as a boater based in the Mid-West USA where prices tend to be more modest in comparison to the East Coast). The contact person (Bill) answered my initial email inquiry in a timely fashion. Understandably confident in the quality of their work and the fairness of their pricing, Bill was completely transparent in expected expenses and unexpected costs. He was comfortable suggesting parts and supply cost containment strategies such as ordering parts and shipping to the shop. In the end I was confident in electing to have them order everything they needed to get the job done (which they did well) and I found the markup to be in line, actually slightly better, than other shops I have dealt with.

It is obvious they want to exceed customers' expectations. Bringing years of expertise to bear on my specific maintenance needs, they actually came up with suggestions to cost save. I very much appreciated that. Karl, their head maintenance professional, patiently walked me through a rational approach to solving the riddle of an out drive issue. I learned a lot actually, and I feel like I start with at least a rudimentary level of understanding and interest in such things.

They did the work on time, on budget, and without surprises. That puts them to the front of the pack already. But they also did not larder up the bill with extraneous shop fees, environmental fees, or inflation/energy surcharges adjustments which are sadly so common now a days. My list of items included antennae replacement/repair, oil change, prop seal replacement, outdrive servicing, bottom washing, oil leak diagnosis, and examination of antifreeze system. Despite the wide ranging issues, they handled them all without missing a beat. My propulsion system is Volvo Penta, but they have onsite experts for all major brands. They also appear expert in prop issues, gelcoat repair, and many other maintenance/winterization needs.

In sum, if your boat is in the Chesapeake region, or you are transiting down the East Coast, I recommend Skip Bennett's Marine maintenance without reservation. They are a one stop shop. They are accommodative, fair, and a great value. I wish they were located near my home port actually.

South River Marina, where they are located, also seems like a great marina, with well tended boats, cost efficient round trip haul out prices, and friendly professional staff. They are super adept at slinging boats in and out of the water both safely and efficiently. These two institutions make a strong combo for the boating consumer.

(NB: there is a bridge which must be negotiated to arrive at this location measuring 15 feet high and 22 feet wide. Though it might seem intimidating at first look as you approach, it is actually really quite easy to get through with soft wood sides and no current. Something to consider though if your height exceeds 15 feet and beam 22 feet).

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Reviewed by: Tim T on Mar 31, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 1

I’m giving 2 stars because the marina, location and people are generally nice, but I’m glad I left and wouldn't recommend the South River Marina for storage or service. I had a wet slip at SRM for years even though they have a bad reputation. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt but eventually I experienced things first-hand. After repeated bad experiences, I left and will never return unless the ownership changes. The South River Marina is a business and is run as business by ruthless business professionals. Contrary to appearances and first impressions, this isn’t a family-warm marina that many boaters enjoy. The most common complaint is that the South River Marina will nickel and dime you to death. I understand it is a tough business, but sometimes it is just a rip-off while other times it is just plain wrong. If the service costs are high, I generally roll my eyes and tell myself boating is expensive and move on. But when their business practices questions their integrity, it is a pill I can’t swallow. One other thing you’ll hear often from their slip holders is to avoid the service shop because of poor workmanship. I didn’t have any big problems with the quality of service over a couple of years and consider myself lucky. If you are considering the South River Marina for storage or service, do yourself a favor and walk the docks to ask questions. Ask any long term slip holder if they feel the marina is fair, if they trust the service shop or marina, and if they feel the marina will ‘do the right thing’ when the time comes. I feel bad for the slip holders who are tied to the marina because they can't move their boat lifts. The South River Marina owners and employees act very nice and friendly, but that’s how they suck you in. DO NOT TRUST THEM. The best thing about the marina is the location (hence 2 stars), but keep in mind there are dozens in the same area. Listen to their customers and save yourself the headache and simply avoid South River Marina.

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