best boat dealer in the metro

  • gary_wellman
    South Metro
    Posts: 6057
    October 2, 2011 at 2:15 pm #1273973

    Co-worker is just starting to boat shop.
    While he would love a 250hp, 620 or 2025. He just can’t justify $70,000.

    However, he is looking for something nice.
    New is mandatory.

    When it comes to fishing rigs that are on the “upper end” but not necessarily the “best”, who are the better dealers in the metro?

    Primarily looking at service and taking care of the customer after the sale.

    He isn’t brand loyal, as much as he wants something nice and reliable.
    AND
    IT MUST BE COMMUTTING DISTANCE IN THE METRO. No sense in having your dealer 4 hours away. He lives in Minneapolis.

    Need personal reviews/experiences

    stuwest
    Elmwood, WI
    Posts: 2254
    October 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm #998506

    Fiberglass= markquardt in eauclaire
    aluminum=BAy city hardware, danny kern 715-594-3118

    gary_wellman
    South Metro
    Posts: 6057
    October 2, 2011 at 2:39 pm #998511

    Quote:

    Fiberglass= markquardt in eauclaire
    aluminum=BAy city hardware, danny kern 715-594-3118

    That isn’t commutting distance to the metro.

    stuwest
    Elmwood, WI
    Posts: 2254
    October 2, 2011 at 2:58 pm #998513

    Bay City is across from Red Wing.
    EauClaire is considered a bedroom community for the TC.
    My ex drove to eagan every day…

    i’m suspecting it’s a couple of trips a year.
    if an hour is too long a drive, then go for the metro markup…

    John Peterson
    Woodbury, Minnesota
    Posts: 349
    October 2, 2011 at 2:58 pm #998514

    IMHO Rapid Marine, Ham Lake
    They have Ranger, lund, Crestliner.
    Been doing business with them for over 20 years.

    Have heard good things (no personal experience as a boat buyer) for Frankie’s, Chisago City (Ranger, Skeeter).
    Also Hanney’s Marine, St. Anthony (Yar Craft, G3)

    stuwest
    Elmwood, WI
    Posts: 2254
    October 2, 2011 at 3:14 pm #998516

    done business with Hannay’s since ’70. They are honest.

    john_steinhauer
    p4
    Posts: 2998
    October 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm #998519

    West End Sports in Red Wing, MN Triton, Tuffy, and Mirrocraft give Greg a call he can answer any questions you may have-651-388-6591

    Kdawg1966
    Posts: 55
    October 2, 2011 at 3:40 pm #998520

    Quote:

    IMHO Rapid Marine, Ham Lake
    They have Ranger, lund, Crestliner.
    Been doing business with them for over 20 years.

    Have heard good things (no personal experience as a boat buyer) for Frankie’s, Chisago City (Ranger, Skeeter).

    NOTE: Frankies just lost Skeeter and now have G3 in it’s place. As a Skeeter Customer, they’ve treated me well.

    AllenW
    Mpls, MN
    Posts: 2895
    October 2, 2011 at 3:44 pm #998521

    LaCannes in Fairbault has done right by me, and less than a hour away.

    Al

    smithkeith
    Waterloo, Iowa
    Posts: 889
    October 2, 2011 at 3:51 pm #998522

    LaCannes……I drove 185 miles to deal with them and will do it again. Family owned and great people!!!

    Justin Schneider (Woods & Water Insurance)
    Hugo, MN
    Posts: 1938
    October 2, 2011 at 6:51 pm #998542

    Quote:

    Primarily looking at service and taking care of the customer after the sale

    When it comes to service and customer satisfaction, my vote of confidence goes to Skeeter Boat Center and I’m sure alot of fellow IDO’ers would agree.

    Pricing is also some of the best that i’ve seen for new fiberglass rigs.

    Buzz
    Minneapolis MN
    Posts: 1814
    October 2, 2011 at 7:48 pm #998546

    Warner Dock in New Richmond, not a Mpls metro dealer but I live in So Mpls and it is quicker, shorter and faster then to go up to Frankie’s or Hallbergs. But you also can’t beat Frankie’s for boats, parts and service. But I’m partial to Warner Dock, they have great mechanics and will work with you.

    Buzz

    mike-g
    Bloomington,MN
    Posts: 556
    October 2, 2011 at 7:56 pm #998547

    Quote:

    Quote:

    Primarily looking at service and taking care of the customer after the sale

    When is comes to service and customer satisfaction, my vote of confidence goes to Skeeter Boat Center and I’m sure alot of fellow IDO’ers would agree.

    Pricing is also some of the best that i’ve seen for new fiberglass rigs.

    +1 Service worth driving for. They have consistently gone above and beyond. They sell service day in and day out. They also sell boats on occasion;)

    I know SBC isn’t within your “commuting distance” requirement, but I haven’t experienced this kind of service within commuting distance either. Might be out there, but I haven’t found it. Good luck….

    steveo
    W Central Sconnie
    Posts: 4102
    October 2, 2011 at 9:05 pm #998551

    I like west end too. Warners just did my ipilot, on board charger and locator. Good experience

    arklite881south
    Posts: 5660
    October 3, 2011 at 10:37 am #998626

    I’d drive 18 hours to the SBC. From Minneapolis that is just a skip and a jump. Peace of mind having those guys on your team may very well be worth a few minutes on the road, and beyond that it sounds like a Skeeter may be something he’d want to test ride.

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