Last year (June 29, 2007) I took my 2005 Trophy Walkaround to a local marine dealer, because earlier in the day when I was out on the water, the alarm sounded on the engine (Mercury 150hp Saltwater Optimax). I immediately shut the engine down to prevent any damage. When the mechanic checked the engine out, he discovered a small crack in the power head, which meant the engine needed to be rebuilt. I checked on the internet and found Custom Machine Shop. They are anything but custom more common.

When I spoke to the rep on the phone, he explained that a COMPLETE rebuild would cost no more than $3, 450 plus shipping, and turnaround time would be about 10 days. I was thrilled!!! That price was better that anyone locally, even including the shipping charges. So I made arrangements with the marine dealer where my boat was located to have them remove the engine and ship it to Custom Machine Shop in Florida. That's where the pleasantness stopped.

After about two weeks, I hadn't heard anything from them so I called. I was told the mechanic assigned to my engine was not there, but would return my call. He never did. So the following day, I called again. He informed me that the engine had just arrived, and it would take 10 days, as he had said previously. Again after the 10 day period past, I called to inquire about the status of my engine, and was now told that it needed a new crankshaft, 2 cylinder rods, and an injector replaced.

Suspicious about the additional charges, I called the dealer that checked out the engine, and he indicated there was no damage to the crankshaft.

Anyway, to make a long story short, it ended up costing me over $6, 000 to get my engine repaired and they did not ship it back until near the end of the season (August 29th). The summer was almost over, and they had RIPPED ME OFF. I promised not to let them get away with it. So, I've alerted everyone I can about them. Military retirees, members of the American Legion, Boat U.S. members, Masonic members and Shriners.

I filed a complaint with the Attorney General's Office of Florida, but to no avail. Thanks complaintsboard.com for this opportunity to out these bums.