Customer Reviews.
The Boat Grotto San Diego is one of the highest rated boat repair centers in San Diego. As a proud Platinum dealer for Mercury Marine, see for yourself what our clients have to say.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been a customer of The Boat Grotto for more than 10 years and have always found their work to be top notch. Mario and his staff really know boats and they are super easy to deal with. I enjoy getting fair and honest pricing on my services and Mario always makes sure to provide me video and text updates so I can see the work that is going on in real time. The Boat Grotto is the only place that I will bring my boat to for service. Hands down the best in San Diego for all your boat and engine repair services.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I found Mario and the Boat Grotto years ago (I believe 2013) when I bought a fixer-upper Chaparral with twin Volvo I/O's. The boat had been neglected and I knew when I bought her she was going to need some serious love. I did a lot of the work myself, but wasn't comfortable going through the stern drives. Mario and his team did a great job taking them apart, identifying any needs, sends LOTS of pictures illustrating his findings and recommendations. I was very happy with the job they did. Fast forward to a few months ago and I'm selling that boat after many happy voyages to Catalina and Ensenada and lots of other places. I bought a larger vessel and as this one was in survey we found one engine had chipped a valve and caused major engine damage. Once again Mario evaluated the situation and gave me the options. We decided on a new rebuilt engine. He was able to get it done on time, helped explain all he was doing not only to me but to my buyer for the boat. The engine was replaced, the buyer was happy and is now enjoying it and I expect him to get many more great years out of this boat. Thanks Mario and your team for all the hard work!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Found my new boat mechanic. 2003 Merc Optimax on 03 Whaler Ventura. Went into guardian mode. They got me in very quickly compared to the other guys and 1 day later it was fixed. A bad sensor, they were honest and didn't try to sell me a $1000 un-needed job like many do. Nice work Boat Grotto, Mario and Caesar- top notch. Oh, super easy to get into with a boat too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have 3 Mercury Verados on my boat and to say the least, you talk about issues when you have Mercury technicians working on them that aren’t actually Verado technicians. I have lived this nightmare. People promise the world here in San Diego, but Mario and his staff are the real deal. No more exhaust pouring out the back of the exhaust. Fuel consumption has gone down. They fully back any warranty work if needed and Mercury actually recognizes them as a dealer for verados which is crazy! Most dealers that are Fly By Night operations will actually charge you for warranty work, then change Mercury so they can double dip! Not Mario, he doesn’t play that game. Don’t be fooled by individuals and companies that claim to be Mercury technicians, in San Diego, but don’t actually have their Verado certification. Lots of fakes out there, but if you want your boat to run, not cost a fortune and not want companies to nickel and dime you- there is only 1 place and you found it! Speak with Mario today!
The Boat Grotto San Diego is one of the highest rated boat repair centers in San Diego. As a proud Platinum dealer for Mercury Marine, see for yourself what our clients have to say.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been a customer of The Boat Grotto for more than 10 years and have always found their work to be top notch. Mario and his staff really know boats and they are super easy to deal with. I enjoy getting fair and honest pricing on my services and Mario always makes sure to provide me video and text updates so I can see the work that is going on in real time. The Boat Grotto is the only place that I will bring my boat to for service. Hands down the best in San Diego for all your boat and engine repair services.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I found Mario and the Boat Grotto years ago (I believe 2013) when I bought a fixer-upper Chaparral with twin Volvo I/O's. The boat had been neglected and I knew when I bought her she was going to need some serious love. I did a lot of the work myself, but wasn't comfortable going through the stern drives. Mario and his team did a great job taking them apart, identifying any needs, sends LOTS of pictures illustrating his findings and recommendations. I was very happy with the job they did. Fast forward to a few months ago and I'm selling that boat after many happy voyages to Catalina and Ensenada and lots of other places. I bought a larger vessel and as this one was in survey we found one engine had chipped a valve and caused major engine damage. Once again Mario evaluated the situation and gave me the options. We decided on a new rebuilt engine. He was able to get it done on time, helped explain all he was doing not only to me but to my buyer for the boat. The engine was replaced, the buyer was happy and is now enjoying it and I expect him to get many more great years out of this boat. Thanks Mario and your team for all the hard work!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Found my new boat mechanic. 2003 Merc Optimax on 03 Whaler Ventura. Went into guardian mode. They got me in very quickly compared to the other guys and 1 day later it was fixed. A bad sensor, they were honest and didn't try to sell me a $1000 un-needed job like many do. Nice work Boat Grotto, Mario and Caesar- top notch. Oh, super easy to get into with a boat too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have 3 Mercury Verados on my boat and to say the least, you talk about issues when you have Mercury technicians working on them that aren’t actually Verado technicians. I have lived this nightmare. People promise the world here in San Diego, but Mario and his staff are the real deal. No more exhaust pouring out the back of the exhaust. Fuel consumption has gone down. They fully back any warranty work if needed and Mercury actually recognizes them as a dealer for verados which is crazy! Most dealers that are Fly By Night operations will actually charge you for warranty work, then change Mercury so they can double dip! Not Mario, he doesn’t play that game. Don’t be fooled by individuals and companies that claim to be Mercury technicians, in San Diego, but don’t actually have their Verado certification. Lots of fakes out there, but if you want your boat to run, not cost a fortune and not want companies to nickel and dime you- there is only 1 place and you found it! Speak with Mario today!