Reviewers describe the marina as responsive and accommodating, often completing repairs quickly with fair pricing and knowledgeable staff. Customers frequently highlight the business's honesty and willingness to assist with various outboard motors, including non-Mercury brands. However, some lower-rated reviews criticize the shop for installing unauthorized or unnecessary parts on non-Mercury engines and note that long-time customers have felt unwelcome or like a bother in recent years.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 52 reviews (85% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 52 Google reviews (40 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Most recent review: April 21, 2026.
Service: Boat Repair Service serving Gainesville, Florida.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Star ratings
52 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars4485%
4 stars48%
3 stars12%
2 stars12%
1 star24%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 40 written reviews
98%praise
Praise4198%
Complaints12%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude1229%
Honesty & trust921%
Price & value717%
Quality & results512%
Would recommend512%
Speed & response37%
Communication12%
What customers talk about
We read 40 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They told me $420, and I told them "have a nice day.”
“My dad has trusted them since longer than I can remember.”
“He reminds me of that line you hear on old Westerns, "A fair wage for a day's work.”
“Responsive, accommodating on short notice, quality work, and fairly priced.”
“Honest, integrity, stands behind his work, Highly recommended”
“…a new steering cable installed today or before close of business the next day at a very fair price, I dismissed any thoughts of going elsewhere.…”
“I explained the problem thoroughly but apparently they didn't listen.”
People customers mention
Heath4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Unless you own a Mercury, I do not recommend you use these people to work on your motor. I explained the problem thoroughly but apparently they didn't listen. Very bad and costly experience with their repair of my Yamaha 200 OX66. Very costly.They installed used parts that were not needed that had nothing to do with the problem, new batteries that I never authorized (the originals were fine) and the motor was not close to being fixed. Returned to me with the original problem still there. I didn't check the motor until launching many miles away.
E
Ed SmileyLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ed has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Absolutely the best place to go if you want you boat fixed. If you go any where else you’re wasting fishing time.
My dad has trusted them since longer than I can remember. Now I’m a believer also. Motor runs like brand new fellas I really appreciate it 👍🏿👍🏽👍🏿👍🏽
M
Michael SchickLocal Guide · 50 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was at a well-known marine store in Ocala having the steering checked on my Lowe's boat. While there, I asked for an estimate on installing a 7-inch Garmin depth finder. They told me $420, and I told them "have a nice day." On the way home, I had the idea of calling Suwannee Shores Marina since I live in Cross City and the marina was on the way. That was Friday afternoon, and even though Mr. Heath is only open 8 till 1 on Saturday, he said if I'd be there at 8 the next morning he'd try to get it done for me that day. He told me it'd take about an hour and a half labor. Next morning, I was there at 8, and at 9:30 Mr. Heath called and told me it was done and the price was $170. Not to mention I'd asked him if he could please grease the bearings on my trailer and he had done that also; far cry from Ocala's $420, right? Mr. Heath is great! He reminds me of that line you hear on old Westerns, "A fair wage for a day's work." And his brown lab, Copper, is friendly as can be and kept my wife entertained. Thank you, Mr. Heath. I know where I'm taking my boat now.
J
Jon BLocal Guide · 5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Responsive, accommodating on short notice, quality work, and fairly priced. Serviced by Merc 115 4-stroke while I ran to wally world. Boat was ready to go when I got back.
C
clearfish5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews clearfish has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
While I live in Clearwater, I am keeping my boat up in Suwannee. When I had a problem with the steering after a recent install of a new engine, a local resident recommended Heath and Suwannee Shores. I drove from Suwannee to Old Town to eyeball the place and meet Heath. When he said he thought he could get a new steering cable installed today or before close of business the next day at a very fair price, I dismissed any thoughts of going elsewhere. I brought the boat in and in two hours it was ready to go. After reading the other reviews, my experience was not a fluke. Heath and his crew know how to knock out the work. Honest and friendly.
S
Susan D12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Susan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cant thank Suwannee Shores Marina enough! We were camping when our pontoon started having some engine trouble. Mind you, this was day ONE of our trip. Being from out of town, we were unfamiliar with the area. The camp host recommended Suwannee Shores Marina. We dropped the boat off that morning and they had replaced the four plugs, and water tested it by THAT afternoon. The best part.... I wasn't gouged on the price. They were amazing! Very professional, and the customer service was out of this world. I can't thank them enough for putting my camping trip back on track! Would highly recommend!
P
P RossLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews P has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
