Black Dog Marine

John Hunnicutt

2023-09

Black Dog is top notch. Had them install new acrylic dash panels with new Garmin and Fusion stereo on my boat. They scheduled the work weeks out, completed it quickly and communicated with me throughout. Highly recommend, great folks.Service: Accessory & electronic installations

Mark Murphy

2024-03

Thank you Kirk and Marissa for going above and beyond to repair my Minn Kota trolling motor under warranty .Thank you for such a a quick turnaround. Customer service and your knowledge is great. Thank again.Mark Murphy

Mason Thurber

2023-12

Fast and friendly service. I was in for power pole warranty work and they had me in and out in about 30 minutes. They went above and beyond to even sync/pair my remotes for me. Highly recommend and will be my go to shop from now on!

Christian Davis

2023-05

Black Dog has been great! Took my 2001 Scout in for a complete rewire, new stereo & speakers, new dash & switches, new batteries and it turned out great. Everyone there is super friendly. Will be using them in the futureService: Accessory & electronic installations

graham thomas

2024-04

Unfullfilled promises.Initial enquiry phone call was very pleasant & full of promises I wanted to hear.It was all downhill from there!!!Poor communication & customer replies with Mathew becoming aggressive when I was enquiring about the progress of the situation.

Marno Muth

2023-05

I like using Kirk and his crew because they are straight up and honest. This is hard to find in the marine industry these days. I’ve had multiple boats serviced and taken care of here and the experience is always consistent. In many cases, my boats are done before initially promised and prices are lower than estimated.I can’t ask for better service and look forward to using my new trolling motor! Thanks, guys!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installations

John Hawthorne

2022-05

Had the Black Dog team install a console grab bar for me and it was a perfect experience. Made an appointment, dropped it off and picked it up that afternoon. We went over the options of positioning, height, and best way to thru-bolt it for stability.Although it was a relatively simple install it was refreshing dealing with professionals who are organized and set proper expectations. Will be going back for future needs.Service: General installation

Rick Reynolds

2023-05

Black dog marine has excellent prices, huge inventory and will take the time to do additional work if possible after they start the original project. Good office staff. They keep you informed and answer the phone. If you need to leave a voice mail, you can. You don't get mailbox full. You know if you have an issue or question it will be addressed. I failed to mention that Kirk removed a bow rail and moved my power pole to an engine bracket that actually worked to keep it from resting in the water. Moved it to the port side and got it off the hull. Then put a swim platform where it had been originally. No one else would tackle that. This was added to the work order to install 72 inch trolling motor and replaced a radio. Kirk is excellent at his business.Services: Boat cleaning, General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installations, Battery inspection/service

sunblocksc

2023-09

We scheduled a update of Garmin chart plotters a couple of weeks ago, and the technicians ( Bryce and Louis) came at 10:30 Friday Sept.1 and had the install of both units, a transducer and livescope panoptix and NMEA backbone/engine cables in time ( as promised) to splash the boat by 4:30!!Very good placement and securing of all cables and new breaker panel. Very clean install and everything working perfectly!Thanks again to Marissa, Kirk, Bryce and Louise!!Service: Accessory & electronic installations

Guy Annunziata

2021-05

I purchased a pontoon boat and I wanted to add a GPS, Power Pole and additional battery. Black Dog Marine was referred to me by a good friend who spoke very highly of the company. My initial call was to Kirk and he was super helpful. He was informative and patient as I navigated my way through this purchase. he was always up front and he got me in quickly. The work was completed ahead of schedule and the fees were very fair. I will be using Black Dog for all my boating needs.Service: Accessory & electronic installations

Arno Dimmling

2020-05

I recently had the need to update a number of electronic components (chart plotter, radar, VHF radio, stereo, and sounder) on my center console “Contender” boat. Not having the need to use a marine electronics vendor in this area before, I took a chance on a recommendation to use Black Dog Marine to satisfy my needs. I met with Kirk Sutlive (the owner) who is very knowledgeable about his practice and we discussed various options that might meet my needs. We worked through the pricing, set up a schedule and moved forward. As with many of these projects, stuff happens with respect to delivery of equipment, weather, etc. but all in all we met the schedule within a day or so. Throughout, Kirk kept in touch with me to give me progress reports, photos and schedule updates so there were no surprises. When final settlement came due, I was told that Kirk was able to save a bit of money on installation by which he reduced the invoice accordingly. A change I would never have known about had he not been forthcoming. After installation, Kirk did an on boat rundown with me of the systems so that I fully operational. He has a pleasant personality, displayed integrity, and did a quality installation. I would recommend Black Dog Marine to my friends should they require the services Black Dog provides.

bob mills

2023-06

Quick professional service. My boat was ready when promised and the new electronic installs looked and worked perfectly. I would highly recommend Black Dog Marine for all your boating needs.Service: General repairs & maintenance

Dallas Wood

2023-05

Black Dog Marine is first class all the way! Kirk has upgraded electronics and custom dash (and transducer!) on my yellowfin, full electronics and complete re wire on an intrepid, and totally refurbished a hewes lappy!I have referred Black Dog to countless friends and colleagues and Kirk has always exceeded my expectations. Customer and friend for life, Dallas Wood

Fred Bricketto

2021-05

Black Dog has worked on my boats for the past seven years. Kirk and his crew have always been professional and courteous. They went out of their way to help me find a new motor and install two days before the fourth. Definitely do what it takes attitude.I recommend Black Dog to friends without reservation.Services: General repairs & maintenance, General installation, Accessory & electronic installations, Water pump service, Engine repair, Battery inspection/service

Frederick Parker

2023-05

Black Dog Marine accomplished a complete electronics upgrade as well as a full upgrade to the instrument panel for my Grady White. The work was of such high quality and on schedule that I added motor maintenance ,bottom paint, and a full detail. I couldn't be more pleasedServices: Boat cleaning, Tune-ups, General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installations, Battery inspection/service, Oil change

Michael Busteed

2020-05

Black Dog Marine did a full annual service on my boat and dealt with an issue that they coordinated to be covered under my engine warranty. Was super impressed and then told them I was hoping to have the boat back for a weekend of boating and Kirk had the boat delivered to my residence that Friday afternoon. Don't even hesitate to go here!

Frederick Weniger

2019-05

Kirk diagnosed several boat problems over the phone, then went to my dock to look at boat. He put it on his own trailer and took to his shop. Repairs were all good, and he even returned it with a full tank! I should add that they detailed it and it looked like a new boat. Best thing was that his customer service was excellent!

Erik Blechinger

2023-08

Professional, thorough, efficient and fair. So glad I found Black Dog Marine. They will be doing all of my boat maintenance and upgrades. Completely satisfied with the entire experience.Service: General repairs & maintenance

Taylor Horton

2022-05

Kirk and his crew are not only professional in their trade, but they are also very honest and loyal when it comes to doing business which can be rare these days especially in the mechanic industry. I plan on continuing my business with Black Dog Marine because they’re top priority is looking after the customer.

Hilton Head Fishing Charters

2021-05

If you are reading this review you may be needing to get your boat fixed and might be looking for a boat mechanic in the Bluffton/Okatie area. I’d suggest to go ahead and call Kirk with Black Dog Marine, get on the schedule and you will not be disappointed. Not only are the crew at Black Dog Marine great guys who are honest, reliable and dependable, but they are extremely talented when it comes to all aspects of boat repair and maintenance. When I was first introduced to Kirk by a good friend years ago, it was to fix my MinnKota trolling motor that another shop had incorrectly installed. Kirk was able to immediately diagnose the issue and quickly resolve the problem. Over the years Kirk and his team have provided a number of services for me and my boat including, new hull paint, bottom paint, stereo installation, Power Pole repair, lower unit replacement (after Kirk found a reasonably priced lower unit), electrical repair, and a number of other things, not to mention keeping all of my safety gear up to snuff (because he looks out for his customers). If you’re looking for not only a boat mechanic, but honesty and integrity, do not hesitate, contact Kirk and his awesome team at Black Dog Marine — you will not be disappointed.

douglas paige

2023-05

Kirk & his team at Black Dog Marine are top notch!! Great service, honesty & pricing is all top of the line. They have earned my long term business.Services: Tune-ups, General repairs & maintenance, Water pump service, Engine repair, Oil change

Daniel Snyder

2019-05

Last year Black Dog Marine installed a 36 volt Minn Kota with a 60 inch shaft on my Grady White 257. Included was an on board charging system and new battery bank. The installation was perfect. This year they installed a second Garmin 7612 chartplotter/sonar unit and Garmins new Fantom pulse radar system. Everything looks and works beautifully. Such a pleasure to do business with professionals who know all aspects of boat electronics along with how clean, proper installations are accomplished. Very satisfied and would highly recommend.

jonathan charlson

2020-05

The most amazing customer experience! We requested that our boat be shipped to South Florida for the holidays. Black Dogs communication was excellent! Our boat arrived on time and intact!Highly recommended! Thank you!

Patrick Noe

2023-05

They did a great job installing a power pole on my center console. I could not be happier with the service. I will definitely use them for any future needs.Service: Accessory & electronic installations

Jake Parker

2021-05

Being a full time charter Captain, my boat is my lively hood. I can’t have any down time. Thanks to Black dog marine, I can rest assure. They will fix it the first time the right time and get me back on the water. From fixing my trolling motor and power poles to detailing and electronics they take care of it all!!!We are lucky to have a marine shop like them so close!!Services: Boat cleaning, Tune-ups, Valve adjustment, General repairs & maintenance, General installation, Accessory & electronic installations, Water pump service, Battery inspection/service, Hydraulic line flush

julie Williamson

2021-05

First experience was great. Quick turn around friendly staff and communication was great. Second experience, which was due to him fixing it incorrectly the first time, resulted in months of not having our motor and months of unanswered phone calls or rude staff who wouldn’t tell me anything and still having a broken trolling motor after almost 6 months of it being there and being “fixed” again. Beware if you need a Minn Kota fixed especially for warranty work. Kinda weird the other bad review also talks about a minnkota. 🤔

Bryan Stuart

2020-05

Kirk came highly recommended for his electronics knowledge. My experience was a underwater, desperate and prideful man. I purchased a Minn Kota Riptide iPilot solution from Kirk. Aside from the trolling solution, Kirk and I discussed a tune-up. A few hours later, Kirk calls me and informs me that there is gasoline in my oil and it is a great possibility that the rings or piston is bad. His recommendation was to “decarb” the engine and recheck the compression. I asked him what the compression was and he said “checking it now”. I’m not a mechanic but shouldn’t he have checked this first before saying that the pistons or rings may be bad? This engine is a 2005 Yamaha 90 and has less than 400 hours on it and has all the services documented and up to date. I was in panic mode, Kirk asked me what I would like to do. My first response was, “what would you do if it was yours”, He said decarb the engine. I said go ahead. I hung up the phone and called my trusted friend that is a boat engine mechanic. He asked me a few questions and said it’s most-likely the low pressure fuel pump. He called Kirk back to discuss. My friend advised me to have Kirk to put it bad together. I called Kirk and told him to finish the oil change and wrap it up and I would take it else where for further advisement. When I arrived to pick up the boat Kirk was acting sheepish and strange. He said that he was going to mention that it could have been the fuel pump but he didn’t have time in our discussion, that is straight up baloney, we were on the phone several minutes and this was not mentioned as a possibility. This guy is no mechanic. Fast forward 1 hour, I took the boat straight to my buddies shop and within a few minutes he popped off the engine cover, unscrewed two bolts on the fuel pump and squeezed the primer bulb, fuel pores out of the fuel pump. He said the fuel pump is bad. He had it fixed the next day and also finished fixing several other things that should have been recommended by Kirk. So I get the boat back and take it out to test the new trolling motor and the units head falls off the shaft of the unit. I call Minn Kota support to see if this was assembled at the factory they said no that the installer would have assembled them head on the shaft and the nut and bolt were left off. Minn Kota told me what to buy at the hardware store and mailed me and new bolt and nut. I called Kirk’s shop and left am message with his employee and I never heard back from him. It is sad that a guy that is young, obviously has sales-ability, drive, obviously has a technical aptitude but severely lacks integrity. I would recommend that you shop else where or keep your eye on this guy.

Daimian Bowen

2020-05

Repaired my unit extremely fast .... delivered it and picked it up the next day. If you're looking for a reliable repair service for your Minn Kota I would recommend using Black Dog Marine.. two thumbs up to all the staff..

Jack Cassidy

2020-05

I completely outfitted my new 25 Sea Hunt with power poles,twin screen, FLIR, trolling motor and XM Offshore thru Kirk and Black Dog. Everything was done as agreed in a friendly manner. Kirk spent a full half day with me on the water patiently explaining all the features with no judging! I highly recommend these guys.

Trish Davis

2022-05

Won't return calls and will not work on your boat in a timely manner. Sad to say but we will never take our boats or refer another person to Kirk. Have used him several times in the past but this time has been a complete nightmare! Going on 9 weeks with nothing worked on. Very unprofessional