Classic Aquasport restoration companies in Florida?

[Capt_E]

Can someone please name the companies that do restorations of the classic Aquasports in Florida, thanks!

[gran398]

Tampa is the hotbed of tarpon tower fishing....Dorado, Gause-Bilt, Aquasport, Proline, etc.

If it weren't for the tarpon fish, the bridge, and Egmont....well, we'd have a website, but it wouldn't be as exciting.

Although 985 miles away...feel can give an accurate and unbiased account of the current Tampa/ St. Pete rebuild industry.


The status quo is gone. What used to be is no longer, and there is demand for a fair, reasonably priced, quality rebuild company.

Those who were in the market...were dedicated several years back. The market leader was aloof, with a crap attitude.

The minimal competition had a good attitude, and did a good job.

 But....when the toy market died....it died for many.

There has been recent discussion regarding the good, the bad, and the ugly. There are subtle to strong recommendations here on the site,  please review the posts.

[Circle Hooked]

Capt E, a Sarasota brother welcome, there are a few re builders here in town, the Boat Haus comes to mind, they have re built more then a few, can't say good or bad about their work but it's a place to start.

[RickK]

This could be a touchy topic - most will not want to mention a rebuilder by name because of the implied "recommendation" and there have been a lot of issues with some rebuilders in the West Coast area over the years. You could receive some names via PM.
Best to ask around the marinas and see what they say.

[Capt_E]

Thanks, I'll ask around and see what I can find on here.

[Group W Bench]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9363

Please visit the recent thread posted by one of our restoration clients in NC. He is delighted w/ the boat and happy to discuss the restoration process w/ you.

[gwhitley]

The boat that Eugene posted a link to just above is mine.  Eugene owns Shipoke Boatworks in Safety Harbor, just outside of Tampa.  They are a first-class group and I have been very pleased with my boat.  Please don't hesitate to pm me with any questions you have.  I believe you can reach Shipoke at 727-560-7688.  Good luck!

[wingtime]

As you may have already gleaned from the responses there are/were some very capable rebuilders in the area, however for whatever reasons there have been some horror stories of poor workmanship and/or very poor business practices from them.  I think that is why everyone is gun shy about recommending a builder.  I can say this.  When you find a builder make sure you put in writing everything you expect the builder to do, the cost of that work and the time it will take.  Do not give them a bunch of upfront $$$$.   I'm sure some of them will want a resonable deposit upfront though.  Do not pay them in full upfront or say "take your time".  Good luck!

[seabob4]

Not to rain on BoatHaus's parade, but I recently had a customer (Wes, you remember, the 24 World Cat next to your boat!) that had some work done by Rob and his shop.  Needless to say, he was not happy with it and they charged him way too much.  And I KNOW Rob...and no, I didn't contact him and say WTF bud!  That's his business, not mine...

[wessnapp]

Just in case you do come across a company named Egmont Boat Works, Hyrdophylic Design, Exuma, - STAY AWAY.