Chesapeake Dockside Services

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  wfgreene
9 months ago
I don't normally write reviews as most times its just people doing there job as they should. However in this case, I have to due to the best service I have ever received while owning my boat. As any boat owner knows, when you boat is broke,,,you are broke..so was the case when the alternator on my 26 Nordic tug failed. After having my regular mechanic look it over and replace it with two aftermarket alternators ( Yes I was trying to be cheep, lesson learned ) it still was not charging. I then spent the next several days calling every shop I could only to be put on a four to six week wait list. This would not have been a problem, except the one thing my wife looks forward to doing with the boat is once a year going to see ELVIS (Really his name is JIMMY something..at Pirates Cove. It was looking like it was not going to happen this year and to say I was in the doghouse is an understatement. Then, this past Tuesday I called Chesapeake Dockside and explained my tail of woe. Chris told me he would see what he could do and by Thursday I was up and running with an original Yanmar alternator, two new batteries and a host of other minor issues that Austin was able to find and fix. ( FYI, Austin is fantastic)Over the years I have had some of the larger companies work on my boat only to be shocked at the final bill. In this case I feel that Chesapeake Dockside was more than fare.Most important, I'm back on the water and wife gets to see ELVIS this Saturday...aka Jimmy.Thanks again,Bill and Teri GreeneSea Turtle.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installations, Engine repair, Battery inspection/service

  Robert Oudemans
2 months ago
Love working with Chesapeake dockside. The work they do is excellent and the communication with Chris the owner, and Austin the technician assigned to my case, has been exceptional. Looking forward to doing more business with CDS.

  W. Nelson
3 months ago
I've worked with Chris Soljie and Chesapeake Dockside for a number of years now. They've done a range of mechanical and electrical projects to enhance my Catalina 310 sailboat. They do top notch work and Chris personally stands behind it all. This is a business will skill and integrity.

  David Owen
4 months ago
These guys are amazing! I've had no success with multiple mechanics in the Indianapolis area. Overcharged, shotty work, slow scheduling. Being relatively new to the area, it's nice to finally have mechanics that I can call my guys. Thank you Chris and Austin for your amazing attention to detail, and helping me with all my boating needs.

  Lee McMichael
a month ago
Chris & his team diagnosed & replace my main battery charger. Great job. Seemless integration from YES to CDS. Recommend their work.

  SenseiDave13
8 months ago
The service rep did and excellent Job and was very informative and friendly! Unfortunately He didn't have a fuse on his truck so I have to pay I suppose for travel time back! When he took less than a 1/2 hour to fix it, I was in a bind so I have no choice! Definitely would have been a 5 star or more had he had the fuse on board or a Veteran discount. ( Replaced a fuse)Dave SnellerTalked to Chris the owner after posting and couldn't have been a more considerate and personable owner! Adjusted the bill and gave a Vet's discount! will definitely be using them again!! 5 stars for sure!!

  Rick Honig
10 months ago
Rob is my new go-to tech for any boat I own. I ve already referred the neighborhood to this team and we re all excited to have a reliable service. They did in a day what it took the local marina company 6 months and an engine removal to do (looking at you persimmon point).Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Jeff Lukowski
a year ago
I called then up and asked to have an AIS installed right during the peak boat launch season. They responded to let me know that they received my request, then maybe a week or two later, they notified me that I was in their queue. I wasn't in a huge rush, so the delay in timing didn't affect me. My impression was that it would take maybe 6 weeks before they would be at the boat. To my surprise, they showed up the Friday before Memorial Day -- much earlier than I had anticipated. So I was very happy.The two guys that came aboard were professional and worked efficiently. They left the boat clean when the work was completed. They were also great to speak with and chat about boats and systems. I would definitely ask them to return to do more work on my boat and would highly recommend them.

  Ross Payne
3 years ago
Chris is the most professional and knowledgeable mechanic I have ever worked with (land or sea). He was there within hours when most needed weeks to get to my boat and even analyzed the problem over the phone. Once on board, he was very efficient and absolutely knew what he is was doing, even for the big job it entailed. He will always be my go-to mechanic for anything on my boat. Further he is a wonderful person. You will be quite pleased using Chris for all your needs.Service: Engine repair

  Charles Elmer
a year ago
My wife and I own a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349. We have called on Chesapeake Dockside for engine maintenance and various electrical repairs over the past year and our experience has been a really good one. We really appreciate how responsive they are and, importantly, how they show up when they say they are going to show up and do what they say they are going to do -- something that you really can't take for granted in the marine service industry. We also appreciate how we are we are able to speak with someone, often the owner, about our work order, as opposed to just interfacing with an internet-based work order system.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installations, Oil change

  Ronald Wilkins
2 years ago
Chris and his team at CDS are true professionals, they are very knowledgeable and responsive to the customer. Recently, on the hottest weekend of the summer, my wife and I had planned to stay the weekend on the eastern shore, this was the only overnight we had planned for the year. while prepping the boat in the beginning of the week, we discovered that our A/C had stopped working. One call to Chris and he was able to go down (on two separate occasions) and attempt to remedy the issue at short notice in the few days that we had before leaving. Long story short, the A/C required replacement. In less then a week, he had the new unit. Chris and his team went far out of there way to accommodate us and the service was excellent. I will continue to use this company in the future and would recommend them to anyone who would ask. Thanks again Chris and CDS!Service: Accessory & electronic installations

  John Sabol
a year ago
Knowledgeable, professional and very quick work. They winterized our tug in the water right at home. Prices were better than I have been able to find at any boatyard. Will definitely call Chris and Brendan back again!Service: WinterizationService: Winterization

  Daniel Denver
a year ago
Chesapeake Dockside Services completed the 2nd and final phase of our solar install which included upgrading our older house AGM batteries to lithium batteries which effectively results in about a 100% useable AMP Hour increase as well as weight savings and other benefits. CDS/YESalso added a Balmar alternator external regulator after switching out our alternator to a higher output model too as well as rewiring some things to insure all was behind the shunt and being accounted for.Once again we were totally impressed by Chris and Rurik's skills, efficiency, and attitudes in completing the project quickly and at a very fair price.We will hopefully be able to utilize CDS (i.e. Chesapeake Dockside Services) / YES (i.e. Yacht Electrical Systems) for any required boat work in the future.

  Alan Richardson (Alan944)
2 years ago
Fantastic Service. I have a 43ft Italian cruiser placed with issues from taking on water. 3 mechanics tried fixing my hydraulic system only to tell me I needed to buy a new $4,500 pump. Chris was able to isolate the issue and resolve the problem without paying $4,500 for a new pump. We put together a game plan to get the rest of my gremlins fixed. I'm ecstatic to know I finally have an honest competent electrician.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Kevin Keelty
a year ago
We are a first time user of DDS. We experienced a failure on our electronics on our Sabre 42 powerboat. Chris contacted me within days of my service request. As anyone in Annapolis knows, "within days" is nothing short of a miracle! He and his able mecanic arrived and trouble shot the system and had it up and running within 1 and 1/2 hours. Completely satisfied. Highly recomemnded. Would use them again.Service: Accessory & electronic installations

  Ramon J.
a year ago
I have the good fortune to finally find a master mechanic that is thorough, responsive, a good communicator and honest. Having had a very unfortunate experience with a previous shop I am relieved to now know I have access to a service shop I can trust. If you have had an unfortunate experience that left you quite disconcerted, try Chessepeake Dockside Service. They will leave you with a smile and you can be assured that the work was done right. Thank you Chris and your team.

  robert meadows
a year ago
Although I was a new customer, the boat itself had been maintained by these good folks for several years. As previous owner said, I immediately knew I was in excellent hands. Told me what I needed to know and my options. Then performed. Their work professionally. Highly recommend them...and will be using them in future as well.

  Steve Levy
9 months ago
kept me informed; there was customer backlog but worked me into the queue. service tech was fully informative of what was going on with the engine and the steps to repair. stayed with the job and returned as soon as parts arrived. resolved a couple of questions. I AM SOLD.

  josenord
3 years ago
Chris is a first quality act and you should use him for your boat services in the Annapolis area. We did and we are "out of towners" - still treated with the ultimate respect. He provided quality repairs on the schedule promised and helped us get ready for an upcoming long journey. Happy!Services: Tune-ups, General repairs & maintenance, Water pump service, Engine repairServices: Tune-ups, General repairs & maintenance, Water pump service, Engine repair

  Robert Cheston
2 years ago
In September of 09 I hired Chris to rebuild my inboard engine. I promptly payed Chris well over 10K for materials and labor but my engine keeps breaking down. He talks a good game but bottom line my engine continues to break down! For last two seasons I have not had this engine working properly more than 20 hours in total!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Winterization, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Winterization, Oil change

  Sjoerd Beck
a year ago
There is nothing Chris and his crew can not do. Annual winterization has always been prompt, meticulous and complete. Electronic problems, or mechanical problems during the season are promptly and expertly addressed and resolved. These are the best guys on the bay!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Water pump service, Winterization, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Water pump service, Winterization, Oil change

  Tim Kraus
5 years ago
I ve been boating longer then I ve been driving a car. My family had several boats growing up and I caught the bug. I m on my third boat now and it probably won t be my last. So with years of experience with interacting with different marine service providers, I can attest with expert witness credentials that Chesapeake Dockside Marine Services is the best service delivery I ve ever experienced. Chris Sj�lie does an awesome job of communicating his schedule and his intentions. Furthermore, at the end of each visit to my boat I get a written description of what he did that day AND PICTURES OF EVERYTHING HE DID!! Finally someone who listens to the customers and takes the time to describe his actions and give picture evidence of what was accomplished. Kudos to you Chris! Keep up the good work... Thank you.

  Pete Chambliss
a year ago
Another professional, well done job By Chesapeake Dockside services. And got us on the water for the Memorial Day Weekend. Had dead battery in the 8 year old house bank , they fixed the problem PLUS Checked the batteries for the port engine and genset, found the genset battery was on its way out too so they replaced that battery as well. Preventative maintenance saved another service call and possible problem on the water. Left the work area really clean. SUPER SERVICE! THANK YOU!Service: Battery inspection/service

  CHARLES A HURLEY
5 years ago
Chris has absolutely been a first rate technician and advisor for several years, enabling me to take my Sabreline 36 safely to New England and back. He is knowledgeable, efficient, and an excellent communicator. I give him the highest recommendation!

  Keith Tiedke
2 years ago
Chris and his team at Chesapeake Dockside Services have done an outstanding job on several major updates to my boat (basically new "everything" including chartplotter, radar, VHF and 3000 W invertor!). Chris is retired USAF, clearly understands customer service and getting the job done right !Services: General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installationsServices: General repairs & maintenance, Accessory & electronic installations

  Kelly Silard
3 years ago
Chris has a wealth of experience and it shows in his work. He takes the time to share his knowledge while maintaining an efficient approach to his work. I strongly recommend choosing Chesapeake Dockside Services for your boating needs.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change

  Jason Zahn
4 years ago
Although recommended by friends who had a good experience, unfortunately we can not recommend this company. They were responsive to messages, have a convenient dockside service, but were not transparent in their pricing, and when they made a mistake in forgetting to bring the correct parts, wanted us to pay for an entire extra service call at double the expense.We contacted the company over email for a quote to do a winterize and oil change service on December 04, for our "Mercury FourStroke 90HP outboard" (no additional info was ever requested). The price quote we received was "Oil change and winterize will take about 2 hours at $110". Because of the vague wording, we naively assumed our total would be $110. It was over the holidays so about a 4 week lead time for an appointment.They showed up on the day arranged at 11:32AM and left at 12:09PM (we have a security system), so a total of a 37 minute service call. Our bill was for 1.5 hours of service and included additional charges not mentioned for parts, tax, and an online transaction fee at a grand total of $194. Upon inquiry they said they intended the quote to mean 2 hours at $110 per hour AND they always have a one-hour minimum AND they charge for drive time AND parts and fees aren't in the quote. Most significantly, they were unable to do the oil change that was the main purpose of our service call (required for our engine warranty maintenance) because they forgot to bring the correct filter. They offered to come back out to do it later - at an additional cost of $215. So our original $110 quote (granted some miscommunication both ways) was now going to be $409.We paid them upon receipt of invoice because they did come out and do their 37 minutes of service, and thought they would work with us to resolve the issues (in particular their forgetting the parts), however, once we paid them they ceased responding to all communications.We'll be using someone else in the future.

  Anne Mathias
2 years ago
Chris is very responsive and professional, he has a vast knowledge base which comes in handy when your project spans multiple systems. He s very willing to explain the work and teach the owner how to manage new systems. Highly recommend.

  Ellen Lahr (EGLahr Comm)
3 years ago
Chris is a great marine mechanic and entirely knowledgeable! He diagnosed and repaired an engine issue as part of our winterizing plan and all is now well. See you in the spring, Chris!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, WinterizationServices: General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Winterization

  Deborah Murphy
a year ago
We were under a time crunch to get the boat running. It would not crank. They went to the boat the next day and fixed the cranking problem. Thank you for the great turn around time in fixing the boat.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance