Berkeley Marine Center - Berkeley, California

Tyler B.

This is a dishonest business with very poor communication, and low quality work. When the work was done, they charged substantially more than quoted, and said "we never stop work once started" as an excuse for why they didn't ask for approval for the extra labor, per their own agreement. The owner Cree got angry and aggressive on the phone and tried to hold my boat hostage and threatened daily storage fees if I didn't pay the extra unapproved amount.

They left my boat with rusty razor blades, piles of sawdust, loose screws, and piles of garbage inside after the work was done. Some of the gel-coat on exterior repairs was not properly color matched and left lumpy- no sanding or polishing. Photos of the mess and shoddy work are attached.

Ottie B.

Dishonest, they did work we told them not to do, did a bad job and then over charged us. Wacked on lots of unnecessary extras without consulting us, ‘changed’ my brand new annoded and charged me for it, all to get extra cash? Felt very used , low quality, dishonest. Not cool!

Appalling communication as well

James R.

First off, as part of an honest review, I would like to say that the bottom job on my boat was well done. That being said, honesty also requires I mention a few issues I experienced with this business. Communication, between staff and customers, and among the staff themselves, is a weak point here. So you get a different story depending on who you talk to. They are NOT on the same page in other words. I called and spoke with the owner about a haul-out/bottom job in early April. He was nice and answered all my questions, and then asked me to fill out their online intake/scheduling form, and mentioned that "Autumn is pretty good about reading them and following up on them". I smiled at "pretty good", but filled out the form requesting a haul-out on May 1. I heard nothing for 2-3 weeks until I got an email the afternoon on the day I had requested saying basically "where are you?". I called and apologized for the problem even though it really wasn't my fault. Chris did not apologize for their lack of communication; he just re-scheduled me for 2 weeks later. In answer to my questions about pricing for additional work he extensively explained the meaning of "time and materials" to me, in the most patronizing manner. That was the theme here. Through the days that followed, there was a "customers are idiots" vibe to all my interactions with staff leaving me feeling belittled and blamed after each contact with them. At one point Chris said "I find that hard to believe" in response to something I said, basically insinuating I am a liar. I think that attitude and cultural norm comes from the top. I won't go back when I have funds lined up for a bow thruster installation, as Richmond seems like a much friendlier and more professional option.

Connor

Hauled my 1915 commercial troller out at Berkeley Marine this past season and I can’t speak highly enough of this yard. Rubin and Cree were very pleasant, helpful and accommodating the entire time. The yard staff is also very professional and great at what they do. BMC prices seemed to be a bit lower than other Bay Area yards. They also have a very well stocked store. Will definitely be coming back here for annual maintenance.

Carl M.

I completed today an 8 day layup at Berkeley Marine Center and could not be more pleased. Donna, Quincy, Sonya and Rubin are awesome to work with and helped me keep on track and get back in the water on schedule. I had them replace three through-hull valves and their labor / pricing were fair and reasonable. If you're willing to do some or most of the work yourself, it's definitely the best way to go. All yards have expensive labor. Welcome to the Bay Area - but the satisfaction you get from doing the work yourself, yet having them to help where needed it the perfect combination. I have nothing but great things to say about the yard and crew.

Dustin D.

Got a new bottom paint job and our engine serviced. Cassandra and Rubin were fantastic to work with! Boat looks great and the engine runs much smoother.

The price was super reasonable and the turnaround time was great. I highly recommend these guys! This is the second time we've used this boatyard (the first time for more substantial repairs on a new-to-us 1982 Catalina 25) and we'll continue to use them in the future.

alisha P.

Berkeley Marine Center came highly recommended and I had a very positive experience there with my recent haul out of my Pearson 26.

Ruben and the team there are knowledgeable and do quality work. It helps that the team is passionate about boats and sailing, and I totally trusted their assessment, they weren’t trying to up-sell me with services that weren’t needed and talked through what I can do myself etc.

I did the bottom package and through-holes, plus mounting new outboard and various repairs that were found. My hull was also oxidized and
it made such a difference to buff and wax it, which they did an amazing job with! Thank you BMC for working hard to help make our boat dreams come true!

Andrew S.

I had very good luck at this facility. I’ve hauled a few vessels out of the water at most of the of the SF Bay Area yards, if not all of them. This is now my favorite place to do the dirty work under the boat. It’s busy and one needs to plan.