This past winter, I took my boat to Crowley's for winter storage because Hammond Marina was full. Crowley's storage fees were nearly double what Hammond Marina charges, but I accepted the additional cost because I needed a place to store my boat. I requested winterization, which was expected, and I knew the boat needed some rigging work. However, after winterizing the boat, Crowley's emailed me stating that one of their service technicians had performed a visual inspection of the mechanical assembly and related components and identified issues with my engine and drivetrain that required attention. I never requested this inspection, and before bringing my boat to Crowley's, I had not experienced any mechanical problems while operating it. After nearly $4,000 worth of repairs, my boat came back with more problems than it had when I brought it in. Since their work was completed: * My charge indicator, which had always worked properly, no longer works. * The boat no longer goes into reverse. * The tiller no longer has proper support and simply drops to the ground. * I had informed them that my battery charger was broken and that I had already purchased a replacement from Amazon, yet I was charged for a new battery charger anyway. * My companionway door was returned broken, and I had to repair it myself. When I took the boat out for only the second sail after the repairs, I heard a knocking sound coming from the drivetrain. Because I often sail alone, I did not feel safe continuing to operate the boat. I contacted Crowley's immediately, and they told me to bring it back. I had to pay to have the boat towed back to their facility at my own expense. At no point did I feel that Crowley's accepted responsibility for the new issues that appeared after their work. This experience has been extremely disappointing. I spent thousands of dollars and ended up with a boat that has more problems than it did before the repairs. Between the unexpected costs, the additional damage, and the lack of accountability, I have completely lost confidence in their service. Based on my experience, I will not use Crowley's again, and I cannot recommend them to other boat owners. read more

I've stored my boat for the winter at Crowley's for the past 2 years. I've only had the unstep and step the mast. They have been super easy to deal with. I postponed my splash date several times last spring without an issue. I do most of the maintenance on my boat. Their boat store always had the part (I think I've been lucky) Even the obscure transmission cable and prop shaft I needed. My comparison of storage prices and prices at there ship store puts it pretty close to others without the river run boats in the city need to do. Last, I've spent a lot of time in the yard over the past couple of years. Their employees are pretty friendly people. Random yard workers say hi are helpful. read more

I took my small sail boat to Crowley's Yacht Yard for storage and service last winter, I paid for indoor non heated storage. Two of 4 visits to the yard found my boat outside. I had them re-wire the mast so the lights and most importantly the VHF ship to shore radio antenna worked. They ran the wires out of the wrong hole in the bottom of the mast which prevented the mast from being raised unless the wires were cut and rerouted through the correct hole. I asked them to ensure the motor and fuel system were clean and operating correctly. When I started the motor for the first time it only ran for a few minutes at a time, requiring me to disassemble the carbureator assembly and make my own adjustments. I asked them to ensure that the fwd/rev shift lever and throttle were safe and operating smoothly. On the fourth sail of the season the shift and throttle assembly completely failed, lucky it happened while docking or I may not be here to write this review, Lake Michigan can be deadly. All of this cost me nearly $4000.00. They then begged me to give them another chance, and send a technician to the boat to make things right, I agreed, but when I contacted them to arrange the details I never got a call back. WORST SERVICE EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!!! -5 OUT OF 10 STAY AWAY!!! THEY LOVE THE MONEY BUT DON'T EARN IT, TOTAL FAIL ON ALL COUNTS!!! read more

I don't review many businesses. However I felt that I needed to write another review for Crowley's yacht yard based upon my service this past weekend. For people reading this in the future, this past weekend was when Chicago got hit by 60 mile-per-hour plus wins and the Bears game was delayed two hours because of storms. I brought my boat to Crowleys on Saturday to be hauled on Monday for winter storage. I had secured it to their docks and as always didn't even give it a second thought. Fast forward to Sunday morning and the forecast for possible tornados. I immediately went to the yacht yard and added more dock lines to secure my boat. Realize that not only is this boat my passion, it is also my business. Fast forward to Monday morning. I go back down to Crowley's to check on my boat. Not only has she weathered the storm perfectly, Marco(a Crowley's employee) had taken it upon himself to put down extra fenders to ensure I would not sustain hull damage from being slammed against the dock. It is this attention to detail and them caring for my boat(s) as if they were their own that has kept me and will keep me a customer for as long as I keep a boat on Lake Michigan. read more

Crowley's Yacht Yard - Boat Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Parts F Service F Gear F I put in an order for Benetau parts may of 2015. To date, I have no status on the order. I followed up a month ago, needing information on and possibly more parts, but no status or information on that either. When I called today, their purchasing Manager Mike basically told me that they are not the only Benetau dealer around, and to go with elsewhere. Shady. Over the summer, had a yanmar issue. They are a yanmar dealer. After 2 or so months of back and forth, I could not get them out for service. Fail. These guys had a deal on sperrys at the boat show. They didn't have my size, so I paid for them, and they said they would ship them to me. A couple weeks later, they said no can do. I went online and I ordered them through someone wide, which tells me they were unwilling to honor their price. Shady. You have been warned. read more

After a dozen phone calls and bouncing between 3 or 4 people, I managed to secure a service appointment. Despite scheduling over a month in advance, they had no idea who I was when I showed up. I get the boat back in a timely fashion. Things are looking up perhaps? The correct my optimism immediately. They've not done the service requested (check risers for corrosion, check trim system on outdrive). They did however spot-touch my outdrive paint. For that service - which I didn't need, and didn't request - I was charged 300 bucks. It's also the worst paint touch up job I've ever seen. I'll be amazed if it even survives the wash down end of season, much less a moment in the lake. The cherry was driving an hour to put it back in, only to find they'd removed the hull plug. After I spend 27 bucks to buy a new hull plug at West Marine, I get it in the water to find the trim gauge is now broken. My mistake -- they've apparently checked the Trim motor, they've just happened to break more on it than they fixed. Shorter story -- paid 300 bucks for 3 dollars in spray paint, a missing hull plug, and a broken trim gauge. This place has a great reputation. And I know I'm just a small 22' bowrider. They probably are great if you're a commercial operation or if you've got a yacht. But that's no excuse for this level of robbery. The service manager hasn't returned either of my calls. So I guess I'll dispute the credit card charge and leave it at that. read more

I called them for service on my boat and they were horribly expensive. I had the work done by skipper buds for 1/2 the price.

It's always sad to take the boat out of the water for the winter, but ending a great sail docking at Crowley's I know my boat will be in excellent hands. read more

Don't bother....after waiting for a week to get a compression test on my yanmar Diesel engine they show up at the mooring field without the proper tools. Waited a few more days and they told me I should just mount an outboard to my sailboat.asked the mechanic if I could talk to his supervisor and he told me he is top management. What a bunch of clowns. read more

Worst customer service I have ever dealt with. This is the only review I have ever written but my experience with their customer service and service department for three years has been terrible. Every year I call to get an appointment and they tell me they are too busy and 60-90 days out. This year I attempted to call early and they tell me they don't set appointments, only for those who store with them but try to call again in May (which is what I do every year and they tell me I am too late and can only help at the end of the season). Not sure how they get high recommended by so many, they are TERRIBLE!!! Don't waste your time. read more