I had a very positive experience with Morton Marine Services. Initially, I was…read moreunclear about various businesses working together with Safe Harbor Marine, where I was hauling out my 33 foot sloop for bottom cleaning and painting. I advised them that I wanted two seacocks inspected and possibly replaced, as well as repacking of both the prop shaft and rudder post. Upon haulout, I was directed across the yard to Morton Marine for those engineering issues, as Safe Harbor was only handling the bottom exterior of the boat. Upon arrival, I met with Stan, who was aware of the work I had requested, and came with me to size up what was needed before the boat even left the water. He clearly understood my concerns and described a plan of action. He was certain the work would be completed within the 4 days Safe Harbor was allowing for the bottom job. Before I went home on day one, the boat was hauled and on jackstands. I was absent for day 2, but they must have hit the ground running as most of my work items were handled then. On the morning of day 3, I was back to the yard to check on progress, and found the Morton Marine employee Vadim just finishing the rudder post packing. Everything I'd asked for was done and the yard was planning for launching soon. He then told me that they
had observed pin hole leaks of water from my engine exhaust hose that was next to the rudder post. I knew the hose was old, but was surprised that it was worn to the point of failure, allowing exhaust gasses into the interior of the boat, a very dangerous situation. Of course I directed that it be replaced, which was possible pierside after launching. This called for removal of a decorative panel covering a wooden box thru-way for the hose to rise vertically upward a few feet above the waterline to prevent vacuum siphoning of seawater into the engine. At this point Ken Morton (owner and ops boss) arrived and personally assisted in panel removal to ensure it was not damaged. Mine must've been the
smallest job in the yard, but the attention I was getting was amazing. We then found very rusted and disintegrating stainless tubing at the top of the hose loop. Ken said he would try to find a replacement, but it might have to be fabricated (very expensive). I was resigned to the cash outlay since this was a serious safety hazard, but the next morning Ken called to advise that Stan had reminded him that a far less expensive fiberglass loop was available. Five hours later, everything was done, including Stan adjusting the prop packing gland for a proper drip rate with shaft turning ahead and astern pierside. The worksite (my galley, head, and aft cabin) was wiped down and vacuumed. Everything Vadim and Stan worked on was clean and meticulously done to the highest
standards. I am very grateful to Vadim, and Stan, and Ken for their superb work and attention to a major safety issue I had missed. These are the guys I will return to for boat servicing in the future, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone needing engineering work on their boat in the San Diego area.