Service

Sheaffer Marine Service Department:

Sheaffer Marine  aka The Boat Doctor  has continuously been serving  The Tampa Bay area For over 58 years and today is considered the premier boat repair facility in the Tampa Bay Area of boat manufacturers, Boat Dealers, and serious boaters. 

When Ben Sheaffer took over at The Boat Doctor®, he had one big goal in mind: keep the traditions alive while steering the shop into the future. He wasn’t just about making changes for the sake of it. Every decision he made focused on one thing—making sure every boat that came through the shop got the best care possible. If you’re looking for the best new boats for sale tampa has to offer, check out Sheaffer Boats. 

As an avid researcher, Ben knew the marine industry was changing fast, so he upgraded his shop’s equipment to bring in the newest technology. This action helped improve efficiency, but most importantly it increased quality. Ben’s goal was to ensure that every repair highlighted the technicians’ skills and reflected the exacting standards his repair shop was known for. Ben’s team is radiates pride in their craft and Ben knew that the shop’s reputation around the area would improve as more and more boats came to his shop for structural and other repair and maintenance work. You can keep looking for the best new boats for sale Tampa has to offer, but Sheaffer Boats is the choice. 

One of the biggest game-changers Ben introduced was advanced molding techniques. These improvements in molding techniques gave his team the ability to take in more complicated repairs while remaining exacting in their output. Repairs were completed in a way that continued to exceed customer expectations. On the plus side, not all things needed to change, such as Ben’s team’s dedication to craftmanship. The Boat Doctor continued to be know around the bay area for both small patch-up work and full restorations after extreme damage.  Every repair job taken by The Boat Doctor is given the same level of care and attention, which is what the Boat Doctor is known for. 

 

More Than a Structural Repair Shop

The Boat Doctor® is here for its customers when something breaks, but can also meet other boating needs. We have a shop with a wide inventory of boat parts, accessories and cleaning/maintenance supplies. And if we do not have what you need, when can order it for you very quickly. Our shop is ready to fix your major structural repairs and install the newest high-tech electronics.

 

Fixing Fiberglass Like It’s New

Fiberglass is structural skeleton of all modern hybrid sportfish boat, and The Boat Doctor® knows how to fix fiberglass so it looks brand new. Given that we build Sheaffer Boats onsite we have the tools, skill and talent for all fiberglass repairs. If you hull cracks, fractures, or just shows signs of normal, but unsightly, wear and tear, we can not only fix the same, but make it disappear. Our fiberglassing techniques create a flawless finish on your boat so that you won’t even see where the issue was. The best new boats for sale Tampa has can be found at Sheaffer Boats.

Insurance and Warranty Repairs

No one likes being on the phone dealing with insurance and warranty claims issues. It’s never easy and always frustrating. However, at Sheaffer Marine and The Boat Doctor® we have experience helping our customers manage the claims process to get the needed repairs done in as timely a manner as possible. Let us help you navigate your insurance and warranty repairs.   

 

Tech Upgrades for the Modern Boater

Today, boats are as much about technology and electronics as they are about structure. We can install the latest and greatest navigation systems, fish finders, communication and stereo equipment, or anything else you want to add to your boat. At The Boat Doctor®, we make sure to rig your boat exactly the way you want it.  

 

Fuel and Steering Repairs

When it comes to steering and fuel systems, these systems are paramount that they are working properly. Our team of expert technicians know how to test and diagnose these problems.  

 

Marine Supplies You Can Count On

Need a part? We’ve got it. We have access to multiple vendors in order parts and materials in timely. Our marine store is well stocked with the basics and the rest we can get to you super quickly. And if you are not sure what you need for your boat, our knowledgeable team will ask the right questions to uncover your needs and point you in the right direction every time.  

 

Our Team Knows Boats From the Inside Out

Another thing that we feels sets us apart at The Boat Doctor® is our team of experience marine experts. Some of our repair techs have been with Sheaffer Marine for decades and that experience shows in the quality of their repair work. Our skilled craftsmen have years of boat building, boat rigging, and boat repair experience; they know boats, it’s what they do everyday. Our repair shop can be trusted to understand the inner workings of your boat.   

In our shop, it’s not just fixing what’s broken on your boat and sending it out; it’s about doing the job so well that you feel confident taking your boat out on the water. We want all our customers to know that we value doing the job right. Of course, things may not always go as planned, so if something is ever not done right, we will always fix it. Our experience covers a wide range of work. We have rebuilt and restored classic boats and rigged boats new and old with new electronics and other modern accessories.  Our work reflects pride and we take an old-school approach to our work. Keep searching for the best new boats for sale Tampa has available, but if you have found your way to Sheaffer you already know.

 

We Started in Tampa Bay but We Have Customers All Over the State

Tampa Bay has a broad and active boating community. Our waters are beautiful year round, making this a perfect place for boaters. At Sheaffer Marine, Sheaffer Boats, and The Boat Doctor®, we take pride in being a locally owned and operated business in Tampa Bay. For over 57 years, we’ve built our reputation on providing quality repairs and attentive, outstanding service. Getting to know our customers and doing the job right isn’t just something we say, they are works that we live by. That’s why so many people trust us to handle all their maintenance and repair needs time and time again. We have customers drive from all over the state to bring their boats to us for simple repairs and complicated structural damage.  

We do repairs for professional fishing guides as well as those who simply look forward to getting out on the weekend. We are here for all our customers and treat everyone like family. It’s our philosophy that has kept our customers coming back over and over through the years.  And we are so grateful and proud to have them part of the Sheaffer family.

 

Modern Repair Techniques and Old-World Service Standards

At the center of our beliefs is the ability to stay balanced between modern technological advances in boating and honoring the traditions that made our shop what it is today. We will always stay true to our boating history while ensuring our customers get the latest innovations when bringing their boats to our yard. We will continue to find and use advanced tools and techniques to do the job right while keeping true craftsmanship alive. Our commitment is always quality. 

Looking Ahead

With Ben Sheaffer at the helm of Sheaffer Marine, Sheaffer Boats and, The Boat Doctor®, our customers can rest assured that every time they visit us, their boat will be our priority. We want to remain a trusted service provider in the boat repair community and will therefore always remain committed to providing the highest level of service and customer support in the boat repair industry. The place for new boats for sale Tampa is and always will be Sheaffer.   

When you bring your boat to The Boat Doctor®, there’s always three things you can rely on: top-notch repair work done right the first time, personalized, attentive customer service, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your boat is in qualified hands.

Sheaffer Marine and The Boat Doctor® specialize in the following:

  • Fiberglass and Composite Repairs
  • Structural and Cosmetic Repairs
  • Gelcoat and Finish Work
  • Electrical Rigging
  • Engine Repowers and Rigging
  • Engine and Fuel Systems
  • Fuel Tank Replacement
  • Hardware Installation
  • Lighting
  • Plumbing
  • Steering

 

Estimates and Quotes:

For the most part, there is no charge for an estimate or quote. However, comprehensive, complex estimates are charged at our hourly rate and if the work is done, there is no charge for the estimate. 

We have to see the boat or product to estimate or quote the job. We are often asked if we can look at pictures of the damage for the quote. We are happy to look at your pictures and it does give us an idea what we are talking about, but we are unable to give an estimate by looking at just pictures. We wish we could… There is a lot more that goes into it and is necessary to look at it in person. 

Do we do Mobile Repairs?
We do not do mobile repair work in other yards or private residences. All Work is done at our facility. All vessels needing work to be done need to come to our facility for the repairs.  
With all the right tools and materials to do the job correctly, we find it the most advantageous and  efficient getting the job done, which in turn saves time and money in the long run. 

 

Transporting Your Boat to / From Sheaffer’s Yard:

Sheaffer Marine has boat haulers they can recommend.

 

References:

We are never short on references. If you would like a customer that we worked with a decade ago, a year ago, or a week ago… we are happy to introduce you.  Feel free to ask. We are the premiere location for new boats for sale Tampa.   

There are many ways to do a repair or build a boat and at Sheaffer Marine, we want to do it once…  We guarantee all our work. If you have a problem with anything we do, we will make it right. 

We encourage you to do your own due diligence and check us out before doing an expensive repair.  Ask us questions… we are all about educating our customers and showing them what’s necessary to do the project correctly. We want you to know your boat is in the right hands and the project is going to be right. You have our word on it…  

Ben Sheaffer