BigBendFishing.Net

Thanks for your responses. Are the folks at the new Don's the same folks as the old Don's? Is Chris from Don's or Bellflower?

I hesitate to go to Don's because of the few dealings I've had with them - looking for a new boat three years ago and a few phone convos in the past - well, their attitude wasn't customer friendly, in my opinion.

Chris is old Bellflower.

It hasn't gotten any better. I've dealt with Don's (in Valdosta and Tallahassee) and Bellfolowers. All the same.

Actually, I purchased my rig at Bellflower in 2003. 2004 Cape Horn 14/ 50 Johnson 4s and they were always helpful and courteous. Answered every question I had like they were glad I asked. Tweaked out any small problem I had pronto.

I recently took Don's a fairly new motor under warranty with an idling/shifting issue. They could not diagnose the problem and fix it, so they said they couldn't bill Bomb. Wanted me to pay for two days of shop time and spark plugs they said the motor needed. This is a one year old motor with 50 hours on it that isn't supposed to need a tune-up for three years (ETEC). I said no, and called BOMB. BOMB said they would work it out with the dealer. I haven't been back.

Don's said the in-gear idle speed could not be adjusted on an ETEC. A dealer from South Florida emailed me the screen prints of the procedures and a dealer in GA did the adjustments. No problem - done deal.

My repairs will probably be fairly simple.


1. My throttle lever/handle is loose and cannot be tightened - something internal.

2. This past weekend my tilt had a mind of its own. Up or down. Try running 3/4 and your motor suddenly tilting to the full up position.

3. Problem 2 may have something to do with problem 1.


Probably drive down to Shields. At least they showed an interest in my problems. I'll let ya'll know.

A friend has had work done at Shell Island. After they worked on his boat, we put in at Econfina and the battery of troller was dead (the charger they installed didnt work), they broke off the hose on water intake for live well and water rushed in like stuck pig when he ran, and they didn't mount a battery charger, just laid it loose in there...While I got a good laugh, my buddy was not impressed....I thought the work was sloppy, but they stood behind problems they caused.... FWIW I'd go Sheilds...

Don's Boats Valdosta was sold about three years ago. Don't know anything about the new owners.
Don's Boats Tallahassee---Don died several months ago. The new management and ownership is trying hard to please.
I would appreciate if everyone would give them a fair chance to survive.

I was told recently that Cris is no longer there.

tin can wrote:I was told recently that Cris is no longer there.

He was 2 weeks ago. I'll check it out.

Jumptrout51 wrote:Don's Boats Valdosta was sold about three years ago. Don't know anything about the new owners.
Don's Boats Tallahassee---Don died several months ago. The new management and ownership is trying hard to please.
I would appreciate if everyone would give them a fair chance to survive.

AD Holt bought the Valdosta store several years ago and it is now known as Diamond Eagle Marine. Most of the folks in the front of the store are new there other than Winsel Love. I purchased a riverhawk from them recently, but haven't had any service done there.

Don Galloway did pass away from cancer recently. He had been pretty sick for a good while. Don't know if his family still has the dealership or if it has been sold.

Jumptrout51 wrote:The new management and ownership is trying hard to please. I would appreciate if everyone would give them a fair chance to survive.

Well the first thing they need to do is change the name of the place.

I don't know about warranty work, my boat and motor are no longer under warranty. But I just recently took my boat to Parkway Car Care Center. These guys have worked on my cars for years and always treated me right. They have just got into the boat business selling skinny water boats and motors as well as doing boat repairs.

I have a Johnson 115 on a Cape Horn 17ft. I took my boat in to have the trim and tilt hydraulics fixed and they did great work. Not the cheapest, but if you want it done right, these guys are great. I highly recommend them.

I don't know about warranty work, my boat and motor are no longer under warranty. But I just recently took my boat to Parkway Car Care Center. These guys have worked on my cars for years and always treated me right. They have just got into the boat business selling skinny water boats and motors as well as doing boat repairs.

I have a Johnson 115 on a Cape Horn 17ft. I took my boat in to have the trim and tilt hydraulics fixed and they did great work. Not the cheapest, but if you want it done right, these guys are great. I highly recommend them.

I've learned a few new curse words from Quinn.

Flats Rascal wrote:

I don't know about warranty work, my boat and motor are no longer under warranty. But I just recently took my boat to Parkway Car Care Center. These guys have worked on my cars for years and always treated me right. They have just got into the boat business selling skinny water boats and motors as well as doing boat repairs.

I have a Johnson 115 on a Cape Horn 17ft. I took my boat in to have the trim and tilt hydraulics fixed and they did great work. Not the cheapest, but if you want it done right, these guys are great. I highly recommend them.

I've learned a few new curse words from Quinn.

Don't give Quinn too hard a time. He came by it honest.