A-1 Marine Interiors

This is the 3^rd boat we’ve taken to Raul. Obviously happy with the quality of his work.
I took the boat in on Thursday and picked it up the following Thursday. Didn’t think he would get it done in a week, but he did.

Really tough on this one. I have a mixed review.
Rather than get into details, Raul is the owner and he seems like a nice guy. However he takes on more work than he can handle and somethings just get pushed aside (i.e. my boat). My boat took over 5 months to get done and I only got it back once I got upset and told him I was going to pick it up finished or unfinished. I had to cancel 2 lake trips because of his delays.
He promised me he would park my boat inside while I was waiting for my turn to get work done. We had a decent rain and when I went to pickup my boat at the end, it was full of water so I know not only was it outside, he didn’t even have my cover on it. Its a boat so its made to get wet, I get it. But don’t promise me its in covered and in the shop when it obviously wasn’t. I had water pouring out for miles.
I had a complete interior done, new stereo, new bimini cover, new carpet and engine service.
The upholstery work I would rate a — ⁹⁄₁₀
Stereo is — ⁸⁄₁₀ (I had to order extra parts after I picked it up)
Bimini — ⁸⁄₁₀ (our first trip on the water, we noticed measure marks on the canvas weren’t cleaned off and a small cut possibly from an exacto. The poles were also missing some hardware and spring clips I left with him. Had to get new ones)
Carpet…materials 10÷10… cutouts/​hems/​fit — ⁷⁄₁₀ (my ski locker doesn’t open or close without the carpet being unsnapped and moved. He didn’t do a cutout or boot for my table hole. The carpet itself is really nice though)
Engine service — ³⁄₁₀ (he blew out a ram on my drive, $ 800 to replace, service was incomplete when I picked it up. Raul gave me a box of extra parts. I had to take it to the dealer to get put back together properly. Another 2 week delay)
If you are looking for interior, stereo and carpet the overall product was very good to excellent. I would definitely recommend them for that. The price was decent compared to the other 3 boats I had reupholstered in the past. Just set a date with Raul on when you will pick your boat up and make him stick to it. Call every week if you have to. Mine took forever to get done and they were still putting things in as I pulled up to get it. As far as engine work, take it to a mechanic. Raul offered no discount or repayment for my busted ram or for the work he didn’t complete. I picked up the boat with a box of parts to my drive. Basically he said here you go, get someone to fix what I did because I didn’t put your drive back properly. That was pretty frustrating to deal with. I paid with cash and he tried to charge me taxes even though we all know this game. Also, make sure you get everything in writing on your estimate. My total costs changed every single time I called him but I had it all written down luckily.
Overall I think Raul is a good person, terrible manager/​planner but loves what he does. He takes on more work than he can handle and would rather tell you what you want to hear up front and apologize in the end when he doesn’t do what he says. Hopefully this helps someone who is looking to get their boat done.

We bought a new miniature speed boat and needed a custom Bimini built. The pre made ones were all to large. I called A1 and spoke to Raul. He was very nice, listened to what we needed and I never felt rushed. He quoted me a price which was about the same cost as a pre made one, so we brought the boat down. They have a very large yard with lots of busy workers. He greeted us personally, spent a fair amount of time explaining the process and measuring for the top till we were completely satisfied with the plans. We choose to add stainless steal hardware and Sunbrella Black canvas. When we arrived to pick it up which was ready as promised a day later I was very happy with the quality and looks. We used the Bimini top all weekend at the lake. This top is very solid even at top speed it didn’t bubble up or sway! Between the fast, courteous, service and the excellent quality I would highly recommend this shop. We just love our new Bimini. Thanks Raul.