I think the police boat was for saltwater Dan.  it was a very large rigid hulled inflatable with twin 200 hp Hondas.  Shouldn't be too much of a problem for your Gambler heh heh

Smitty

wow i didnt know state police had boats, with all there new cars out there i gotta watch out for boats now too

Definetly hard to find good help now a-days.

Smitty,  now that's what I'm talking about!!!!!! That is exactly the service needed in this area, and especially for the bass boat guys.  That dealer will get more business by assisting now and you spreading the word.  Hey, when I get my boat, because I plan on a RUDE,  I'll definately keep them in mind.  Great post and give them all the business they can.....Man,  what a dealer.

CHuck P

Yep, I worked fot Tom during Winter Break. They are a top notch E-Rude and Johnson Shop.

-Nick

Sounds great Smitty.  I was just about to ask for recommendations on Johnson/Evinrude shops.

Very relieving that you got some great customer service, at this time of year especially.

This is off your subject some, but I consider the time on the road, rather than distance.  I have a fellow employee in Puyallup that travels the Valley Parking Lot and HWY 18.  We have timed it, and left home at the same time.  Although I drive 39 miles further, I arrive 9-12 minutes before he does.  I don't consider the winter travel any more difficult than sitting in long lines of traffic.  My only concern, though my commuter gets 35 mpg, is $4.00 + per gallon of gas.  OUCH!

There is a reason many of us call HiWay 167 AKA The Valley Freeway, "The Valley Parking Lot"!  However Kirk, I don't envy your long drive every day, especailly in the winter. 

Smitty

Sweet post, Smitty.  It is a huge relief to the mind and pocketbook that you have such a dependable service technician to help with your equipment.  I can only imagine the traffic issues you where facing.  I am so glad to be where I am.

I've been using "Tom's Outboards" in Olympia to service my Evinrude engines for several years and have yet to be disappointed in the results.
However, yesterday they set a new standard for excellence.  My engine was getting very difficult to start and I naturally figured that it needed a change of sparkplugs.  That's something most anyone can do unless your engine requires that the plugs be "indexed" when installed.  
I called a local respected dealer in South King County, and upon describing my dilemma was told to schedule it in for a checkup in 2-3 weeks with an anticipated minimal cost of $100.00 plus parts.  NOT!!
So I decided to bite the bullet in fuel costs and tow it down to Olympia. I called Tom Monday afternoon and was told "This is our busy time of year, but if you can get it down here tomorrow between 5 and 6, I'll check it out for ya and see what I can do".
Leaving work in Renton at 3:30, I was home, hooked to the boat and after enduring the rush hour traffic, in his parking lot at 5:15.  To my dismay, I noted two large boats including one from the State Police in front of the bay doors and being actively worked on.  To boot, there was another boat being checked out in the parking lot.
To make a long story shorter, I was almost immediately taken care of, my engine was plugged into the "laptop of death" for an analysis.  The LOD made some noises, the lights blinked, a download commenced and in less than 3 minutes the technician "Dr. John" said "Lets give it a try now."
I barely touched the key and the engine fired up just like new.  In short, I was on my way back to Kent before 6 PM with all the new computer upgrades now in my engine and the starting issue resolved.  The cost?  ABSOULUTELY NOTHING!  
When I offered to pay the reply was don't worry about it, it didn't take me enough time to resolve your issue to warrant filling out a work sheet.  

THAT IS AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE!!

If you have any model of Evinrude of Johson engine I suggest you try "Tom's Outboards" in Olympia.  He also handles Honda engines and will service EFI or Carbarated Yamaha's and Mercury's.

Smitty