Your Patience and Understanding is Appreciated! Updated 11/2/2023

[EuropeanAM]

Guys and Gals:

I would first like to thank all of you that have chosen to do business with European Marine, LLC. It's a real pleasure to assist you with your needs.

As many of you know, I devote a substantial amount of time DAILY to this site. This time is on a "volunteer" basis.... and believe it or not, I actually DO work a day job that involves the use of hand-tools and "hands-on manual labor".

When we're in our busy season.... the best way to reach me personally is either through BBC, or via email (which allows me to respond when I have the chance). Please try these methods first.

You're always welcome to call if your question or need is of a nature that cannot be handled by email, IM or posting. You'll likely speak with one of my staff... and MANY of your questions can be answered by my staff (usually Rhonda). We definitely appreciate it when you have your engine serial number ON HAND when calling.

I sincerely appreciate those that show kindness and courtesy to my staff!

If your question pertains to "what size wrench is used to remove this bolt".... that's certainly something that can be found in a service manual, one of my staff can answer, or can be handled by email. Parts questions are also something that my staff is well equipped to handle, and can usually be handled most rapidly by email (or even directly on our website at: www.europeanmarine.org/partsaccessories.html

If I'm not available (which is often the case during the day)... PLEASE leave your contact information (and a brief description of what your call is in reference to) with whomever answers the phone (or if you get our voicemail, PLEASE leave a message). I WILL return your call when I have a few minutes (and usually return calls at the beginning of, or end of, my work day).

Please- when leaving messages, leave a phone number that I can actually reach you at. It's frustrating when 7 of 10 returned phone calls result in "voicemail" (or worse yet... a "voicemailbox that is full and cannot accept messages- OR has not been setup... goodbye").

If I'm unable to reach you upon dialing your number, I'll try to leave a message. That's as far as I can go (message is crossed off if I can't reach you).

I MUST be able to complete work and make a meager living.... or I can't be available to assist here... thanks for understanding that I will return your call/contact!

I'm happy to help you in any way possible... and simply ask that you be patient, courteous and understanding with me and my staff.

Thank you for your assistance... looking forward to a GREAT SEASON!

[06 SB]

Would you guys leave Don alone. He is supposed to be working on MY motor!

In all seriousness, Don is a great asset to us all. He AND Rhonda make it possible for us to save a few bucks here and there. I am thrilled to be able to pay him for some work he is doing to my motor.

06

[Nikon Man]

This is where the o'l saying applies ..............

So many problems and so little time......

Thanks Don, Ronda & Staff for all your support...

[leonreno]

This is where the o'l saying applies ..............

So many problems and so little time......

Thanks Don, Ronda & Staff for all your support...

So many problems and so little Don.....

[flynonh2o]

Don has helped me and has asked for nothing. Please everybody respect his wishes. His vast knowledge given freely helps us with these highly technical motors. The least we can do is let him run his business.
Don, I do wish you were near the FL panhandle!
Thanks for all of your help.

[EuropeanAM]

Just a seasonal reminder... it's that time of year (again).

For those of you trying to contact me by phone- I return calls throughout the day (when I get a break), OR at the end of the workday.

It is important to have a number you can be reached at so as to avoid playing phone-tag for several days.

Looking forward to a GREAT SEASON!

[Nikon Man]

Just say'n.................

We all want to be up and running A.S.A.P. when problems arise and they usually happen at the worst time, me included, but please, lets all try to be very considerate of Don's time to BBC, what he does for us is "TOTALLY OF HIS OWN PERSONAL FREE TIME" .

He has a business to run first on foremost, secondly, he has a family life, and thirdly, he does deserve some time to himself or with his family to enjoy the sport we all love. I've personally chewed him out numerous times for calling me on a Sunday, not because I have an issue with that, but rather............me telling him, Hey Don, its Sunday, don't you have a personal life, call me on a working weekday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But that's Don for ya always wanting to help us all as much as he possibly can, so lets cut the man some slack so he can enjoy life a little. He and his staff do a 5 Star job of supporting us all.

[lil red 02]

I just ordered my parts and additives from him today, lucky enough I got to talk to him personally and had a list of stuff I needed that I had ready through PMs I spoke with him about prior to my phone call. Thanks for the service of supplies and endless time you devote on here to our questions!

[EuropeanAM]

Just a seasonal reminder.... see first post in this thread.

Thanks- looking forward to a GREAT season this year (already WELL underway).

[EuropeanAM]

I really hate to harp on a topic, but of late, this has gotten so far out of hand that I feel it's a necessity now.

If you need assistance, I'm ALWAYS willing to try and help. However, you should pick ONE of the following (preferably starting at the TOP of the list as the most preferable methods):

-Post your question, with engine serial number and a BRIEF detailing of your question or problem. If further questions/responses are necessary, be patient and respond as required.

-PM me through the BBC system. If you're responding to a PM- DON'T ERASE THE QUOTES, PLEASE.

-Email me (can be accomplished by clicking on my member name- NOTE: You must setup YOUR email information, and accept contacts from all members to utilize this feature)

-Phone the office- many times my staff can assist, and if not, leave a message, I will return your call when I can take a break (I must be able to reach you at the number you provide, however, the FIRST time- only one attempted callback will occur).

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For some reason (lately), some feel it necessary to post two or more times in separate forums, send FOUR or more PM's, call the office and leave a message, and then call back again within 2 hours. And all that within 6 hours!

This is simply inconsiderate. In the time it takes me to sort through all of those contacts.... I could have helped THREE (or more) other people that were patiently waiting.

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Additionally: I will no longer be providing support for E-bay Purchases. If you bought two motors, and a bunch of rigging (or Smartcraft) components off E-bay... please contact your E-bay seller for support on those products.

It takes a considerable amount of time to accurately spec out the rigging components for an engine-rigging job... and nearly DOUBLE that amount of time to sort through a bunch of production part numbers that came from cables, adapters, and "stuff" that were purchased through auctions. I find that each week I'm spending 5 or more hours sorting out these situations for folks... most commonly so they can go back to Ebay and buy some more stuff, then contact me when something doesn't work (again).

I'm happy to assist those who are willing to work through NORMAL channels, and even in cases where products were purchased from other BBC sponsors (or in normal, Retail Packaging from ANY Authorized Mercury Dealer).

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Thank you for your cooperation, and understanding!

[Nikon Man]

I really hate to harp on a topic, but of late, this has gotten so far out of hand that I feel it's a necessity now.

If you need assistance, I'm ALWAYS willing to try and help. However, you should pick ONE of the following (preferably starting at the TOP of the list as the most preferable methods):

-Post your question, with engine serial number and a BRIEF detailing of your question or problem. If further questions/responses are necessary, be patient and respond as required.

-PM me through the BBC system. If you're responding to a PM- DON'T ERASE THE QUOTES, PLEASE.

-Email me (can be accomplished by clicking on my member name- NOTE: You must setup YOUR email information, and accept contacts from all members to utilize this feature)

-Phone the office- many times my staff can assist, and if not, leave a message, I will return your call when I can take a break (I must be able to reach you at the number you provide, however, the FIRST time- only one attempted callback will occur).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For some reason (lately), some feel it necessary to post two or more times in separate forums, send FOUR or more PM's, call the office and leave a message, and then call back again within 2 hours. And all that within 6 hours!

This is simply inconsiderate. In the time it takes me to sort through all of those contacts.... I could have helped THREE (or more) other people that were patiently waiting.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally: I will no longer be providing support for E-bay Purchases. If you bought two motors, and a bunch of rigging (or Smartcraft) components off E-bay... please contact your E-bay seller for support on those products.

It takes a considerable amount of time to accurately spec out the rigging components for an engine-rigging job... and nearly DOUBLE that amount of time to sort through a bunch of production part numbers that came from cables, adapters, and "stuff" that were purchased through auctions. I find that each week I'm spending 5 or more hours sorting out these situations for folks... most commonly so they can go back to Ebay and buy some more stuff, then contact me when something doesn't work (again).

I'm happy to assist those who are willing to work through NORMAL channels, and even in cases where products were purchased from other BBC sponsors (or in normal, Retail Packaging from ANY Authorized Mercury Dealer).

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Thank you for your cooperation, and understanding!

Smartest move you've made in a long time my friend............

[lil red 02]

Already got my stuff from fed ex thanks for the lightning fast service! Top notch service

[EuropeanAM]

You're very welcome, Brent!

[lil red 02]

All said Don is completely understandable! What you and the board guys do here is so far out of your way to help its an understatement! You guys do what 99% of shops would never do and thats give free advice, with no promise of retribution! . Thanks so much for all the help, and My only problem is yall are so far away, if yall moved down here I could let yall do my work, and not just order stuff and have it shipped here! . Thanks for the help, support, time, and most of all FREE ASSISTANCE!

[Strokerdean]

" If you bought two motors, and a bunch of rigging (or Smartcraft) components off E-bay... please contact your E-bay seller for support on those products.

It takes a considerable amount of time to accurately spec out the rigging components for an engine-rigging job... and nearly DOUBLE that amount of time to sort through a bunch of production part numbers that came from cables, adapters, and "stuff" that were purchased through auctions. I find that each week I'm spending 5 or more hours sorting out these situations for folks... most commonly so they can go back to Ebay and buy some more stuff, then contact me when something doesn't work (again).

I'm happy to assist those who are willing to work through NORMAL channels, and even in cases where products were purchased from other BBC sponsors (or in normal, Retail Packaging from ANY Authorized Mercury Dealer). "

I talked to Don about The Smartcraft hardware, cables etc a couple of times, first by e-mail and when I was ready I called him and placed the order. I feel that when a business takes the time to help with all the questions they deserve the business that you are going to put somewhere. I had been looking for quite some time on the internet but couldn't get the information I was looking for. He had the components, they were available and he was willing to take his time, offer sudgestion and give me the assistance so I could make an informed decision (ultimately probably saved me $$). Thank you Don and Rhonda for your assistance and great service.
I did the same with BBG Marine, another BBC sponsor. He took the time, answered my questions, offered sudgestions and eventually when I was ready I purchased my Lawrance graph, down/side scan and network hardware from him. Again I felt his time is valuable and he was very helpfull and I felt the need to return the favor by buying the hardware we had been talking about.
There may have been better deals out there for both of my purchases (European Marine and BBG Marine), I dought it and no one else was willing or didn't know answers to my questions and I only wanted to do it once. I guess what I am saying is take care of those who take care of you. If you want quality hardware and service correct the first time, buy from the folks that know what they are doing and take the time to work with you.

Don's time is very valuable as a business owner, I can't even imagine taking that amout of time out of a day let alone weeks on end. Thank you for your assistance and all the information you provide to all of us.
Folks, Please listen to what he is saying as we don't want to loose this resource.

[EuropeanAM]

Just a seasonal Reminder- And of course, this applies for the others that help here in the Forums as well (Joe54, Savage, and many others). A little patience and courtesy can go a LONG way!

[Nikon Man]

Just a seasonal Reminder- And of course, this applies for the others that help here in the Forums as well (Joe54, Savage, and many others). A little patience and courtesy can go a LONG way!

A little patience and courtesy can go a LONG way!
Totally agree !

[EuropeanAM]

Time for a Seasonal Reminder.... Thanks!

[Nikon Man]

Time for a Seasonal Reminder.... Thanks!