What to look for in a Mercury Mechanic? Premier Dealer?

[tellis]

I have to take in my 2008 Mercury 250 Pro XS for warranty work due to loss of power and unable to get the boat on plane. What should I look for in a Mercury repair shop? Is it worth driving an hour to go to a Premier Dealer or is a regular certified Merc mechanic sufficient? The dealer I bought the boat from is six hours away so is not an option. I wish Don at European Marine was close! If anyone has any suggestions for a good shop in central Minnesota (St. Cloud, MN) I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Tim

[canadabullet]

A certified Mercury technician at a Mercury dealer is a good starting point... Then ask if they have ever heard of a 250 ProXS.... My closest dealer had not even heard of XS or Pro XS models at all or quickleen either ... If they know about your 250 ProXS model ... , are certified mercury technicians and have the computer diagnostic tools then chances are , they can help you... good luck ...

[EuropeanAM]

A Premier Dealer is a good starting point.... Premier Dealers are required to have all necessary special tools (as well as the Computer Diagnostic System)... and must employ at least one Certified or Master Technician for the engine lines they service (there are many other stringent qualifications as well).

A Certified Dealer is close in qualifications (and must also have the CDS and a Certified Technician)...

You can search for dealers within your market are utilizing the Dealer Search feature at: http://www.mercurymarine.com

[tellis]

Well I think I have a good shot with this shop. They are a Premier Dealer with 4 Mercury Certified tech's and when I told them I have a 2008 Merc 250 Pro XS he knew the motor and also thought the issue with mine might be the coils. Then he explained he was familiar with the issues and said there is a service bulletin pertaining to the coils and getting them all swapped out with new one's! I feel confident in this shop so far.

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by tellis &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Well I think I have a good shot with this shop. They are a Premier Dealer with 4 Mercury Certified tech's and when I told them I have a 2008 Merc 250 Pro XS he knew the motor and also thought the issue with mine might be the coils. Then he explained he was familiar with the issues and said there is a service bulletin pertaining to the coils and getting them all swapped out with new one's! I feel confident in this shop so far.</td></tr></table>

Sounds like you've found someone that knows how to take care of you.

[CraigMH]

Try Al at Supreme Marine in Mpls they know what they are doing with Mercs

[tellis]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by CraigMH &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Try Al at Supreme Marine in Mpls they know what they are doing with Mercs </td></tr></table>

Thanks for the referral. I have it at the shop right now but if they don't work out I will give Al a call at Supreme Marine. Thanks again!