Gold Coast Marine

Gold Coast Marine / Steve Smith have unethical, deceptive business practices.



I retained service to have port and starboard engines mechanically inspected and Vessel Sea Trialed prior to purchase of 1994 29’ Luhrs Open sportfisher. I was charged $1,070.87 on 8/28/2012 for this service, to my surprise after receiving bill and inspection, no compression test was completed, stated only did a visual inspection(REALLY). Gold Coast Marine / Steve Smith stated the sea trial went extremely well, the engines are strong and came up to 3900 RPM without issues, vessel lacked needed maintenance( Hoses, Belts, Exhaust Risers, Tune up), normal items any boat owner would deal with, nothing out of the ordinary. Recommended I purchase the vessel “this is a Marine Mechanic with 30+ years of experience I paid to protect my interest”. Taking Gold Coast Marine / Steve Smith recommendation, I purchased the vessel. Hired to do the needed maintenance work on the engines I was charged a additional $2,456.71 to tear down the engines down to but not including the Engine Heads. After questioning and paying the $2,456.71 with reluctance 11/26/2012 “Price Gouging”. Gold Coast Marine / Steve Smith hands me a estimate for nearly $15,000 for maintenance repairs and at this point recommends I replace both engines. Price $25K ”REALLY”, “What happened to passing the engines”. Gold Coast Marine and Steve Smith should have their business license revoked for unethical and deceptive business practices like this.