by Jacob Fuller
James Howell says it’s the convenience and speed at which he gets the job done that sets Howell Marine Engineering apart from other boat repair and service providers.While dealers often have a line of boats waiting for service, Howell will travel to the customer, saving those in need of service time, energy and gas money, he said.
“People can sign up on the website, (and) I usually will get the job done within a week,” Howell said. “If you can call me on Monday, I can have it fixed, baring issues with part availability and unforeseen problems, by Friday. That takes the (usual) three-week, four-week wait out of it.”
“It’s not a problem if customers don’t have time to meet Howell,” he said. Customers can contact him through email or call him and fill out a service request form, and their job is done. There’s no need for them to haul the boat anywhere, or even be present when Howell does the work. Howell will come to where the boat is stored, complete the work and send the customer an invoice.
“Payment methods include check, Paypal or a credit card,” Howell said. His timely job completion has even led other boat repair and maintenance shops to refer customers to Howell, he said.
“When someone walks in and says, ‘Man, I can’t wait three weeks,’ they say, ‘Here, call James Howell.’ I’ve gotten four referrals from dealers today,” Howell said.
He has been servicing yachts for 20 years, working for himself full-time for the last decade. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf coast, though, a large portion of his clientele base was either washed away or left the area.So Howell, of Howell Marine Engineering, expanded his business to smaller boats, both inboard and outboard.
“I started doing repair and service on trailer boats, fishing boats, whatever I could get. Now my client list is probably close to 300, just people that I’ve worked for around here and are repeat customers.
Some of them sell their boats and get out of it, and I get new people all the time.” For repeat customers, Howell offers a monthly service plan. Whether customers need his full range of services on a monthly basis, or just need a light inspection, Howell will customize the plan for the customer.
“Not everybody needs the full service done. After I get to know the vessel and figure what it needs the service is pretty simple,” Howell said. “With outboards this time of year, it’s mostly fuel problems from sitting up, regular oil changes, water pumps, things like that.”
To contact Howell, visit the him online at Howellyacht.com. Customers who use the Service Request Form provided on the website receive $10 off their services. And there is no worry about Howell getting the request in a timely manner.
“That’s all on my phone,” Howell said of the service request forms.
Howell can also be reached by email at howellyacht@gmail.com or by phone at 228-424-2807.