Marine Industries West aka Dana Marine?

[ONE-A-DAY]

So did Marine Industries West buy Dana Marine? Their website is great with all kinds of cool stuff, but their administration seems a bit off. I have place two orders, got the email confirmations back on both, but neither of the orders has been charged to my card. I called today to see if they orders are in the works and the voicemail is full.

Has anyone ordered from them yet and received the products? How long did it take?

 

[Forensic]

Bob's a member here. I shot him a text to check this thread.

 

[McKay]

Yes ordered a few items from them in Dec/Jan. Tabs, tab/trim indicators, scissor hinges. Tabs where 3-4 months to get. Scissor hinges 4 months, and still don't have the indicators. They are painfully slow. Call often and badger Bob, that is the only way some of my stuff got to me. Got tired of calling on my indicators and being told they will be going out in a few days.

 

[DGRAY75]

Also ordered some pop up cleats before desert storm and I was charged, still have yet to receive them. I have talked to bob and he said he was just waiting for parts. Always have had real good luck with them just think he is a little behind due to trying to improve stk levels from old owners. Hopefully I will see my 4 black mushroom cleats and mounting brackets soon.

Don

 

[cicchetti_24]

I was going to order quick release bimini brackets, but I will wait until I see what's up with the responses.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Eddie Marine was quick to get me the stuff I ordered, may want to try them out.

 

[BUSTI]

I purchased a tach from them and ended up not liking it when it arrived(nothing on their end was wrong, it just didn't match). While I had no problem returning the item I did have to call and bug Bob to actually put the refund back to my card. Very nice just a little unorganized at times it seems.

 

[TRAVISD]

try this number 951 279 5005, I found it on their instruction sheets. They picked up right away. I was trying to get ahold of them a couple weeks ago and could never get thru on the 714 number.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Yes ordered a few items from them in Dec/Jan. Tabs, tab/trim indicators, scissor hinges. Tabs where 3-4 months to get. Scissor hinges 4 months, and still don't have the indicators. They are painfully slow. Call often and badger Bob, that is the only way some of my stuff got to me. Got tired of calling on my indicators and being told they will be going out in a few days.

You shouldn't have to badger somebody to give them your money in this day and age.

 

[Marine Industries West]

Hi Everyone, if you're not getting thru on the phone, it has been out of control today. I apologize. Unfortunately I end up spending hours on the phone every day giving people advice on rigging and how-to's. It has a bad affect on business, but it's just not in me to tell someone I won't help them. Some stuff is quick, some stuff is not. I'm rampaging right now to get a bunch of orders filled. Between phones, powdercoating, assembly I'm pretty much on the throttle 12-14 hours a day. Doing the best we can and am very appreciative to all you guys who are so patient. In regards to the initial post starter, whats the name on the order and I can give you details. Thanks, Bob 714-630-3905

 

[xj2tow]

You shouldn't have to badger somebody to give them your money in this day and age.

If you ordered from Dana the last few years it was pretty much the same. If you're not in a hurry they do turn out great products. Marine Industries West acquired Dana shortly before Dana passed and I believe Bob was his manager for a number of years.

It seems like hurry up and wait is pretty standard with boating vendors--no one can afford or risk sitting on inventory.

 

[toyaddiction]

I am in the same boat too. Still waiting patiently for my foot rests for my 33 Daytona.

 

[UltraLucky]

Still waiting on a part I ordered and paid for February 19th. Quality of parts is always good but with the delays in servicing the orders it would seem appropriate to not charge the clients till the parts are shipped.

 

[Marine Industries West]

If you ordered from Dana the last few years it was pretty much the same. If you're not in a hurry they do turn out great products. Marine Industries West acquired Dana shortly before Dana passed and I believe Bob was his manager for a number of years.

It seems like hurry up and wait is pretty standard with boating vendors--no one can afford or risk sitting on inventory.

I could not possibly explain the level of difficulty my life has taken on with this parts company. I sometimes wonder why I did it to be honest. I had a very successful boat shop and had the freedom to create my own schedule. When Dana's illness got to the level it did, there was little choice to be made. Either I had to recreate the billet product line and continue to supply the industry or all of us would be in a much worse situation (including myself and my shop). That decision came with less than 1 weeks notice. I had to start from scratch with about 2500 different boat parts from programming, tooling, and manufacturing. This task was not easy on any level. The good news is, we have made significant gains in getting product on the shelf. This has always been the biggest problem. There is a good saying that applies to my situation, "if you want to end up with a million dollars in the marine industry, start with two million". That is not an exaggeration. Making these parts is extremely labor intensive and time consuming. The industry from an OEM standpoint is extremely demanding and near impossible to keep up with. And the best part is, it often just shuts off with no warning. I've been doing this for 22 years now. There is no easy answer to this business. You have to have an alligator back, patience of steel, and a very high tolerance for stress. Throwing bodies at it doesn't help. Been there and done it. Just adds more stress. These custom parts require attention to detail and mistakes can't be made. So that leaves me doing most of the complicated stuff. We are moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, sometimes orders may seem slow, but it is impossible to stock all of these parts in 12 different colors.

 

[Marine Industries West]

Still waiting on a part I ordered and paid for February 19th. Quality of parts is always good but with the delays in servicing the orders it would seem appropriate to not charge the clients till the parts are shipped.

If you can give me specifics I could check into that for you because we don't process credit cards in advance unless it is a one off part.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Hi Everyone, if you're not getting thru on the phone, it has been out of control today. I apologize. Unfortunately I end up spending hours on the phone every day giving people advice on rigging and how-to's. It has a bad affect on business, but it's just not in me to tell someone I won't help them. Some stuff is quick, some stuff is not. I'm rampaging right now to get a bunch of orders filled. Between phones, powdercoating, assembly I'm pretty much on the throttle 12-14 hours a day. Doing the best we can and am very appreciative to all you guys who are so patient. In regards to the initial post starter, whats the name on the order and I can give you details. Thanks, Bob 714-630-3905

Walt Hollis, order numbers #16-770 and 16-722 - its only been a little over a week on the first one, I just didnt see any activity on my cards for either order combined with the phone issue made me wonder if they were really in the works. If either of the orders is going to take a considerable amount of time please let me know so I can figure out a plan B if needed, both items are things I need to make life easier with the boat.

 

[Marine Industries West]

Walt Hollis, order numbers #16-770 and 16-722 - its only been a little over a week on the first one, I just didnt see any activity on my cards for either order combined with the phone issue made me wonder if they were really in the works. If either of the orders is going to take a considerable amount of time please let me know so I can figure out a plan B if needed, both items are things I need to make life easier with the boat.

Quick pins are ready, the quick pin bezels are staged for black pc. I should be painting black tomorrow. The steering hub is ready, the steering wheel is due to hit my door on Thursday. So I should be able to have all the parts to you on Friday.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Quick pins are ready, the quick pin bezels are staged for black pc. I should be painting black tomorrow. The steering hub is ready, the steering wheel is due to hit my door on Thursday. So I should be able to have all the parts to you on Friday.

That works, thank you. I can pick up when things are ready to save you some shipping hassles. Walt @ 6613730791

 

[28skater]

Bob,

Id like to order these SP-734T
Step Plate Small Thin w/ Rubber Insert in clear anodized when is your next run of clear anodized parts?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[UltraLucky]

If you can give me specifics I could check into that for you because we don't process credit cards in advance unless it is a one off part.

I sent you a PM with the details of the WEB Order# 16-164. I do not want just hash this out online just frustrated with the complacency that prevails within a large percentage of the industry

 

[Marine Industries West]

That works, thank you. I can pick up when things are ready to save you some shipping hassles. Walt @ 6613730791

That works, I'll be in touch. Thanks

 

[Marine Industries West]

Bob,

Id like to order these SP-734T
Step Plate Small Thin w/ Rubber Insert in clear anodized when is your next run of clear anodized parts?

Thanks,

Joe

Ok they're staged. Should be a few days.

 

[robby dmax]

I have to say Bob is a helluva guy and will deliver.. I had a big problem with Dana himself couldn't deliver the product after he was already paid.. I found bob and he kicked dana in the ass to deliver my parts.
Be patient☺

 

[shueman]

I have to say Bob is a helluva guy and will deliver.. I had a big problem with Dana himself couldn't deliver the product after he was already paid.. I found bob and he kicked dana in the ass to deliver my parts.
Be patient☺

^^^^ THIS ^^^^

Bob is a stand-up guy and bit off the big one with taking on all of DANA ... give him a break ... :thumbsup

The industry is "GONZO" right now ... a good thing :bowdown:

 

[Heylam]

Gotta admire his honesty. Breath of fresh air that is lacking in so many businesses these days.

 

[nrbr]

Bob got me a set of lt500 trim tabs anodized to color I wanted trim pump motor , trim indicator , switches and wiring harness for my spectra in less then 2 weeks. also always took time for my calls about install. I won't hesitate to call them next time I need anything for the boat.

 

[milkmoney]

It sounds like he needs a phone/ shipper guy in the office [emoji41][emoji202]

 

[No Butt No Putt]

So did Marine Industries West buy Dana Marine? Their website is great with all kinds of cool stuff, but their administration seems a bit off. I have place two orders, got the email confirmations back on both, but neither of the orders has been charged to my card. I called today to see if they orders are in the works and the voicemail is full.

Has anyone ordered from them yet and received the products? How long did it take?

I called and talked to Bob a month ago and asked for powder coat color samples. I never received them. I'll be ordering from Rex or Eddie marine. Eddie is on top of their orders. Great customer service.

 

[WET-N-WILD LIGHTNING]

I went there a couple a weeks ago and my experience was horrible. Front door was locked, kid working there didn't know anything. Everything I needed was out of stock or wrong color so then I would have to waste time to go back or pay for shipping. I will never go there again. Dana wasn't great but a least they had everything in stock.

 

[Melloyellovector]

Bob is a great guy. I got a lot, I mean a lot of parts from him for my vector. Took the time to answer all my dumb ass questions. Got everything in a fair amount of time. In his defense he's dealing with a shit ton of existing problems taking over Dana, and will have growing pains for some time before its self sufficient. He's honest which can be rare in this industry. And if you have the time he has real world experience in every step of boats, new and old. Like every company you can't please everyone. Maybe it's just me, but I like to support the smaller guys, so when they become the BIG guys, hopefully they never forget you helped them get to where they are.

Iv also got stuff from Eddie, yes they are an enormous operation, in comparison. Many parts are in stock. But their online sucks, hasn't been updated in years, only the shop section is what they actually still have or make.
All parts Iv got over the counter there, and honestly from what I've seen not a lot of " boat knowledge " at Eddie, maybe there's a go to guy, but of the 3 guys Iv dealt with there it's point at what part you want and I'll grab it, have a question and it's likely not getting answered in a real world experience of how things work etc.
they're more involved with classic car stuff " Eddie Motorsports ", any of those questions and they'll explain step by step.
Go to the showroom, 80% car stuff, I believe every Friday, the " owners " classic car collection is in parking lot, and it's one hell of a collection of prob 15 cars or so. Here's a pic I took last trip there, because he's got some sick rides
Not bashing EMI, clearly he's doing something right. I just like to deal with company's like Dana, Teague, Imco, where they can explain any and every part, and have knowledge of old and new boats. Just my 2 pennies
.

 

[Marine Industries West]

I went there a couple a weeks ago and my experience was horrible. Front door was locked, kid working there didn't know anything. Everything I needed was out of stock or wrong color so then I would have to waste time to go back or pay for shipping. I will never go there again. Dana wasn't great but a least they had everything in stock.

This is a custom boat shop. I have 7 seven offsite machine shops, 2 polishers, and anodizing. These operations require a significant amount of offsite time to keep in check. When I leave, I lock the front door. Our large roll up door is always open. So it's not as if we were closed. Unfortunately, in todays world its not the smartest idea to leave my showroom wide open when no one is working around it. There is work to be done in the warehouse. I cant justify sitting someone in my showroom to guard it for the 4 or 5 customers that come in daily. I would say that showroom door is usually locked for two hours out of the week (during normal operating hours). When it's locked, you walk right to the large door, not that big of a deal. We do our best to keep an eye on it and greet people in a timely manner whether it be in the showroom or in our warehouse. Our main body of business is boat manufacturers. Second is the US Navy, third is our online sales. Phone in and walk in orders represent about 5 percent of my sales yet occupy roughly 75 percent of my time. As stated here multiple times, I will take that time to help people. I spend too much time doing that and my core business suffers. Due to posts like these it's only solidifying what everyone keeps telling me, that I'm too nice and spend way too much time helping people. As for that kid who doesn't know anything, you don't know that kid, he's a great employee. Does alot of powdercoating, assembly, and I'd be pretty confident to say he's worked on many more boats than most people on this site. To make a comment like that is unnecessary.

As far as stock on hand, everything is coated to order. As previously stated, 2500 parts - multiply times 12 colors. It's not realistic to stock all of the parts. I think a major problem that is being assumed is that we sell hundreds of all these parts. Most of these parts are very low volume. To give an example of this, one post on here refers to a set of billet footrest. Sales history shows selling 5 sets of these parts in the last seven years. I have to run 100 of each component. There are 4 components that make up that part. It's a major investment on a slow moving part and I will probably die with most of those parts. That is just one small example of the challenges I face daily. Any parts you see in the Dana billet product line all originated from a boat manufacturer's request. So rewind 20 years where every manufacturer was building heavy volumes of boats, the product accessibility was better. Fast forward to today, we may supply 30 rig kits a year. When I ran Dana Marine we were doing 30 rig kits a month. I ran Dana Marine for 10 years, and everything was always coated to order. Anyone who calls and inquires about parts is told that everything is coated to order. Get your list together, we'll prep the parts and you're good to go. To think that custom boat parts are readily available off the shelf like a bar of soap at walmart is not reality. My website specifically states the lead times for the colors at the bottom of every product page. I have never advertised any of these components as on the shelf ready to go, I don't know why that assumption would be made. We actually advertise the opposite of that because there are lead times.

The irony of the situation is when I get phone calls for tech help on my competitors products, purchased thru my competitors, yet no tech help is available thru those vendors. All these white knights of the industry that either won't help someone or don't know how to help someone because they're not boat riggers. They actually build a part because they simply copy someone else's design and they have no clue of how to install it. So call Bob because he's one of the only guys who will talk to people and get them going in the right direction. It happens daily. And I do it because I feel bad for people. I know that it will unfold my direction next time. I just think its comical to read that these other guys are so chrome plated.

There are legitimate questions as to order status and I'm happy to help and work through any hiccups.

As for having a phone-shipping guy. I have 4 guys here full time including myself. I've thought about having someone on the phones, but no one is calling to talk about the weather, so I'll be paying 500-600 dollars a week to have someone carry a phone out to me. These products as well as the boats and installations are all custom, different, and require gobbs of experience to help people. It is reasonable to state that most tech related calls I receive are requiring extensive explanations and questioning to get to the bottom of problems or correct product applications. Like I've said, I've been doing this for 22 years, there is no simple answer. The boat industry has huge financial fluxuation. Summers hot, winters cold. Hard to staff expensive employees.

As stated in my previous post, thank you for those who have been patient and to those who have expressed their positive interactions with me. But rather than sit on here all day today, I'll be working. Questions or concerns, please call. All the phone lines tie together and get forwarded to my cell. I'm always on the run and not a desk jockey. If you don't get thru, I am either running a machine or on another call. You can leave a message or I'll see your missed call and I'll ring you back.

 

[BasilHayden]

Well said Bob, a bit of a rant but it needed to be said.

I have had Bob rerig my old Hallett and the 22 Howard I just sold. I have to say he is a class act.

Just understand everything is done custom and some good things take time. The attention to detail is unbelievable. In many ways he's like the mad inventor.



But when you need a hand, he answers the call and helps you out. I had a msd box go out while in Oak Creek on Powell, fyi this is the middle of nowhere. Less than 2 days later it was on the dock at Antelope point with the plug adapter already put together to match my boat. A quick look at his hand written instruction sheet and I was back in business.

My only regret is I don't get to see him as much as I keep the boats in Havasu now. But every so often I ring him up and see how things are. Keep up the good work Bob, its appreciated. :drink

 

[milkmoney]

My comment about having a phone/shipper guy was not to bash you or ur business , I don't know how many employees you have. Jus off ur post I thought it was you jus handling everything.

I have no dog in this , sorry. [emoji202]

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Well said Bob, a bit of a rant but it needed to be said.

I have had Bob rerig my old Hallett and the 22 Howard I just sold. I have to say he is a class act.

Just understand everything is done custom and some good things take time. The attention to detail is unbelievable. In many ways he's like the mad inventor.
View attachment 493436
View attachment 493437
View attachment 493438
But when you need a hand, he answers the call and helps you out. I had a msd box go out while in Oak Creek on Powell, fyi this is the middle of nowhere. Less than 2 days later it was on the dock at Antelope point with the plug adapter already put together to match my boat. A quick look at his hand written instruction sheet and I was back in business.

My only regret is I don't get to see him as much as I keep the boats in Havasu now. But every so often I ring him up and see how things are. Keep up the good work Bob, its appreciated. :drink

In your first picture with that nice shifter and switch plate assembly, do you have any idea or any pictures how the cable stay was made or what was used for it inside the gunwale? I want to upgrade to the same shifter but will need to have a new cable stay bracket for it is why I ask.

 

[Scott E]

Bob is a great guy and is very, very knowledgeable and always willing to help. If I were looking for parts I would go to Bob. If Bob couldn't do it I would go to Rex. I will NEVER use Eddie Marine.

 

[BasilHayden]

In your first picture with that nice shifter and switch plate assembly, do you have any idea or any pictures how the cable stay was made or what was used for it inside the gunwale? I want to upgrade to the same shifter but will need to have a new cable stay bracket for it is why I ask.

Please call Bob, he made it and installed it. I wanted to show his attention to detail. I was floored when I saw what he had done. I know some of that was stock Dana parts (that he probably originally designed) but some of that was "just because this is what looks right so I did it" I asked him to freshen up the helm, I think he nailed it!





Thanks again Bob, I'm going to miss this one.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Bob just called, parts are done and ready for pick up tomorrow. All and all I would say that the turnaround time was more than reasonable for custom powder coated parts.

 

[wowchad]

I know I'm drumming up an old one, but how have things progressed with Dana Marine / Marine Ind. West since back then?
Having a Nordic here in WI is rare and I'd like to make it even more rare by installing a set of their scissor hinges on my Evo

 

[RiverDave]

I know I'm drumming up an old one, but how have things progressed with Dana Marine / Marine Ind. West since back then?
Having a Nordic here in WI is rare and I'd like to make it even more rare by installing a set of their scissor hinges on my Evo

Thjngs have gotten a lot better and they are shipping parts everyday!

Eddie marine also makes scissor hinges as well.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Bob is great to deal with. I got trim tabs from him and had him install them last year. He also replaced my helm and went through the PS pump and brazil valve. All the work was done in a reasonable time frame and was quality work. Bob addressed my follow up questions, and a couple issues I had post install.

 

[ChumpChange]

Thjngs have gotten a lot better and they are shipping parts everyday!

Eddie marine also makes scissor hinges as well.

And not only for boats. I have a pair of his scissor lifts for the 65 Chevy Hood.

 

[Backlash]

I've always been a fan of Eddie Marine, but when you do order something, you have to stay on top of them to make sure it gets shipped out.

Have also used Dana products in the past too and they were always solid. But the last go around, they were a little further away which is why I bought from Eddie.

 

[Ragged Edge]

I've made several purchases from Marine Industries West in the last year with zero issues.

 

[Duramax]

Bob is absolutely amazing. He will always get my business.

 

[rivergames]

Bob does great work!

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Bob at Marine Industries West, is beyond awesome to deal with. He will go above and beyond to get things to you. He’s actually going to hopefully be doing something extra special here soon, even though i don’t think he really wants to lol. He’s an all round great guy to deal with.
I’ve also dealt with Eddie Marine and had good results but my first call is always always to Bob first.

 

[Shlbyntro]

This entire industry is fucked with severe back order right now, its not just MIW. Bob got me some missing dana parts for my Ultra when I was in the process of restoring it, even then I had a set of switches i wanted that were no longer available even though they were listed as available on his website. He was very nice on the phone and even sold me something close and some additional led indicators to meet my needs/wants at his cost.

Its not often I need something from him out here in TX, but I do know he is the one to call when I do!

 

[Hallett Dave]

Ok they're staged. Should be a few days.

Bob,
What about my custom wiring harness for my Hallett?
You have my money.
I have been waiting for what 3-4 months now.
I will call again real soon!!!!
I will be polite as usual.

 

[Goodtime$]

One stop shop. All my billet work is anodized and sano clean. Quality takes time.

Zero complaints. The lead times in the industry right now are fucked. Try ordering a 43bc cable and you will see no one has them. I stock uflex but it’s wild.

Covid shutdown plus crazy pent up demand for boats and there is a shortage accross the board.

Had to wait, but I got my custom jet controls today and my customers are beyond stoked!!!
Custom is custom