Service providers in Iowa or surrounding states?

[nickblasberg]

Hi everyone. I've been reading posts here for the last few months and have learned a lot from all the experienced MC owners. I bought a 2001 X Star for a good price this year knowing it needed some updates, but of course, I'm finding out there is more to fix than I expected. The seal on the prop shaft needs service and I likely need service on the transmission. I called Mastercraft dealers within a few hours drive and nobody will take it because it's 20 years old. I was maybe naive to think that I wouldn't have trouble getting the boat in for work and I've been really disappointed that I can't find anyone to take it. I'm pretty handy but would really like someone who knows what they are doing to take on this project. So my question is, can anyone direct me to a shop that will service a 20-year-old boat? I'm in Northeast Iowa but would travel quite a distance at this point to find someone that is willing to help. Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

[waterlogged882]

Hi everyone. I've been reading posts here for the last few months and have learned a lot from all the experienced MC owners. I bought a 2001 X Star for a good price this year knowing it needed some updates, but of course, I'm finding out there is more to fix than I expected. The seal on the prop shaft needs service and I likely need service on the transmission. I called Mastercraft dealers within a few hours drive and nobody will take it because it's 20 years old. I was maybe naive to think that I wouldn't have trouble getting the boat in for work and I've been really disappointed that I can't find anyone to take it. I'm pretty handy but would really like someone who knows what they are doing to take on this project. So my question is, can anyone direct me to a shop that will service a 20-year-old boat? I'm in Northeast Iowa but would travel quite a distance at this point to find someone that is willing to help. Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

V-drive or direct drive setup?

[dpb185]

Look up Indmar certified marinas in your area and try one of them. Mastercraft dealers these days wouldn't know how to work on a 20 year old Predator or LTR motor anyway. If they can do the motor work, they can do shaft packing and transmission work no problem.

[osmonet]

Midwest Watersports is a good service provider in MN.

https://www.midwestwatersports.com/

[nickblasberg]

V-drive or direct drive setup?

It's a V-drive.

That's a good tip to look for Indmar-certified marinas.

[dpb185]

It's a V-drive.

That's a good tip to look for Indmar-certified marinas.

In case you need it:

https://www.indmar.com/find-your-local-dealer/

[jpwhit]

Now that Nautique has bought Indmar, you can take it to a Nautique dealer

In my experience, you have to get pretty lucky to find a good independent boat mechanic that will work on older boats. So for most people that own a boat 10-15+ years old, working on it yourself ends up being the easiest viable option.

[bcd]

I'll second midwest mastercraft. Have you tried redline in Madison? I don't rate them as high as midwest, but it might be another option.

[Storm34]

nickblasberg - Give Matt a call at Automotive Engineering. He's located in the Des Moines area and handles a lot of MasterCraft and Malibu overflow business for a few local dealers. He's a skier/barefooter and a genuinely good dude . Tell him the guys from Diamondhead Lake sent you.

Automotive Engineering
(515) 223-9220

https://cliveautorepair.com/