Just thought I'd do a shout-out to the group about a local mechanic that's got my work from here on out: Kelly Patrick of K&J Marine in Buford. I recently had a major electrical screw-up on my Merc Optimax-- too embarrassed to give details-- that I think most mechanics would just shake their heads at and begin replacing parts. The ECM (ignition/emission computer) on that motor alone is $1800, and I had a few lines in the electrical harness actually melt ($800 wiring harness). Not to mention the alternators on these motors don't like a lot of back and forth voltage..... Let's just say I had a brain fart that got close to a flame...
I thought I'd lost my boat and wife, in that order, but was told to go to K&J as the bona fide Merc experts in this area (was actually told this by a mechanic at a local merc dealer!). Long story short, Kelly spent a few days testing every one of the codes on the computer, and checked each of the zillion wires in the harness...and then carefully replaced a few wires and convinced the ECM to come out of its shell--- and the engine, my marriage, and striper season on Lanier were all put back in place for ~$500. That's not peanuts, but it cured my ulcer when i heard that low figure.....still thinking about taking up church again.....
If you want a mechanic that thinks carefully about the problem BEFORE he picks up the parts catalog and the tools to begin installing them, give these guys a try.

That's great to hear, good honest mechanic is worth his weight in gold. Does he make housecalls? No trailer.

Do you know if he does warranty work on any engines?

Not sure about housecalls-- but worth a shot to call him. He's a cert'd Merc mechanic; don't know about warranty work. (770) 965-0410‎ and ask for Kelly.

Sounds like a great mechanic to keep on my list.....Park Marine has a mechanic that can handle repairs at your dock in the Gainesville area....THey did a great job for me when the starter quit on my deck boat....Work was good and price was fair.........Cj

I've also heard good things about Park marine. My engine's a merc optimax, though--- so serious problems require a cert'd mechanic. Even Merc mechanics not trained for optimax dfi/efi's don't really like to mess with them.

Kinda miss my dumb ol' evinrude that even I could do most of the work on!