Lake Chatuge Tractor, Inc.

Ken Ferguson

While the name of the business on Google Maps is Lake Chatuge Tractor I found them when looking for an engine repair on an older pontoon boat under the name "Bow to Stern". The dealer where the pontoon was purchased many years ago told me that the 4 cylinder 90hp 2 stroke 1995 Johnson outboard had to be replaced as it wouldn't start and if it did would spew gas into the lake. Well, at lease 10k for a new motor wasn't very appealing. Looking for a second opinion I found Jonathan and Beth at Bow to Stern located conveniently across from the new public boat ramp in downtown Hiawassee. First surprise was that they offered to make a "house call" to diagnose the problem and see if it could be fixed at its' slip. After taking a look they determined it would have to come into the shop and met me in the pouring rain on a Saturday at the public ramp with a trailer to pull it out. Jonathan determined that the carbs were the issue. With the engine being so old there is no replacement option so he had to rebuild them. He made some other suggestions and fixes to avoid problems. We were thrilled he had the boat ready in time for the July 4th weekend and we got to enjoy some fantastic sunset cruises. It starts right up, runs like a top and the repair cost was a small fraction of of a new outboard. Both Jonathan and Beth pick up the phone right away or return messages quickly. Sure they are a "mom and pop" operation but they know what they are doing, tell the truth, set expectations properly and treat their customers right making them our new go-to boat yard.

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