BALTIMORE (Map, News) - There’s not much Bob Brandon doesn’t know about boats.

The owner of Tidewater Yacht Service in Baltimore, he had his first boat at age 8, built boats as a teen, and worked in a boat repair service in high school.

“When I went away to college (to Vanderbilt University), I left after a semester,” Brandon said. “I decided that I really wanted to work on boats.”

Work he did in many different capacities including a 20-year stint at a new boat dealership in Annapolis. After opening Tidewater Yacht with a partner, Brandon reassessed the Baltimore market, determining that boat service, not sail boat sales, were what was needed.

His hunch was right. Founded in 1987 and today with a staff of 28 employees, Tidewater works on every type of boat up to about 80 feet. The business is strictly repair, supplies, and fuel, he said.

“We think we fill a pretty big niche,” Brandon said. “Most [boat] dealerships are oriented toward serving customers [who bought there]. That’s a smart way to do business, because oftentimes people will move up” and buy larger boats.

Brandon’s major niche is serving boaters who didn’t buy locally. About 60 percent of the boats Tidewater services stay in Baltimore, because the owners have moved here or they dock their boats here for the season. Other regular customers include those throughout the Chesapeake Bay and those traveling through the area, he said.

Due to the size of Brandon’s facility, much of the work typically in the spring, such as annual maintenance, can be done during the winter at Tidewater.

Mike Bonicker, Tidewater’s production manager, said customers are pleased the majority of work is done in house by well trained and certified Tidewater staff.

“We keep a close eye on everything,” he said. “We are in a brand new location, and have a very efficient system to handle the work. Very few things, if any, fall through the cracks.”

More information

Tidewater Yacht Service

321 E. Cromwell St., Baltimore

www.tysc.com; 410-625-4992

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

43 agree | 31 disagree
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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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