*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: He who does not seek advice is a fool. His folly blinds him to Truth and makes him evil, stubborn, and a danger to his fellow man.
Wow, these guys have a seriously BAD reputation based on a quick Google search.
Exactly. Blackbird's reputation is the lowest that I am aware of in the marine industry. At one time I was contemplating the rebuild of a OMC 200hp OB. Looked at BB and did the Google search. I'm thinking that you found many of the same references that I also discovered. These guys also do a bit of business on eBay too .... which makes me leary of other businesses on eBay.
I'm not defending them, nor have I ever done business with them, but I knew someone that bought a motor from them. He told me all kinds of horror stories about the problems he had with the motor. About a year later I asked him if he ever got the motor straightened out. The problem was bad fuel, and had nothing to do with the product Blackbird sold. Keep in mind that you'll hear plenty of negative comments on products or services, but the satified customer you will rarely hear from.
I'm not defending them, nor have I ever done business with them, but I knew someone that bought a motor from them. He told me all kinds of horror stories about the problems he had with the motor. About a year later I asked him if he ever got the motor straightened out. The problem was bad fuel, and had nothing to do with the product Blackbird sold. Keep in mind that you'll hear plenty of negative comments on products or services, but the satified customer you will rarely hear from.
I understand that sometime's it's not the rebuilders fault. But it's how you treat your customers after the job is where you really earn your reputation. Blackbird/A-1outboard are crooked.
I bought a stern drive through a local dealer here that was rebuilt by them. It lasted one season blew up and I got no help from them on the repair.
Jay
i had them rebuild my 1996 Johnson 225 in June 07' and the motor has performed flawlessly.....i have put about 100 hours on it and followed the break-in instructions to the letter and i am very pleased....my 2cents
While I have never done any business with them and it's easy to publish bad press about a company on the internet, there seems to be way too much bad press on too many sites by many customers that were burned by them. From what I have read - used parts passed off as new or partial rebuilds passed of as full rebuilds (which can save a rebuilder lot$ of money). I was looking for a good machine shop to send my blocks for re-sleeving and boring and while PA is much cheaper to ship from MA, I am happy to spend the extra shipping and send the blocks I rebuild to FL to a great machine shop that has a great reputation. I don't take chances.
Blackbird rebuilt a 70 HP MERC/FORCE powerhead 3 years ago. Has run strong ever since.
I think that this company has gone into "prime time" w. web related advertising and may not be able to handle the load. Back when I dealt w. them I got to talk w. the owner, could work-out any special details firsthand. Even calls mid-way through the rebuild about something unanticipated that could have held up the whole deal for a few days if he hadn't persevered w. contacting me. The rebuild was a-1; my only gripe wasslight damage to a stud 'cause the packing job on ship back wasn't very good. Received an apology for that issue and offer to make good on any needed repair, which I was able to decline.
blackbird industries/outboard engine rebuilding 
