FEBRUARY 26, 2021

We provide updates about Covid-19 impacts on Howe Sound Marine  on this page. Please contact us with any questions you may have.

• COVID protocols remain in place (see below for details)

 BOOKINGS

• The Spring rush is on!  As of this date, we are booking in mid April.  This pace will continue to grow and time lines will get longer. Book Now even if you won't be boating for a while.
• Effective immediately, no "add on" to a Repair Order will be accepted once the job is called in; only the work that was called in will be done. Should any further repair be needed another booking will be made for a future date. This will have most effect on boaters who travel to our shop as they will have to take the boat away and return for further repairs.  We suggest all boaters inspect their boat and become aware of all repairs needed before calling in.
• We are doing our best to keep up with demand as boating continues to be a primary resource for recreation in 2021.  
• Contact by email is preferred. We ask that phone calls be kept to a minimum so we can focus on the work at hand as efficiently as possible. All email contact will be responded to.
• To re-iterate, depending where you are on the Job Board, we’ll get to you when we get to you and will call you then. We appreciate your patience. 

SUPPLY IMPACT

• We are experiencing a dramatic increase in supply chain slow-downs and very unpredictable delivery times; many parts and engines have been back-ordered for several months with no known delivery date, and other delivery times are months out. The situation remains fluid.  We remain well stocked with essentials, such as oil, filters, anodes, etc., and have been able to accommodate all repairs but with increasing time delays.  As business ramps up in 2021 we do not know what lies ahead as manufacturers struggle with production capacity and demand.  We recommend that everyone keep their boat in tip top shape.

INDUSTRY NEWS

• The demand for boats in the US and Canada is very high and manufacturers have sold out their 2021 inventory and are increasing production where possible - Covid impact
• Used boats in the Lower Mainland have been in high demand and bidding wars continue with boats selling above asking price - Covid impact
• Marine Engines are in very short supply - Covid impact
• Many common marine parts are in short supply - Covid impact
• Moorage is becoming harder to find and some marinas have a 10 year wait list!

 MOBILE

• Mobile work has been disrupted and each job is assessed on an individual basis according to prevailing conditions. 

IMPORTANT OPERATIONS INFORMATION

• Walk-in customers are welcome; one at a time please!  Masks are required.
• For purchasing parts you can also phone / email your request (we prefer email); we will fill your order and leave it in the drop box outside for you (this has been working well)
• All collection / payment must be made by closing time which is 5pm Monday to Friday. 
• Until further notice, we are only accepting payment by Visa or Mastercard to a maximum of $5,000.00

FINALLY

• Everyone here continues to strictly observe Covid guidelines as recommended by our health officials. We are also maintaining self care so we can keep going and hopefully we get through this without any further difficulties.

All the best everyone.  Stay safe and well and we’ll see you on the other side.