River Forest Ship Yard Reviews

Bruce Witt 2026.01.03

     

We spent the last 6 months here, our arrival was different than most. Crew injuries dictated that we were unable to prepare the boat For haul out and storage. Axson and his son hatchet looked after everything. When we came back to pickup the boat they did everything we asked. When you're on the water the most needed thing is a marine partner, these guys are your partner, from towing / rescue to storage and repair they will look after you. Now leaving there after 6 months it feels like leaving family not a shipyard. If you need assistance in or around Belhaven this should be your first call

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Lisa Vance 2026.01.02

     

We had two great experiences with our towboatus Captain Axson in Belhaven Nc. He helped us get in and out of Battalina Creek with our near 7ft draft. A combination of patience, local knowledge, and good techniques he assisted our vessel into deeper water as gracious a captain as anyone could hope for. Thank you SV Liberty

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Victor Soli 2025.11.17

     

Holy cow are theses guys GREAT picked up a crab pot in the ICW they helped us back on the road supper fast Im the even called me later in the day to make sure I was ok I LOVE these guys!!!

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Geoffrey Spangler 2025.11.10

     

Our alternator was failing as we approached Belhaven from Baltimore last summer. Belhaven Marina gave a strong recommendation for River Forest. After searching and not being able to source a new one, Axson sent his girlfriend to Washington (a 30 minute drive each way) to pick one up for us. Amazing service that saved our trip to Beaufort NC. Thank you so much for your assistance!!

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Squiggy M 2025.10.30

     

We needed a tow and these guys were excellent they got us towed in safely. Axson even gave me a ride to Norfolk airport! Wow! That was above and beyond. Very nice people and a pleasure to deal with.

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Chris Haislet 2025.03.15

     

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EJ Meier 2024.07.02

     

The crew at River Forest were great! We lost a water hose between the heat exchanger and the after cooler. They had us come in, they had the Cummins part we needed and we were able to fix it right there. Not only that, our wet exhaust had deteriorated and they had that as well. They let us cut what we needed and we were on our way. Great people and great shop and parts.

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Peter Alsen 2024.05.10

     

Best shipyard around. Highly knowledgeable.

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Norsk American 2024.04.12

     

These folks are the real deal, honest, knowledgeable, and very reasonable prices. As far as I'm concerned, there is no better yard or marine supplier in the area. Highly recommend!

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ARMANDO Contreras 2022.11.16

     

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Pepper Baby (Pepper man) 2022.11.16

     

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Patti Angulo 2022.08.22

     

Great place to pull your boat. Great workmanship. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

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Richard Clerk 2022.08.08

     

After having an engine failure, we were towed by Tow Boat US to Belhaven. This service was one of those available from the marina team. As soon as we arrived in Belhaven, we were welcomed by Axson father and his son Axson III. The latter, as a mechanic, took the time to assess our problem, despite the fact that he was on leave. Over the next few days, they ordered the parts and carried out the renovation/maintenance work. Throughout our stay, they made calls to make sure we were ok and offered to loan us one of their vehicles and their golf kart. They even made follow up calls the days after we left. The work was done professionally, quickly and at a more than respectable cost. We truly recomande this marina. An incredible and human team.

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Mary Beth Frederick 2022.05.21

     

Shoutout to River Forest Shipyard Belhaven for going above and beyond to get us a generator part! Super nice folks! Love these wonderful, amazing businesses! After I posted the above on the Great Loop Facebook page, someone else commented on my post with the below review! Apparently my experience is the norm for this business! I’m not surprised!! I'll second that... A couple of years ago the folks at River Forest dropped everything else they were doing to help us with an emergency shaft issue. Great folks!

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Michele Nollner 2022.04.07

     

Super service from the entire team here. Made us feel so welcomed when we had to do an emergency stop. Captain Axon and Hatch were so helpful it almost made us happy that we broke down, almost! Thanks so much.

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Candace Widgeon 2021.10.31

     

We had to haul out to replace a failed thru hull, and these guys were awesome! They got the parts we needed ahead of our arrival, and even came up with a couple we thought of later. They were personable and knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. They even let us use a car to do a grocery run, and the prices were more than fair. We would absolutely use their services again!

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Michael Baker 2021.07.09

     

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TRISH WILLIAMS 2020.07.07

     

Axson smith and river front shipyard are going above and beyond to replace the Skipper 2’s rudder and service the hull. Anthony has been working nonstop to get the bottom done by the time rudder comes in

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Julianna Curtin 2020.03.28

     

Such a great experience working with these guys!! They did everything they could to try to get us a new fuel tank installed with super short notice. Even though it didnt work out, they still came over and checked our whole engine and gave us a bunch of tips on how to help the leak until we could get it fixed! They also let us use the showers at the boat yard and lent us their golf cart for a few hours. True hospitality!!!

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weldan 247 2020.03.20

     

The owner and his son are fantastic. They are always there for anyone and willing to help.

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