Link Recreational

Very unprofessional and horrible service. Awful buying experience. While sitting down to sign the final paperwork for the sale. I was asked by the manager how we would be paying I said credit card. She blew up at me saying they do NOT take credit card and in a very condescending way asked "Do you know how much I will get charged?" While not being able to put the whole purchase on a credit card is understandable I had verified three times before coming in that they would indeed take credit cards.

Thankfully I had check and other means of payment to take care of it.

Once the trailer was hooked up I asked for instructions on how to run everything. I was told that there is the key and once I get it in the water to just push buttons and see what works. Gee, thanks for the instructions. The sales person was more worried about a potential sale and just wanted to rush me out the door.

I was also informed that it had no fuel and I would have to fill it up. At least I was reminded it only takes premium.

For spending a significant amount of money on a pontoon, you would think small things such as having a tank of fuel or instructions on how to run the item you are purchasing would be included.

Overall, very disappointed with the professionalism of this establishment and the quality of service provided. Beware when dealing with them as they are a bit shady in how things are handled.

I would not recommend dealing with them again. I know I will not be.

The sales rep was nice and gave us a great deal. However when we picked up our new boat, it was dirty. Not even hosed down. They did offer to power wash it, but I live three hours away and had to go. When I got the boat home I found the manuals in the live well destroyed and soaked with water. When I got the boat in the water I drove 1/2 mile and the engine died. After 30 minutes I figured out that service tech had an extra connector on the fuel line. Thank God I'm handy and could fix that on the lake. The prop was never fit to the boat either. This engine should top out at 6000 RPM's and I'm at 4800. I need to change the prop. Overall the have a nice sales force, but the service department sucks.

We were looking at purchasing a 2020 boat from them. We found one that we liked. We contacted them about it. We did everything that they asked for and even sent them pictures of the trade we had. They never contacted us back about nothing. Now we see the boat is off the internet. This was very poor service on their end. We will never go to them for everything.

Service dept. is more than 5 stars. Service manager Randy went out of his way to complete warranty repair on new pontoon(our second one) from links. Repair needed from end of season last year and contacted me two days ago to come up to Duluth to complete in winter storage so i could launch as soon as ice goes out.
Exceptional customer care!! Highly recommend dealership and service.

Unprofessional. Took our boat in to have the intermediate shift cable replaced, they quoted 1.5 hrs of labor and $350. Waited two weeks and didn't hear anything so we called to get an update. Guy in the service department said he'd check and call back, but never did. Called multiple times and same story. Finally said they were working on it and would call us when it was done, but never did. We called again and he said it was done, but took 3hrs of labor and said it was just under $700. Went there, paid and picked it up; they said they had tested it in their water tank and it was good to go. Got it on the water that same afternoon and noticed it was leaking heavily into the engine compartment almost immediately! Called Link and talked to the same service guy who said to bring it back and he was sure the tech would want to look at it first thing. Didn't hear anything back for two weeks. We called and got the same runaround as before, with service guy saying he would check and call back, but never calling back. Still trying to get them to return a call and repair their mistakes.

In summary, Link Recreational took a simple job and turned it into a complete nightmare. Very unprofessional place, tech apparently doesn't know what he's doing, can't get a straight answer on anything and they charged double what they said to expect. Take your boat there for repair or buy a new boat from them at your own peril, because our boat is in much worse shape after they worked on it than when we took it to them. There's definitely a reason they're not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Also, see reviews on Yahoo (all negative) and probably other review sites.

Rob Almer was very personable and friendly, we felt good working with him. We love our motorhome!!!

The owner is direspectful and rhude she was arguing with a customer in the lobby. I overheard the whole conversation. She let the customers wife leave in tears then proceeded to tell me can you believe these people. When she never kept up to her promise on the delivery date of their boat and never notified any one and the both had scheduled off work to come and get it and didnt live anywhere near there.
She was a real peach to deal with when I had bought supplies and my boat as well. Very rhude very condescending. Would drive my boat to california to get fixed before taking it there!!

BEWARE!!!!

Their service department is terrible. Purchased a pontoon from them a few years ago and have stored it there over winter each year. When they take it out they ask when you want it back so that they can organize the warehouse by delivery date. Each year I call for delivery and it is 2+ weeks out before I can get an appointment. When the day comes for it to be delivered, they have always scheduled someone ahead of me and it is delayed. This morning I called about my previously scheduled 10am delivery around 9am. The service guy told me they scheduled 3 additional deliveries yesterday for delivery today and that I would be delayed (at least a couple of hours..no advanced notice and no new time commitment). So I'm sitting around waiting to hear. I'm not sure how people get next day delivery ahead of me when I've been waiting 2+ weeks for my time slot, but this is the last year for Link. Reprehensible and not even apologetic.

Update: Not sure how they serviced the motor because the kill switch latch they were supposed to replace was still broken and unattached when I got the boat. Wouldn't start and had to manually hold the switch in with one hand all the way home. Fun trying to steer and control speed in 25 mph winds with one hand. Other problems (cleanliness, canopy unhinged, etc..) I don't even want to get into.

A good place to not buy a boat.. If your looking for someone that wants to waste your time, talk to Jimmy.

In May of 2020 we stopped at Link RV looking for a travel trailer to keep by our cottage. Traci met us and did a super job showing us several Jayco campers. Thanks to Traci, we found our perfect camper and purchased it that day. Our delivery was scheduled for June and when Brandon arrived he easily maneuvered the camper on our site for a perfect set up. After Brandon blocked it level, he reviewed every thing on the camper and made sure we were satisfied. Thank you Traci and Brandon for making the experience of buying from Link RV an enjoyable time. Dave and Kathy

Very disappointed with them, they messed up my loan and the title was incomplete, they sold me a camper with tires so dry rotted that the tire pro guys were shocked, my gas tank was empty and they said it was filled, called and talked to them in July about these problems and never heard back from them. Called again and was told the gentleman handling it was out on medical leave, waited another month or so talked with them again and still no call back and and no satisfaction at all. Very poor customer service once we bought the camper.

We bought a 2020 Sylvan pontoon after the boat show. Bill, Randy and the folks at Link answered all of our questions, helped guide us through the process to ensure the boat was set up the way my wife and I wanted. We love the DLZ BAR with the rear lounger that converts into a bar with 4 stools. We can't wait for the Covid lockdown to be over so we can invite some friends on the boat with us. The Merc motor is quiet, smooth and runs great and if you have a canopy over your lift, be sure and get the power bimini. It makes it super easy to raise or lower the canopy every time to drive onto the lift! We owned a Bennington prior to this, but we got so much more boat and so many more features for the money with the Sylvan. I would have a hard time going back! Thanks Link!

Great Place to buy ...excellent service, quality and follow up...Why anyone would go elsewhere is beyond me.. will be back again.

Customer service is terrible been trying for 2 weeks to get our boat out of storage. Will not be storing our boat there anymore. They need more help 2 guys can t get it done. You should be able to get it out in a day or two NOT weeks.

I'm a new RV and boat owner so when I walked in to this place I was like a kid in a candy store they got everything you need for your summer camping and water activities.

Very happy with the service from Rich and Link! Thank you for all your help this season. We will be recommending to all of our neighbors on the lake.

Great place! Sales staff worked hard to find the boat I was looking for

Sales and service are superb! We purchased a 20' Sylvan pontoon from Lou and couldn't be happier. We also own a 21' deck boat. Have been bringing both of our boats to Links for service and winterizing for years. Always a quality experience with Rich and the service techs. Very fair prices for both sales and service.

We are very pleased with our new pontoon purchase. Bob and Theresa really know their product, are competitive in price and a joy to do business with!

Worst place to buy a pontoon!!! We bought one on Mother's Day and it still sits in our Yard... The cover was the wrong one, the trailer wasn't right and the one. After many calls they stopped answering and returning our calls.. VERY DISSATISFIED!! They would not accadate us at all, fight all the way. would like to just take it back and shop somewhere else...once they had our money they were done,....

Excellent and Personal customer service. They walked us through the equipment, double checked the engine and made sure everything was working (even replaced the prop and radio!!) For a first boat buying experience it couldn t have been better. Thank you!!!

Good place to do business. It's a little pricey for some things, but that's what you expect for honesty and good service. I haven't had very good luck at other places especially Warners dock in New Richmond Wisconsin, or Arrow Marine in St. Croix Falls, WI. But between Randy in service, and Bob the owner, you're in good hands.

Have been very happy w our new boat and the way they handled our transaction. They have serviced delivered and stored it for us as well and do a great job. Our boat always comes back clean and ready to go! They delivery and pick up has always been courteous and on time.

Horrible experience. Absolutely no customer service. We went to pick up our brand new boat and when we saw the boat we couldn't believe our eyes. Our brand new boat that was supposed to be right out of the shrink wrap was scratched and scuffed in numerous places, had dents, and had a large spot at the bottom where the paint was rubbed off right down to the metal. We were not pleased to say the least as we were expecting a brand new boat in perfect condition. We went in to talk to the owner and she blew up at us and pretty much told us it wasn't her problem. I have never been treated so poorly by a business in my life. She took no responsibility for it at all and didn't even apologize. We left and purchased a boat elsewhere that was happy to get our business. Stay clear of this place. I truly think they tried to pass off a boat that was used as a boat show demo on us, instead of a brand new boat that they told us we would be getting. Will never go back. Beware.

Customer service is below average. Randy in parts was very rude - non responsive and and when i had to continue to follow up multiple times with him when he never followed up with me or returned any messages I ever left his answer was "Hey Buddy listen here you can go to any sylvan dealer you dont have to work with us" So that is what i will do is take any current or future business to someone who wants that business. Must be rough to have so much business to not care about doing a great job for customers.

We purchased a New 22' Sylvan Mirage Pontoon. No pressure salesman and the best deal in the area! They are storing for the winter (no Xtra charge ) and will deliver it to our slip this spring! Great experience! Bring on spring!!

Buyer Beware!!

Be aware if buying a boat from Link Recreational in Minong, they can replace a new manufactured motor with an older one and not tell you!

That is what Link Recreational did to friends of mine, Terry and Bev Reynolds. Terry and Bev took Link Recreational to court to recover the difference in value on the motors and lost! It was just ruled by Judge Yackel in court in Shell Lake, Wi.

And although the NADA values that older motor over a thousand less than a new one, Robert Steinway the President of Link, who was sworn in as an industry expert said it was Industry Standard as well. The judge agreed.

I still can t believe not telling your customer you are switching out a new motor for an older manufactured motor is industry standard .

I m sure there are dealers with integrity but not in this case it would seem.

The judge ruled against Terry and Bev Reynolds who also must pay Link Recreational for some legal fees as well. The judge mentioned to the president of Link he could wave the lawyers fees but he refused to.

So, the bottom line is, beware you are getting the whole story from Link Recreational, and check on-line with the serial numbers of the boat and motor to be sure you are getting what you want. Put it all in writing too by the way. If you must take them to court, you will need hard evidence. Your words alone do not matter in court.

Just bought my first boat here at Link. Outstanding customer service with great quality boats for reasonable prices. And they have an amazing selection of really cool boats. I would highly recommend purchasing a boat here. They definitely go above and beyond in customer service with really good follow up. Both Bill and Teresa were so knowledgeable and helpful especially since I was a complete novice about boats. I m super happy with my amazing new boat! Go check it out. I droves 3 hours and it was totally worth it!

Was a great experience , very nice pontoon boats, nicely equipped
Bob even took me to take a test drive on his own boat at his house which couldn't have been more helpful in the decision-making process

I appreciate all the efforts hope we can do some business thanks Ron Straub

Good experience purchasing a boat. Found the representative to be responsive and knowledgeable. Online price research left me feeling like pricing was fair. High hopes for good service department when needed.

Helpful people. Lots of boat parts & boating accessories like tubes, ropes, ski's, kayaks. Good selection of used boats.

We had a wonderful experience with there service department this past weekend. They saved our fishing day. Thanks for fixing our trailer so fast and making my 10 year very happy. We will definitely be using them again.

I had my 2018 Jayco Bungalow delivered from Links yesterday. I am up on a hill and in the middle of a culdasac. Not a easy place to get to. And bringing a 40ft. Camper in there we were worried. The young man got out of his truck and my first thought was he was still wet behind the ear, but let me tell you he backed the camper up the hill and to our sight like he had been doing it a long long time. We were all very impressed. I did call Links to tell them how happy I was with this young man.

I can't thank Randy and his staff for all they have done to make my heart happy. It was traumatic enough for what I have been through the last almost 10 months, but making sure the pontoon was up to par and showing me how to run it by myself! Thank you really doesn't seem fit. You all are truly a blessing. I'll keep practicing Randy.

Great prices,great sales,great time here.Robert did it all for me. 1st class with a lot of detail for a great sale.I was very please with my overall experience here.My first time but not my last.Every last detail as promised. Thanks Robert.

Bought an used outboard, was told it went through the shop and was ready to go. They didn't run it when I picked it up, got it home and it had a major fuel leak and hardly runs. Was told on the phone they would take care of it but now nothing. I've they have your money they could careless.

I have had several exceptionally poor experiences with Link Rec this year (see details below) and would strongly advise against doing business with them. I don't normally write reviews which hopefully illustrates how frustrating of an experience they created. Please do yourself a favor and read below before you conduct business with them.

My story: My 2016 pontoon was to be delivered on a Saturday this past May. I had stored my pontoon at Link for the 2015/16 winter. When I called several weeks in advance to schedule delivery I could never reach the service person (there is only 1 person - Rich). Rich never called me back - I always had to reach out. I once reached him on the phone and he told me that he had a line of 10 people in front of him and he hung up.

I eventually got delivery scheduled and provided all of the requested details. Weeks later, on delivery day, I received my very first ever call from Rich saying they couldn't deliver the boat without directions and if i didn't call back in a few minutes they would cancel the delivery. This was ironic for several reasons but mainly because when I scheduled the delivery I asked if they had everything they needed. I called back but I couldn't reach Rich despite several attempts. In fact, I never received another call that day from anyone at Link Rec. I had no idea whether the pontoon was on its way or not so, on a leap of faith, I jumped in my car and drove hours to my cabin.

The good news is that it did finally arrive...8 hours late and with a dead battery at the public boat launch on our lake in Minnesota. The driver got lost several times, had no GPS, no smart phone, no tools, parts or extra batteries. He was livid and left a voice mail for the owner of the dealership using words that made even me blush. He said this happens frequently.

Back to the story: because he had no smart phone, he had no way of knowing how/where to find a replacement battery and because he was so late it was past 6pm and the dealership was closed and no one answered his calls. In the parking lot of boat launch, I used my own dying phone to locate a Napa store that was still open. It was 45 minutes away. We drove, with the boat in tow, all the way to the Napa dealer where he had to buy a battery (and tools because he had none with him) with his own money. I swapped the battery out in the parking lot myself and we tested everything to confirm it worked. Along the way we found the source of the problem one of their techs had left the master power switch on

I also had to give the driver detailed instructions on how to get back to the highway (again, no GPS) so that he could hopefully get home to his wife before 10pm that night

Needless to say, I lost about 12+ hours that day that I ll never get back. I also never received any sort of call from LinkRec about the matter. I waited nearly a week. When I did finally phone Bob, the owner of LinkRec (and my salesman), to discuss the matter, he had no idea it had occurred. I told him that I thought it would be most fair if they would return my delivery fee but that I was, of course, still happy to pay for the winter storage and servicing (which alone was $700). He promised to get back to me but, wait for it, never did. I had to chase him down for their answer to my request. He ultimately said that he spoke with Rich about it and that they both felt that their purchase of a new battery for the boat was adequate compensation for what had occurred. Thus this review which I hope to make available on every site possible so that others are warned about LinkRec and what they deem as customer service .

It's also worth mentioning that I have never received a single invoice or piece of paperwork for the storage or service of the pontoon (despite requesting them from Bob) but my credit card was charged. I honestly have no idea if the oil changes, etc, were actually performed.

Thanks for reading and I hope that you can get your boat or service needs met somewhere other than Link Recreation!

Bob is a great guy. No pressure sales, aims to please. I will be picking up my new boat two days earlier thanks to Bob.

Buyers beware! This company is a joke! I recently purchased a used Baja. They told me it was ready for the water (wrong). It almost sank when we put it in. The bellows in the outdrive were shot which should have been noticed by them. They performed zero maintenance to this boat. All they want is your money (Todd and Rich) and then they will throw you under the bus. They won't even return my phone calls. The only reason I gave them one star was so I could post this to unsuspecting buyers.

I just started working there. Awesome people to work for.