What clients say about Safe Harbor San Francisco Bay in East Richmond Heights (CA)
Professional, responsive, ethical, and trustworthy. Over the years I’ve had both regular and significant work performed by the KKMI team. Compared to other yards I’ve used, KKMI stands out. I can recommend them without hesitation. Additionally, Janis is particularly noteworthy. If you judge an organization by the quality of its people, KKMI is fortunate in having her representing them.
I am a returning customer. The administrative staff and the entire service crew are top notch! I utilized the rig shop quite a bit on this visit and found them to be knowledgeable, supportive and patient. I will definitely be back.
KKMI received my boat when it arrived from Alabama and did a great job of preparing it for launch. They were very accommodating by letting me in the yard to do some of my own work. Janis coordinated with the trucking company and Bret coordinated the bottom paint and other work to get her launched on time.
I want to share another great experience I had at KKMI. I rode my bike up from Berkeley to dismantle my old furler for parts, and Jesse, who had replaced my standing rigging, had kindly set it aside for me, even cutting the headstay to make things easier. When I arrived, he showed me where it was on the rack, and as I started working, he said, “Let me pull it out so you have room to work,” which was really helpful.
After about 30 seconds of looking at it, I realized I couldn’t take it apart without a drill and metal bits because the foils were riveted together. As I stood there thinking, Well, that was a wasted trip, Clint, a KKMI employee walked by. I had never met him before, but he stopped and asked, “Hey, do you need something?” I mentioned that I’d have to go home and bring back a cordless drill—but I didn’t tell him that I don’t even own one. Without hesitation, he said, “I’m leaving in half an hour, but I can set you up with a drill. That’ll at least get you started.”
Twenty minutes later, I had the furler completely taken apart—turns out aluminum is pretty easy to drill through. Clint’s small act of kindness really made my day. It saved me from riding home disappointed, spending $150 on a drill and bits, riding back an hour on another day, then riding home again. Instead, I got the job done right then and there. Clint really went above and beyond, and I appreciate it more than I can say.
If I wasn’t a lifelong KKMI customer before, I sure am now. And one more thing—Jesse made a great observation that hadn’t even occurred to me: he pointed out that it’s probably time to replace my lifelines. Since I have the original maintenance records from the previous owners, I know they’re almost 30 years old. Replacing them could literally be a life-saving decision, especially since I’m planning to sail down the coast eventually. Thanks to Jesse’s keen eye, I’m already in the process of replacing them myself.
Just another example of how much I appreciate the team at KKMI. They made a real difference for me that day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jan 31, 2025 Previous Review
I recently had my standing rigging replaced at KKMI Marine in Richmond replace my standing rigging, install a new roller furler, and upgrade the mast lights to LEDs. They exceeded my expectations in every way--both in the quality of their work and their professionalism.
The team I worked with--Jesse, John, and Janis--was highly skilled, communicative, and efficient. Jesse, the head rigger, kept me informed throughout the process and even suggested options I hadn't considered, such as replacing my 30-year-old furler. While the old one still worked, the new one is a significant improvement, and I'm really enjoying the upgrade.
Best of all, the final cost came in 15% under the original estimate--a rare and welcome surprise! The rigging was perfectly tuned, the furler operates flawlessly, and the LED lighting upgrade makes a big difference. They completed the job ahead of schedule and under budget, all while demonstrating outstanding attention to detail.
If you're looking for top-notch marine service, I highly recommend KKMI. Their expertise, customer service, and commitment to quality truly set them apart!
It good they put plastic washers on keel bolts they think they are a monopoly in the bay with outrageous prices Berkeley marine center and Cree the real deal
The team at KKMI are the Best! Over the 24 years we have owned and circumnavigated our Deerfoot 74 we chose only three boatyards to service her: Orams in NZ, Lauderdale Marine Center in FL and KKMI in the SF Bay. KKMI's staff is professional, courteous and has always managed to keep work from refits to antifouling on schedule and as quoted. If one is so inclined, KKMI is one of the few yards that allow owners to do the work themselves. We are confident that KKMI will continue to provide excellent service.
Captain Kurt
Deerfoot 74
The Chandlery at KKMI has been excellent with customer service. I have been there several times in the last 5 months. Recently I stopped by to buy something and I accidentally left my credit card. I didn’t realize until about 24 hours later. I called and spoke with Suneet, he said he had. it and had tried to catch me after leaving. In the end he sent it to me since I don’t live in the area. Thanks for great customer service.
Good boat yard and marina. 85ton travel lift and some closed paint booths and tents. Very good chandlery. Old tired floating marina with wood pontoons.
Best in the Business. The project managers are top tier. The lift operators are the best, and the work is by far top notch. Always glad to bring boats here and refer them.
In March of 2021, I brought my 32ft trawler to KKMI for a bottom paint job. The paint was falling off in chunks, so KKMI told me they needed to remove all of the existing paint before applying a fresh coat of bottom paint. They quoted me $7200 to complete the bottom job. The manager, Bob Hennessey told me my trawler would be ready to pick up the following week (9 days). The day before I was supposed to pick up my boat, I called Bob to check on the status. Bob became extremely irritated, telling me in a loud voice that he never said my boat would be ready the next day. Then he told me it would be ready the following week, which ended up being 2 additional weeks. When I arrived to pick up my boat Bob came out of his office visibly agitated, touting how I got such a great deal because it took his guys longer to remove the old bottom paint than what he charged me for. I was surprised by his unprofessional demeanor and it was obvious he was taking out his mistake on me. KKMI charged me over $7200.00 and assured me that my bottom paint issue had been resolved. When the trawler was hauled out this June, it became evident that KKMI had neglected to remove the old paint from the rudder before repainting. Their lack of attention caused the same issue that brought me to KKMI in the 1st place. KKMI's office manager said, "You were not charged for the time and labor to remove the excess paint from the rudder".
Since when is the rudder not part of a bottom paint job? What a joke!
In hindsight, I regret not taking my boat to Svendsen's, whose quote was just slightly higher.
Called KKMI to inquire about having my boat taken out for some sanding and DIY work and was greeted by Janis. She was very friendly and did not hesitate to answer my questions. She got me scheduled as soon as they could take me. Our project manager was Chase and he was very knowledgeable and was always happy to help with our concerns or answer any questions we had. They took out my boat with such care and expertise. Everybody we came across in the boatyard was happy to help with advice, tips or just to introduce themselves. Job was promptly done and now she's back in the water where she belongs. I cannot recommend KKMI enough. Thank you guys!
From my initial call, to paying the bill, 100% professionalism! I needed to pick up my mast 2' to get wire out of the base of the mast that had fallen to the bottom. I talked to Janis and explained that we were delivering the boat to Mexico within the week. She got me right in to the crane. Then, Bob and the rigger (didnt catch his name) were ready, on time. We loosened everything up, picked up the mast and set it back down. I was charged exactly the half an hour it took to do the work, and that was it, no B.S.
The absolute BEST boatyard!! Janice, keeping everything organized.
Bob and all technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, qualified boat experts!! Paul, owner of KKMI is in the yard with workers and boat owners, with a friendly smile, advice, and a joke for the day! We have experienced other boatyards and KKMI is the ONLY boatyard we trust for advice, work, maintenence and repairs!
Top service and Excellent work.Bob Hennessy was super friendly and fair. Always quick to answer and provide help. work was perfect. All staff were helpful and happy.....
Great work KKMI! Job finished on time and below estimated cost! (At a boatyard???) Staff is friendly, helpful and direct. The office crew answered all of our questions and was in close communication with our project manager throughout the job. Our 36’ sailboat was cleaner when we picked her up than when we dropped her off.
KKMI is clearly committed to doing good work. We went in for a simple bottom job and a not so simple check of our leaking prop shaft and clunky transmission, likely needing a new packing gland and overhaul of the stuffing box. But upon inspection, our 40 year old crusted and corroded drive shaft merely needed polishing, tightening and simple adjustment. Well, that knocked about $1000 off our yard bill. NICE!!!
We will be back!!!
Reliability, trust and partnership is absolutely critical for me. I chose KKMI due to their excellence in customer service and value add. My project manager continues to go well above and beyond the project scope. I consider him a part of my shore crew. Being an active racer, this is as critical as those sailing with me onboard. It means a lot knowing that in my busy schedule I will get a call back quickly and not have to wait 2-3 days. Typically, i don't have that kind of time. This is the Nordstrom of Boatyards! That is why I still choose to take my boat across the bay from Alameda to Richmond for any work.
This is a good boatyard. The most impressive part of my experience has to do with the culture. The people who work here, who do the work, as well as the administrators if you ask, love to teach. I had issues with some billing and some quality of work and spoke with the project manager. He was reasonable, I was reasonable and I had a good experience. The environment is excellent. Of special mention, there are two employees named Miguel who are amazing and John in the Chandlery is knowledgeable, patient and also is not afraid to teach and share his knowledge. I believe the rigging manager is named Greg. Knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and also a good teacher. I enjoyed my time at the yard.
Recently on a delivery from San Diego to Benicia my 42 Oceanis CC lost steerage rounding Point Conception when the boat's hydraulic rudder linkage failed. We Managed a safe passage to and temporary repair in Santa Barbara and then an ultimate safe passage to Benicia. The boat had been scheduled for rudder bearing replacement at KKMI in Richmond. After getting there the bearing replacement was accomplished expertly and efficiently. While there I asked the KKMI staff to check the hydraulics which they did. After returning to Benicia I found that an issue with a component of the hydraulics may have been overlooked. KKMI determined that it had. They suggested a modified part would improve steerage and offered to fabricate the part. After it became available KKMI sent one of their technicians with the fabricated part to Benicia where he installed it. All of the follow-up hydraulic work was done without charge to me. KKMI’s performance on my boat's behalf is simply one of the more recent examples of the unsurpassed service and professionalism that exemplifies KKMI’s stature as the best boat yard in NoCal and perhaps the entire west coast. My experience with KKMI was my initial use of their services. As I mentioned to KKMI's management upon completion of their work, they now have a customer for the life of my boat.
UPDATE *
I have been contacted to remove the review with the intention that my issues will be resolved. Was told that I would have the Wind meter taken care of.
Contacted KKMI last week AND left voicemail for Bob Hennessey to discuss when to bring the boat in. To my surprise he did NOT call back.
Spoke on the phone today to work out a future time to take care of the wind meter. Foolishly thinking that having the wind meter taken care of would mean having them replace it. Come to find out all they meant was "bring a replacement wind meter and we'll slap it on there and get you out the door at no charge". After some deliberations and disagreeing he offered me to credit me the "$200" cost that was spent failing to fix the some of the items.
It costs me more in hassle and time to bring the boat back only to feel like I'm still being taken advantage of. I offered some of the things I feel would make it right and apparently was out of question.
They eventually offered me around $500 refund, unfortunately my dignity is worth more than that.
I do not plan on going back, and maybe a different PM would have made the difference.
ORIGINAL*
The long and short of it is that I had an unpleasant time, little to no communication with Bob Hennessey(PM). Not impressed with the sticker price for my experience either.
To start out, I needed to haul and paint my boat, Cal 31'. I also wanted to ensure that the engine was serviced and anchor light fixed. Don't get me wrong, my experience with the mechanic and rigger was more than great. Very friendly, easy to talk with, knowledgeable group of guys.
On the other hand, I heard that Bob was the best in the business (spoiler, hes not)! As my project manager, I felt like I was in the right hands...NO! Unfortunately Bob did not seem to give me the time of day at any points of our conversations. My experience working with him left me in the dark for the most part of 2 weeks. I would call almost every day, most times leaving a voicemail, explicitly asking the status of the paint so I could plan to come work on the boat and do a second coat myself. Never received a call back until after the fact. Now, I wasn't in any hurry, I just wanted to know the status the closer we got to finishing one coat of paint.
Secondly I scheduled a meeting with him and the mechanic to go over the engine. Took off work, drove all the way from the city to Richmond, wait around for an hour and a half, and the mechanic was scheduled to work on another boat until the afternoon. I had called in advance the day before and confirmed the appointment, very poor organization and communication on their part.
The day I picked up the boat, I informed Bob previously so they could get the boat cleaned up. Of course I got there and the boat was filthy. Mentioned to Bob that it wasn't cleaned and got a $100 "discount".
The reason I chose KKMI and not anyone else was because I heard they are the best. I am willing to pay for the high service and experience, but in reality, I would have received the same treatment at less cost elsewhere. I heard they offered a new boat discount for haul and bottom paint, mentioned it was a new boat I purchased and did not receive any discounts. Can't really complain about any discount really because they aren’t obligated, etc.
In short, I am assuming unless you have a million dollar yacht, no one will give you the time of day. Would I take my boat here again? I don’t see any reason to, unless they had an offer I can't refuse and an interested PM.
The cleanest, most professional boat yard in the bay area. Bob, our project manager, is always knowledgeable and easy to work with. I wouldn't take our boat anywhere else. It's a myth that they are expensive...do your homework and call for prices or go talk to Bob in person.
Very friendly crew. Not much competition other than the neighbor boat yard. Price is worth the money. Good work done here. Must have insurance to work contract.
Everyone here is so wonderful. Bob our project manager has been awesome and so has Leland. The owners are friendly and frequently stop by to say hi! KKMI will always be our first choice.
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