The Cure for
"Keys Disease"
Big Beard Boats is a mobile marine mechanic service operating out of the Upper Florida Keys. Factory-certified on both Yamaha and Suzuki outboards, we provide dockside repair throughout Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada. We exist because too many Keys boaters hear the same excuses: "I'll be out tomorrow," "waiting on parts," "nobody picks up." We do the opposite.
Jason Rutledge — 11+ Years in the Upper Keys
Jason isn't a generic mechanic who watched a few YouTube videos and bought a wrench set. He's spent over a decade turning wrenches, running service departments, and sea-trialing boats across the Upper Keys — from Plantation Boat Mart in Tavernier and Riva Motorsports in Key Largo, to managing full service teams at Caribee Boat Sales, Marine Connection, and Boater's World in Islamorada.
Along the way he's managed teams of technicians, service writers, and yard crews — and he's done everything from routine 100-hour services to complete motor rebuilds and Seakeeper installations. He knows every marina from Pennekamp to Lower Matecumbe because he's worked out of most of them.
In 2024 Jason went independent, and Big Beard Boats was born. The idea was simple: bring the dealership-level diagnostics and factory training directly to your dock, without the dealership pricing, the three-week wait, or the "Keys Disease." Every job gets factory YDIS or SDS diagnostics, OEM parts, and documented work that keeps your warranty intact.
Factory Certifications
Yamaha Certified
- Inline engine systems
- V-engine systems
- Outboard systems
- Electrical systems
- Drive train systems
- Advanced troubleshooting
- YDIS factory diagnostics
Suzuki Certified
- DF-series outboard systems
- SDS factory diagnostics
- Electrical & fuel systems
Additional Skills
- Marine electrical systems
- Rigging & propulsion systems
- Seakeeper installation
- Service management & scheduling
Upper Keys Experience
Big Beard Boats — Owner / Mobile Marine Mechanic
Independent mobile outboard service across Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada.
Boater's World — Shop Foreman / Service Manager
Islamorada. Ran the shop floor and service scheduling.
Marine Connection — Service Manager
Islamorada. Parts department, service scheduling, warranty work, sea trials, and boat deliveries.
Caribee Boat Sales & Marina — Service Manager
Islamorada. Managed a team of 6 technicians, 2 service writers, and yard crew.
Riva Motorsports — Marine Technician
Key Largo. Outboard diagnostics, repair, motor rebuilds, and sea trials.
Plantation Boat Mart — Marine Technician
Tavernier. Engine diagnostics, rebuilds, boat systems, and sea trials.
What Sets Our Mobile Marine Service Apart
- We answer the phone.
Seven days a week. If we can't talk, you get a callback inside 30 minutes during service hours.
- Transparent pricing, upfront.
You approve the estimate before any wrench turns. No "surprise" labor at the end.
- We come to the boat.
Dock, slip, driveway, or trailer — Jason brings factory diagnostics and the common wear parts on the truck.
- Documented, warranty-safe work.
Every service logged with photos and part numbers, so your warranty is protected and the next tech (or the next owner) has a real history.
- Tournament-ready turnaround.
Emergency outboard repair with a 2-hour average response. Our "Vacation Saver" program gives visiting anglers priority scheduling.