Delta Watercraft keeps residents playing on the Delta

On Bethel Island, McThorn can work on a watercraft at his repair shop, then take it just down the road to the island’s launch ramp to test it before releasing it to its owner. The two-man shop provides repairs and maintenance for all makes and models of water toys, including boats and personal watercraft and other popular models, offering rebuilds and upgrades to inboard and outboard craft. Their expertise extends to models including Sea-Ray, Reinell, Mastercraft and Ski Centurion, and they service competition ski boats and other water-going craft and can rebuild engines.

McThorn’s customers come from San Jose, Sacramento, Livermore, Stockton, Antioch and Brentwood. Many come for regular maintenance, as well as upgrades or repairs. 

“We do repairs to fiberglass, paint boats and personal (watercraft),” he added. “These types of craft are used hard and long, and they get beat up. We bring them back to top form.”

He also noted that many people buy watercraft without a lot of experience and don’t know exactly what to look for when selecting one. In these instances, McThorn takes time to evaluate the owner’s craft and point out any concerns or things that need correcting. 

Casey Bowman of Antioch has brought several engines to Delta Watercraft for rebuilds and praises McThorn for his straightforward approach.

“Jeff is a great mechanic, (and) he’s really fast, honest and friendly,” said Bowman. 

The location has a gated area, in which many watercraft temporarily reside, including some on consignment. McThorn is quick to point out that he doesn’t actually complete the sale, but he refers browsers to the owners of craft they are admiring or considering.

“We stay out of the sales process,” he explains, but added that the shop will evaluate the newly purchased vehicles once the sale is finished. 

He offers a pre-purchase inspection to prospective buyers - a $50 credit toward service or repairs - since it’s impossible to just look at a craft and know what services or repairs it might need without running it in the water.

“(After the inspection), they know if it’s really worth their investment,” he said. 

On warm Sundays, McThorn can often be seen enjoying his own watercraft off Bethel Island, and his wife and daughter sometimes join him. They also travel frequently to Mazatlan, Mexico, in winter, where they can enjoy warm sunny days in December. 

As summer approaches, however, he’s busy at his shop, helping water enthusiasts get ready for the season, and this year, he has added another set of skills to his work experience.

McThorn has earned his real-estate license and has joined Keller Williams East County as a realtor. In Mazatlan, he has sold retirement properties and is happy to work as part of Team Temby.

Delta Watercraft is located at 3025 Gateway Blvd., on Bethel Island. For more information, call 925-684-2620 or visit www.deltawatercraft.com.