About Us

495329121 674468792008648 5109576897887604624 n

Who We Are
Built on Grit. Driven by Passion. Trusted by Boaters.

At BoatWerx, we don’t just fix boats—we restore confidence, weekends, and memories on the water.

We’re a family-run marine repair shop based in Hollywood, Maryland, proudly serving boaters throughout Southern Maryland with honest work, fast turnaround, and a deep respect for what keeps engines (and owners) running strong.

Our crew brings real-world grit—not just certificates on a wall. From outboard and inboard repairs to fuel systems, electrical diagnostics, and seasonal maintenance, we get to the root of the issue and fix it right the first time.

We work on all major brands, across every era and performance class—from salty old workhorses to finely tuned performance machines. Your boat doesn’t have to be new to get top-tier care.

So whether you're gearing up for a summer of fishing, prepping for off-season storage, or just trying to dodge that next breakdown, BoatWerx is here to keep you water-ready, year-round.
Let's Connect

 Meet the Man Behind the Wrenches

Richard Vallandingham
Owner & Master Mechanic
493681520 672353098886884 1031626119784427163 n
Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Richard’s life has always revolved around horsepower, water, and a need for speed. By the age of 10, he was running boats solo on the river—no radios, no GPS—just one simple rule from his mom: “Be back at the pier by dark.” And according to her, he always was.

His mom still laughs about it—brand-new bikes and engines barely made it a week before they were in pieces on the garage floor. He wasn’t just fixing stuff; he was tearing it apart to understand it, then putting it back together better, faster, stronger. That curiosity never left—it just got louder. From racecars to high-speed boats, he’s always chased performance and lived for the roar when everything runs just right.

Today, Richard brings that same drive, precision, and mechanical instinct to every boat that rolls into the shop. He’s known across St. Mary’s County for diagnosing the problems others miss and getting boats back on the water—fast and right.

These days it’s a cruiser, not a race boat—but don’t mistake calm for idle. Richard’s still in the shop every day, wrench in hand, chasing perfection, and asking one thing: Who’s Next?

 Meet Ms. BoatWerx

Caitlin Vallandingham

Wife, Social Driver, Waterfront Matchmaker
Caitlin 3
She’s the one who puts the homes in Boats & Homes.
The voice behind the brand—part cheerleader, part translator, and 100% committed to keeping families on the water and in the know. She breaks down boat trouble in plain English, celebrates every engine that roars back to life, and makes sure the community knows what BoatWerx is all about: keeping your boat ready, your weekends open, and your memories rolling.

Outside the shop? She’s your neighborhood Realtor®, helping Southern Marylanders find homes that match their lifestyle. With 25+ years supporting the defense community and credentials as a Military Relocation Professional (MRP®), she knows the rhythm of real life—how it feels to move often, settle down, and need a home that fits. Whether it’s a PCS move, an upgrade, or a dream of a dock out back, she helps locals and weekenders alike land where their families—and their boats—belong.

Boats & Homes isn’t just a brand. It’s the life she lives. She’s why there’s a house in the tagline and a mechanic in your corner.
Let's Talk Real Estate

Meet The Crew
They don’t just Repair engines—they Restore what’s been lost: Pride in the Craft.

Crew
At BoatWerx, we’ve got a couple seasoned pros who can diagnose an outboard with one ear and fix it with the other. But this summer? We cranked it up a notch.

In addition to our core crew, we brought in fresh local talent—from sharp-minded boat owners to rising mechanics out of the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center’s Automotive Tech Program. They came ready to wrench, work, and hold their own in a real-deal marine shop.

Why? Because boat repair isn’t just a trade—it’s a dying art. And in Southern Maryland, where water is life, that gap matters.

The result? A lean, scrappy crew that functions like a well-oiled machine. This team lets us swarm problems, diagnose faster, and keep turnaround tight—so boats don’t sit, they run. Who’s Next?

Meet the BoatWerx Shop Dogs

Gunner & Gage
Greeters, Lots of Licks, and Backseat Bandits
Messenger creation 511caacd 4ca7 4de1 910d 0a9f5b6e1f8d
At BoatWerx, we’ve got two extra crew members who never miss a shift—our shop dogs, Gunner and Gage. These Boston Terriers are part customer service, part security, and all heart (with a dash of chaos).

Gage, the self-appointed Shop Dog, takes his job seriously. He’s our early warning system—wagging hard and making sure no arrival goes unannounced.

Gunner? He’s the laid-back one. Most days he’s catching rays or z’s—until a snack’s involved. Leave your car door open, and don’t be surprised if he hops in and claims shotgun.

Repeat customers know the drill—bring the goods. These boys will only lick you to death, and honestly, that’s the only way to tame their excitement.

They bark. They nap. They run the shop. Bring a treat and you’re family.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

What types of engines do you work on?
We service all major brands of gas-powered outboard, inboard, and sterndrive engines—including Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Evinrude, Johnson, MerCruiser, Volvo Penta, and more. If it runs, we’ve probably fixed it.

Do you offer mobile or dockside service?
Yes—selectively. We offer mobile repair on a case-by-case basis. A flat show-up fee applies, and mobile labor is billed at a higher rate. Not every job qualifies, but when it does, we’ll come to you.

How much does a typical repair cost?
It depends on the job, but we always provide upfront quotes before turning a wrench. No surprise charges, no fluff—just solid work.

How do I schedule a repair?
Call, FB message, or fill out our website form. Be sure to include the make, model, issue, and location. The more info you give us, the faster (and cheaper) we can help.

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
We’re located in Hollywood, Maryland and service boats throughout the surrounding region. Mobile service availability depends on the job and location.

How long will the repair take?
It depends on parts availability and the job’s complexity. We’ll give you a timeline after we inspect the issue, and we do everything we can to keep downtime short.

Do you offer seasonal maintenance?
Absolutely. We do spring commissioning, winterization, oil changes, cooling system checks, and more. Stay ahead of breakdowns—let us help you prep for the season.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash is king. Check—if we know you. We also accept electronic payments like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp. You'll get a digital invoice when the job’s done so everything’s squared up and crystal clear.

Keep Your Boat Running Strong
We’ll Handle the Repairs

For expert marine repair & maintenance serving Southern Maryland, trust BoatWerx to keep your engine and your adventures going strong.
Request Service Today

BoatWerx

Southern Maryland’s Trusted Marine Muscle.
One of the region’s only full-service boat repair shops—built on skill, run with pride, and backed by a team that lives for the water.


📍 Hollywood, MD
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri: 9 AM–5 PM | Sat: 8 AM–1 PM | Sun: Closed
📞 Call: 877.4.BTWERX | 877.428.9379
📧 Email: somdboatwerx@gmail.com
🔗 Facebook