Mobile Marine Horror Stories

[timebandit]

Some things that happened at work this week prompted me to start thread so other THT'ers stay safe. These guys are not "professionals" by any stretch of the imagination. At least not in our neck of the woods. I see and here stuff like this every day. Just this week alone:

Story 1: After fumbling around for who knows how long, this guy could not for the life of him figure out how to disconnect the shift rod an a V-4 Johnson. He makes a dozen phone calls to his friends before finally being asked to leave by the owner, who had bought the book and everything. I ended up changing his water pump.

Story 2:
Mechanic is M.I.A. after pulling a dressed P/H off for a rebuild. He collected $1500 up front for parts. I quoted this costumer ~$8500 for a dressed reman to replace it.

Just find a reputable dealer and stay safe out there.

[carbo]

I've seen the same crap from dealers using yard help to do services. You do not always get their top tech working on your boat. You may get a trainee......

There are good mobile guys and there are con artists. I worked for a marina for 13 years and have had my own mobile service for 10 years now. You want to know how good a mobile guy is? Ask the dealer where he buys parts...they know who knows what they are doing and who doesn't. I get a ton of work from my local dealers (they hate going off site)