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Random Quote: there aint no bad beer just some are better than others
I'm not going to say the name of the boat yard (just in case this is normal, I don't want to give them a bad name...)
I bought a new boat last year (23' WA with 200hp Ficht)... I trailered the boat last year and only used it a couple of times (due to personal reasons).
I brought the boat back to them at the end of the season for them to winterize and store the boat for the winter. I was told that they would store the boat, winterize the engine, and prep it in the spring for launch (they quoted me $850)- they sent me a bill for $950 (which I promptly paid in March) - I scheduled a day to pick up the boat and when I arrived they handed me another bill for another $600 - this bill was for the replacement of the plugs, "ran the engines to get them ready for the season" and put on fresh bottom paint.
I did not tell them to paint it and they told me originally that the $850 quote for all the other stuff.
so, bottom line is that it cost me $1,550.00 for winter storage and spring prep for a one season old boat with a single engine - is that sound right?
I dont understand dealers or service shops and this goes for any service buissness, how they do work that was not authorized by the customer, I would tell the f,ers to scrape off there bottom paint and put your old plugs back in and charge me what you said you were in the first place
parapapam,
I still have to wash/wax and I own the trailer - I guess I think its a lot. I didn't plan on spending $1,500.00 a year on winterization and spring prep (I thought it was going to be around $600 for a single outboard engine). They charged me $345 for the bottom paint.
Spring Commissioning = $700
This normally runs about $225 with no additional work performed.
Work Done
Repl. Primer Bulb - Preventitive
Replace Water Pump Assy. - Preventitive
Spark Plugs
Repl. 3 Anodes - Preventitive
Repl. Fuel Filter
Repl. Tachometer - Non-Functional - Cost = about $150 incl. labor
Fire engine and analyze on computer - check for codes
Add Quick-Kleen
Make spare set of keys
A few minor odds and ends
Also - 30 minutes of shop managers time discussing any
future maint. requirements and general condition of my
boat and engine. This part was free but would be worth
paying for. I
I think you may have gotten hosed a bit - especially considering
you didn't request the painting and the price they quoted in the
Fall included getting her ready in the spring. Did you get anything
in writing or was this done on a "handshake"? When I drop my boat
off they make detailed notes on a work order regarding what is to be
done. If it's not on the W/O, and not related to requested work,
and it gets done, it should be free.
__________________ Never Underestimate The Power Of A Large Group Of Stupid People
I have a 150 Honda on a 24' 2005 Eastern with 85 hours on it last year. Last fall I paid $395 for the engine to be winterized, plugs, fluid, prep. I was told all I have to do was pull the batteries and come spring just connect them back up. I did charge them once a month. When I picked the boat up from the winterizing I was told to just drop the batteries in and go! I also paid $350 for shrink wrap with a door. I stored it at home. This spring I dropped in the batteries, painted the bottom and it started right up. It has been in for a week an is running fine. I went to Enos Marine in Gloucester for the engine work and Hill's Yacht yard in Beverly for the wrap.
I think you should find another place.
On the boats that I manage..... At the start of the new year paper work arrives in the mail. (the yard is on the cape) They send a form for every boat that they take care of. On that form they check off what they feel the vessel needs. I can scratch it off or add to it. The launch week is also noted. The work is completed and the boats are put into the water and delivered on a first come first serve, no outstanding balances basis. I have never had a problem
As for the dollar amounts, they know not to bother me unless it's a major item. All I want is the boats to be right and not need simple repairs for the season.
For my boat I do it myself. I'm glad to both have the knowledge/skills and not get dicked around by any yard. Some of the stunts I read about on here make me scratch my head. Then again some customers can never be happy. (I'm in no way saying you fit into that mold)
Without a signed contract or even a resent conversation I'd have a tough time spending it but what recourse do you have? If you lost your slip with them for whatever reason.. Now what? I'd take it as a hard lesson learned and would cross my t's and dot my i's for next season.
__________________ 2003 Boston Whaler 255 Conquest w/ twin 200 HPDI's
I've never been a racist. I don't like the white half either.
This fall Ill come up to Mass. and do your winterization and spring start-up in May for say half that. You watch me as I do all the work, totaling maybe 3 hours and then you will be able to do it from there.
Personally I would be furious that they painted it w/o my permission.
Last year I paid $900 for a Class 1 winterization which is a heck of a lot more than what they did for you. Place I use is Cape Marine. I have heard a million stories about boat yards here in Foulmouth including Cape Marine (okay, they're in Bourne). However, so far they have treated me very well. They picked up my boat in Woods Hole for free, sold me a prop at cost and have talked me out of more than one purchase which I later learned would have been a waste of $$. Of course, your mileage may vary.
My first year I paid a similar amount to your $1550 and then I found out what Summerizing basically meant: Charge batteries, put plug in boat, launch her and give her a good running to make sure it worked well.
Now I just pay for winterizing and shrink wrap. They change lower gearcase etc etc in the fall...I also do my own painting to save money, too. I can bring the shrink wrap to the dump (youhave trash pick-up right? Not sure if they will haul away your wrap?) and take the boat for a ride myself - saving a lot of money. My bills with the new routine are a lot less now. I learned the hard way - just look at it as an easy Spring launch compared to future years. I don't think they were crooks, just misinterpreted what you wanted done. Some day you may need them in a pinch to fix your engine when the footballs are runing in the Bay...you never know.
__________________ Sea Hunt 232 w/Yamie F225. Proud to be an American!
I agree, I'll do more research and check out other options. They (the place I bought the boat) have been pretty good but I didn't like the fact that they didn't ask me about some of the items they billed me for, so I will ask more questions next year. I'm just concerend about the engine and the warranty and of course having the engine work when I want it to.
can I winterized my engine just as good as a pro?
I love my mechanic. He has been taking care of my family for over 20 years. And we get service that I have never seen anywhere else, for anything else... That having been said I know I ask him to do things I could probably do myself. But when you are stuck on the dock at 9 am with 6 kids and 4 adults and the boat won't start, what is this sentence worth from your mechanic.... "OK, Mike. I'll be there and get you rolling in 20 minutes..."
Am I nuts, or does this type of service have a huge value? I've been jerked around too much by half A$$$ed marine mechanics to ever leave my guy.
I know this is a bit off subject for this thread, but what do you guys think? Would you pay slightly extra for this type of service?
I have had good experience with Cape Marine (parts only). I do 95% of the work myself. I do use Pier 37 in Falmouth for the rest. They would charge about $350 for bottom paint, $180 for a tune-up, $700 for winter storage, $200 to wash/wax. So it probably sounds about right depending on what you had done.
I would be upset that they went ahead and did the bottom paint and plugs without prior notice. However, you probably would have had to get this done anyway...
__________________ Capecodguy
18' George Wiliams Plywood Skiff
"Going old school"
Having someone to fix your boat quickly is the name of the game. Going rate for top mechanics is 80-100 hr. Yes its expensive but if you dont have the knowlegde or time to do it yourself youve gotta pay. Like mist-rest my yard sends a form. Check off what you want done. No confusion that way.
does this sound right to you? 
