How much does it cost?

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

The other thing to remember is that labor rates are charged by the estimated book time, not based on how long it actually takes, otherwise known as flat rate.

The interesting thing about that is that it doesn't work out the way you think all the time. While at times the work is done quicker, and thus it is better for the garage... The are also time where the work takes longer and doesn't work out so well for the garage.....

[jst_4_kiks]

I work at a marina on Winnipesaukee.

I just recently worked on a "new to the owner" boat. Came from saltwater environment. The owner asked to tune it up. Mercruiser 7.4 with bravo one. The spark plugs were severely rusted into the cylinder head. One actually broke the threads off. Was able to extract the broken piece without damage to engine or dissassembly. The spark plug wires were very old actually arching out in numerous places. Distributor cap & rotor were green & fuzzy. Wires, cap, & rotor were replaced with genuine quicksilver parts & spark plugs are factory recommended ACDelco. Before installing spark plugs threads had antisieze applied to them to aide in removal next time. Fuel filters were replaced aswell (inlet on four barrel carburetor & fuel water seperator). As ice is not out yet the engine will be run when it is time to be put in water & timing will be checked aswell. Ask for a tune-up everything is looked at, replaced if needed or asked to be, & engine runability/timing checked.

Pricing varies per application (Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, OMC, outboards, etc).

Make sure the job is done right the first time so the lake can be enjoyed in a boat instead of being looked at from shore.

Any questions about anything feel free to ask via Private Message. Many years experience in the marine industry around the Lakes Region.

Come on ice out. :-)

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The interesting thing about that is that it doesn't work out the way you think all the time. While at times the work is done quicker, and thus it is better for the garage... The are also time where the work takes longer and doesn't work out so well for the garage.....

I suppose so but there is lots of slush built into those labor hours so they hardly end up on the loosing side of things. Plus don't forget the very healthy markup on parts that are used too. The techs are paid flat rate too so it's to their advantage to get things done fast and "bill out" more hours than they are working.

When I used to do that kind of work I would typically bill out 10-15 hours over 40 even though I was was only working 40. A lot depended on the jobs I was getting. Things like oil changes, brakes, exhausts, typical service interval "services" such as 30,60,90K, timing belts, tuneups, etc.. these are the holy grail very easy to blast out in short time, require no troubleshooting, and pay very good hours, that's the stuff which everyone loves to do as there is big money in it and it doesn't require a significant amount of mechanical know how to do.

[JasonG]

Am I the only one that enjoys taking care of a boat as much as using it?

[Tired of Waiting]

Originally Posted by JasonG

Am I the only one that enjoys taking care of a boat as much as using it?

Mrs ToW and myself do the cleaning of the boat at the end of the season. We enjoy the time together talking about the years fishing and what we want to do next year.

Then the next day my son comes over and we do all the mechanical work. Engine maintenance, boat up-grades that had to wait for the boat to be dry. And then winterize the engines and boat. Of course there is some Libation to be had ,once the engine work is done, and A LOT of A_Busting.

It a pleasure for us to put the work into the boat and have the time together.

ToW

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by JasonG

Am I the only one that enjoys taking care of a boat as much as using it?

I enjoy working on the boat. I have restored Challengers in the past so I am mechanically inclined. A closer bond to the craft is good karma

Namaste!