Did I Pay too Much

[pbv]

I have a 2002 280 Sundancer with twin 4.3 EFI's.last week my starboard engine quit and would not start. Engine turned over but seemed to have no spark. I keep the boat dry stored at a marina 10 minutes from my house so the convenience factor is big. I was charged four hours labor and $50. for parts to fix it. The problem I was told was a faulty ignition sensor assembly module that was the $50. part. Was four hours labor at $74. per hour reasonable to diagnose and repair this problem? I feel like I have no choice with repairs, the marina is real strict about letting other mechanics on to the yard, and I just want to keep them honest.

 

[tommays]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

over here its 105 dollars and hour<br /><br />the time depends on how hard searay made it get to the engines to even think about doing a repiar<br /><br />some boats require and engine pull to change a starter ? <br /><br />tommays

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

Those 2 words "It Depends", do they have to remove it from the dry storage to work on it and then put it back as that will all be time on the clock?

 

[mkast]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

After you found out that the sensor needed replacing, "Is that to much to spend?" No.<br />Any shop has to take the time to find the problem. You have to pay for that time.<br />"convenience factor is big" you also pay for this. If you want to "keep them honest", do your own maintenance. You can't have it both ways, the more convenience you want, the more you pay.

 

[QC]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

When manufacturers do time studies for warranty allowances they include bathroom breaks, reading the service manual and time to order and wait for parts. Basically, for a shop to be profitable they have to charge for every minute the tech is on the clock. If they are good MOST of that time is actually working on your engine/boat.<br /><br />I used to love the sign that says something like "our rate is $75/hour, $100 if you watch, $125 if you help"

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

Marina seems to have a monopoly on who can work on your boat.<br /><br />Got a trailer?<br /><br />Trailer it up and take it to another mechanic.<br /> <br />Still may be the same cost. My mechanic is $75.00 an hour. He does good work. The difference is I have a trailer and can choose who works on my boat if I don't do it myself.<br /><br />Last suggestion. Get a manual and continue to be a iboats forum member. These guys are a HUGH help and before you know it your doing your own repairs.

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

on a good note $74/hr is reasonable for marine on site repair.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

I used to love the sign that says something like "our rate is $75/hour, $100 if you watch, $125 if you help"

Ayuh,..................<br />And,...... $250.@hour If You've Already Started the Job ....................... <br /><br />I'd say that in Your Instance,....<br />4 Hours labor,+ $50.00 for Parts,...........You've Already got an Honest Marina working for you...........

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

Damn, guess I'm too cheap being I'm still at $65 an hour. But then I always dated cheap wimmen and drank cheap liquor. Didn't take much for me to survive.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

$74/hour sounds reasonable to me, most around here are 75/hour.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

Be happy it got fixed! Friend spent close to 4 grand for a rope-a-dope and hull power wash to get RPM from 3200 to 4500. Did not work. We found it had the wrong props. Did not get his money back. fred

 

[pbv]

Re: Did I Pay too Much

Thanks for the imput. I do try to do my own repairs but can not devote the time or expense for equipment for more complicated things. I don't mind paying a mechanic, just want to know what is being done and that it is reasonable. You have all been helpful in answering that question. iboats forum rules!