RT Firefly
Enigma
Greetings,
Mr. 11...OK, that crow is tasting pretty sad right now. Later on today. Thanks.
Mr. 11...OK, that crow is tasting pretty sad right now. Later on today. Thanks.
Labor was $3300. Next year I have the first valve adjustment coming up. Shouldn't be nearly as high. I like the Rydlyme treatment, too bad it won't take care of an aftercooler.
Look, I am a tradesman/ craftsman too. It cost what it cost to do the job. Do NOT insult me with a $120.00 radiator cap install while doing a $13,000 job. That is just stupid because it makes the customer (me) think that you think the customer (me) is stupid. Piss me off, work done or not, as a customer, I will stretch you out. You will justify EVERY line on that bill. I have a motto, if I as the customer ain't happy you as the contractor is going to be less happy than me. I will see to it. Screwing on a radiator cap for $120.00, and billing me ain't gonna make me happy.
Greetings,
Mr. 11...OK, that crow is tasting pretty sad right now. Later on today. Thanks.
Kevin,
If there is a reasonable, acceptable expiation for the $120 radiator cap install ok, but if it a surprise w/no reasonable explanation then that is altogether a different matter. But ya got to admit, on the surface it appears a lot like the $250 aspirin on final billing at the hospital.
Hmason
Like maybe a few others, I feel some details are needed. Like what engines, hours and time since last 1000 hour servicing, raw or jacket water ACs etc.
A big boat on plane as shown in your avatar is not cheap to maintain. An average per year engine maintenance cost for a 400 +HP marine engine operating in the 80% range will easily hit $2K. Assuming of course one does the book recommended maintenance.
There are some very honest responses here. Reality sucks, kinda like the teenager having to pay their own way! Two years ago I had new after coolers installed at around $4500 per engine. Life in the modern marine compliant engine era is not cheap. But, beats joining a country club and golfing IMHO
....same question for you then...which engines, hours, etc? (I'll make a note to avoid them).
Better yet, make a note to avoid those who say in place chemical cleaning of after coolers is OK. The perils of working out of the country and trusting "experienced" engine mechanics. There are times that boating in fresh water pays off, engine maintenace is one.
This thread took sides.
Those that are tradesmen defended it and the others didn't. My take is it's way overblown and they are fishing with that quote. Looking for a sucker to bite.
I was in the car business and we did free inspections daily as part of the business plan. We didn't expect every quote to become a job, it was a quote. That's how that works. If the shop told you they send techs out at 150.00 an hour billable the minute they leave the shop and ending upon return, that shop wouldn't get any business. Simple as that.
The best advice has been said but I will add this, DIY. It's your boat.
I had the local CAT authorized service center do an inspection of our engines....
Have they lost their collective minds, or do they think all boaters are rich by nature.
....same question for you then...which engines, hours, etc? (I'll make a note to avoid them).
Anything but a flake. I've checked him out thoroughly. In fact, he's currenty working on the engines on a boat near me on the same dock. It's a 55' Fleming that's just about new. The guy who owns it has used him for years on previous boats and has been more than pleased.