Bleeding elf&safety!

Fergus

Fergus

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Local volvo dealer (Poole) won't do a simple oil change on a swinging mooring - "out of the question"! What do they think could go wrong?! The Lymington agent said they do it all the time! I would do it myself if it didn't void the warranty! Unbelievable..
 
I would think that insisting on a Volvo dealer do the Oil change on your boat was anti-competitive practice and cannot be enforced in law. I believe car servicing can now be done by anyone without voiding the warranty - as long as they stick to manufacturers requirements...
 
I don't think health and safety is to blame. The guy just doesn't want to do the job and is just using health and safety as an excuse. Anyway its probably his insurers that may object not the HSE, and then the insures won't really object, they'll just charge an extra premium if his current policy doesn't allow him to work afloat (which I would have thought unlikely for a Marine engineer). He he won't want to pay the extra, so it comes back round to him not wanting the work.

I'm assuming you've approached an engineer who has the facilities and experience to work afloat: boat etc. ?

Have you tried Mike Wills Marine Services at Cobbs Quay. I've always used them for parts and major jobs (do my own servicing) and found them very helpful.
 
Thanks Mark - I'll bear Mike's name in mind for the future. The guys at Lakeyard are going to tow the boat in on Friday to get the work done (45 mins - what a hassle for such a little job!)
 
for future reference, I think Mike Wills is open Saturday AM, but I'm sure other engineers are too. You'd be able to motor round (Holes Bay so have to wait for the bridge) and put it in a berth in Cobbs Quay, or along the wall or in a free berth at Davis's yard next door (phone and book with Davis's first though to make sure there is space). I winter my boat in Davis's and there's usually some space somewhere on the quay wall. Check the tides before hand though, as it can get shallow at low water springs.

I guess you're paying extra for the tow? bummer.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I would do it myself if it didn't void the warranty!

[/ QUOTE ] That gives me another reason to be glad I bought a Yanmar. I can change the oil (a) as soon as it needs changing and (b) at the end of the last run of the season, when the engine is nice and hot, which as likely as not is when self-respecting marine engineers are sitting down for their tea. For warranty purposes, I record the changes in both the ship's log and the service book. I'm not aware of any requirement that it should be done either by a professional or by an accredited agent.
 
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