Bo**ocks to boats!

[vitalspark1]

I know what you mean i,ve had vital spark just over 3 years now and try as I may theres always something to buy / pay for I just try to search out cheaper parts just today my oil seals arrived by post one front, one gearbox total price £4.70 a condenser £2.35 inc postage price for just gearbox seal for a vires 7 inc postage £11.20 . a condenser £15.00 inc postage from a dealer no wonder you feel like you do

 

[James W]

Thanks guys, after a good night's sleep and a day away with the family i'm feeling much better.

Can't speak to the engineers until Monday but they'll be getting a call first thing. The only thing that worries me is that they have the engine in their possession, but i'm sure we can sort this out.

Fingers crossed!

 

[BERT T]

Rip off merchants

I too have found marina based companies a bit too quick off the mark once or twice. I asked for a quote (through the marina), and they did the job. However, I didn't chase it as a) the work needed doing and b) there wasn't much option about who could do it; the marina didn't allow outside contractors without special permission, which they didn't grant without imposing dificult conditions.

Lets have the names out in the open. I think its time we had a list here on the forum of firms who charge exorbitant prices and also firms which do shoddy work. At the other end of the scale we should be passing the word around about people who do a good job and charge a reasonable rate.
For a start have a look at the liferaft service agencies around the south coast, then have a look at what a company in Liverpool charges for the same service.
In the present economic climate it's time to put a stop to some of these companies and individuals relieving us of our hard earned cash.

 

[MCL]

I'd clearly stated that I wanted a guide price on the costs before the work went ahead and that money was a consideration but it seems I wasn't clear enough!

Based on that you asked the above, can't you ask for a couple of invoices over 2 months and pay "installments".

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Lets have the names out in the open. I think its time we had a list here on the forum of firms who charge exorbitant prices and also firms which do shoddy work. At the other end of the scale we should be passing the word around about people who do a good job and charge a reasonable rate.
For a start have a look at the liferaft service agencies around the south coast, then have a look at what a company in Liverpool charges for the same service.
In the present economic climate it's time to put a stop to some of these companies and individuals relieving us of our hard earned cash.

As the work was good and I fully intended it to be done by the people who did it, I don't intend to name and shame - but in future I'll be a bit more specific about making sure that it is fully understood that when I say I want a price, a price is what I want!

 

[mcframe]

That's what I used to pay for a major service on my 4.5-litre V8 TVR Chimaera, including all (specialist TVR - probably the best in the country) and consumables (using Mobil 1). All new belts, spark plugs, the works.

What would it cost to DIY?

Assume you wouldn't mark up the Mobil1 and had bought it yourself in 25l drums.

(I used to be fan of M1, but as vehicles get older and higher mileage, it seems a bit expensive - I could use fleet oil and change it four times as often for the same price.)

For the rare cases where I do entrust things to other people, I'm clear on the expected price and leave explicit instructions to call me for further instructions if it's looking like 10% more.

In the past I've had work undone (apprentice threw out K&N reusable air filter and charged for a new paper one) and finally got the stage of:

"Your brake pads are a bit worn, but I know you change them yourself - would you like us to leave some new ones in the car/bike?"

"You've asked for a spare oil filter so you can do the next change yourself - we've taped a 50p crush washer to it 'cos you'll want to replace that at the same time."

It's all about trust and realistic expectations.

 

[James W]

As the work was good and I fully intended it to be done by the people who did it, I don't intend to name and shame - but in future I'll be a bit more specific about making sure that it is fully understood that when I say I want a price, a price is what I want!

The thing is, I believe the work was done to a high standard and the price is fair. The problem is that if i'd been told of the situation, I would have headed down a cheaper route as i'd already decided that if it was going to cost too much, i'd sell the inboard as is and get an outboard.

Now i'm not entirely sure what to do....

 

[prv]

Now i'm not entirely sure what to do....

I like Mlines idea for a first step - "accidentally" misread the invoice as the quote you actually asked for, and reply politely declining the work. They'll then come back saying "but we've done it", you reply saying "well I never asked you to", and you negotiate from there. Hopefully they'll accept a price that you're more prepared to pay but which doesn't have them making a loss on what was probably an innocent mistake.

Pete

 

[dylanwinter]

I feel your pain

The thing is, I believe the work was done to a high standard and the price is fair. The problem is that if i'd been told of the situation, I would have headed down a cheaper route as i'd already decided that if it was going to cost too much, i'd sell the inboard as is and get an outboard.

Now i'm not entirely sure what to do....

deepest sympathies

old inboards really do have you by the short and curlies

the thread should really be *******s to inboards

Dylan

 

[lynall]

In the truck game any unauthorised work doesnt get paid for simple, so its nearly always rebook or VOR until permission gained.
Most customers have some sort of minor repair limit ie 250 quid.
I like the sound of the Mlines idea.


Lynall

 

[KristiferColumbus]

deepest sympathies

old inboards really do have you by the short and curlies

Dylan

Outboards ai'nt much better unless you can do it yourself Dylan.How do you know you ar'nt being ripped off by professional mechanics?
I took my outboard to one of those 'experts' & he managed to find a key sheared off in the gearbox that had'nt shown any sign of malfunction up to then

 

[dylanwinter]

well....

Outboards ai'nt much better unless you can do it yourself Dylan.How do you know you ar'nt being ripped off by professional mechanics?
I took my outboard to one of those 'experts' & he managed to find a key sheared off in the gearbox that had'nt shown any sign of malfunction up to then

but an outboard can be replaced for the cost of an engineer just taking out and removing an inboard

and you can buy good second hand outboards for £500

but I really miss the sound of the inboard compared to the banshee that lives in the boat

Dylan

 

[KristiferColumbus]

but an outboard can be replaced for the cost of an engineer just taking out and removing an inboard

and you can buy good second hand outboards for £500

but I really miss the sound of the inboard compared to the banshee that lives in the boat

Dylan

I remember trying to convince you of the benefits of an outboard Dylan not least not having horrible engine oil slopping around in your living quarters & spoiling the romance of sail......that said if you have to rely on someone else they always screw you.

 

[James W]

I remember trying to convince you of the benefits of an outboard Dylan not least not having horrible engine oil slopping around in your living quarters & spoiling the romance of sail......that said if you have to rely on someone else they always screw you.

I think that's the problem. My wife said to me yesterday, "What is it with the boat industry that everybody is out to fleece you"? I think she's hit the nail on the head!

 

[ianj99]

I like Mlines idea for a first step - "accidentally" misread the invoice as the quote you actually asked for, and reply politely declining the work. They'll then come back saying "but we've done it", you reply saying "well I never asked you to", and you negotiate from there. Hopefully they'll accept a price that you're more prepared to pay but which doesn't have them making a loss on what was probably an innocent mistake.

Pete

To 'up' the pressure a bit more, also state that since you never gave permission for the work, you want it undone because you've decided to scrap the engine and buy an outboard...

 

[prv]

but an outboard can be replaced for the cost of an engineer just taking out and removing an inboard

Why pay for an engineer (or even a mechanic) to take out an engine?

Putting it in I can understand (though I would DIY these days) as you want it all properly lined up etc. But taking out is just undoing eight bolts, a few hoses and a couple of wires, and lift the thing out. Not exactly skilled work.

I took my outboard to one of those 'experts' & he managed to find a key sheared off in the gearbox that had'nt shown any sign of malfunction up to then

A mate of mine took a sick 50hp to a main dealer, who spun him a line about how an out-of-tune propellor could upset the engine and cause the symptoms he was seeing. He paid god knows how much for them to fit a new prop - eventually the real problem turned out to be a split fuel pump diaphragm!

Pete

 

[dylanwinter]

but

I remember trying to convince you of the benefits of an outboard Dylan not least not having horrible engine oil slopping around in your living quarters & spoiling the romance of sail......that said if you have to rely on someone else they always screw you.

I thought that I could beat the stats and by being careful I could avoid being bitten where it hurts

man was I wrong

Dylan

 

[RadiumRob]

Lets have the names out in the open. I think its time we had a list here on the forum of firms who charge exorbitant prices and also firms which do shoddy work. At the other end of the scale we should be passing the word around about people who do a good job and charge a reasonable rate.
For a start have a look at the liferaft service agencies around the south coast, then have a look at what a company in Liverpool charges for the same service.
In the present economic climate it's time to put a stop to some of these companies and individuals relieving us of our hard earned cash.

Care to name the Liverpool company in the spirit of getting names in the open?

Ta!

 

[higler]

Fully agree with you about boats but then we suffer for our pleasures, just had my engine fully reconditioned £2300 with labour. Total pain but done it on the card, as my old Gran used to say " buy it now and afford it later ".

 

[chinita]

If it is of any consolation to the OP, he should take solace in the fact that he is only running one boat