Not again

[muchy_]

Got my boat back weekend before last with a nice new shiny engine fitted and it goes much better than before.
Had a nice weekend out and put the boat away. Got it out the following weekend (last) and it's making quite a rattling noise. Took it back to the engineers who said it sounds like the drive plate. This was brand new and fitted by them.
It took seven weeks for them to install the engine, I have it back for a weekend and now I've lost it again for probably another four weeks.
PI**ED off or what!!!
In my expierience so far marine engineers seem to take forever to do simple jobs. One chap I know put his boat in because of an oil leak and it still wasn't done after three weeks. I put an outboard in for a service, took six weeks.
Has anyone else got any stories of very long waits for simple jobs?


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[cliff]

"Has anyone else got any stories of very long waits for simple jobs?"

If it was/is such a simple job why not do-it-yourself then no long wait? or maybe what appears to be a simple job is not so simple in reality?

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[nevillenolan]

The marine industry is full of messers.

Look at the state of most mechanics' workshops, slipways, boatyards etc.

Efficiency is exceedingly rare.


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[Sunnyseeker]

I dont like to complain...the workshop at Darthaven is immaculate, and seems very quick and efficient. It was only my car that made the place look a bit untidy!

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[ex-Gladys]

Amber's engine was fitted new by PO two years ago (now only done 40 hrs). When we got her we found diesel under the engine. Tightened up the filter and the unions (which were loose) and thought we'd fixed it. This season, diesel still collecting. Local top diesel man has a look.... All the union washers are the wrond size... (inside diameter too big....) From new...

PM Me if you want to know the name of these cowboys from kent....

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[Joe_Cole]

It's no help to you in this situation (and I can understand why you're peed off) but I can't understand why people get simple servicing jobs done by these cowboys....sorry, engineers. Bigger jobs maybe, but not simple servicing jobs. FWIW I prefer to work on my own engines. At least I know who to blame if it goes wrong, and, more importantly, if it breaks down at sea then I stand a chance of knowing how to fix it. I also know that I take more care and will try to get it fixed as quickly as possible!

Joe

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[bobnewbury]

I hate to spoil a good moan but..

I've always had excellent service from the engineer I've used, for everything from fitting a completely new engine downwards. He's not cheap, but neither is he exhorbitant and his work is always first class.

Mind you, he's a grumpy, sour-faced sweaty, but I'll let him off that.

Trouble is, you'll have to travel to Jersey to get him.

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[muchy_]

I agree, if its a simple job then do it yourself, although some people are not comfortable trying even the simplist jobs. The reason I put an outboard in for a service is another story but a complete engine change is not that simple but having said that these are professional mechanics with a fully equiped workshop. If I had full access to the workshop I could have done it on me own in less time than it's taken them. And I would have made sure the bloody drive plate didn't fall off.
I was told at the start of the job that it would take two weeks, it's now going to roll into three months, think I should go give him a hand ;-)

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[Joe_Cole]

It's the expression "professional mechanics" that I have difficulty with. I'm sure that some are and they are worth their weight in gold. However many are no more than second grade grease monkeys and the trouble is that it's difficult telling them apart. As far as the marina's and boatyards are concerned they don't care, so long as there is somebody whose hours they can charge for, the quality of the work isn't their concern any more than they are worried about the safety of the punters.

A pity.

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[cliff]

"I agree, if its a simple job then do it yourself, although some people are not comfortable trying even the simplest jobs"

Only way to learn is by trying it. There are plenty of books available and there is a wealth of experience in most boat clubs, not to mention amongst non-club member berth holders in marinas. It is amazing how much information and assistance is available if one asks but that means you have to talk to you neighbour in the marina.

I probably spend more time "working" on other folks boats than on my own but the plus side is when I am doing something I can always recruit a few willing helpers (scraping old anti fouling, changing masthead bulbs etc.)

Start with the simple jobs and work your way up. BTW re-engining is not so difficult a job but you do need a few tools and facilities - main one being a crane or hoist to swop the lumps.


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