Opinions on windlass repair cost

[Nick_H]

What do you think is a fair price for the following, for LABOUR ONLY:

Investigate why electric windlass not working
identify gearbox is seized
remove windlass, soak in release oil, then strip
clean up corroded parts and paint
rebuild and fit new motor
re-install on boat and check operation

I'm not saying I've been under or over charged, just interested in people's views

 

[Ullevi83]

I was recently quoted 650 quid for replacement of windlass motor and cabling. Needless to say I will be doing it myself.

 

[[2068]]

£450 ?

dv.

 

[nicho]

Recently charged £308 + vat labour, to investigate problem, remove seized motor and replace with a new one. (total cost inc vat, £550.17 - horrendous, especially as we sold the boat some 6 weeks later!!) How does that compare?

 

[Chris_d]

If it was friendly yard who valued your buisness, they would probably have a look for nothing, then get the go ahead to remove the gearbox, say an hour, leave soaking in oil for couple of days, no charge. Paint it and refit with new motor, well another couple of hours, lets call it 50-100 quid for cash or cheque. However if MDL or the like about £350+vat +parts + it will pack up again after 2 uses /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Nick_H]

£829, labour only!

 

[[2068]]

Ouch.

 

[Chris_d]

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Presumably 10 hours labour to watch the paint drying!

 

[KevB]

About 5 hours labour at £44 per hour

 

[Nick_H]

I reckoned 5 hours labour was reasonable, but i've been charged nearer 20.

 

[KevB]

Looking at the Vetus web site you could have bought a new one for similar money.
If you haven't collected it already may be worth telling them to keep it. Did they give you a quote?

 

[DAKA]

They get away with it because they know everyone with a big boat is nice and far too polite to complain.

No doubt you will do as the rest of the nice boaters and have a good rant on here to get it out your system and then pay up with a smile.

Just look on the bright side if you weren't so nice and polite chances are you wouldn't command such wealth to get ripped off.

Such is life /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Nick_H]

I would love to be that pragmatic, but actually I might tell 'em to get stuffed

 

[Nick_H]

I'm pleased to say I have reached a sensible compromise with the company who performed the service work, still not the cheapest, but a far more reasonable cost for the work completed.