Project Manage or use a Boatyard

[LONG_KEELER]

One often hears of outrageous bills v estimates, poor workmanship, time delays etc etc

Is it better to hire your own contractors and keep control of it yourself ?

There is of course much good work done by boatyards but I sense that many people wish to have more control themselves.

What do you think ?

 

[Resolution]

Depends on your own knowledge, skills and time available.

I am a finance partner in an engineering service company at Swanwick which deals a lot with fit-outs on motor boats. We pride ourselves on our ability to manage all sorts of work (except engines), to a very high standard. A typical full-on job can involve everything from selecting and fitting satellite comms systems, watermakers and gensets, to making up the chocks for stowing a rib. As an ordinary sailor, I am frequently amazed at the range of knowledge needed to advise owners on the kit available, as well as knowing which are the best specialist sub-contractors to supply and fit certain complex parts. To coordinate all this and to ensure that all the fitting is compatible and well-executed is no simple matter. Effective project management requires experience and skill. Not cheap to buy, but should ensure you finish up with a superior product.

But I am biased!

 

[pyrojames]

I get in contractors, project manage, design and fitout a large part myself. I have used boatyards but found that they have prefered suppliers, and this frequently does not result in the best price. Example? £1500 for a custom made rudder stock bearing and seal, as opposed to a £290 off the shelf item from another supplier.

Dedicated marine suppliers often produce the same items as can be found in general engineering but at several times the cost. If you have the knowledge and expertise (and time) you can save yourself a considerable amount. If you do not, you might end up paying well over the odds for a competent job.

If you find a good yard, that you trust, and regularly delivers good value in our opinion, then stick with them. They most likely deserve the business.

 

[wizard]

I get in contractors, project manage, design and fitout a large part myself. I have used boatyards but found that they have prefered suppliers, and this frequently does not result in the best price. Example? £1500 for a custom made rudder stock bearing and seal, as opposed to a £290 off the shelf item from another supplier.

Dedicated marine suppliers often produce the same items as can be found in general engineering but at several times the cost. If you have the knowledge and expertise (and time) you can save yourself a considerable amount. If you do not, you might end up paying well over the odds for a competent job.

If you find a good yard, that you trust, and regularly delivers good value in our opinion, then stick with them. They most likely deserve the business.

The old adage to research and research your project/plan to get the best compromise of quality/value still holds for everything, be it car, house ,boat and of course planes (for some people on the forum.)