$400 oil change

[Home Cookin']

Re: $400 oil change

Consider this: the marina has enough real work to do that it's trying to avoid the penny-ante work like hauling just for a LU lube. They'd rather you do it on your own than tie up the sling and crew. But if you'll pay that much, then OK.

Also, marinas pay a premium for waterfront property now. The property taxes are killers, as is compliance with the environmental regs just to be there. Maintenance and insurance is way higher than a metal shed inland, so you can't compare it to automobile garages. They are also charging for the risk of an accident to your boat while hauling/launching (see the SHT forum for examples!). You may be focused on the bottom 10" of your boat but they have to focus on the whole rig--and their sling or trailer. Their bottom-rung workers still have to have some specialized experience, if nothing else in backing a trailer (see SHT).
My boat came on a trailer, which I have used 4 times since March (including when I bought the rig) and I might not use it but 2 more times this year. I pay $38/month storage, plus license, insurance and taxes. I need a spare tire, the brakes fixed and probably the bearings done, and it really needs a waxing (kidding about that part). So for an occasional haul out, the outrageous cost might not be so bad.
Plus the time you spend on the sandbar, waiting for the tide to drop and return, and looking for the screw you dropped in the sand, is boating time lost. How much do you pay per hour to boat? (annual cost to own and operate + amortized cost of BMT divided by engine hours)

 

[allpoints360]

Re: $400 oil change

Marinas are like car dealerships. They are expensive; not reasonable.

Check with an indy marine mechanic. There are plenty to be found that would probably do it for half that.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: $400 oil change

Marinas are like car dealerships. They are expensive; not reasonable.

They sure are. It's a convenience, and you pay for that convenience. The $200-225 figure is "expensive" in my book, but worth it when you figure the costs of pulling and relaunching the rig, etc. $400 is rapacious.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: $400 oil change

I am not sure what the shop rate is in your area, but if you find this quote too high, than go to another shop.

I can tell you that at $150.00 to pick up a customer boat on my shop pontoon trailer with one of my trucks and one of my tech's I would be loosing money. I am not a Yamaha dealer so I do not know the cost of for the lube and oil, but we would charge 1.5 hours for this service at $96.00/hour. Even at these rates, our service department just breaks even in a good year.

Also, does the $400 include other annual maintaince service such as fuel filter, prop removal and grease, etc that most dealers would do when the boat is in the shop.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: $400 oil change

As a side note, when we lived in Michigan we had a Pontoon on Lake George and Farwell Motor Sports would pick up our boat, winterize it, change all oils and shrink wrap and store it for under $400.
If I could take my boat to another service place I would, as I have called several but most won't pick up my boat.
I can afford the cost even though I think it's to high but I wanted to show the comparison between Michigan and Lake Lanier Ga.
Thanks for all the ideas

 

[allpoints360]

Re: $400 oil change

I can tell you that at $150.00 to pick up a customer boat on my shop pontoon trailer with one of my trucks and one of my tech's I would be loosing money.

Dave, Could you explain how? I would honestly like to know your thinking?

Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: $400 oil change

As a side note, when we lived in Michigan we had a Pontoon on Lake George and Farwell Motor Sports would pick up our boat, winterize it, change all oils and shrink wrap and store it for under $400.

Ayuh,... And how long ago was That,..??

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: $400 oil change

Bondo, that was 2006, their rates are still low as there is a lot of competition up north and they need the work. You can call them to verify what I am saying.

 

[Bondo]

Re: $400 oil change

Ayuh,... I don't need to check it, I believe you...
I'm just pointing out that Times change, prices most always go Up,+ you're in a totally different market now...

 

[Dave1251]

Re: $400 oil change

Most people do not understand the cost of running a business. Included in the hourly charge is building rent, property tax, business insurance, workman's comp insurance, annual training cost, employee health insurance, cost of equipment needed to run the shop. - etc.

With many of theses cost, most people do not see value in or understand. For examlple, I just paid close to $1,000.00 for osha required fork lift training for all shop employees. Next week I will have my annual inspection of emergency lights and fire extingushiers. Thats will be another $700.00. Training budget in this down market is $5,000.00.

The marine industry is also a seasonal business that the shop is really only working 9 months a year, but most cost continue year round. We do not lay off tech's in the winter time, but invest in training. Each shop employee is attends off site training. These investments must be recovered in the hourly billings.

Now, Why do you lose money for going to get a boat for $ 150.00? Only full time employees can drive our truck because of insurance. Due to workman's comp insurance, the employee must be a tech that is insured to work around docks.

We are 10 to 15 minutes from the ramp, so by the time you hook-up a trailer to the truck and check lights (10 minutes) drive to the ramp and load the boat, install tie down straps (10 minutes) and return to the dealership the tech has spent one hour. So for two hours of labor, use of a $35,000 truck and a $3,000.00 trailer, fuel, etc. $150.00 just does not cover all these cost.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: $400 oil change

lakegeorge,

Have you tried the local message boards yet? I see you're on Lanier, but you might put a post on allatoonabass.com asking for references for a mechanic, there's plenty of guys there that frequent both Allatoona and Lanier. I'm sure there are a few other local message boards as well.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: $400 oil change

I found myself a very nice, patient, experienced, eager and honest mechanic starting his own business. He used to work for the engine OEM and a dealership. He comes out to the house (boat is on trailer in driveway) on a moments notice, does everything very carefully and respects the boat. Always uses blankets when working / even just walking in the cockpit. Answers all of my lame questions and shows me exactly what he is doing and why. Just had my first real service (20 hour) on my new boat. He charged me a total of 425.00 (I am in So Cal). Parts (filters / oil / lube / gaskets / o rings, etc.) came to about 125.00.00. So, his labor was 300.00. He spent over 3 hours with me (NOT including his 45 minute each way drive to and from the house). Took off the prop, took of the Alpha 1, changed the gear lube, the gaskets, o-rings, checked the engine alignment, lubed, changed the oil and filter, changed out the fuel / water filter. Checked belts / hoses / throttle cables / lights / etc. Test ran the engine, checked the timing, the alternator. Serviced the trailer. Best 425.00 I ever spent and I am glad to help a good guy get his business going!

 

[funk6294]

Re: $400 oil change

You should post up on craigslist and see if there is someone in your area you can rent a trailer from. Then you can haul it home service it, pressure wash, and then relaunch at your convience. On the other hand, how much do they want to charge if they pull it, change your oil, and pressure wash the logs? (i know you said 400 minus the pressure wash, just curious how much to wash) Have you tried negotiating with they mechanic or guys at the yard, perhaps you could talk your way into a better deal.

 

[RoyR]

Re: $400 oil change

That's a pretty average price here for a fluid service....daylight robbery!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: $400 oil change

Thanks for that perspective from the marina's view, Dave -- very interesting. I too would tend to gasp and shake my head at the cost but seeing your breakdown of some of the costs of doing business helps to put it in context. I would still be looking hard at alternatives myself but at least I get a sense of what you're up against.

In the same vein, is the significant increase for marina pump gas a strategy for making some of that money back or are there specific costs to be in the business of lakeside fuel delivery over and above roadside pumps? Up near us the marina not far off the highway is charging a good 70 cents a litre more for the gas that's available on the highway nearby. I'm assuming it can't be just a case of increased cost for trucking the fuel that extra distance.