How to find a good mechanic vs. DIY

[rokrau]

Ideally I would find a knowledgeable and reasonable mechanic who, while being paid for it, can show/teach me how to do simple maintenance tasks like "changing oil" and "outdrive service" so that the next time I won't have to pay the mechanic for the simple, less complicated things.

What's your experience with this? Is it reasonable? Have you done this? How did you go about finding the right person?

I know it is counter to the mechanics interests to a certain degree but then there is always more work to do on a boat that I'd rather give to someone I trust.

Roland

 

[salty87]

Re: How to find a good mechanic vs. DIY

check around for a mobile marine mechanic. i've had one come out and check a few things. he showed me exactly what he was doing. he was also wanted for a murder back in the 80's. i found that out after he was arrested and on the news. but hey, the boat's still running strong

 

[BTMCB]

Re: How to find a good mechanic vs. DIY

Roland,

I came across an experienced tech when I had a minor warranty issue with my new boat and the dealer sent him to the house to fix (I am 100 miles from dealer and didn;t want to trailer the boat for such a minor fix). I really liked the guy and he did a great job. Actually, I have him coming to the house this afternoon to do my first 20 hour service and I plan on watching him do everything so that I can familiarize myself with the routine items. So, maybe you could call your dealer / a dealer for a recommendation. Also, you might want to ask around when you are next at the marina / launch. The guy I am using used to work for the engine manufacturer, seems very knowledgeable, willing to answer my questions and seems reasonable price wise and best of all - he is a mobile service guy that comes out to the house and is "hungry" for business. Good luck.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: How to find a good mechanic vs. DIY

i would say as general rule, you can rule out dealer ships. most wont let clients in the shop areas because of insurance + they like to keep work ahead of tecks and your boat would be dropped off and run in when teck was waiting for parts on another job or worked in between jobs with no set date or time when they start.

that said; call around and find out from shops in your area what the lead time is to get in and ask for references. if you can get in right away, it could be a reason to check check closer. why aren't they busy? not to be confused with a shop looking to estimate job and later a work date. they might look at it the same day you call but schedule you for a few days later. i would also be leery of a shop that schedule you out past 2 or 2 1/2 weeks. not very timely and after that things have a way of being forgotten. reason there so slow.
straight up ask if you can watch. the most they can say is no. better to know before you start, than have a misunderstanding later.

i was a field service mechanic and had no problem with customers working,helping, or watching, me. some other fellows couldn't stand being around customers and so, tended to be shop hands.
hope this will give you some insight and a place to start..

 

[robert graham]

Re: How to find a good mechanic vs. DIY

go to bogueinletnc.com/yamaha for details with photos and explanations for several maintenance/repair procedures including oil changes, spark plug changes, foot oil changes, others. You can look at them over and over until you are confident to try them yourself. most basic maintenance items are really simple once you do it. Good Luck!

 

[rokrau]

Re: How to find a good mechanic vs. DIY

he was also wanted for a murder back in the 80's. i found that out after he was arrested and on the news. but hey, the boat's still running strong

LOL... Hope you didn't have him replace any "foam" in the floors aka "where did that aweful smell come from"...