My first boat .

canadianguy

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2004
Messages
21
Hi all . Let me start by saying I really like this site . It ( YOU ) have been very helpful to me , as this summer was my first ever with a power boat . Unfortunatly I bought a boat that needed motor work . ( I didn't know that when I bought it ) My question is ...... is it normal to take a boat in to the shop the second week of july , being told that I will have my boat back in a week and a half as one cylinder needed machined , new pistons , rings etc .Only to find that the place still , 6 weeks later , summer almost done , me calling each week , still haven't got my motor back togeather . Does this seem a wee bit to long . Has anyone else ever had any work done at Okanagan Marine sales and service ,( Ha that's a joke ! )in Penticton b.c. canada . I really would like to know if this is normal for boat service , or is this place just a fine example of poor customer service . Thanks in advance . Hope you all enjoyed your summer .
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: My first boat .

Well, unfortunatly this seems to be the norm more than it should. Also, did you see the parts in question to be sure that you are having work done that really needed done. "YOU MEAN TO SAY EVERYONE ISNT HONEST??? Yes I am.<br /><br />What happened that you had to take your boat in in the first place.
 

canadianguy

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2004
Messages
21
Re: My first boat .

Hi Lube dude . <br />I'm sorry to hear that's the norm . It's so hard to beleive . <br />Yes I saw the cylider wall was badly damaged . <br />As far as what happened ..... I guess I just learned a very good lesson . Don't take the word of anybody selling anything mechanical . Have it checked out first . I did go for a test ride and the motor seemed fine . I guess I know now , why the boat was for sale !
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: My first boat .

There is one repair place I drive by every day, and it has boats that have not moved since early spring. More and more boats keep piling in there, I have no earthly idea how they get it done, but every year it is the same, the owners gets their boats back just in time for winterization. I feel it is rediculous, an auto shop would be out of business in a month if they practiced such poor timeliness. I understand that boating is a luxury, but still they could be a bit more prompt than that. They should not take in more boats than they can handle, but they do it, and have no problem with making someone wait forever for it. I think they do it to get the business, so you don't look elsewhere, and by the time you realize it, its too late. They have your engine half apart, and now you have to wait for them to finish...
 

2MADAKAT

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 13, 2004
Messages
143
Re: My first boat .

We have the same problem here in Ontario. One of the things that makes repairs take so long is that people, in general, wait to the last minute to have things done. Especially so with boats. They just expect to jump in their boat after winter and away they go. Very little thought goes into maintenance and then they wonder why their boat doesn't work.<br />Another problem is that the boating season, at least here in Ontario, is May to October for diehards and June to Sept. for casual boaters. Since everyone sticks their boat away for the winter, it's out of sight, out of mind philosophy<br />Come summer, everybody wants their boat fixed.<br />Your engine job is a fairly substantial one and during prime time, boat mechanics concentrate on the quick turnaround jobs, not longer ones. More money in and out. And don't forget, getting parts is harder because of summer holidays at plants.<br />So, unless your mechanic is a close friend, good luck.
 

brother chris

Commander
Joined
Jul 28, 2002
Messages
2,063
Re: My first boat .

When I have had to take my boat/motor for repair in the summer, the wait time alone is 1-2 weeks before I can get it to the shop. <br />They seem to do the work quickly, and I get my boat back in no time. <br />Which place is it Canadian guy? The one on the way to kal lake, by Polson place mall? <br />That fellow seemed to know what he was talking about last time I had to go there. <br />Hope you get it back soon, the Okanagan lake is a great place to go boating.
 

brother chris

Commander
Joined
Jul 28, 2002
Messages
2,063
Re: My first boat .

Sorry, I just read your post again. I thought you were in Vernon.<br />Penticton is an awesome place. Your lucky to live there dude!
 

canadianguy

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2004
Messages
21
Re: My first boat .

Hey Chris<br />Yes Penticton is a beautiful place to live . The Iron man triathelon is this weekend so the lil'city is a packed . ( Not many over weight triatheletes ! hehehe ! <br />I like the after thought on your posts ! I can relate !<br />Thanks all for your replies .
 
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