Re: parts mark up?
arghhhh. boat parts prices. take a starter bolt, stern drive unit. ive paid $1000.00 to get one removed & replaced. They aint cars. pull the engine to get to the bolt....
the starter, same mechanical unit as goes in the car , but, its sealed, no sparks to ignite gasoline fumes in your closed bildge. so you pay double on the shelf. again you cant climb under the boat to install it, so here we go, double the labor rate. lay your face on the engine block, reach down under in the slime and feel your way around....
Marine grade parts on the shelf? your kidding me right? same day or next day delivery, whoops, add $29.95 for shipping and handling to your tab.
factor in most boats on the water in small town America are at least 10 or 15 years old. 2 strokes were replaced by 4 strokes, mercruiser is on its what, 5th generation of drives? remnember most boat shops are small ventures, not having huge storage rooms to stock parts. plus parts are typicaly make & model specific. its just not feasable to wearhouse parts in house.
and the 'boat factor'. you like everyone else, bought the boat knowing full well that a boat is simply a hole in the water that you throw money into. the day you bought it, those visions of you crusing along, wind in your face, made it one of the best days of your life.... now, the whining and griping over repair costs, the hours spent maintaining and cleaning it, but alas, dont worry, your next best day will come, @ the day you sell the boat and watch some other guy drive off with his new hole in the water into which he will toss money....
