Repair Cost Question - bellows/shift cable

[Cobalt226]

I was hoping to get a general idea how much I should be charged to install all new bellows, gimble bearing, all seals, oils and hoses plus all new throttle/shift cable assembly from motor to drive controller. I have 1999 Merc 7.4L Bravo 1. I am having it done and they are going to have it done this week on short notice which is great, but want to make sure cost is reasonable.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... iboats is a Diy site, not a how much will it cost me for somebody else to fix my boat site,.......

Yer costs have Everything to do with yer Local prevailin' Labor rate,.....

 

[harringtondav]

I don't want to cross Bondo , but based on my DIY for all of these, and adjusting to professional efficiency, R&R the out drive, 1/2 to 1 hr. New seal kits in the out drive 5-7 hrs (that is "all seals",so it's torn completely down). Gimbal work 3-4 hrs. + 1-2 more if you mean trim cyl. hoses. The time into the controller is based on your boat's design, an how much upholstery must be removed to get to it. 4 hrs. to be safe. I could never hit these times, but maybe a pro could. How many hrs. the shop decides to charge is up to them. You can look up the part costs yourself.

As Bondo said, labor cost vary. I can't imagine lower than $60/hr. $100/hr is very possible.

Just remember, boating is not for the meek of wallet. That is why I bought special tools and manuals with my first boat. This had paid off many times over. DIY is a money saver.

 

[Scott Danforth]

$350 worth of parts (including alignment bar and bellows tools) however same parts from dealer will be list price of about $1300. Estimate between $2500 and $3000 to pay for marina labor ( most get $100-$150 per hour) so my best guess (not knowingwhere you are, between $3800 and $4300
if they are "getting you in" as a rush, expect to pay up to 50% more to cover overtime

I prefer to spend the $350 in parts, $30 in incidentals, and $30 in beer and sammiches

 

[harringtondav]

Right on Scott Danforth And I suspect some dealers will use perfectly good Sierra parts, and charge Merc. list. Get a verbal est. if there is a next time. Compare this to the cost of tools, parts and the manual. If you've got the time and basic mechanical skills, you'll be $$ ahead DIY.