What should it cost?

[sbbamafan]

I was just told by my mechanic that I need new clutch, seals, etc. He did not metion u joints but I assume they should be changed while we are 'in there'. What other parts should be changed? What is customary charge? BTW - this is a 1991 VP Duoprop.

 

[Don S]

Re: What should it cost?

Since they have looked at it, why don't you ask them for an estimate? I know I don't quote jobs by what others on the internet might say it should cost. But at minimum, you will have about $400 in parts and probably close to 5 or 6 hours labor.

 

[Maclin]

Re: What should it cost?

SBBAMA, I just read your update over on TBM...."mechanic (who has worked on my boat before and I trust him) first pressure tested and the unit did not hold pressure. He says the likely culprit is the bellows"

I am sure the mechanic meant (regarding the bellows and pressure comment) that the drive bellows let water into that chamber and the yoke seal on the drive was corrupt enough to let water in that way. The yoke seal is why it is not holding on the pressure check. I don't know why the mechanic did not mention the u-joints because they have to be somewhere between bad and really bad I would think. Maybe he looked past them knowing he would do those anyway, especially if he knows you and y'all trust each other. Seems like a complete new or re-conditioned driveshaft is like $175 maybe? I installed new u-joints in mine when I did my drive bellows, got them from NAPA, not too bad, under $30 for both. My yokes/shafts were fine and the drive was not leaking at the yoke seal so I lucked out there. I would do all that at the same time, can't be too much more than what he quoted you so far. He has to remove the yoke housing anyway and that is where the drive shaft yoke connects.

You could maybe locate a used drive but then you would not really know the condition of it either, where if you have yours rebuilt you would have more confidence in it. It sounds like your mechanic is familiar with those 290DP drives and that is a plus.

Good luck, I know how it feels to be in that position.

 

[Don S]

Re: What should it cost?

What's TBM?

 

[Maclin]

Re: What should it cost?

Trailer Boats. I did not want to talk to SBBAMA on two different forums. I like the techy stuff over here better.

 

[Don S]

Re: What should it cost?

Hmmmm, when I get bored, may have to go have fun with W Walt.

 

[Maclin]

Re: What should it cost?

I "met" ol' WW on a net search one nite, we have the same boat so some of his BoatDoctor and TBM posts came up. He was kind enough to help me out on a couple of things via email. Quite a guy. Fun, cranky, knowedgeable, cranky, witty, cranky. And cranky. Been kicked off more boards than even he remembers! Not really that bad, I am kidding, but he is a real force of nature. I think I saw him come back on here not too long ago with a technical question he was trying to help someone with.

I see a lot of the same members on here and TBM, makes for a really neat boating community.

 

[Don S]

Re: What should it cost?

Gee, ole WW sounds like me cranky, yada yada, cranky, etc.

Besides, I have enough problems keeping up with one boating forum, don't need a second. The ole brain cells are gettin' tired.

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: What should it cost?

I have pretty much quit posting over 'there' because WW is so damn cantankerous, condescending, borderline a-hole. He just seems to want to bicker about anything and everything. I was wondering if it was just me that saw this...

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: What should it cost?

I got started on WW and almost forgot the subject at hand. Yes - my mech is making assumptions about the u-joints. I had already told him i had some noise / vibration in turns for the last couple of years or more. The mech gave me a sort of 'rough-guestimate today of 1,000 to 1,200 for the whole job. I am not in the greatest of financial conditions (wife would likely register for divorce or have me committed if she knew the cost of this) and I spoke to the mechanic about me providing parts from another source. He is ok with it but warned that he, understandably, will not warrant the parts or labor required to change the parts.

 

[Maclin]

Re: What should it cost?

I see you got ol' WW to calm down some! You never know what will jump out of the suitcase when you open it with him, a bobcat or a puppy. He is a good experienced boat mechanic and avid boater for sure. He has had the exact style of drive you have since it was new in 1988 and would be a good source for your questions about the parts and what you can get away with, not slighting anyone here at all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What should it cost?

You never know what will jump out of the suitcase when you open it with him, a bobcat or a puppy. He is a good experienced boat mechanic and avid boater for sure. Quite a guy. Fun, cranky, knowedgeable, cranky, witty, cranky. And cranky. WW is so damn cantankerous, condescending, borderline a-hole. He just seems to want to bicker about anything and everything.

Ayuh,......

I can think of a Couple of Us here that fit that description......

 

[Maclin]

Re: What should it cost?

Agreed....Even then ol' WW takes it to the next level (or two). But some of that also has to do with what mods allow and what they do not. He does come back and more or less apologize at the end usually, but sometimes he is so entertaining that you kind of want it to go on for a bit first.

I like the balance of banter and knowledge here, it rarely gets out of hand, where on some boards there is an argument and rivalry manifested between members in every thread it seems.

It is WAY busier here though, and I sometimes wonder how you guys maintain calm-itude without blowing a gasket sometimes.