David,

Document everything carefully and then sue them for as much as you can.
(Your description in your usenet posts are already a good start.)

You may wish to put any future charges on a credit card, which can be
disputed if you run into additional problems. Hopefully this new shop will
treat you right.

--Alan Gomes

"David Wolfenbarger" wrote in message
om...
Unfortunately this is one of those areas that I lacked knowledge,
first boat. I trusted the marina, heard a few good things and well,
you live and learn.

Just as an update...

Over the weekend they changed their story, claiming the boat would be
ready Monday. Monday, of course, no boat. Tuesday, no boat and no
return calls. As of today, they still claim the boat isn't ready, but
they aren't real sure where it is or how far along the mechanic got
with it, the usual story. He's off working on someone elses's boat at
the moment, again, usual story.

I told them to put the motor, and all of it's parts, back in the boat
and I'll be down within a few hours to pull it out of the marina.
I've found a shop that is pretty highly reccomended, so I'll end up
taking the mess over to them and seeing if they can help me sort it
out. The marina hasn't provided an itemazied list of repairs to
justify this last $3000.00 bill nor can they provide a written
warranty from the machine shop, needless to say I can't provide a
check.



"Doug Dotson" wrote in message
...
Around these parts, most shops after an engine repair of such
a large extent will do a sea trial and run it for a couple of hours.
You should have insisted upon such and been aboard during
it. Incompetant marinas and mechanics feed upon nieve boat
owners. Never pay the bill until the repair/service is completed
to your satisfaction.

Doug
s/v Callista