The problem is that you don't know how much damage was done until they
get into it. They start with the outdrive, then find dry rot in the
transome, the floor, etc. etc. Is the hull OK?

But $11k is way high. That's the "see you coming" rate.

A rebuilt outdrive is $1,200. Other probs (baring really serious stuff)
shouldn't be more than $2-3k.

The key is finding a competent mechanic without paying shop rates. They
are out there.

But what the other guy said is right....season's over for you. No way
to get it fixed before the Oregon weather turns crappy.


I just got a 1991 Sea-Ray 170. When I was out boating I hit a rock or
something and broke the Gimball Housing or something. When I took it
to the closest repare shop they just gave me a quote for $11,000. I
only paid $6000 for the boat. What am I missing? Why so much? Does
anyone know what else I can do? This is my first boat and I don't want
it to go down like this. I live in oregon and any ideas you could
share would be a great help.

The engin is a Mercruiser (Alpha Transom) 3.0 litre lx.