"werlax" wrote in message
om...
I just got the boat back from it's 20 hour maintenance that the dealer
suggested I take in to them to ensure it's done properly. Stupidly, I
didn't ask enough questions at the time. It seems to me that all they
did was change the crankcase oil and gear lube and then, according to
the service guy, checked the trailer, gauges, etc. Everything apart
from changes those two fluids seems to have been a visual inspection.
For under $20 in parts and over $170 in labor, it seems to be a huge
scam. I could have easily changed those fluids myself. Next time
I'll know better. Next step... winterizing. Who should do it?
Thanks!

As Peggie said in another post, it's worth it for a couple of reasons
- the main one is if they miss something, it's their fault. Just keep the
paperwork available. I have personal experience with this - the local
dealership lost his boat/engine dealership after I finished with him about
five years ago - everything was documented and when he refused to
fix the problem, I went the manufacturer who fell all over themselves
to get the problems (original and resulting) fixed.

Having said that, $170 in labor seems a little high for that kind of
service. How many hours did they charge you for? It shouldn't
have taken a trained mechanic more than an hour for that and
$170 seems way high. I'd go back to the Service Manager and
make him explain, step-by-step, how long it took to do each of the
things listed on the repair order. Guarantee you, the service time
will be adjusted in your favor. Mention something like, "I spoke
to the (your state) AG's Consumer Affairs division and they
said to ask you to explain......"

As to winterizing, have the dealer do it, but get a firm price for
it ahead of time with a detailed list of what is going to be done or
what you want done. I don't know what kind of boat you have,
but my FICHT, new plugs, filters, gearcase and fogging with
Sta-bil for a 60 gallon tank in the Ranger cost me under $200.
The Mercs I haven't had done yet, but I should expect about
double that.

I live in Connecticut if that helps you any.

Later,

Tom