How do I not Get Hosed by the Boatyard?

[JVM225]

Best bet is to go with a yard that fellow boaters speak highly of.
Get an estimate, and be reaonable and understanding if the job winds up entailing more than they initially thought because they run in to problems. It happens.
Most really good experienced mechanics have done just about everything a bunch of times and know the jobs that can be a problem and will usually let you know a “worst case scenario”.

 

[LG111]

Boats are not cars....The only way to know if you have a good boat yard and mechanic is to know your boat better than them. I am not saying how to fix but rather understanding what every single part does and it's roll it plays on your boat. Google the parts and its general cost. Learn how many hours it takes to replace parts. If you can do it in 4 hours they can do it in 3 or 2. Then all you need to know is the shop hourly rate. Then you'll know the total cost with in a close range.
Example: changing impellers twin engine. Impellers are around 35 to 50 bucks. Each one takes about 45 min. Shop rate 100. You can do the math and then you know.

I had a hurth trany blow last year. I found a new trany locally for under 3000 with 2 year warrenty. After some research it looked like a 12 to 16 hour job plus haulout. When all done and said my estimate and theirs were only 150 off. So a little homework takes all the guess and stress out of boat yard BS. If there estimate is way off yours them ask them to break it down for you. Be nice and call them out on it.... you already know the answer because you did your homework.