Marina Mechanic question....

[LetsRock]

My marina has a rule that you are only allowed to use their on-site mechanic for work being done on the boat. Of course you are allowed to work on your own boat but not allowed to bring in an outside mechanic.

I wanted to know does anyone ever abide by this rule? I have a mobile mechanic who (1) I know, like and trust, (2) has very reasonable prices and (3) is able to work on my boat in a reasonable period of time.

From just speaking to the on-site mechanic he is (1) a little rough around the edges, (2) more expensive than my mechanic and (3) has a longer waiting list than my mechanic.

With all this said my mechanic just installed a new starter on my boat within 3 days of me calling him. He went incognito in plain clothes/van. It would have been weeks if I had to go with the on-site mechanic so I feel more than justified in breaking this rule.

What do you all think?

 

[rpasquarello]

Ron,

VERY common practice. I've also heard some allowing outsiders, but you have to pay the marina a fee to do so.

Can you email me his contact info?

-Rocco-

 

[LetsRock]

Ron,

VERY common practice. I've also heard some allowing outsiders, but you have to pay the marina a fee to do so.

Can you email me his contact info?

-Rocco-

I figured I wasnt alone in this but it just seems like a rule that is begging to be broken.

Just sent you his info.

 

[JVM225]

It's hard to find a Marina that doesn't have this policy. I've even seen places that will not let you even open the hatch of your own boat in their marina. They want to do everything.
If you have a place that lets you do your own work you are pretty lucky. If they will allow an outside vendor in to do work for a percentage of the work, then you hit the jackpot.
I was in a place that was real good about letting me do routine maintenance and small repairs on my boat. They even let ouside vendors in to perform services (for a fee) that they don't provide. That was pretty reasonable. They drew the line at major repairs and winterization. If you wintered with them, they had to do all the winterization. That was their policy.
I started saving a ton of money on maintenance and repairs when I moved my boat to my own private property. The dockage and storage are just a fraction of the annual savings.

 

[Ididntdoit]

you want us to give you permission to break your marina rule that you already broke???????? Sounds like you already made up your mind. Do you have a trailer? Does your mechanic? If so maybe that would be a better option.

I've been told (I've not personally verified) in some states marinas are unable to prohibit outside contractors.........obviously they charge the outside contractor (who passes it on to the customer) as stated above

 

[LetsRock]

you want us to give you permission to break your marina rule that you already broke???????? Sounds like you already made up your mind. Do you have a trailer? Does your mechanic? If so maybe that would be a better option.

I've been told (I've not personally verified) in some states marinas are unable to prohibit outside contractors.........obviously they charge the outside contractor (who passes it on to the customer) as stated above

I dont think I was asking permission, I was more or less trying to gauge if I was the only one who acted or felt this way. I dont feel bad one bit about it and will do it again if I had to.

I do have a trailer but thats another problem. Their launch ramp is always blocked until at least July (still is blocked as of last weekend) and they charge to pull the boat. Why am I going to pay to have the boat pulled when I can have it repaired in the slip?

 

[LetsRock]

It's hard to find a Marina that doesn't have this policy. I've even seen places that will not let you even open the hatch of your own boat in their marina. They want to do everything.
If you have a place that lets you do your own work you are pretty lucky. If they will allow an outside vendor in to do work for a percentage of the work, then you hit the jackpot.
I was in a place that was real good about letting me do routine maintenance and small repairs on my boat. They even let ouside vendors in to perform services (for a fee) that they don't provide. That was pretty reasonable. They drew the line at major repairs and winterization. If you wintered with them, they had to do all the winterization. That was their policy.
I started saving a ton of money on maintenance and repairs when I moved my boat to my own private property. The dockage and storage are just a fraction of the annual savings.

Yeah there are guys in their engine rooms all over my marina all the time so I know thats ok, just wasnt sure about having a mechanic go in there. I dont think I would want to be at a place where you cant work on your own boat.

 

[Ididntdoit]

For the record - I think it sucks too - this isn't just a boating phenomenon, we are being a la carted to death. Think about it - not only have airline ticket prices gone up but you want a seat in the first 10 rows = a la cart charge, you want to check a bag = a la cart charge, you want a printed boarding pass = a la cart charge, you want a pillow/drink/carry on = a la cart charge......The extra fees your marina is charging (ie ramp use/outside mechanic/environmental/etc) are just their way of making more money and still being able to say hey, we haven't raised slip prices. One marina I heard about now charges rent for stands, so while their winter storage fee did not technically go up everyone must now pay $80 rent for each stand! C'mon, I realize things cost more but how about some honesty - just raise your base prices and don't nickel and dime me to death! Rant over!

 

[rondds]

I believe the loophole for disallowing outside mechanics has to do with the marina's insurance policy. If your outside mechanic trips over a power cable, who is he going to sue? If he was prohibited from being there in the first place, the marina has some protection.

This is of course a way to keep everything in-house as well. Take it as you like, but if the rules displease you, find another marina.

I hope your marina management doesn't read CSR.

 

[Great lakes pirate]

All contractors have to carry $1M liability to enter our marina. They also are required to pay a percentage of sales. So if a guy comes to detail the boat at the marina he just adds $50-$100 to the job to pay the house. Total BS.

 

[billnpat]

My marina has a rule that you are only allowed to use their on-site mechanic for work being done on the boat. Of course you are allowed to work on your own boat but not allowed to bring in an outside mechanic.

I wanted to know does anyone ever abide by this rule? I have a mobile mechanic who (1) I know, like and trust, (2) has very reasonable prices and (3) is able to work on my boat in a reasonable period of time.

From just speaking to the on-site mechanic he is (1) a little rough around the edges, (2) more expensive than my mechanic and (3) has a longer waiting list than my mechanic.

With all this said my mechanic just installed a new starter on my boat within 3 days of me calling him. He went incognito in plain clothes/van. It would have been weeks if I had to go with the on-site mechanic so I feel more than justified in breaking this rule.

What do you all think?

Thats one of the reasons i may move to another marina next year.....Our marina gets a cut from outside vendors, so we pay for that cut with higher prices. One marina we looked into lets you bring whom ever you want to work on your boat but they first must have 2 million dollar insurance and register with the marina....

 

[mwph]

I've posted this before but at my place, You or anyone else can not touch the boat while it is out of the water. I can DIY or your service guy can pay a fee to do minor work in the slip but that is it.

I don't have too big of a problem with this because
1.) I do not have the skills or tools needed to do most things that the boat has to be pulled for.
2.) As an example, I do not want to bottom paint my boat myself & I don't want Jim-Bob doing his and getting that S!@#T all over my boat while he is doing it!
I also don't want him borrowing parts off of my boat in order to fix his!

Sure, my slip rates are too high, the service department is too high, undermanned & under skilled & I wish they would take a little better care of the place. BUT...
The Marina owner is there, working & taking risks in order to make money. Far be it for me to tell him how to do it.

 

[billnpat]

i've posted this before but at my place, you or anyone else can not touch the boat while it is out of the water. I can diy or your service guy can pay a fee to do minor work in the slip but that is it.

I don't have too big of a problem with this because
1.) i do not have the skills or tools needed to do most things that the boat has to be pulled for.
2.) as an example, i do not want to bottom paint my boat myself & i don't want jim-bob doing his and getting that s!@#t all over my boat while he is doing it!
I also don't want him borrowing parts off of my boat in order to fix his!

Sure, my slip rates are too high, the service department is too high, undermanned & under skilled & i wish they would take a little better care of the place. But...
The marina owner is there, working & taking risks in order to make money. Far be it for me to tell him how to do it.

Well said.......:thumbsup:

 

[Gofirstclass]

I'm going to go against what mwph posted and ask this question....aren't there any other launch ramps around where your mechanic could meet you as you pulled your boat out of the water and do the work there?

I absolutely hate monopolistic business practices and policies like some above have mentioned. I understand that the marinas are there to make a profit but for me to have to pay THEM to have MY mechanic work on MY boat is absurd. You're paying them for dock space and whatever other amenties come with the dock space. You should not be held hostage by incompetent mechanics and the policies that protect them. If the marina's mechanics were as good as mine, as fast as mine, and price near what mine charges, I would hire them in a minute. When they are not as good, more expensive and slower, that amounts to welfare and that sucks.

GFC

 

[MonacoMike]

I've posted this before but at my place, You or anyone else can not touch the boat while it is out of the water. I can DIY or your service guy can pay a fee to do minor work in the slip but that is it.

I don't have too big of a problem with this because
1.) I do not have the skills or tools needed to do most things that the boat has to be pulled for.
2.) As an example, I do not want to bottom paint my boat myself & I don't want Jim-Bob doing his and getting that S!@#T all over my boat while he is doing it!
I also don't want him borrowing parts off of my boat in order to fix his!

Sure, my slip rates are too high, the service department is too high, undermanned & under skilled & I wish they would take a little better care of the place. BUT...
The Marina owner is there, working & taking risks in order to make money. Far be it for me to tell him how to do it.

I'm going to go against what mwph posted and ask this question....aren't there any other launch ramps around where your mechanic could meet you as you pulled your boat out of the water and do the work there?

I absolutely hate monopolistic business practices and policies like some above have mentioned. I understand that the marinas are there to make a profit but for me to have to pay THEM to have MY mechanic work on MY boat is absurd. You're paying them for dock space and whatever other amenties come with the dock space. You should not be held hostage by incompetent mechanics and the policies that protect them. If the marina's mechanics were as good as mine, as fast as mine, and price near what mine charges, I would hire them in a minute. When they are not as good, more expensive and slower, that amounts to welfare and that sucks.

GFC

GFC, If it is not government that is making the rules of the marina thenthat is a private business practice and a slip holder can choose not gothere. So in that vein I agree with mwph. I agree with you that the practice sucks and Iam glad I trailer and can have anyone repair my equipment. It is great to be learning all these expensesI would or will face if I get a slip for a future larger boat. MM

 

[Ka1oxd]

AT my marina, I am lucky. They do not own the mechanical services, just rent space. I can bring anyone there to work on my boat. If the guy is in marine repair business, he must show his liability coverage. We can do our own work. I try to purchase as much as I can through the ship store. but some items, like the manifolds and heat risers (I ordered elsewhere), there was a $200 difference. but most of the other stuff was ordered through them.

 

[mwph]

We agree on the principals. Its the reality of the situation(s), that have to be dealt with, that in my case at least, are killing me.

I'm going to go against what mwph posted and ask this question....aren't there any other launch ramps around where your mechanic could meet you as you pulled your boat out of the water and do the work there?
I made the mistake of buying a trailerable boat without a trailer. Otherwise I would have had the boat out 6 or8 times over the last 3 years.
I absolutely hate monopolistic business practices and policies like some above have mentioned. I understand that the marinas are there to make a profit but for me to have to pay THEM to have MY mechanic work on MY boat is absurd. You're paying them for dock space and whatever other amenties come with the dock space. The parking lot is an amenity. However, It is not realistic for me to expect that it be OK with the marina if I need to block my boat there while I pull the engine to put a coupler on it.You should not be held hostage by incompetent mechanics and the policies that protect them. If the marina's mechanics were as good as mine, as fast as mine, and price near what mine charges, I would hire them in a minute. Well, hostage is a pretty good word for how we feel. Again, my mistake. I chose the marina. "If" we had a mechanic that was both good and fast, I wouldn't care about the price. When they are not as good, more expensive and slower, that amounts to welfare and that sucks.

Choices are somewhat scarce in these parts. Luckily Sea Ray's new locationd is comming up to speed. They'll have my boat out before too long just to give it some PM. Like I said, we agree in principal, but at some point....it is what it is.

GFC

 

[fwebster]

Several years ago, Boat/US explored control of services at marinas by the marina proprietor. There are some pretty simple legal principals involved:

The marina has the right to control access to their property (if it isn't public land like a marina at a state park) as they see fit. They also have the right to establish and enforce any reasonable rules they wish for their tenants or leasees.

To prohibit access to boats in leased slips by local tradesmen, mechanics, canvas guys, electronics repairmen, detailers, boat washers, etc. is a restraint of trade.

Now it gets murkey……..The marina may allow outsiders on the property to work, but the rules governing visiting tradesmen can be onerous. Our marina requires a $1.0 mil public liability policy, and a $1.0mil product/services liability policy. The general liability policy for a boat polisher is about $1800/year……the product liability policy for a gasoline engine mechanic is about $4000/year; for an independent diesel specialist it can be $15K-$20K. That alone may control of access. Outsiders may not be able to work on the property without registering with and getting permission from the Service Manager.

Most marinas insist that all work to go thru their offices so they can control it, be certain of the insurance coverage, and make a mark up on the work. This isn’t unreasonable as long as the mark up is the normal 10%-15%, but some service departments will charge all they think the customer will pay and I’ve seen the subcontracted service marked up as much as 100%. A nominal markup is appropriate because the marina is providing the infrastructure for access to the water in parking, water, electrical service, docks, piers, restrooms, etc.

Another reason the marina wants to control the work has to do with their lein for storage/slip rental on your boat (yep, it is in the fine print on your slip lease agreement). When your mechanic isn’t paid he can sue your boat under admiralty law which supercedes the marina’s lein. If that happens, it becomes a real big thorny mess that will have everyone in court for a long time. Federal marshals will chain the boat to the dock or the marina will haul the boat and block it up and you won’t be boating until the mechanics suit is settles and you pay the marina the unpaid slip rent and the haul, block and storage on land charges.

So, is it worth “breaking the rules” to save a little or sneak your mechanic in to do your work? Here is what can happen:

1.You can be evicted and receive notice to immediately remove your boat from the premises.
2. You and your mechanic can be banned from the property and arrested for trespassing.
3. You expose your mechanic to legal problems which could cost him his livelihood, or at best, cost him all the business he had in that marina.
4. You are found out and warned, but not evicted. Now you must rely on the marina where you broke the rules to fix your boat…..care to guess how long that wait will be?

I learned long ago that I do this boat thing for fun and constantly battling the system removes a lot of the fun. I find that it is better to work within the system than to fight it. Even though you hate monopolistic practices and monopolies are wrong, you can usually find a way to get the results you want and still follow the rules. For example, my reputation at our marina is such that the service guys know that I know boats, so I get no B.S. and no trainees work on my boat. My boat stays clean and maintained so they love working on it. I buy all the services from the marina that they provide in-house. I schedule my work well before I need it done and when I have an emergency, I have yet to wait more than 4 hours for a mechanic. When I have a need that requires an outsider, I go with the subcontractor to the service manager and introduce him and explain what we are doing. I almost always work directly with the sub and hardly ever go thru the marina offices….I don’t need the marina to finance the work and can deal with performance/quality issues by myself. Generally, I find that the service manager is reluctant to tell a boat owner that he is going to mark up the work significantly when he has to look him in the eye.

Like most boating questions, this one is wider and deeper than one might expect.

 

[LetsRock]

I think my biggest issue with all this and the reason I started the thread is the time factor. The boating season here in the NE is short enough it would annoy the crap out of me BIG TIME if I cant use my boat for a week or more because the on site mechanic is all backed up when I know for a fact my mechanic would have it done in a fraction of the time and resulting in less missed boating time. I could probably get over the higher cost if the timing was all the same.

 

[Jim M]

Well said Frank