Mechanic not working on boat recourse

[Ferris]

I took my boat to a marina for repair work on monday 8/6, was told it would take about 20 labor hours, I should have the boat back that friday. That friday came and they called and said they didn't get to it but can start it monday and I'll have it back friday 8/17. I understood and told them that would be fine. Friday comes and they told me it won't be ready till mid week this week 8/22. I've driven by it on a few occasion and see it in the exact same state, so I know they're really not working on it.

I'm not looking to be an jerk about things and I understand things happen but I pretty much lost a large portion of august and would like it back as promised. I'm looking for advice and my recourse options, before i call them and start turning up heat. I've been extremely easy going so far and again I understand things happen, I fear my niceness has contributed to me being on the back burner.

Also they shouldn't be waiting on parts, they took a credit card and were supposed to order parts on 7/30. They require a 50% deposit on parts.

The other problem is the engine, transom plate and drives are all removed, so for me to come claim it I'd have to have it trailered in pieces some where else. For them to put it back together would be them completing the work.


Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Golfman25]

What where they supposed to do? If it's partially disassembled it sounds like they at least started. Could be a number of things. I wouldn't call but instead go over in person to get the status. I find I get better treatment when they see a face as opposed to some voice on the phone.

 

[Boat Guy]

I took my boat to a marina.....

The other problem is the engine, transom plate and drives are all removed, so for me to come claim it I'd have to have it trailered in pieces some where else. For them to put it back together would be them completing the work.
Any advice is appreciated.

Hmmm...That's prob why they did that.... Just like contractors that take a deposit and start work and then go elsewhere to finish jobs...

My advice is get some straight answers and don't use them again....Good luck

 

[Ferris]

What where they supposed to do? If it's partially disassembled it sounds like they at least started. Could be a number of things. I wouldn't call but instead go over in person to get the status. I find I get better treatment when they see a face as opposed to some voice on the phone.

Gimbal housing replacement... Don't get me wrong i understand things happen but dragging it out was kind of jerk move. Esp since i could've waited to do this over the winter but opt to do it now since they had time , it was supposed to take less than one week and the parts were readily available.

I think you're right stopping by might be more effective.

Hmmm...That's prob why they did that.... Just like contractors that take a deposit and start work and then go elsewhere to finish jobs...

My advice is get some straight answers and don't use them again....Good luck

LOL I can somehow see that but they did the hard part, most mechanics can put the assembly and engine on with their eyes closed. The worst part is these guys were extremely knowledgeable and seemed great. I knew what needed to be done going in and the best options for fixing as well as the steps. They hit the nail right on the head when talking to the adviser....
Just finish it right?

 

[Boatguy49036]

I owned a boat dealership/marina for 32 years. We never asked for an up front deposit or credit card for repairs. We did ask for payment in full after work was done if we didn’t have a relationship with the customer. If we knew you, we’d invoice you and 99.9% of the time, we got paid. That being said, lots can go wrong while trying to fulfill promises and meeting deadlines. If they are a trustworthy operation, they will communicate with you and be very specific on what the delay is. Stuff happens! BUT, If they give you the old razzle dazzle, red flags! I am always amazed at the number of businesses(not just Marine)that think that cutting off communication with their customers is the best solution to their customer service issues.

 

[bobeast]

I find that most service shops work under the squeaky-wheel business model. You can still be nice, but you should be firm. Don't try squeaking over the phone. Go in and have the manager make his next commitment with full eye contact and a hand-shake. Don't talk with one of the yard dogs. Their primary goal in life is to make you go away so they can go back to doing whatever yard dogs do.

 

[Little Ducky]

Bummer.

I need the same repair this year but waiting until all parts arrive. The transom assemblies were back ordered for most of this year so it pushed my repair off until after the season.

Lets hope they at least have the parts to finish your job.

 

[Ferris]

Thanks all for your input.... Decided to drive down to and talk to them in person this afternoon only to find they were working on it. The adviser was apologetic for the delays, showed me the state of the boat and the condition of parts removed and engine. Like I said I know shit happens and I get it, I was looking for my options before talking with them, so I appreciate the replies.

I think showing up also set in the motion the squeeky wheel theory as I went back tonight and progress was noticeable.