replacement cost of Bravo III lower unit?

I think the price is outrageous. Painting for 1200? If he charges 150/hr, that's 8 hours for a drive that comes pre-painted? Is he adding additional epoxy paint with a gun? Spray paint at 20/can? I'd nix that line item. The line item for prop removal should be included in the labor for the drive. It's almost double counted in my mind. The actual time to remove those props is 15 mins. I think the actual price should be between $6k-7$k assuming the drive is sub $6k.
 
searaypuget said:
I just got a quote to replace my bravo III lower unit + repainting the rest of the outdrive, and wanted to see if it is within a reasonable range. The props are fine.
Including tax and all the fees , the estimate is $10K. The lower unit is $4,800 but things add up so quickly. I am in Seattle.
Click to expand...
 
I drove to the yard to go over the line items. I did ask about $250 for the prop removal and reinstall and was explained to me that it takes 2 hours to remove and reinstall. The was required to inspect to better understand the condition of the bearing. I did let them know 2 hours is just ridiculous. As for the painting, they explained it takes about 8 hours to prep the whole unit including the new lower unit then they apply epoxy. So it is more than painting the upper unit. It is not clear to me if sanding and painting the new unit is a must. As for the retail price, I did ask if I could source them from other stores to save $2K since other store could ship it free at a discounted price and was told then I would still have to pay for the full MSRP to the shop as they need that 30% mark-up. At least they are very honest and upfront about it. I asked if it would be possible to negotiate either the price of the work and was told it was non negotiable. This turns out to be a lot more headache than I thought. it is a hassle to move the boat to a different shop but if I could save a couple of Ks, I think it is worth it...
 
I'd move it to save 2k. While I understand everyone needs to stay in business, 'reasonable snd customary" come to mind in thi situation. As mentioned, they should make a $1000-$1500 on a cake job like this.

Can you do the work yourself? Friend? Have you looked up mobile marine mechanics? Craigslist?
 
What if he removes the drive and then tells you that the bellows need to be replaced........according to his math that would be an additional $2700!

Get your boat out of there!
 
[Update]
I took you guys advice and moved the boat to a different shop to replace the entire outdrive with a brand new unit with a full 3 year warranty. The new shop charged only 3 hours of labor for everything + the new drive. So even after paying the first shop $900 , the total ended up being cheaper. Thank you all.
 
With the purchase of a brand new drive, you should be able to keep the old one.

I bet you could sell the old one and recoup some or all of your $900 paid to the first “mechanic”
 
searaypuget said:
[Update]
I took you guys advice and moved the boat to a different shop to replace the entire outdrive with a brand new unit with a full 3 year warranty. The new shop charged only 3 hours of labor for everything + the new drive. So even after paying the first shop $900 , the total ended up being cheaper. Thank you all.
Click to expand...

I know you spent a few boat bucks on that new drive but the piece of mind that everything is new plus a 3 year warranty is golden. Good luck.
 
Awesome! Make sure to take good care of that one. I love the looks of a clean outdrive. Our new boat had a few spots of bare metal so I sanded those quick and just covered them but hoping to sand and paint the whole drive. Our last boat had an Alpha 1 and a new SEI was under $2000 so wasn't a huge concern. These BIII's are a different story. Definitely not cheap to replace and was a large part of the reason we walked away from a 1999 270 this summer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,143
Messages
1,427,143
Members
61,054
Latest member
MrMckinzey
Back
Top