I'm so mad I can't see straight (updated with pics)

[Tim Ford]

>

I took my boat to a boat repair shop on 4/28, and told them what I wanted done:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1240968892

He told me it would be no problem, and it would take 2-3 weeks to complete the job. I went to check on the progress on Friday of week 2, and all they had done was stripped the boat and polished half of it. But I was understanding because the weather had been bad. I figured they were a week behind so I let that go. Then on Wednesday of week 4 I stopped by again and they had just finished putting in the carpet but nothing else was done. He assured me it would only take 2 more days to complete. I thought to myself "there is no way." I came back on Friday. The guy said it was completely done except they didn't have the decals for the cowl yet. He didn't show it to me because it was raining and in one of the outdoor garages. He said the decals would be done Monday, but I couldn't pick it up because the owner wasn't there and couldn't be there until Wednesday. I could pick it up then.

I took a half day off work, because it was a beautiful day, and I couldn't even sleep Tuesday night because I was so excited about getting my boat back. I called Wednesday, and the owner said I couldn't pick it up, he hadn't even started on the electronics yet! Said he could have it done by Friday (today).

So my wife called this morning and the guy said it was done except for the decals, but I could go ahead and pick it up today, and just get the decals next week.

Well, I went to pick it up this afternoon, and the trailer still hadn't been touched, the front dash was broken down, the cowl was off, and neither the windshield nor the plug had been replaced. To make matters worse, nobody that work there even acknowledged that I was there, and one of the guys that worked there walks out dropping 'f' bombs with every other word. Finally the owner said, "it's coming along." Then turned his back and started talking to someone else. I walked out. Didn't say a word. I took a while to cool off, then called the owner.

I told him I was not happy and it takes a lot to make me complain. I explained why I was upset and frustrated, and he said,

"Now you wait a minute. I'm a 52-year-old man, and I'm not going to have some young man calling me and chewing my .. That ain't the way I do business, and if you want to talk to me like that, I'll leave it sitting out there and won't do nothing."

I told him that I didn't think I was being disrespectful. I said age is irrelevant (I'm 28 by the way), and I was a paying customer complaining to a business owner about poor service. He told me that he didn't even know what all needed to be done to the boat, and that it will probably be next Tuesday before it is complete. God only knows how much he is going to charge me. The worst part is that I didn't get a signed estimate or work order with the price quote. He said it would be around $1500 but absolutely not more than $1800. I expect to pay at least $1800, but who knows. >

[CFFF 1.5]

That sucks. It sounds to me like you should have picked the boat up a few weeks ago having paid for what they have done and taken the boat to a different shop in the area. Also from reading your earlier post about this, you could have done half the work yourself.

[Tim Ford]

Yeah, I definitely could have done most of it myself, and I guess I should have... hindsight's 20/20  :'(

[cart7t]

gel coat stripped, buffed, and polished.  

new seats

2 new optima trolling batteries

repair depth finder transducer

repair speedometer

replace bilge pump

repair wind shield

replace ratchet straps on trailer

rewire trailer

replace trailer lights (if needed)

replace steering cables

inspect and repair fuel and oil hoses

replace tire on trailer

repaint cowl and replace decals

Except for repainting and possibly redoing the gel....

If you want it done right.. do it yourself.

Did you get a reference for this place?  You got no written estimate nor even anything in writing about when it would be finished.  This is the busiest time of the season for all boat dealerships.  While that is no excuse for poor service, it's probable his guys are too busy rigging new boats to get to yours.

Me thinks you let this go on too long.

[SammyLee]

Sounds to me like you need to show up with your truck, two big friends and your checkbook.  Pay a reasonable amount for whatever they have done and take your boat.

If they try to keep it, call the cops

Get someone else to do the work you decide not to do yourself.

[done]

yeah...I would remove the boat from his shop. If complaints are too much when he gives crappy service, then hew does not need to be doing business with you. I would also look it over for damage when you do get it back. If he is a member of BBB call them and file a complaint. I would consider  filing a complain with the AG too.

What will restrict you is how much have you documented? I have learned through similar garbage that  1. I will never pay someone to do something I can do myself. 2. Get a written quote and ask them to put a warning on there about what they consider a reasonable deviation from that quote (5%, 10%, 20%). It will help you know if they are pulling garbage out of their backsides are actually doing a quote. The guy that did my shed (20'x12') gave me a detailed quote and stated a potential for 10% deviation. It really protects you AND them as they state what they agree to do and how much will be paid. 3. Document everything. write down when you talked, what was discussed, collect documentation you are given.

Like you said hindsight is 20/20. For now though I would get my boat back, do what I could myself, and find a new guy end get a quote. Life is too short to get such frustration and it sound like you have already had enough.

[-HAWK-]

Wow, that's not how you run a business. I would report him to the BBB, pick up your boat and pay whatever BS fees for there services and take it too a reputable shop.

[DINK WHISPERER]

The only amazing thing about this is that you haven't picked that thing up man!?!

[Tim Ford]

Here's the final product:

I'm happy with the way it looks except for the cheap boat decals.  I'm going to search for some authentic Triton Boat decals on the internet.  They didn't wire the trailer correctly either.  They used the wrong harness, and I had to switch out the four prong for a five prong to accommodate my trailer brakes.  They also wired it wrong, and I don't know how to get the lights to work.  I'll figure it out though.  Not going to take it back to them.

[RobbyZ5001]

I had a bad experience already too. A lot of money went into my 16ft tin lowe and the 25hp motor on it in the last two years. Replaced the "brain" in the motor, replaced the bilge, replaced the trolling motor, new battery charger, new battery, new winch, a few other parts in the motor. Total coming to about 1400-1500.  Last year the boat sat at the shop for 7 months. I wish I was handy with boat motors I would make a killing around here. I am finding that boats are very high maintenance and expensive toys.

[Tom Bass]

I feel for ya Tim Ford. Chalk it up to lessons learned and enjoy your boat. It looks nice.

[KevO]

I see your from Middle TN.  I am too (Franklin).  Who did you take it to, so I don't make that mistake when I buy a boat.

[TommyBass]

I've had a similar situation... makes me mad as well.  If its going to take that long to begin with they should just tell you, not keep dragging it along.  I had my boat in and it was supposed to be fixed within 1 week.  Well I call them end of the week and they had barely done anything and told me to check back in two days.  Long story short I checked back about every other day for the next two and a half weeks.  Ended up taking almost a month out of early spring fishing.  If they would have just said "This will take a month" then it wouldnt have been so bad.  Half the time its lazyness and slow work... rarely is there a legitamite excuse.  Heck, if people like us didn't push them to keep going on it hard telling how long it would have actually taken!

[bassnleo]

Here's the final product:

I'm happy with the way it looks except for the cheap boat decals. I'm going to search for some authentic Triton Boat decals on the internet. They didn't wire the trailer correctly either. They used the wrong harness, and I had to switch out the four prong for a five prong to accommodate my trailer brakes. They also wired it wrong, and I don't know how to get the lights to work. I'll figure it out though. Not going to take it back to them.

So, what did you end up having to pay the guy?

Just curious.....

[fishfordollars]

The first thing a boat owner should do is get to know a good reputable mechanic. When you have a problem is not the time to get to know one.

[Tim Ford]

I ended up paying $1800 (plus tax) came out to be about $1975.  I got ripped off so bad.  :'(

[DawsonH]

Where is a place to get to know a good mechanic?

[bilgerat]

Where is a place to get to know a good mechanic?

As a marine mechanic, I'll answer your question.

First and best way is word of mouth. Talk with boat owners in your area. If the same names come up, either good or bad, pay attention.

Cheap does not necessarily = good.

Good does not necessarily = cheap.

From a mechanic's perspective, here's some advice. Don't play that "I know a guy who will do it cheaper" game in order to try to get a lower price. If that's the case, hire him. Don't waste my time.

Beware of mechanics who do nothing but badmouth their competition. It's unprofessional and likely is reflected in their work.

Keep in mind that quotes and estimates CAN and often DO change. This is NOT some secret mechanic trick to steal your money. Often times, upon disassembly, other issues appear that were not visible before. It is absolutely your right to be "kept in the loop" It's the law that, at your request, the old parts be returned to you at the completion of the job. Other things can can change the quote is time spent on stubborn fasteners, broken bolts, etc.

Unless discussed and agreed upon prior to the job, don't ask if you can supply the parts. It's not so much the money thing, things can get sticky if the part fails. If a part fails that YOU bought but I installed, who is going to reimburse me for my time diagnosing and replacing the part ?

If a mechanic won't put anything in writing or talks to you like you are an idiot, walk away BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR BOAT OR ENGINE. Trust your instinct, if you have any doubts, get a second opinion. Again, this is where word of mouth comes in.

Good mechanics are always busy and it's boat season now. Don't be mad if they say it may be a while. A lot of problems people encounter could have been avoided with a little maintenance. Read up on boats and engines, learn all you can. Ask questions, there are no stupid ones. I'd rather deal with a boat owner that has an idea about things than someone who is clueless. It's easier on me and less intimidating for you.