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Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Old 06-26-2006, 03:54 PM
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Default Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Do you just drop the boat at the front door and tell them to have at it; or do you help with logistics, spend time with the mechanics (after hours or out of their way), and use some of your own labor?

I know it depends on the marina and the mechanics, but I would rather have them as friends, rather than contracted workers. It really goes a long way in my experience.

John, BK and the folks at www.Offshore-Performance.com have a comical sign in their shop that states something to the effect of:

{The sign is not for real, its in gest}
1 Hour Labor: $75
1 Hour Labor and you watch: $95
1 Hour Labor and you help: $125
{The sign is not for real, its in gest}

I can understand their plight, and I can understand why owners get in the mechanics' way, including insurance reasons; however, I like using my own labor when I can help and when I can learn. I respect the mechanics in their profession, and I feel like when they allow and welcome me to be in and around the boat when its in for service, its a priviledge. Especially the guys at Offshore-Performance.

Last edited by Sydwayz; 06-26-2006 at 04:34 PM.
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Old 06-26-2006, 04:25 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Brian as you know I enjoy talking with customers and educating them so that they understand why something failed or will fail and so they understand why I charge what I do, I have many customers that like to watch / help when Im working on there boats and always enjoy the company, Im not a high production shop so to me it ok...

many shops arent set up for or want customers talking to there mechanics, there are several reasons for this from it takes longer when customers are there, to if the mechanic screws up the customer is there to see it ,or because an apprentice is working on the boat and not a tech but they still charge the same

I have always believed in the mech/tech working on the boat should have direct contact with the customer, most shops dont share this belief



PS Offshore performance is one of the best shops with the best techs (other then myself) in my area and if im too busy I have no problem refering someone to them... and the sign is ment as a joke....

Last edited by GOODT; 06-26-2006 at 04:31 PM.
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Old 06-26-2006, 08:59 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Let me guess....You broke your boat and want to take it to OP to fix it now????


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Old 06-26-2006, 09:03 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

I do all my own work on my boat......

Brian......they don't want you hanging out watching them!! I certainly wouldn't want my customers hanging out at my business...no way!
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Old 06-26-2006, 09:10 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

LOL, no neither. I just brought up OP because I like John's sign in the shop. I've never actually had time to spend at OP; and I've only dropped off drives for the most part.

They are a great group of folks over there, and FORTUNATELY I have not needed their services (knocking on wood). The only person that I keep in business lately is my tire distributor.

Last edited by Sydwayz; 06-26-2006 at 10:00 PM.
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Old 06-26-2006, 09:37 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Whenever I'm working, and the owner comes over to watch, I immediately go on a cigarette break.
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:05 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Originally Posted by cuda
Whenever I'm working, and the owner comes over to watch, I immediately go on a cigarette break.

LOL
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:52 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Originally Posted by cuda
Whenever I'm working, and the owner comes over to watch, I immediately go on a cigarette break.
Ditto.

I have signs all over that make it very clearly where my boundaries are. Most think they are the exception. I will then walk away and not return until I can finish the job undisturbed.

OSHA rides me like a Green Fly on a meat wagon as it is. I make it clear...pay the fine and you can stay.

Buck
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:53 PM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Originally Posted by buck183
I have signs all over that make it very clearly where my boundaries are.

Buck
are you talking about your shop or something else?
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Old 06-27-2006, 12:00 AM
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Default Re: Curious: when you take your boat in for service...

Originally Posted by Sean H
are you talking about your shop or something else?
Jeff Gordon's win yesterday has you all worked up again doesn't it?

I was actually getting ready to edit my reply to try and word it a little more subtle. I forgot "Mr. Instant Reply" was on duty again tonight.

Night Sean....

Buck
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