reality check (time and cost to change transom assemblies)
 

I'm getting a bit impatient as I'm having a mechanic replace my transom assemblies - he's a really good guy and a friend, and the work done so far looks great, but I'm wondering if I'm underpaying him as its taking a long time (1 day to disassemble but 32 days so far and engines still aren't lifted back in). Wondering if the rate he quoted me is too low for him to work on this, but want some opinions.

Can any mechanics here give me a ballpark cost / time to accomplish the following:
1.) disconnect & lift out two mercruiser 350 magnums
2.) remove both old alpha 1 gen 1 transom assemblies (corroded so a bit more time to remove than new)
3.) install a pair of new alpha 1 gen II transom assemblies (2 extra stud holes needed to be drilled in transom per)
4.) replace old motor mounts on engines
5.) hoist back in original engines and reconnect and align with new drives
6.) install outdrive lube monitor kits
7.) troubleshoot mechanical steering cable / stock mercruiser power steering and advise what parts need to be replaced or replace as necessary.

He let me source the brand new outdrives and transom assemblies so I'm interested in what a very ballpark fair labor / time is for this.

It's important for me to keep him as a friend long-term and his work in general is excellent.

If he is a good friend I would be talking to him about it and not to a bucnh of strangers on the internet about it but thats just me..

mrfixxall
 

around 2k +500 for mis stuff..

You're right of course, but I'd rather have a bunch of strangers evaluate whether I'm too nice or too needy (grin) plus I certainly don't want to rush him as I greatly appreciate his excellent work. But I sure would like to get the boat on the water yet this year.

Maybe if it drags on without progress I'll figure out a different direction to take the project so it's a new job instead of the one that is probably no fun to do.

Was only hoping to get a ballpark reality check on how many hours/days (very ballpark) or what general pricetag you'd expect this to take to know if my expectations are unreasonable before I open my mouth.

OK, thanks. I feel better reading that. I was frustrated having lost August and September but reading that, then he's giving me a great deal so I'll have to figure out how to do a favor for him in the future.

Also if it doesn't get done this month that gives me a good number for deciding where to take this project going forward in terms of what to do on the existing engines now vs. later.