What makes you think I signed a service order? I went on his word that I would be taken care of. He was recommended by Dustin Whipple, so I put my trust in him. Only after getting the final bill and I started asking around, did I realize he has a reputation for doing this to customers. They call him "one and done".

You are right about one thing...the labor should have been laid out prior to starting...I did ask him a couple of times to estimate, but he said he won't know until he pulled it apart...

He is correct.. In California you would have the right to a estimate that would have required a revised estimate prior to the work being completed. It appears you agreed to a time and material agreement as a custom fabricator may have you sign .

It's awkward for some people but next time ask for a estimate prior to starting big ticket items that have possible new found items along the way. Hopefully your shop will check the boat as a courtesy and just have you participate in parts from here on.

Thanks guys. Again I did ask for an estimate and never got one, just the comment that they can't give an estimate until they dig into it. The more I think about it, the more it doesn't make sense! Why can't a platinum certified merc mechanic that's been doing this for 20 years or more give a estimate? And like you said in Ca. I have the right to get a written estimate.

I guess the courts will decide...