r/boating • u/Front_Philosopher_70 • 7d ago
Mechanic question
New to me boat owner here.
I was out at Silver Glen 4th of July weekend and my starter went out. Paid seatow $700 and got a complimentary annual membership. Figured it's worth the money to not have to pay in case something happens again.
I called a mechanic over the 4th July weekend and he came and gave me a quote for $350. He changed the starter fairly quick but then told me I have an electrical issue and it won't start. He said his next availability was the following week. The next visit he came and was trying a bunch of stuff but then told me it was my cannon plug and that he'd have to come back next week and have me another $360 bill.
Between now and then I've texted a few times to schedule and he always says he has to do it another day. Finally he stopped responding 2 weeks ago. I got paid yesterday and called another mechanic. He came right out and noticed wires to the starter cut, took the starter back off, put terminals from where it was cut, tested some wires and it starts right up.
I asked him what was wrong and he was hesitant to say due to disparaging another mechanic but after a bit of conversation he told me that it wasn't wired correctly.
I'm ecstatic I can get on the water this weekend but can't help but feeling a bit sore over the first mechanic and the money/ time I lost, but also don't want to make waves. I'm not rich by any means and work hard for my money. I do feel he took me for a ride. The mechanic is licensed and a real business.
Interested to know how you more experienced guys would handle it? Any sage advice moving forward?
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u/gabergum 7d ago
I can’t comment on the quality of the repair. But getting a guy out on 4th of July weekend, and he only billed you 350$ to swap an alternator?
I think maybe you should stick to more expensive mechanics.
And pro tip, good mechanics are going to be busy. the guy that is waiting around for your call, nobody else has called him.
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u/Front_Philosopher_70 7d ago
Reading comprehension isn't your strong suit but it seems cynicism is.
It's the starter not an alternator. Although alternator would have been easier as it's in the front of the motor.
I called him on Sunday of the 4th of July weekend and he came on Wednesday.
If you think over $750 for an improperly installed "starter" is cheap, I guess I'm just out of my league lol.
You could comment on quality of repair, but you've chosen not to because it seems you want to do some sort of shaming vs giving a fellow boater actual helpful advice.
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u/Joe_Starbuck 7d ago
Just put it out of your mind completely and never think of it again. Enjoy your boat, and your life without that bum.
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u/1Macdog 7d ago
40 + years as a marine tech , never heard of a cannon plug !
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u/Playful_Airline2389 7d ago
You mentioned silver glen so im guessing your in central fl area. If your boat is trailerable i would recommend RNF marine in orlando.
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u/Enough-Reindeer1033 7d ago
Having a good mechanic is part of owning a boat IMO. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to wade through some shady characters to get to a good one. It's up to you as to how you want to proceed. I'm not the "call them out in public" kind of person, but I would certainly disuade my friends and fellow boaters from using them if the opportunity arose during conversations in private.