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Topic Title: Excuse me. but what level of hell is this?
Topic Summary: Always get an estament in writing!!!!!!
Created On: 12/17/2007 04:23:46 PM
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 12/17/2007 04:23:46 PM
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MJGT
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Posts: 67
Joined: 03/24/2006

OK I really need your help on this one. I let the marina do the engine alignment mentioned my previous post. The manager never gave me a estament as promised, but did say that would be about 4hrs labor. later he said it would take longer then he thought possible upto 10 hours labor.
This is on a 1995 44ft Gibson. see earlier post for symptoms proir to repair.
On the final bill we have 25hours labor for a wopping 1900$ for an engine alignment.
of course I don't see this until saturday evening so there is no one talk to about this until tuesday.
is the any standard to go by, is this reasonable?


Oh
and it gets worse...

nice day sunday so we go out for a boat ride. check the job they did.
well, idling out did not notice any thing but
when put upto cursing I mean cruzing speed @2400rpm engines sync'd and rudder centered it turns sharply to port and goes circles. also a vibration that rattles the windows.
let my drive and go back to check the engine compartment I feel the packing gland it is getting hot and not dripping. (did I say they charged me $300 to repack even though I had already repacked the starboard.) so we shut down and idle back to the slip.
I am sick over this.


Questions
anybody know ave times for engine alignment?

What could they have done to cause the vibration and the port turn?

any advise would help.
Mike.

-------------------------
Mike <BR>lake texoma, 1995 44 gibson standard
 12/17/2007 07:20:56 PM
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MILLERTYME
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Joined: 02/20/2006

You didn't say if the marina did the alignment while the boat was in the water although it sounds like it was done while your boat was pulled. If that was the case the mech. wasn't to swift since you will almost never get a good engine alingment while the boat is on "the hard". As stated earlier fiberglass boats will "twist" to a certian extent when blocked up. For proper alingment the boat must be put back in the water for at least a couple of days so the hull can "relax" back to its natural posture, then they can aligne the engines properly.

I wouldn't pay until the job is right, but as for the estimates it is buyer beware since most states don't give the same protection to boaters that covers auto owners when it comes to repairs exceeding estimates. Always get an estimate in writing and spell out exactly what work is to be performed and the exact cost. Also include a provision in your estimate for the mech. to get prior approval from you if repairs are to exceed the quote by more than 10 percent.



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UC FANS
1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme
Port of Aurora IN
 12/18/2007 05:41:35 AM
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alreadygone
Admiral

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Joined: 02/07/2004

BOHICA


Bob

-------------------------
I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
 12/18/2007 08:07:36 AM
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stmbtwle
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Joined: 04/22/2003

There's a reason I do ALL my own maintenance. If I had to pay shop rates I'd sell the boat.

-------------------------
Willie
She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
 12/18/2007 08:50:52 AM
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BENMURPHY
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I boat on Lake Texoma also and have found you really need to shop around on repairs. The folks at Grandpappy Point Marina have been very truthful and have done excellent work for me.

I have a 1976 43" Burnscraft Houseboat that some seem to think were never built.  I also had a 1973 32" Burns....both have been great boats!
 12/18/2007 11:36:29 AM
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MJGT
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Ben
where do you slip your boat. I looked at a Burnscraft at Grandpappy two years ago named" Knot a Clue " with Vic P. was nice looking boat.

-------------------------
Mike <BR>lake texoma, 1995 44 gibson standard

Edited: 12/18/2007 at 11:51:02 AM by MJGT
 12/18/2007 11:45:06 AM
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MJGT
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Ok Bob I give up
what does
B - bend
O - over
H
I
C
A


stand for ?

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Mike <BR>lake texoma, 1995 44 gibson standard
 12/18/2007 12:20:11 PM
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sailer1
Admiral

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Joined: 03/19/2004

here it comes again

-------------------------
Ken Paulson
1996 44' Gibson Std.
twin 350 crusaders
Upper Mississippi
 12/18/2007 12:28:09 PM
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MJGT
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thanks I needed a laugh

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Mike <BR>lake texoma, 1995 44 gibson standard
 12/19/2007 09:25:22 AM
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BENMURPHY
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WE ARE AT ALBERTA CREEK MARINA. WE BOUGHT THE "KNOT A KLUE" LATE IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR.

DONE A LOT OF MINOR MECHANICAL STUFF AND DECORATING AND NOW HAVE A SUPER HOUSEBOAT.

IT IS MY SECOND BURNSCRAFT. FIRST WAS A 32 FOOTER AND NOW THIS IS A 43.

WE LIKE ALBERTA CREEK FOR THE LOW SLIP RENTAL RATES AND GOOD LOCATION.  EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT ALSO.
 12/19/2007 01:13:50 PM
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MJGT
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We look at Knot a Klue, even made an offer and had a survey done. I still have a copy of on my computer. Let me know if you want a copy.

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Mike <BR>lake texoma, 1995 44 gibson standard
 12/19/2007 01:47:44 PM
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BENMURPHY
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Thanks for the offer to send the survey but Vic sent me one before I made an offer. Had no problem insuring with Allstate.  New blinds & drapes are being installed right now. Maybe we will run into each other and you can see the progress. The former owners really did not  do much maintenance.

Lots of little stuff but now the boat is in great shape.
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