Labor Rates at Local Marinas

Rattler · 10-04-2006, 05:04 PM

I just had the mechanic at my local marina on Winnie do some electrical work on my boat. There were no parts involved -- just labor. Suffice it to say I was a little shocked to get a bill for $300 for four hours of work. If they can pull down $3,000 for a week's work, I'm clearly in the wrong business.

I've had general contractors and laborers do work for me around the lake, and $30/hr seems to be the going rate. Geez, my local auto mechanic works on my Jeep for $32/hr.

I know I'm kind of a "captive customer" at my marina, but does the convenience afforded to me warrant $75/hr?. Is this par for the course based upon other's experiences with their local marina mechanics -- or should I consider myself ripped off and shop around next time.

fpartri497 · 10-04-2006, 06:08 PM

Most marina`s on the lake charge between $76 - &125.00 per hr. shop rate. thats normal.

I had my marina install a VHF radio & a chartplotter (witch I paid for) and they charged me $650.00 labor. and I know for a fact, that It was a very difficult Installation Oh yes and antennas for both. A little steep yes Sir but a real proffessional Install.

I remain very satisfied.

Pepper · 10-04-2006, 09:55 PM

Rattler, if your auto mechanic is charging $32. per hour I can't imagine how he's surviving!

I sold my automotive repair business six years ago, and at that time our labor rate was over $60 per hour, and it was tough to manage even at that rate!

What a shop takes in from that labor rate has to cover wages, taxes, utilities, rent or mortgage, business insurance, worker's comp insurance, Elecronic diagnostic equipment with yearly updates, equipment and tools, nuts, bolts, fasteners, solvents, uniforms, mats, hazardous waste removal, fire safety systems, certification, education, building maintenance costs, Futa, Suta, Business Enterprise tax, Business earnings tax, and if there's anything left over perhaps an employee appreciation outing.

All things considered, I think you got a great deal from that marina.

Rocky · 10-05-2006, 06:21 AM

I agree, I pay $62.00 hr. for my car. $75.00 hr for the boat.

Gilligan · 10-05-2006, 07:26 AM

That $76 to $126 per shop hour is the range at most marinas around the lake. It's not how much per hour but how well the work is performed. All too often there is a lack of attention to detail. Work is rushed. Repairs or maintenance items are left incomplete or not done. Sometimes you just don't think you are getting what you paid for from the marina mechanics.

I would rather pay the higher rate and know that the work will be done properly and without causing other problems in the process.

GWC... · 10-05-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattler

I just had the mechanic at my local marina...

Taking your boat to a marina is the same as taking your car to a dealership.

If you do not take your car to a dealership, why would you take your boat to a marina?

Sounds like you took yourself for a ride...

pmj · 10-05-2006, 03:41 PM

"Break out another thousand"

$60-75 per hour is what the going rate is and has been for years, here or on the Seacoast. Boat owners are captive audiences for sure...like any specialties...weddings included

pmj

fpartri497 · 10-05-2006, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilligan

That $76 to $126 per shop hour is the range at most marinas around the lake. It's not how much per hour but how well the work is performed. All too often there is a lack of attention to detail. Work is rushed. Repairs or maintenance items are left incomplete or not done. Sometimes you just don't think you are getting what you paid for from the marina mechanics.

I would rather pay the higher rate and know that the work will be done properly and without causing other problems in the process.

I dissagree completely!! labor rate has nothing to do with quality work! you first have to do bussiness with a dealer whom you trust will do the job right the first time at a fair price.

fpartri497

10-04-2006, 05:04 PM	#1
Rattler Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Labor Rates at Local Marinas I just had the mechanic at my local marina on Winnie do some electrical work on my boat. There were no parts involved -- just labor. Suffice it to say I was a little shocked to get a bill for $300 for four hours of work. If they can pull down $3,000 for a week's work, I'm clearly in the wrong business. I've had general contractors and laborers do work for me around the lake, and $30/hr seems to be the going rate. Geez, my local auto mechanic works on my Jeep for $32/hr. I know I'm kind of a "captive customer" at my marina, but does the convenience afforded to me warrant $75/hr?. Is this par for the course based upon other's experiences with their local marina mechanics -- or should I consider myself ripped off and shop around next time.

10-04-2006, 06:08 PM	#2
fpartri497 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Concord NH Posts: 681 Thanks: 97 Thanked 48 Times in 39 Posts	Marina rates Most marina`s on the lake charge between $76 - &125.00 per hr. shop rate. thats normal. I had my marina install a VHF radio & a chartplotter (witch I paid for) and they charged me $650.00 labor. and I know for a fact, that It was a very difficult Installation Oh yes and antennas for both. A little steep yes Sir but a real proffessional Install. I remain very satisfied. __________________ dont worry be happy

10-04-2006, 09:55 PM	#3
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Rattler, if your auto mechanic is charging $32. per hour I can't imagine how he's surviving! I sold my automotive repair business six years ago, and at that time our labor rate was over $60 per hour, and it was tough to manage even at that rate! What a shop takes in from that labor rate has to cover wages, taxes, utilities, rent or mortgage, business insurance, worker's comp insurance, Elecronic diagnostic equipment with yearly updates, equipment and tools, nuts, bolts, fasteners, solvents, uniforms, mats, hazardous waste removal, fire safety systems, certification, education, building maintenance costs, Futa, Suta, Business Enterprise tax, Business earnings tax, and if there's anything left over perhaps an employee appreciation outing. All things considered, I think you got a great deal from that marina. __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

10-05-2006, 07:26 AM	#5
Gilligan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Bay State Posts: 119 Thanks: 8 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Worth the labor rates? That $76 to $126 per shop hour is the range at most marinas around the lake. It's not how much per hour but how well the work is performed. All too often there is a lack of attention to detail. Work is rushed. Repairs or maintenance items are left incomplete or not done. Sometimes you just don't think you are getting what you paid for from the marina mechanics. I would rather pay the higher rate and know that the work will be done properly and without causing other problems in the process. __________________

10-05-2006, 03:41 PM	#7
pmj Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 240 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	B.o.a.t "Break out another thousand" $60-75 per hour is what the going rate is and has been for years, here or on the Seacoast. Boat owners are captive audiences for sure...like any specialties...weddings included pmj

10-05-2006, 06:21 AM	#4
Rocky Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I agree, I pay $62.00 hr. for my car. $75.00 hr for the boat.