Looking for Maintenance in Utah

[hollister]

I was wondering if anyone had any tips on an alternative to the Nautique dealer in Utah (Taylor's Boats) for routine maintenance. I took my 2000 SAN in for a 100 hour service and impeller change, and they want $900.

$500 for changing engine and tranny oil (and "inspecting" all sorts of other things) plus $400 for the impeller change. This guy claims that it is a 4 hour job to pull and replace the impeller. My old dealer (Central Valley Marine) in San Jose charge $100 plus parts for the same job, and I watched them do it in under an hour.

This guy knows he is the only authorized dealer for 6 hours in any direction and is definitely taking advantage of it.

So...I'm looking for a quality shop that doesn't use Harvard grads for labor.

Also, if I'm out of line in thinking his prices are high, let me know what the rest of you guys are spending on maint.

Thanks in advance.

[G-man]

RE: Looking for Maintenance in Utah

I think he's nuts. Around here I think they charge 1 1/2 hours labor. If you learn how to do it yourself you'll be able to it in about 1/2 hour or less. The other services you got should be close to 3 hours labor plus parts, oil filters etc. I think you should talk to some fellow inboard boat owners in your area and find out where they go.

[Rick]

RE: Looking for Maintenance in Utah

Contact PCM and see who else sells and services their engines in Utah if that doesn't work contact SKIDIM and see if they know someone.

[hollister]

Rick,

Thanks for the tip on SKIDIM. Great site. Bought the impeller for my GT40 and had the water pump out and back in in 2 hours, along with an oil change and check on the other fluids, belts and hoses. Saved myself $900 in the process and made it out on the lake by 2:00.

I am going to contact PCM and see what they say in case I need something more significant in the future.

[G-man]

skidim has anything or can get anything you need. Go talke to another brands service dept. Chances are they will work on your boat also.

[Gehenna]

I'm not going to pass judgement but I can vouch that you are not the only person to think this particular shop's prices are outrageous. I've heard that from quite a few other people. Personally, I went the same route you did. I bought the impeller from them for $24 and installed it myself in less than 1.5 hours.