I just got a quote of $550 to replace all 3 ballast impellers on our 2020 GS 22 ….. that seems pretty steep to me as the impellers themselves are probably $50 max so I’m checking here with the experts. $400 in labor to swap out 3 impellers seems high - what say you??
X
-
1,000 Post Club Member
- May 2013
- 2792
- Smith Mountain Lake, VA (Craddock Creek area)
- 2017 G23 Coastal Edition H6 | 2001 Sport Nautique | 1981 Ski Nautique
North Woody the impellers on Nautique Parts are $56 each for the kit or $168 in parts total so $382 for labor does seem a bit high but not crazy high
https://nautiqueparts.com/impeller-pink-ballast-pump/
-
Probably not the answer you're looking for but whenever I get a price I don't like I look into doing the work myself. In many cases I just don't have the talent or tools tools to complete the task so after getting 3 estimates I'll make the decision based on who I think will do the work best for the best price. Typical buying logic right?
In a case like yours, the skill level and tools needed are pretty low and something you could do on your own after watching a couple YouTube videos and a desire to tackle the job on your own. So, with skill and tools out of the way the next decision making boxes to check would be time and effort. As in do you have the time and are willing to put in the effort to do it yourself? This is typically balanced by cost which it seems is where you're at.
Around my area, the 3 main player dealerships are running wide open and even in this slowing boating economy are still struggling to find employees able to do winterization on these ever more complex and difficult to work on luxury products. These once simple ski machines have crossed over the line from expensive toys to luxury items more akin to upper end exotic sports cars. Unfortunately, with that comes not only the price of the product but the inflated price of maintenance. That and lets face it, for the most part the kind of clients that are buying $200K+ boats are typically not the kind of clients that are going to want to mess up their manicure or work in the bilge of a boat. This makes them an easy target for the market based pricing you're seeing.
I recently saw a flyer from one of the local premium boat dealers listing their winterization prices, what an eyeopener. They're getting north of $800 for basic winterization that only includes an oil change and winterization of the cooling system. Engine impeller service, ballast impellers, fuel filters, showers and ballast systems are all additional menu items. Best I can remember ballast impeller change was in the high $400 range and if I recall correctly an all in service was close to $1600.
A friend was quoted just shy of $1100 on his Malibu for full winterization with no component changes. While he had worked on his boats years ago, as he progressed in his career he hired this work out to the dealer. This year I spent time with him going over doing the work himself which he completed a couple weeks back. Other than a couple cuts and scrapes he was very happy with his results and only had about $120 in materials to winterize the engine, ballast tanks and change the engine impeller.
Based on your near Chicago location, I would expect your rates to be higher than here in the Michigan northern suburbs so $550 really doesn't seem that far of a stretch. If you were here in Michigan, I'd do it for you for $200 and a case of beer.....
Comment
-
-
1,000 Post Club Member
- May 2013
- 2792
- Smith Mountain Lake, VA (Craddock Creek area)
- 2017 G23 Coastal Edition H6 | 2001 Sport Nautique | 1981 Ski Nautique
bturner Your write up is 100% on target, "These once simple ski machines have crossed over the line from expensive toys to luxury items more akin to upper end exotic sports cars. Unfortunately, with that comes not only the price of the product but the inflated price of maintenance. That and lets face it, for the most part the kind of clients that are buying $200K+ boats are typically not the kind of clients that are going to want to mess up their manicure or work in the bilge of a boat. This makes them an easy target for the market based pricing you're seeing". Well said.
Comment
-
Thanks Gents, this is helpful. I am pretty handy and am more than comfortable to do basic jobs myself. I do all my own annual maintence and service on our Chris Craft and can handle the straightforward jobs so I think I’m up to the task on this. Being charged almost $400 for labor to swap out 3 impellers just seems egregious, so I’ll do it myself in the Spring as the boats are all tucked away for the winter up here in Northern Wisconsin. Thanks for the guidance, and I’ll update everyone on how actually handy I turn out to be in the Spring!
Comment
-
Comment