Summer is Here
Over the past month I have been boating in one form or another in New York, Maine, Connecticut, and California. While I enjoy having the waters to myself, an alarming fact became apparent that very few boatowners are actually using their boats. Perhaps it is early in the season but late spring offers exceptional boating conditions. Brisk evenings and warm afternoons, with the usual prevailing breezes makes for memorable cruises.
However, I suspect part of the reason for boats not being used is their owners have cut back significantly on their boating budgets. Yes, for many owners, the boat is the last item on the agenda to receive a portion of the paycheck. As a result, not only do the boats suffer, but their owner’s are usually relegated to some inane “honeydo” list on the homefront. Such a pity!
Perhaps it is time to hire the professional to carry on with the outstanding project list that keeps the boat on its boatstands in some hot, dusty boatyard. Obviously, the easy choice is to commission the boatyard by making the inevitable phone call. No problem, right? Not so fast. Can you be sure you are getting skilled and experienced labor? How soon will they get to the job? And what is the labor rate – do you even know?
There is the alternative in contracting your own workforce from outside the boatyard or marina. Often these mechanics, carpenters, painters, and canvas professionals are found from fellow boaters who recommend their services. Most advertise in the boating magazines or list their services via the internet or trade publications. Your efforts will be well spent in finding a marine tradesperson: make the call and ask the right questions. Invite them down to see the project. Ask them about their professional experience: how long have they worked in the business; how much do they charge; what are their billing practices; will they provide references; do they carry enough insurance allowing them to work in a “closed” yard; when can they start; about how long will the job take; do they look organized and fastidious. From this initial meeting, the owner will get a sense if this professional will work out or not.
Oftentimes, this route will save the owner a ton of money simply because an independent contractors’ overhead is not even close to that of a boatyard. And, in a boatyard, one never knows who will be assigned to a particular job. You may in fact be paying top dollar for someones apprenticeship program! While the yard manager may seem very pleasant and persuasive, he is probably not going to be doing the actual job. On the other hand, the independent contractor knows that his or her professional reputation is at stake for each and every job they take on. They live by referrals and one bad one can make future work very much in doubt.
It is very difficult to pin a marine contractor down to a set price. If the customer pushes in that direction it is usually out of naivety. Engine and mechanical work aside, most jobs on a boat are very difficult to estimate simply because no two boats are alike. Most contractors prefer a simple estimate based on time and materials. Contract prices are based on an inflated estimate of time and materials. Obviously, everything is negotiable and the boatowner is the one writing the check. The contractor reserves the right to walk away from the job simply because he is in business to make money. And some jobs just don’t pay. When the bill is submitted, the contractor expects payment on receipt – in full! Every contractor has their own ground rules: if my customer has an outstanding account past due, I will stop work when the account has reached a predetermined figure. I prefer a downpayment of good faith money before I begin a job and then bill every two weeks. For the customer to receive timely service in the future, it behooves that person to pay attention to the invoices. Respect your contractor as they have very good memories! In return, the contractor will give his or her very best effort, keep a clean and organized job site, and respect your boat as if it were their own home and their own lives depended on it.
