Service costs
hi guys, Just thought I'd drop a line and ask for your help with a problem I have, as most of you know I recently became a site sponsor and I specialise in outboard maintenance in the northern suburbs. The problem I have is knowing how much to charge for typical services, I absolutely don't want to rip into people but at the same time this is my living and I need to cover my costs of operation, if you could comment below and tell me what engine you have and how much your normal service costs that would really help me get a better idea of what I should be charging, you can also PM me and give me any feedback or suggestions of ways that I could provide a better service than you are used to, this isn't a "whinge about your mechanic" thread so please keep it clean haha
thanks guys
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Auslobster
Posts: 1901
Date Joined: 03/05/08
90hp etec...
...around the $500 mark. That's an average across three mechanics in the Mandurah area.
Here's a question for YOU...why does it cost the same to service a two stroke as it does a four?
piston broke
Posts: 776
Date Joined: 05/11/08
75 Honda 4 stroke
$500
Percula
Posts: 273
Date Joined: 23/09/08
150 yammy 4 stroke
550
scotto
Posts: 2470
Date Joined: 21/04/08
2015 four stroke mercury 50
last service was about $450-500, but that was a dealer/logbook service, and I only did it for warranty.
North Coast Marine
Posts: 74
Date Joined: 23/05/16
Thanks for the replies so
Thanks for the replies so far, in regard to why it costs the same or more to service an e-tec or other dfi two stroke, it is usually because of the service requirements, an e-tec service is only required every 3 years thus is more comprehensive, for example four stroke plugs are usually $8-10 each whereas e-yes plugs are usually $19-25 each, the gearbox oil they use is much higher spec and around double the price, also as part of a standard service your mechanic should replace your thermostats and seals usually another $60-80 in parts alone, does this answer your question?
Auslobster
Posts: 1901
Date Joined: 03/05/08
Sort of...
...my previous motors were twin two stroke Yammies and I encountered the same thing. No three year interval, no fancy gear oil/plugs, yet same service cost as 4 strokes.
I might be splitting hairs here but I'm guessing rates are purely based on hp/motor size, rather than 2/4 stroke.
Anyway, thanks for answering and you sound like an honest bloke trying to do the right thing..if I was NOR I'd chase you up for my next service. Best of luck with your business, I'm sure you'll get more than a few inquiries from the mob on this site!
sea-kem
Posts: 14983
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Will you be mobile? Estimate
Will you be mobile? Estimate on a DF90?
Love the West!
North Coast Marine
Posts: 74
Date Joined: 23/05/16
Sea-kem PM sent
Sea-kem PM sent
sea-kem
Posts: 14983
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Love the West!
ChopChop
Posts: 67
Date Joined: 17/01/15
2006 Mercury 2stroke 75hp
$300-350 annual service from mobile mech. Previously $500+ at dealer...
holth
Posts: 812
Date Joined: 09/10/06
Cheapest isnt always best as
Cheapest isnt always best as lm finding out since l repowered with a new motor.
Im happy to pay a premium price for a premium service. Work carry out on a professional level. My prevoius motor was seviced by the same moble mechanic for the last 10 years. Granted he was at the top end of price but his mobile equipment and service went above and beyond the normal. Plus l trusted his work and things were done correctly.
Once yourve built up a trusting relationship with your clients and shown professionalism lm sure like me they will be happy to pay for that.
ChopChop
Posts: 67
Date Joined: 17/01/15
Rate mobile service
I used to get serviced at dealer. Paid premium. Crap service and didn't trust their work. Also a pain in the ass dropping off and picking up. Got put into a mobile guy from a post on here a few years ago. Never looked back. Half the price. Great work. Never any issues. And does it in my driveway.
Lastchance
Posts: 1273
Date Joined: 02/02/09
Mobile up to Karratha mate,
Mobile up to Karratha mate, old Golden Spanners used to charge $1150 for an '08 250 4 st yammy. I got pretty good at servicing it myself pretty quick! 1700 trouble free hours later still going strong.
Good luck
Daisy
North Coast Marine
Posts: 74
Date Joined: 23/05/16
Holth, you hit the nail on
Holth, you hit the nail on the head mate, everyone has different expectations, as a professional who understands the dangers of a poorly maintained vessel it's difficult to please everyone, trying to provide the best service you can for an acceptable price is difficult especially when some people either don't understand the difference or don't care, at any rate I always spell out any potential issues and allow the customer to choose
Cruise Control
Posts: 973
Date Joined: 03/11/10
$750 to service 2 x 115 four
$750 to service 2 x 115 four stroke yamahas at workshop.
merdel12
Posts: 306
Date Joined: 19/07/12
$950 to service my 150hp
$950 to service my 150hp verado. Sucks
Anyfishwilldo (not verified)
Posts: 16
Date Joined: 01/01/70
$550 for a 2012 suzuki df60a
$550 for a 2012 suzuki df60a 100 hr service ... (normally $550 jusr for service) that price fitted a backing plate and installed some transom wedges that I supplied (even cut the wedges to height of transom)
sea-kem
Posts: 14983
Date Joined: 30/11/09
A bit of feed back for Jonny
A bit of feed back for Jonny , he came over today on short notice as I want to start packing the boat soon for our yearly trip north. Very happy with his service and knowledge. He gave everything a good once over and found that the fuel line from the water filter to the engine was badly deteriorated which could have caused headaches if missed. he kept me informed along the way as to what needed doing so very happy. Definitely recommend.
Love the West!
Tim
Posts: 2497
Date Joined: 26/09/06
Suzuki
$380 for a service including impellor change
streaker boy
Posts: 527
Date Joined: 23/05/09
140 suzuki i pay in
140 suzuki i pay in melbourne is $370 labour plus parts usually i pay about $700 actually goin in tomorrow for a service
Jackfrost80
Posts: 8144
Date Joined: 07/05/12
2011 DF90 and pay $550 and 2
2011 DF90 and pay $550 and 2 hours of my time to drive straight past my local Suzuki dealer who wants to charge me $795 to another Suzuki dealer.
Just paid $250 for my 2014 6hp Tohatsu locally in Wangara.
Officially off the Pies bandwagon
cost-a-plenty
Posts: 10
Date Joined: 02/02/16
$$$
Paid a local dealer $780.00 for a service on a Yamaha 115 and $240 for the axle bearings. My heart fell through my @## when I took it out and it wont start at the ramp 3 day's after the service. I'm never going to take it to a dealer again glad to say that dealer has gone bust. So I sold the Yamaha bought a Suzuki 140hp and I've serviced it with importing Suzuki parts at half local prices in my driveway for the last 220hrs and to date it never lost a beat.
wez0062
Posts: 334
Date Joined: 02/09/14
$$$$$
what I don't get is paying up to & over $700 to service the engine on a boat, where you can pay as little as say $350.00 for a service on a WHOLE CAR ....
Wez0062
North Coast Marine
Posts: 74
Date Joined: 23/05/16
Wez0062
pretty simple really, a "service" on your car is oil, filters and spark plugs around $120 in parts, a service on an outboard is a lot more complicated, spark plugs, filters which there are 3 of on a four stroke, oil, impeller, gaskets,gear oil, thermostats and all the time involved, not to mention that in my mind I don't just service the motor, it's checking all the ancillary stuff like fuel hoses, batteries and controls.
i do understand some peoples confusion, however when you understand what is actually done in a service compared with a car service its pretty good value for money I think, appreciate your comment though