How much time to unstep a mast?

[petersea]

Mike G

maybe what you need to look at is total cost for winter storage and what you are getting for you money. I took the liberty to "guesstimate" TOTAL winter storage charges at the marina I was referring to in my earlier post. I came up with a figure of $1566. if prepaid by Sept 30 if not extra 10%. Taking the liberty to guess overall length and mast height plus mast accessories. This includes all services: haul, wash bottom, mast removal and storage un-rigging mast and spreaders, (your responsible to set mast up in spring) blocking and re-steping mast and re-launch in spring. Yard is very reasonable about free time (usual up to and part of weekend after launched)in slip before removal if not a summer customer. Not sure what you total cost are so use this as a comparision.

 

[BobM]

I was quoted $500 to drop the mast on my 9.2A at a marina in Milford CT. May just be the going rate in the area. Seems like prices in the sound are pretty high to me. I ended up having them do other work that I ended up overpaying hugely for and was disappointed in, but I was trying to get my boat moved and a lot was happening. I should have complained...$700 for a fluid change, changing a belt and a test ride...even though they had to pick her up at a marina next door...was ridiculous since they overfilled the fluids, the belt they replaced was fine and they didn't have an opinion on what the noise was I was concerned about. From now on I will do all the work myself unless I get lucky and find someone really reliable. With the mast, you don't have much of a choice. Since you have a relationship with this marina and would like to continue it I'd suggest talking to them about it. Ask nicely why it took more time this year compared to last as they should be better at it the second time around right? Then ask if there is anything you can do to lessen the time / charge and if you could agree on a flat fee. You might also want to watch them next time to see what you are getting for your money. Good luck, Bob

 

[DougM]

Find another yard!?..

I have to agree that it shouldn't take that much time. I can't imagine that it would require more than a couple of man hours. Bear in mind that it certainly is not a one person job. A lot of time is saved if you do some of the preliminary work as already suggested.

The yard manpower does this work all the time (at least I assume so), thus they should be fairly good at it. I know it will take a little bit more effort with a keel stepped mast. By comparison though, I have had my deck stepped mast down and in the barn in less than an hour, and back up in the same amount of time. The yard I use actually quotes a flat rate that encompasses take down and re-stepping.

For winter storage, they sometimes "stage" several sailboats to come out in sequence.

 

[Ross]

Find another yard!?..

I have to agree that it shouldn't take that much time. I can't imagine that it would require more than a couple of man hours. Bear in mind that it certainly is not a one person job. A lot of time is saved if you do some of the preliminary work as already suggested.

The yard manpower does this work all the time (at least I assume so), thus they should be fairly good at it. I know it will take a little bit more effort with a keel stepped mast. By comparison though, I have had my deck stepped mast down and in the barn in less than an hour, and back up in the same amount of time. The yard I use actually quotes a flat rate that encompasses take down and re-stepping.

For winter storage, they sometimes "stage" several sailboats to come out in sequence.

I have been in business for more than thirty years. During that time my skills have improved but I don't reduce my rates because I have improved my efficiency, I increase my profits because I have improved my efficiency. Any person can step or unstep the mast either by ingenious methods or by renting the appropriate equipment. A boomlift can be rented for about 300 dollars per day. With that, two people can unstep or step a mast up to about 400 pounds almost zero risk to life, limb or property. Of course you must have a vehicle to tow the boom lift, and you must know what you are doing. Knowledge is what we use to determine pay scales. A person can have a Phd from Johns Hopkins and make 200,000 per year but if he doesn't know how to unstep his mast he must pay someone with that knowledge.

 

[Mike G.]

Re: Mike G

Pete and all others: Thanks for the input. Some of you have given me a few chuckles.

Pete, I just checked my invoices and your guesstimates are very close to my charges.
I have considered the "S" place. In fact we were there 20 years ago with a 23 footer.
When we got back into sailing about six years ago I chose our current location because I thought that yours is a bit crowded for my taste. Now the Admiral doesn't want to leave. The brokerage over there has done well by me on two boats in recent years and the service has been excellent. I may consider wintering there next year or going up the CT River.

Regarding the firing of customers: I fired one of mine today. A real PIA that was causing more aggravation than his worth.

Mike

 

[Hermit Scott]

repair

Before I have ANYONE do ANYTHING for me, I ask what it costs. I build prototype machines so I have to go to up to 30 differnet companies to buy things or have work done.
I learned long ago that if you don't ask what it costs, it costs more. This isn't just the boat yard, it's how many businesses are all over the world. Not everyone is like this though. To their credit there are people who charge the same no matter who walks in the door.

I always get a statement of charges up front. IF it's an estimate, I have them explain every possibility and the cost for those things. Then I ask them if there is any hidden costs, or costs that they haven't calculated yet.

Even if you walk in the door and they think you are cheap or frugal, you won't look like a mark to be taken. I know, I look like a mark, I look very young. Help keep honest people honest and get involved with your own billing.

This is the most important part of the whole thing. BE NICE!

But if somone was ripping me off after I took the time to understand what I was being billed for in advance. (and they have tried) I wouldn't fear 'getting fired'. Nor would I fear going to jail for causing a scene. What I would fear is having to go home and live with myself for letting someone take advantage of me. But before you throw a chair through their front windowto get their attention make sure you are in the right.

Be kind to them but don't let them mistake kindness for weakness.