I just received a notice telling us the yard will charge an hourly fee for any outside contractor work done at the marina. Is this unique? Don
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No Charges Here
Ours doesn't charge a fee. They do require proof of insurance from an outside contractor prior to letting them perform any work. It seems however most of the sailors at our marina do their own maintaince. Jeff
Ours doesn't charge a fee. They do require proof of insurance from an outside contractor prior to letting them perform any work. It seems however most of the sailors at our marina do their own maintaince. Jeff
Strip and Shop
The ‘Yard’ is a business, and must generate profits somewhere. Am I a valuable (read profitable) customer if I “strip & shop” the yard? Strip & Shop is the phenomenon whereby I “strip” the yard of their expertise & services, and “shop” them on prices - I want to have my cake AND eat it. The yard hauls my boat, (& perhaps pressure washes it), and sets it on their jack-stands. Then I go shopping for the best prices on bottom paint, zincs, and etc. If I need professional help, I search around for, and hire the cheapest Contractor. Then I object if the yard charges me for re-blocking, space rental, or a commission on outside contractors’ work. Is it any wonder that some yards might not value my business, under these circumstances? PS: I've been a boatyard customer (DIY boatowner) for over 25 years, and was an outside Contractor for 10. Virtually ALL yards require liability insurance*. Some yards charged a fee on my services, some prohibited outside labour, and some I offered a finders fee. * Don't haul or store your boat at a yard that doesn't require tradesment to cary ins. Respectfully, Gord
The ‘Yard’ is a business, and must generate profits somewhere. Am I a valuable (read profitable) customer if I “strip & shop” the yard? Strip & Shop is the phenomenon whereby I “strip” the yard of their expertise & services, and “shop” them on prices - I want to have my cake AND eat it. The yard hauls my boat, (& perhaps pressure washes it), and sets it on their jack-stands. Then I go shopping for the best prices on bottom paint, zincs, and etc. If I need professional help, I search around for, and hire the cheapest Contractor. Then I object if the yard charges me for re-blocking, space rental, or a commission on outside contractors’ work. Is it any wonder that some yards might not value my business, under these circumstances? PS: I've been a boatyard customer (DIY boatowner) for over 25 years, and was an outside Contractor for 10. Virtually ALL yards require liability insurance*. Some yards charged a fee on my services, some prohibited outside labour, and some I offered a finders fee. * Don't haul or store your boat at a yard that doesn't require tradesment to cary ins. Respectfully, Gord
worse than that...
Some boatyards forbid owners from working on their own boats e.g. no bottom jobs, winterizing, etc.
Some boatyards forbid owners from working on their own boats e.g. no bottom jobs, winterizing, etc.
If it's in the contract
Then I suppose you have to abide by the terms therein. But I would shop for a yard which had no strictures on working on MY own boat or hiring the skills I needed to get a job done. If no yard was in the area which allowed DYI work I'd move the boat to an area which had one, if possible. My marina hauls, power washes the bottom and scrubs the water line with muratic acid all for $350 for a 28' sail boat. I know I have a good deal going and the owner says he has no intention of raising prices or restricting DYI work. If more boat owners forced the yards to compete perhaps they would be forced to loosen the rules and provide services at a reasonable rate. I might me naive but things ought to work this way. Mike
Then I suppose you have to abide by the terms therein. But I would shop for a yard which had no strictures on working on MY own boat or hiring the skills I needed to get a job done. If no yard was in the area which allowed DYI work I'd move the boat to an area which had one, if possible. My marina hauls, power washes the bottom and scrubs the water line with muratic acid all for $350 for a 28' sail boat. I know I have a good deal going and the owner says he has no intention of raising prices or restricting DYI work. If more boat owners forced the yards to compete perhaps they would be forced to loosen the rules and provide services at a reasonable rate. I might me naive but things ought to work this way. Mike
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