UNHAPPY WITH BOATYARD COSTS I hauled out my sailboat a few weeks ago at a boatyard with a certain reputation for quality work. Nevertheless, the cost for having the work done was largely inflated and went far beyond what I expected to pay. I shall not reveal the name of the particular boatyard which performed the job. Needless to mention that this “famous “ yacht yard is located in the Salt Creek row of boatyards. The owner of this yard was not receptive to my comment regarding the high price for the job performed on my boat and just did not and does not care about his customers at all. I have been a repeat customer and I also brought him some new business once in a while. My point is that boatyard owners should treat the customers, with courtesy and understanding and not treat them as if they were stupid or do not know anything about maintenance. If a customer has questions regarding the bill, the manager or owner should sit down and explain why the bill was so high and were there mistakes made while adding time. I really, strongly believe that some of the boatyards located in Salt Creek in St. Petersburg inflate their prices Big Time. My advice is to avoid those so called “expensive yards” and why not find better service elsewhere, perhaps out of the way but better service and at least a little bit of respect. Paul St. Petersburg, FL Paul, This is probably one of the biggest problems out there in the marine business, but it has much in common with other similar service businesses. Dealing with a boatyard, or auto mechanic or builder all have similar problems. Having spent my share of money in boatyards and auto repair businesses, I understand your frustration. I also have many years in the building/remodeling business and understand the perspective from the other side. With that in mind, I can offer a few suggestions. There really should never be any major misunderstandings when dealing with these businesses-if certain steps are followed and you are at least dealing with someone who is not a complete crook. You must set the stage in the beginning and clear the air. There must be a clear understanding of what is to be done and how much it will cost and put a limit on it and insist that they call you if unforeseen problems arise that will increase costs. This is an absolute-unless you have essentially unlimited funds. You must make sure that what is to be done is closely managed by you-until you know and trust the business completely, and they trust you-and even then. You might have to manage it almost full time. If you don’t manage it, then they will-with your money. If they end up managing it, you should be thankful if they did a good quality job and consider the money spent for a lesson learned. Then go somewhere else next time. Many people that run service businesses really don’t care about your money-they care about theirs. You have to watch yours. Those that care the least about yours, you would be well-advised to stay away from them. One thing that is difficult from a yard’s point of view is keeping production going. If you were standing there full time answerSee LETTERS continued on page 12 NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
SOUTHWINDS
August 2004
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