What do you expect/want from your boat mechanic?

[professioneat]

Hello everyone.

I’m starting out working for myself as a mobile boat mechanic/systems tech. I figured I’d ask this sub what you would expect of me. I have 12 years of professional experience on boats, starting as a laborer in a boat yard, and then working on boats as a crew mostly in the engine department. I have USCG engineering licenses for the chief engineer, a captain's license, and experience with engines from 2hp outboards to 5000hp diesel. I’m one of those people who can fix almost anything, but mechanical and electrical is my niche. I’ve worked on everything from fancy sailing yachts owned by hedge fund folks to giant tugboats, to wooden tall ships.

I plan to say that I’ll come to meet you and see your boat for up to an hour for free. I won’t charge travel time within a range that covers the two nearest marinas to me. After that, the shop rate is $70/hour and I would bill for all the time I dedicate to your boat unless I screw something up and it needs to be redone. Does that seem to be the market rate? What else would you expect, or want to see?

[professioneat]

Just now, professioneat said:

Hello everyone.

I’m starting out working for myself as a mobile boat mechanic/systems tech. I figured I’d ask this sub what you would expect of me. I have 12 years of professional experience on boats, starting as a laborer in a boat yard, and then working on boats as a crew mostly in the engine department. I have USCG engineering licenses for the chief engineer, a captain's license, and experience with engines from 2hp outboards to 5000hp diesel. I’m one of those people who can fix almost anything, but mechanical and electrical is my niche. I’ve worked on everything from fancy sailing yachts owned by hedge fund folks to giant tugboats, to wooden tall ships.

I plan to say that I’ll come to meet you and see your boat for up to an hour for free. I won’t charge travel time within a range that covers the two nearest marinas to me tommy slalom shop denver. After that, the shop rate is $70/hour and I would bill for all the time I dedicate to your boat unless I screw something up and it needs to be redone. Does that seem to be the market rate? What else would you expect, or want to see?

thanks in advance for any help

[fishinwrench]

35 minutes ago, professioneat said:

What else would you expect, or want to see?

Name, Address, Phone number? 

Good luck, brother 👍

[Quillback]

We've got a mobile mechanic here in Bella Vista.  He's got as much work as he wants.  All I ask is for competency, honesty and someone that stands behind their work.  Being on time and communicating if you're going to be late is also appreciated.  Reputation is spread by word of mouth you want a good rep.  I fish with and talk to quite a few fishermen and we're always talking about repairs/maintenance and who did it and did they do good.  

Once you've established a good reputation, you can get more than $70/hour.  

Where are you located?

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, Quillback said:

Once you've established a good reputation, you can get more than $70/hour.  

True that.   There's days that I'd pay you that (including drive time) just to come hang out here all day.  

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Things I like about any service worker.  Honesty.   A brief education on what happened,  how I could have prevented damage or how to maintain an item. And don't be "too busy" to look me in the eye and hold a small conversation. 

Little extras.  You know, the old

' I adjusted the idle air mixture as it seems yours was just a bit too rich and I believe you will get a smoother idle." 

Or "Your (insert item here) was a little out of line and I adjusted it".   

Or what ever item is being serviced is delivered cleaner than I last saw it. 

It just gives a personal touch and shows the service provider cares.  

These kinds of "extras"  are what make me a loyal customer.   There are many people who can service,  or repair,  heck I can do alot of these things myself.   

[cheesemaster]

The things I look for have been listed already - so no need to retype it all. 
I would like to know where you are at. 
Also - we need a good sea-doo mechanic around here too - know anyone?

[Gumboot]

Several people, likely potential customers, have taken the time to reply to your original post.  A brief reply acknowledging their questions and/or ideas, would seem appropriate. 

As stated previously, communication is very important.

Wish you all the best in your new endeavors.

[cheesemaster]

So was this a scam??? Never heard anything back from original poster….

 

[Dutch]

Wrenches alter ego.