[admin]

I wanted to write about an aggravating experience the other day which I hope will save some of you some headaches. It was time to have my boat bottom painted, and I looked high and low for the best deal. I found what I thought was an OK price, but was far from a great deal. Anyhow, one someone has your boat out of the water and up on blocks, you are now completely on their terms. Long story short, I didn't get anywhere near a good deal, and got a rotten attitude to accompany it. Long story short- there is a reason some of the more well-known places charge a bit more, and I'm now convinced they are worth it. I am now looking around to have electronics installed, and I will shop quality first, not price.

[ScarabChris]

Yup....the old saying goes "you get what you pay for" And to say that "you are on their terms" is an understatement for the marine industry. When it comes to boats never expect to get a deal unless its stolen.

One of by boating buddies has a saying that I find funny but true. When you ask "man...why is everything for boats so expensive?" His reply is "because you need it........ and they got it.".

[admin]

So true- lesson learned.

[divingcpl]

Try West Marine. They have an electronics installation service that will go out to your boat and install the electronics. My brother had his stereo (dual station) and auto pilot (dual station) installed. They did a nice job and were reasonably priced.

[admin]

Originally Posted by divingcpl

Try West Marine. They have an electronics installation service that will go out to your boat and install the electronics. My brother had his stereo (dual station) and auto pilot (dual station) installed. They did a nice job and were reasonably priced.

Not anymore. Haha. I looked into it, and those guys realized that it was too much work to be everything to everyone, and have since bailed on their install dept.

[Paul P]

Cable Marine at they Quay in Ft Lauderdale not cheap but high quality work

[admin]

Originally Posted by Paul P

Cable Marine at they Quay in Ft Lauderdale not cheap but high quality work

In retrospect, they would have been good. First class work, and a great reputation.

[lovitall]

What electronics are you looking to install?

As for the bottom job, my dad and I had a boat repair company for many years and I can tell you, its tough to make a good buck in the service business unless you are marina of sorts.

Your best bet is to find someone that you are comfortable with and does a good job and stick with them. You will find that the honest companies will all charge about the same. There is a lot to be said for a good relationship with your marina or boat service company. Basically, find someone you like, its more important than the few bucks you can save.

[El Capitan]

Bill Byers / Manager
High Seas Technologies - Riviera Beach
(561) 844-6069

Great work, Fair Prices, and a stand-up guy. You won't be disappointed.

[rick]

every one wants to put the bottom paint that is so costic to the enviroment there is some stuff from sherwin willams dont laugh it is not house paint lol this stuff thay use on cruse ships good for 10 years of use you have to look for it it is hard to find because it would put out all the paint people out of bisness i had found some ic only comes in a 5 gal bucket and it is cheep about 50 dollers i have found it in ft lauderdale i will have to find the same person and thay must have a licens for it to do the work i will post the name soon