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Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board
Re: What constitutes a good deal?
Posted By: Chiles In Response To: Re: What constitutes a good deal? (Vic Roy)
Date: Thursday, 12 January 2006, at 11:34 a.m.
Having completed my first restoration, I have learned many things, most important of which is how much more I need to learn.
Almost no one in the marine industry is on the time schedule that the owner is. The engine guy said 12 weeks, it was 12 months. The tower guy said 6 weeks, it was 10. I did my research for most items and it paid off. The tower turned out perfect and then engines work as advertised, but nothing I could do would speed up progress. The fiberglass guy for the transom work was fast and good. He was almost twice the price of the other glass shops, but guarenteed my repairs for life (only because it was a Bertram).
The shop I used for assistance in installing the engines was great. It's a new shop where one of the areas best mechanics went out on his own and has a little three bay shop. It's his second year in business and his yard is FULL of customers boats. Why? Because he does what he says he is going to do for what most must consider a value. I chose him because he let me work beside him in the shop. If we worked for three hours on my boat, he charged me three. The estimates were dead on and we were both happy. Especially him because when I shook his hand, I had an extra $100 bill in it for him. Like UV, I paid cash as I went and that makes a difference.
West Marine has value for me as well. I shop around and get the best price, West matches it. I get these 15.00 coupons every few months or for my loyalty. If I pay too much at West it's because I did not do the research first. Their no hassel return policy is awsome and I have had to use it many times when I purchased the wrong part, etc. Don't get me wrong, West is not the place to buy wire ends, etc. But for most everything else they can be very competitive.
Just my 2 cents
Chiles
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