Bertram33 User Forum

I'm not inclined to bash my new marina so I'm leaving names out. We are not off to a good start. They charged 5 hours to winterize the fresh water system (drain, and run antifreeze through).... my rudder stuffing boxes are leaking and as a result steering components are rusted up... I want this cleaned up as it's trashing my somewhat new genny and is pretty much the only thing that hasnt been updated.... they quoted me (without parts) just over $7,000 to "repair rudder ports, rudder support bearings; replace rusted steering bearings; inspect re-pack (or replace) rudder stuffing boxes"... assuming $100 an hour that's nearly two weeks.... I think it was less time to repower the entire boat the list goes on.... I really dont want to get in a pissing match with this guy right out of the gates. Would you call them out or just have it done elsewhere

I just made new stainless steel steering rods, had the hynautic seering cylinder reconditioned by Rose Marine in Gloucester, MA. ($125.00 w/shipping) Serviced the steering rods ends, Two new pillow block bearings and replaced the packing in the stuffing boxes. for less than $700.00. The hardest part was disassembly of the collars near the top of the rudders. The set screws were hard to get out of the round collars. Of course I did it myself with no labor. Probably can be done in a day. You can call me and I'll try to help you. Don in Mystic, Ct 860-536-3128

George, Elsewhere ! It is a tough job getting down there, but I paid $600 to have both mine done about 5 years ago. New bearings, new packing. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

Thanks guys. I really dont have time or the inclination to work on my boat. I work so I dont have to work on my boat. I'm content to pay a fair price and I really want to use them so I find this very frustrating since I really wanna be in this marina. People suck.

I believe I would move on. Once you get into a pissing match nobody wins. Buzz

I had to replace a rudder. The process in a pain-in-the arse. No room to work. The pillow blocks were $7 bucks each from Northern Tool. The old cast iron blocks lasted 25 years so why spend big money for fancy stainless steel. The repair or replace the stuffing boxes is either 5 bucks for packing or hundreds in new bronze boxes and labor. If you open the checkbook you should just bend over and grab your ankles at the same time. Their quote is a CYA quote. 5 hours to winterize a freshwater system is excessive; but again it is a PITA. I drain the system by draining the storage tank, draining the expansion tank, blow compressed air thought the system, drain the hot water heater, suck out water that does not drain, reconnect the pump bypassing the expansion tank and pumping in some pink juice, then bypass the hot water heater and pump some pink juice through the hot side, add a little pink juice to the expansion tank and some to the storage tank, don't forget the freshwater washdown side. 2 hours plus another hour dragging stuff out of the shed and putting equipment back. Damage to the knees is worth another hour, banged head another hour. 5 hours is excessive; but it is a PITA. Did that include pink juice? I could do it in the job in 30 minutes if I wanted to use 15 gallons of pink juice. Pink juice is about 4 bucks a gallon. So that is only $60 bucks. Man I am killing my self for 60 bucks. Just drain the system as far as it will go and pump about 15 gallons to fill the expansion tank, hot water heater and all lines.

That was good Charlie! I like the idea of 15 gallons and get it over with. What the hell is 60.00 bucks in boating, not much! You just saved me 2 hours next Fall.

Hey GMarty I believe the guy who did your repower a couple of years back is not so busy these days , why don't you give him a call ?

The thing that really get me is that the guy that does the work is making $12 an hour and it takes 16 ro 20 hours. If I were going to rebuild the rudders I would look at some of the drip-less parts from Tides Marine and others. Why use the same old stuff that needs servicing every year?

It sounds fair to me, thats a lot of work. You said you can have it done elsewhere so whats the problem? Go elsewhere.

Geeze, I'm going up North skiing in a couple weeks. I could stop and work on your boat, charge minimum wage, and still pay for my trip. (I would look elsewhere, or maybe pay one of their guys off the clock.) Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

I called and asked about the $7,000 in labor to do my steering and they stand by an estimated 75 hours to "do it right". Yes, lots of work, but not two weeks full time. Syd, to your point, I'd like to use him but there is value in giving the work to the home camp... but I'm going have to pass on agreeing to their quote since it will certainly approach $10k with parts which is insane. Thanks

I have had the same issues with my mechanics last summer. Charged me over $4 thousand to replace the fuel filter system and rebuild the carbs. I had more problems after they refitted the fuel system then before. Next, they tried blaming my problems on a leaking fuel tank (gas in the bilge). Anyhow, long story short I hooked up a bladder tank to the engines, cruised down to Worton Creek a few weeks ago. The crew at Worton Creek seem to be more professional. If this don't work I will get out of boating all together. Heinz J. Dommert 1986 SF Bright Raven, Summit North Marina DE

Heinz, Good luck with worton creek, I've heard good things about their work. Ya gotta watch out for the "time-and-materials" guys as they will nickle and dime you to death. I did my own rudder shelves for about 80-100hrs of my time and ~$200 in supplies. i built new shelves of ply and wrapped with fiberglass, faired and painted. It was a real pain, I didn't bother getting an estimate as I knew I wouldn't like the $$. br,