$1500 to recertify a $2200 4 man, Offshore life raft

[djsaxton]

This doesn’t make sense to me. I’d like to tell them to keep it and buy a new one. thoughts

[SailingHarmonie]

Your choice. I’m not a fan of incurring a bill and then not paying it, but you can do what you think right.

Cost varies a lot depending on what pieces inside will expire before the next certification is due, and therefore need to be replaced.

[Iron E]

I'm looking at the breakdown, and the pricing seems reasonable.

Also what SailingHarmonie said.

[leboyd]

It's not clear if this is a quote or if you just dropped it off and asked them to refurbish it without asking the price.

If it's just a quote, you save $700, plus 10 1/2% tax for a solid, certified lift raft.

If it's a bill, then represent the sailing community properly and save $700, plus 10 1/2% tax on your solid, certified lift raft.

JMHO.

[dhenline]

does a cruising sailboat need a "certified" life raft?
only fault I can see, I would not pay 175 for a new first aid kit. I cant imagine anything in that actually being bad.

[djsaxton]

Thank you all for your opinions,

I did ask for a price upfront and they said it was 199 to recertify and $199 to service and inspection plus parts which they said was unknown
I also am not a fan of not paying for something that I asked for.

I just thought I’d put it out there and see what you guys thought. Thank you all

[Mal Reynolds]

Makes you think more than once about a Portland Pudgy.

[djsaxton]

Portland pudgy awesome thank you for that
maybe next time
I do keep my dinghy inflated on deck as a back up
I’ve got 50,000 miles under the keel and never had a problem but I do enjoy the peace of mind of having a back up on the back up

[5BTM]

The time to ask about the price of goods or services is usually before one receives the goods or services.

[djsaxton]

I did ask for a price upfront and they said it was 199 to recertify and $199 to service and inspection plus parts which they said was unknown

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by djsaxton

I did ask for a price upfront and they said it was 199 to recertify and $199 to service and inspection plus parts which they said was unknown

Unknown?? You'd think they could have gotten somewhat close to the $1,100 in parts and labor it ended up being. Unless they're going to claim.."Sometimes it's $200, sometimes it's $1,200"). Otherwise, they can usually give a rough estimate.

I've had the same thing happen on a generator repair. I ended up taking a year and spending $8,000 on a 17 yr old (at the time) generator. I could have bought a new one for about $10 ($12K installed).

OR when I had a Honda 2HP for service (valve adjustment) which cost $650, while a new motor was $900. (again, at the time).

[5BTM]

Originally Posted by djsaxton

I did ask for a price upfront and they said it was 199 to recertify and $199 to service and inspection plus parts which they said was unknown

In that case, I would tell them to keep it.

Parts "unknown" is BS.

[smac999]

They should have called you after they looked at it for the parts quote. At that point you’d still owe the $199 inspection. At that point continue to fix or walk away with a small bill.

[HeywoodJ]

Originally Posted by smac999

They should have called you after they looked at it for the parts quote. At that point you’d still owe the $199 inspection. At that point continue to fix or walk away with a small bill.

+1. Even a blanket "$x or less for parts, proceed without a call". In most states it is illegal to repair a car in this manner, if you need the inspection to price parts you have to get approval before proceeding after the inspection. Would really hope other industries would do the same, even if not singled out by law - it is common courtesy and good business sense.

[dhenline]

Given what you’ve said
I would have them keep it and buy a new one
AND NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT