did i get ripped off

[double3fd]

hey, i just purchased a 2008 glassmaster 180 dc 18 footer from a marine by lake hopatcong.  i got a lowrance 525 gps/sonar combo for it and had them install it.  before i had them insall it, i asked them several times how much will it cost.  they guy that sold me the boat beat around the bush and said all kinds of stuff about it depends on how complicated it is, could take an hour sometimes more.  once they were done installing it after 6 hours of bs, i was finally able to pick up the boat.  i went to go pay the bill, and even then the lady said the guy that prepares the bill is not avaliable and they will mail it to me.  i asked them how much will it roughly be and they said they dont know.  i get the bill and it just under $400 *$%#@* dollars.  first off the unit didnt even cost that much and second, i wouldnt have had it installed because i dont have anymore money after buying a freaking brand new boat from them!!!!!!

any thoughts, is this a normal bill for, to me a fairly simple job?  they charged 3.5 hours of labor ($90 hr) plus parts, and tax. 

thaks
-lou

[Pops Soul]

From what I have seen on Marina Labor charges most run from $80 to $90 an hour. That is why do it yourself furoms are so popular

[Pfishingruven]

If you think they ran you through the ringer...go back to the salesman and have a "talk" with him!  I would think the last thing they would want is an unhappy customer to spread reviews of their business practices??

 

[Hotrod]

That Hourly rate is normal.  the 3.5 hours.  that seems a little high..  but they did have to run the gps antenna  and the transducer..  I got a quote to do mine from my marina.  a little more entailed.  radar and Base / GPS / FF Combo..Plus pull the boat. They said 450$.  I said I'll do it..  So.. yea a little high..  I'd talk to the salesman Like Pf said

[CapBob]

As was said go back and talk to the saleman, they should have given you a ball park figure up front.

Even if they charged you $100 hr labor no way it would take 4.5 hrs......I would say you got the shaft w/o the propeller on it.

2 hrs tops for labor, and i am being kind

[double3fd]

yea, i feel like i got the shaft with the propeller on it, lol  oh well, i aint going there again

[IrishAyes]

The hourly rate is about average. Some charge even higher.
I have heard guys paying for up to 6 hours of labor on electronic installations. It depends on how accessable the area is where the wires have to be run, etc.

[Still Running]

It all matters how many panels have to be removed, is power there or does it have be run to the unit?
Did the gps wire have to run thru pipe?
Transducer wire run from front to rear.
It all takes time.

Is $400.00 to much money to have that installed?

Yes it is!

Is 3.5 hours too long? Maybe, maybe not.

This is the kind of stuff you have to do yourself.

Just because 80-90 an hour is not much these days with what it cost to run a business with that kind of overhead.

[PeggyLee]

It all matters how many panels have to be removed, is power there or does it have be run to the unit?
Did the gps wire have to run thru pipe?
Transducer wire run from front to rear.
It all takes time.

Is $400.00 to much money to have that installed?

Yes it is!

Is 3.5 hours too long? Maybe, maybe not.

This is the kind of stuff you have to do yourself.

Just because 80-90 an hour is not much these days with what it cost to run a business with that kind of overhead.  Makes sence.

[Duffman]

Why would you authorize them to put in the unit w/o a bottom line price or at least an estimate?

I'm in the auto business. I couldnt imagine telling a customer "I'll let ya know what it will cost once the repair is done"

#1 - that would never fly
#2 - if it did work that way, I'd be a millionaire by now.

[wb]

yep you paid too much; but very typical of what you see these days

at least you'll get a warranty on the work

the amount of money some of these people have is unbelievable-- they think nothing of a $350 bill-- good for them, but not the avg NJSWF member

buying the boat from them, you think they'd be more fair...

a good, local, fair, sponsor marine service would likely do very well on this board....

anyone?

[double3fd]

yea, is anyone here a good fair boat shop person that we all can go to???  i still need to get my boat winterized but i wont go back to them.

[Pfishingruven]

I don't know where you are, but Task Marine/Capt Matt is a Sponsor here and has a website.

 

[double3fd]

im by bridgewater nj, whats the website for him

[Reckless]

  I don't pay anyone to do anything that I can read up on. So things require specials tools etc.
Thats a different story. Another thing to consider. Alot of businesses are hurting they will make up for it where ever they can. Always get a estimate.
 

[Hotrod]

im by bridgewater nj, whats the website for him

  www.taskmarine.com    And he will come to you.

[Stray Cat]

im by bridgewater nj, whats the website for him

  www.taskmarine.com    And he will come to you.

Yeah give Matt a call he most likely can schedule something out to make it up to you.

[rugman]

You have to start to get in to fixing your own stuff . The labor rates are going up like everything elsa. When you said LAKE HOPATCONG, You said it all The guys with the docks up there are charging $100.00 per foot for that money I would keep it down south