The Harbor Column

TERRANCE PHILLIPS

Buying a boat is quite easy. Brokers and dealers have a variety of

sizes, colors, options and an ample supply that is readily available.

It is much more difficult to find a place to dock and a reputable

mobile marine repair company to service your purchase.

When you have a problem with your car, the repairman gives you a

reasonable understanding of what it will take to fix the problem. You are

required to sign a document that states the repair will not exceed a set

amount. However, when your dreamboat needs repairs, you sometimes

experience a nightmare.

An oil filter for a Toyota will cost you about $8 at an auto parts

store, but a filter for a Mercedes, approximately the same size, shape

and made from the same materials, will cost $25. When it comes to boat

filters, the cost escalates even more. The filter is constructed of a

little metal can and some folded paper. Perhaps the cost difference is in

the folding of paper. I don’t get it.

“The best way for a boat owner to save thousands of dollars is to

contract with a professional service technician and place the boat on a

biweekly or even a monthly maintenance program,” said Gary Jones, owner

of Mr. Marine, a professional marine mechanical and electrical services

company in Newport Beach. “Boat owners are much less familiar with the

equipment on a boat than on their car. They believe whatever is told

them, but they oftentimes end up dealing with a ‘parts changer’ rather

than a qualified and certified technician.”

Jones suggests that anyone in need of marine repairs do some digging

on the person or company offering to repair the vessel. Does the mechanic

hold a city and state license? Are they factory-trained by the

manufacturer of your particular engine or electronics? And are they a

graduate of a U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard or Merchant Marine academy?

Jones has attended each of the above schools and cringed when asked

about the quality of repair service he has seen in our area.

“I see a lot of boat owners that have paid for new parts or equipment

when all that was needed is the tightening of a loose wire or replacing a

clamp where someone was charged for a new water pump,” he said.

One thing that will save boat owners a lot of expense is to install a

flush value on the saltwater inlet side of the engine in front of the

strainer. Jones suggests the installation of a Perco or Pro-Flush Value

will double the life of the exhaust manifolds. They normally need

replacing every three to four years. A twin engine installation will run

less than $250 and could save you thousands.