Engineer/Yard Advice

[Obsidian]

Having some issues with the latest engineer to do a service on my 150HP Yamaha and would really appreciate some grounding as to whether I should be more understand or less tolerant....

Dropped the boat off on the 14th of October, after a couple of weeks of discussions about what needed doing (6 monthly service and replace seal on one trim and tilt ram). When I arrived at the boatyard they did not know to expect me and there was some kerfuffle while they found someone who knew, despite having planned the exact moment of arrival.

Two weeks later the ram and service had been done, fuel injectors were suspect so sent for cleaning and a drive shaft busing was ordered as the old one was wearing. Not the fastest work but they seemed to be being thorough. So far so good.

On Nov 2nd (just after the latest lockdown was announced) I emailed them and said very firmly that whatever they had got done to date would have to do for now as I need the boat for work and 3 weeks was long enough, I also did not want to risk the yard or harbour closing and leaving me having to wait for the lockdown to ease.

Despite every assurance that they would not close down they did and I now have to wait to get my boat back. Even though I saw this coming and asked clearly to get it back to avoid this very situation.

I should emphasise that not only is leisure boating still allowed this time around, but I mainly use the boat for work - that includes activities that are still ongoing in lockdown 2.0.

Any tips on whether I should continue to be patient or not would be most welcome, these are strange times and I know we all have to give a little leeway. Thanks

[GuyC]

I think I'd continue to be patient and then, based on the final outcome, decide whether you are going to become a repeat customer.

[Brian]

Is there no "emergency number" you can get them on?
How about looking up some of their Directors in the home phonebook and giving them a ring?

[Ian Austin]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

Having some issues with the latest engineer to do a service on my 150HP Yamaha and would really appreciate some grounding as to whether I should be more understand or less tolerant....

Dropped the boat off on the 14th of October, after a couple of weeks of discussions about what needed doing (6 monthly service and replace seal on one trim and tilt ram). When I arrived at the boatyard they did not know to expect me and there was some kerfuffle while they found someone who knew, despite having planned the exact moment of arrival.

Two weeks later the ram and service had been done, fuel injectors were suspect so sent for cleaning and a drive shaft busing was ordered as the old one was wearing. Not the fastest work but they seemed to be being thorough. So far so good.

On Nov 2nd (just after the latest lockdown was announced) I emailed them and said very firmly that whatever they had got done to date would have to do for now as I need the boat for work and 3 weeks was long enough, I also did not want to risk the yard or harbour closing and leaving me having to wait for the lockdown to ease.

Despite every assurance that they would not close down they did and I now have to wait to get my boat back. Even though I saw this coming and asked clearly to get it back to avoid this very situation.

I should emphasise that not only is leisure boating still allowed this time around, but I mainly use the boat for work - that includes activities that are still ongoing in lockdown 2.0.

Any tips on whether I should continue to be patient or not would be most welcome, these are strange times and I know we all have to give a little leeway. Thanks

If you want your engine sorting out in the future, repairs or servicing, give me a shout.

You will only deal with me.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by Ian Austin

If you want your engine sorting out in the future, repairs or servicing, give me a shout.

You will only deal with me.

Thanks Ian, will do!

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by Brian

Is there no "emergency number" you can get them on?

I can get hold of them, but they still wont let me have the boat until they re-open at the end of the month.

[paintman]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

On Nov 2nd (just after the latest lockdown was announced) I emailed them and said very firmly that whatever they had got done to date would have to do for now as I need the boat for work and 3 weeks was long enough, I also did not want to risk the yard or harbour closing and leaving me having to wait for the lockdown to ease.

Despite every assurance that they would not close down they did and I now have to wait to get my boat back. Even though I saw this coming and asked clearly to get it back to avoid this very situation.

I should emphasise that not only is leisure boating still allowed this time around, but I mainly use the boat for work - that includes activities that are still ongoing in lockdown 2.0.

In view of the above with return being made an issue prior to lockdown I wonder whether they could be deemed in breach of contract & you could sue for any losses that you have incurred?
Best to run it past a lawyer as I might be talking out of my nether regions!

[Blankton]

There is no reason for a marine engineers to have shut down for the "lockdown", as manufacturing and essential places of work (both of which they could class themselves under) can stay open. I'd guess November is a quiet time of year in that industry, especially if they do a lot of pleasure craft and they've taken the opportunity to furlough themselves and get 80% for a months holiday.

Unfortunately, if that's what they have done, then I'd guess you'll have to wait it out until they reopen.

[Obsidian]

Thanks for the advice so far, much appreciated.

Its frustrating as I am losing out on work most days. Yesterday was a recovery job and this weekend mooring checks for a couple of customers. No leisure training of course, but have lost out on at least one professional qualification trainee.

[Ian Austin]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

I can get hold of them, but they still wont let me have the boat until they re-open at the end of the month.

Is it in the yard, or in there workshop ???
is it on a trailer ???

[Ian Austin]

I did manage to do some work through the first lockdown, all the Marina's closed and wouldn't let anyone in.

This time the marina's are open to contractors but not the public, Yacht Haven is open and i have been at both of there marina's and worked on boats without any issues.


I

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by Ian Austin

Is it in the yard, or in there workshop ???
is it on a trailer ???

Its in their workshop, they have their own yard.

[Ian Austin]

Hi Obsidian
What yard is your boat at and who has it, if you don't want to say, PM me

Its just who i thought it was is working.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by Ian Austin

Hi Obsidian
What yard is your boat at and who has it, if you don't want to say, PM me

Its just who i thought it was is working.

lol I will PM you, but prepared to bet you would not be able to guess which yard given a month of trying

[Obsidian]

Hey Ian, check your PMs and web address

[treerat]

I'm guessing you've got her back now???

[Obsidian]

Yes indeed Andy, but with three jobs not done and the idle speed crazy high!

[Ian Austin]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

Hey Ian, check your PMs and web address

Responded