Re: How long does it take to change a shift cable?
Marine mechanics do not charge the same as car mechanics. There have been more boat mfg's than auto makers over the last 50 years. It's not like a honda civic where they are all the same in a model year run. Its not the engine/drive that makes the job difficult, it's the boat and the access you have. And it's usually alot of in and out, up and down the ladder, with a boat.
With boats we estimate, and do our best to come close to that estimate, but (hopefully) we communicate that there is flexibility in that estimate.
There is a book for common jobs that Merc has. Whats in the book is what Merc will pay a dealer(or not pay) for warrantyable jobs. If your the low man in the shop you get the warranty work.
BTW, Merc would pay a dealer 4.0 hours for that job if it were under warranty.