Labor Cost

[savetexomabeaches]

Let me paint a picture..
Single engine baja - Engine, Intermediate, Drive, all has been removed. Where the motor mounts were bolted to the two stringers, stringers are rotted. Guy wants to cut out stringers from transom to bulk head (two stringers, about 5 ft long) and replace stringers, glass them in and replace the side floors. Guy will provide all materials. Now normally, I don't charge for fiberglass repair. I did my boat, two of my buddy's boats and some off and on trades, but apparently I've picked up the talent as a natural. I do great work and it looks nice when I am done. So my question is, what type of labor rate should I be charging for a project like this?

Also, another guy saw my work and wants me to fix some trailer bunk gouges on the bottom of his boat.. Pretty long gouges -- labor rate for something like that?

Thanks guys

 

[savetexomabeaches]

No Title

Hull gouges

 

[ondarvr]

Prices vary a great deal by location, but really it just depends on what you feel your time is worth.

 

[alldodge]

Always a tuff one for me. Find out what others in your area are changing to get an idea, or charge $50 or so an hour and estimate the time. When the job is done you will know if it was worth it. May loose the first one or two but will figure it out. Doing this one the side is good because of cash money and you can charge less and still make money, but there is also a down side. The down side is if someone turns you in and the IRS comes calling.

 

[Bayou Dave]

In my area, South Louisiana, the going rate is 90 per hour for an independent and 95 per hour at the dealer.

 

[ajgraz]

All your buddys' buddies now want to be your buddy! You must do good work!

You say you've done trades before, so if you're leery of cash, does this guy have anything to trade? Some welding work, putting up a fence, a case of scotch? Maybe he "overbuys" material so you can have some for your next personal project?

 

[byson2]

From a handful of shops I'm familiar with in middle TN, labor rates run 80-90 per hour for reputable shops.

 

[jasonbailey]

Your buddies are probably expecting something close to free. However, they are paying for your skills and time. WOuld you rather be on your boat, or working on your buddies boat? Considering you have no overhead, 50 - 60/hour should be pretty fair.

 

[SOG3]

My going rate is time and a half of my public job pay, say like $30 on my job =$45 on the side.

 

[kcassells]

See what liability insurance costs under that title "boat repair." You may find it relatively inexpensive. The risk is too large when friends meet you in court. You can still roll it under the table and be safe.

 

[Woodonglass]

I agree ^^^ Insurance is Mandatory!!!