Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

[strokeoluck]

While reading through our local town free newspaper I noticed an ad for a $189 winterizing service - placed there by our local auto mechanic. I've never been to this mechanic, but the cars out in front of his shop are usually foreign and/or higher-end brands.

The marine shop another 10 miles down the road - part of a chain of 9 stores/shops in the state - charges about $280 for winterizing, though I think they put $25-off coupons on their website. A neighbor of mine had his boat repaired at this marine shop recently and was pleased w/their service and turnaround time. I've only been in there once, to pick up some drive oil, and I wasn't "wow-ed", nor did I get the impression they were a schlock outfit - just seemed average (compared to the marine shop across the street; got a bad impression after talking w/their service guys).

So, would you trust the local auto shop to handle boat winterizing? Of course, keep in mind that we're in the land of 10,000 lakes, so I suppose there's as many boats floating around as there are cars (pun intended!).

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

Easy enough to ask for references. If they can't or won't provide I'd move on. I don't trust alot of mechanics to work on my car much less my boat.

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

No way would I trust an auto mechanic to winterize my boat...too many marine specific things to go wrong.
In my personal opinion a winterization (I/O) should include the following:
1-antifreeze of coarse
2-fogging engine
3-engine oil
4-outdrive oil
5-removal and inspection of outdrive including impeller
6-grease and inspection of u joints
7-gimbal bearing inspection
8-engine alignment
9-water seperator
10-disconnect battery

probably missed something but you get my point

 

[grahamh]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

I would trust an auto mechanic, usually people who are mechanically inclined can work on anything. I'm sure if he's advertising, he has experience doing it, even if most of his work is on cars.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

find out what he is going to do for the $180.00. there are different stages of winterizing. from just draining the block, to full service.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

i'm an auto technician--with that being said--talk to him and if you feel comfortable then go with it--if not then walk away--find out exactly what he'll do for the money

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

Personally, I only trust myself to work on my stuff. But the fact that he's an auto mechanic wouldn't scare me off. As long as he's good at what he does and takes pride in his work. There is nothing about winterizing that make is so complicated a good auto mechanic is unable to do it. As long as he knows his stuff.

 

[lprizman]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

He or she is a mechanic,,why not,,it is an internal combustion engine.

The winterization process is so simple,,its preventative maintenance add fogging,,do it yourself, not only will you save a couple of bucs but increase your knowledge of your vessel for future reference

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

He or she is a mechanic,,why not,,it is an internal combustion engine.

The winterization process is so simple,,its preventative maintenance add fogging,,do it yourself, not only will you save a couple of bucs but increase your knowledge of your vessel for future reference

I'm not very mechanically inclined, that's the problem. Aside from filling up the windshield washer fluid reservoir on my car, I don't do much on that either. As a kid I did a lot more, but then I developed skills in other areas, kids take up time, etc. I don't mind getting my hands dirty, but over the years I've found that when I work on things that I know little about, I tend to screw them up. If I'm screwing up on a $10 object, I'm ok w/that. If I'm screwing up on a $3,000 object, I tend to say to myself "Self, you KNEW you were in over your head...why did you do this?!".

When I first joined iboats I recall some people saying winterizing was easy. Then someone provided a YouTube link to a video of a guy winterizing his boat. There's no way I could do it. If it was just an additive I poured in the gas...maybe.

I think I'm leaning towards the boat place, but I'll call them both and see what they do.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

as an auto tech with 38 years under my belt I find boat maintainance reletivly simple compared with late model vehicles.conversly, how many marine trained mechanics can do any, and all repairs on their own vehicle, in this I include gear set up, automatic transmisions, front end alignment and air conditioning

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Would you trust auto mechanic to winterize?

How much is this "auto mechanic" charging vs. a boat dealer to winterize... and do they both guarantee there work come spring?


My dealer charges $200 for a FULL winterize package....