Mechanic's Time Required to Install an Outboard

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Author Topic:   Mechanic's Time Required to Install an Outboard

Bosmass posted 03-28-2003 11:31 AM ET (US)
How long do you think it would take for a marine mechanic to install a 90-HP Tohatsu outboard motor on a 17-foot Boston Whaler Super Sport Limited, not including the time to removw the existing motor?
When a mechanic says he uses a computer, can I expect to see a system print out?
Bigshot posted 03-28-2003 11:44 AM ET (US)
changing controls, guages, etc? Could be 2-8 hours depending on snags and how good he is. Removing an engine can take less than an hour, instlling can be a biotch or real easy. Most installs are $250-400.
Bosmass posted 03-28-2003 12:19 PM ET (US)
Sometimes you go in blind, but your gut tells you the mechanic should have at least given you a drink before he cheated you. It would be interesting to get a consensus on the time-to-complete specific jobs and be able to use it in negotiating with mechanics. I got such a bad feeling about this install.
Over the LINE posted 03-28-2003 12:53 PM ET (US)
84' 13' Sport. Installed motor, new jack plate and new controls for $ 200.00 (New Orleans money) This was part of package price for new motor but a seperate line item. This is a pretty easy install because everything is open so it may not compare well with your job.
PFSQUAN posted 03-28-2003 12:56 PM ET (US)
Any installation can pose its own specific set of issues. When I used to swap outboard motors every season, I discovered that the mounting holes from one brand would not always line up with another. That meant filling the old holes with epoxy and drilling new ones. If you drill new holes and find the plywood core wet, more time is needed to correct that issue. If the gauge package requires drilling different size holes, count on more time. Climbing in and out of the boat eats up a lot of time. This is why factory installed engines are popular with manufacturers, dealers and some owners.
That said, let us know how that Tohatsu performs. I had a 70 hp on my 17 Tashmoo and I liked it a lot.
John O posted 03-28-2003 04:46 PM ET (US)
Having 75hp Merc installed on my 1988 Newtauk next week. Mechanic said "less than one day". Also said it should cost about 800.00 with all new rigging. 8 hours @ $70.00/hour = 560.00. It took me 3 hours plus to remove old motor and bolt on new motor to transport to Marina.I rented an engine hoist. He will have to remove motor and mount on proper holes as I mounted it three holes down from top hole. I also removed RPS, and all hatches over the winter to refinish. This will give the mechanic plenty of room to move around and perhaps save me on the hourly rate. Mechanics in this area North Shore MA range in hourly rates from $63.00- $85.00. Russo Marine BW dealer) was the high end.
I am guessing a 5 hour job.
flawton posted 03-28-2003 05:39 PM ET (US)
I just had a 90 yamaha put on my newport. I had rps out of boat and everything evcept the teleflex removed. new dash was built and it a straight forward install. service manager said he "wished all of the were this easy". Half day job if you have everything prepped for the installer
jimh posted 03-28-2003 08:58 PM ET (US)
[Changed TOPIC; was "How Long to install an outboard/".]
I don't think in the marine service business there are "standard" times for tasks like this. In the car repair business there are reference books with standard times quoted for literally every repair and every make of car, and a mechanic often works to these times. They might get done sooner, but you'll probably pay the standard time for the labor.
Regarding the existance of a "system print out" if the mechanic states he has used a computer, I believe you are referring to the possibility on some models of modern outboard engine which feature on-board computer controll systems for the engine operation to have a serial data connection between the engine and a reader device, and then subsequently produce a printed copy of the readings, etc.
This depends on the engine having the feature available, on the mechanic having the reader available, and on his willingness to print a copy for you and provide it.
Although OMC engines are often criticized, one great feature of their recent Ficht engines was the availability of very low cost software (almost free) that would allow the owner to connect to the engine data serial port and to transfer information from the stored values of the engine's computer.
I don't have any knowledge to share with you regarding Tohatsu engines or if such a feature is available with them, but it is becoming more and more common on modern outboards to have the capability to do this.
Whether every mechanic will have the tools necessary to do this is more problematic.
Steve Leone posted 03-29-2003 12:40 AM ET (US)
There is such a thing as a flat rate manual for Outboard-I/O repairs and services. This is a "time required" manual and does not calculate or estimate cost. O.M.C. released one every year and it is included in a manual set. When I get a chance I will look at the recomended flat rate for your peticular job. There is also a installation and pre-delivery manual for later model outboards. I usually charge $300.00 for removing the existing outboard, filling the old holes with dowels (if need be), mounting the new outboard, and swapping out the controls. This includes stainless thru hardware and sealer plus I clean and re-lube the steering rod. This does not include extras like tach installation, adding guages and bells and whistles of that sort. There are flat rates for those jobs also. All the best, Steve. ps usually an experienced mechanic can make "mince meat" out of a flat rate manual.
Bosmass posted 03-31-2003 11:37 AM ET (US)
I know I got over-charged on the install, despite an emphasized verbal agreement. I wish I had posted this before I contracted for the installation. Anyhow I got my boat back with the new TLDI 90 hp, it's the second Tohatsu I've owned and I had a great experience with the first one. I've severed dealings with the shop that installed it, lack of confidence and trust, I've written Tohatsu in an attempt to secure my 3 plus year limited guarantee.
This morning I brushed the snow of the Whaler and figured two more weeks and then I'm in the water and I'll let you know how it runs.
John O posted 03-31-2003 12:53 PM ET (US)
Bosmass,
I am up in Gloucester. Where did you have the work down? Anything you would recommend to specify to the mechanic? I am having an install done this week if the guy can get me in. Snow on my Newtauk cover this morning... will winter ever end?!!
John O
Bigshot posted 03-31-2003 01:05 PM ET (US)
Remember a few things when adding up the costs. You may will probably need 2 control cables so add about $80 for the dealer gouge on that. If you do not have engine bolts add another $40 for those, etc. When i said $250-400 I meant labor, not out the door costs.
John O posted 03-31-2003 01:58 PM ET (US)
Bigs,
I am suppling the mechanic with the 3300 Teleflex cables and hope to use a Morse MT-2 control that I picked up. I also have some used Quick Silver gauges for the rigging. The mechanic will supply the wire harness,trim and tilt switch, prop,all sending unit equipment for temp. gauge,fuel lines, and mounting bolts, key switch. I think the install will be around 5 hours as I have removed everthing from the CC and deck.
Dropping the boat off in about 3 hours
Salmon Tub posted 03-31-2003 02:09 PM ET (US)
The computer part depends. If it is TLDI, then yes, they need to hook up to the engine and start it up while it is connected to another machine. It has to do with the outboard's internal computer. As a matter of fact, not doing this negates the warrantee. As a matter of fact, come to think of it, they don't make the carb'ed 2 stroke 90 any more, so unless this is a 2001 model, then that answers the question. I think you will be happy with that engine. It has plenty of power for the 17'.
Bosmass posted 03-31-2003 02:28 PM ET (US)
It is a 03 TLDI and I don't have a printout of the install, and doubt I'll be able to get one. I won't mention the shop in this forum, but email me and I'll let you know.
newt posted 04-01-2003 08:49 AM ET (US)
I paid $250 flat fee to swap a new merc for an old one. Same controls. That was Seatech in Rowely, MA.
John O posted 04-01-2003 09:12 AM ET (US)
Where in Rowely is Seatech? RT 133?
jimh posted 04-01-2003 09:14 AM ET (US)
When I had my twin engines moved off the transom and mounted on brackets, the shop owner had to charge me $100 extra for all the stainless steel mounting bolts and nuts. At first I thought that was excessive, but in this case there were four times as many bolts as involved in a normal installation, a single engine on the transom.
(Two brackets bolted to transom; two motors bolted to brackets equals four times the required hardware of a single install.)
I am curious to hear more about the required use of a computer reader at initial start up.
TightPenny posted 04-01-2003 10:07 AM ET (US)
Bosmass:
Just out of curiosity, you claim you were overcharged. Just how much were you charged? I couldn't find that in your posts.
kglinz posted 04-01-2003 10:20 AM ET (US)
I just looked at the invoice on my new motor installation. $1370. I never ask. It's in the price of the motors. I did the deal on final total price out the door. Like when I trade cars. I don't care about the trade-in value or the purchase price of the new car. Just tell me the difference.
newt posted 04-01-2003 10:50 AM ET (US)
John O, Seatech is on Rt 1, about 1/2 mile north of the intersection with Rt 133. He sells mostly Seadoo type stuff.
John O posted 04-01-2003 09:38 PM ET (US)
Thanks Newt,
I know I have driven by it a dozen times.
APRIL 1....More snow!!!

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Author	Topic: Mechanic's Time Required to Install an Outboard
Bosmass	posted 03-28-2003 11:31 AM ET (US) How long do you think it would take for a marine mechanic to install a 90-HP Tohatsu outboard motor on a 17-foot Boston Whaler Super Sport Limited, not including the time to removw the existing motor? When a mechanic says he uses a computer, can I expect to see a system print out?
Bigshot	posted 03-28-2003 11:44 AM ET (US) changing controls, guages, etc? Could be 2-8 hours depending on snags and how good he is. Removing an engine can take less than an hour, instlling can be a biotch or real easy. Most installs are $250-400.
Bosmass	posted 03-28-2003 12:19 PM ET (US) Sometimes you go in blind, but your gut tells you the mechanic should have at least given you a drink before he cheated you. It would be interesting to get a consensus on the time-to-complete specific jobs and be able to use it in negotiating with mechanics. I got such a bad feeling about this install.
Over the LINE	posted 03-28-2003 12:53 PM ET (US) 84' 13' Sport. Installed motor, new jack plate and new controls for $ 200.00 (New Orleans money) This was part of package price for new motor but a seperate line item. This is a pretty easy install because everything is open so it may not compare well with your job.
PFSQUAN	posted 03-28-2003 12:56 PM ET (US) Any installation can pose its own specific set of issues. When I used to swap outboard motors every season, I discovered that the mounting holes from one brand would not always line up with another. That meant filling the old holes with epoxy and drilling new ones. If you drill new holes and find the plywood core wet, more time is needed to correct that issue. If the gauge package requires drilling different size holes, count on more time. Climbing in and out of the boat eats up a lot of time. This is why factory installed engines are popular with manufacturers, dealers and some owners. That said, let us know how that Tohatsu performs. I had a 70 hp on my 17 Tashmoo and I liked it a lot.
John O	posted 03-28-2003 04:46 PM ET (US) Having 75hp Merc installed on my 1988 Newtauk next week. Mechanic said "less than one day". Also said it should cost about 800.00 with all new rigging. 8 hours @ $70.00/hour = 560.00. It took me 3 hours plus to remove old motor and bolt on new motor to transport to Marina.I rented an engine hoist. He will have to remove motor and mount on proper holes as I mounted it three holes down from top hole. I also removed RPS, and all hatches over the winter to refinish. This will give the mechanic plenty of room to move around and perhaps save me on the hourly rate. Mechanics in this area North Shore MA range in hourly rates from $63.00- $85.00. Russo Marine BW dealer) was the high end. I am guessing a 5 hour job.
flawton	posted 03-28-2003 05:39 PM ET (US) I just had a 90 yamaha put on my newport. I had rps out of boat and everything evcept the teleflex removed. new dash was built and it a straight forward install. service manager said he "wished all of the were this easy". Half day job if you have everything prepped for the installer
jimh	posted 03-28-2003 08:58 PM ET (US) [Changed TOPIC; was "How Long to install an outboard/".] I don't think in the marine service business there are "standard" times for tasks like this. In the car repair business there are reference books with standard times quoted for literally every repair and every make of car, and a mechanic often works to these times. They might get done sooner, but you'll probably pay the standard time for the labor. Regarding the existance of a "system print out" if the mechanic states he has used a computer, I believe you are referring to the possibility on some models of modern outboard engine which feature on-board computer controll systems for the engine operation to have a serial data connection between the engine and a reader device, and then subsequently produce a printed copy of the readings, etc. This depends on the engine having the feature available, on the mechanic having the reader available, and on his willingness to print a copy for you and provide it. Although OMC engines are often criticized, one great feature of their recent Ficht engines was the availability of very low cost software (almost free) that would allow the owner to connect to the engine data serial port and to transfer information from the stored values of the engine's computer. I don't have any knowledge to share with you regarding Tohatsu engines or if such a feature is available with them, but it is becoming more and more common on modern outboards to have the capability to do this. Whether every mechanic will have the tools necessary to do this is more problematic.
Steve Leone	posted 03-29-2003 12:40 AM ET (US) There is such a thing as a flat rate manual for Outboard-I/O repairs and services. This is a "time required" manual and does not calculate or estimate cost. O.M.C. released one every year and it is included in a manual set. When I get a chance I will look at the recomended flat rate for your peticular job. There is also a installation and pre-delivery manual for later model outboards. I usually charge $300.00 for removing the existing outboard, filling the old holes with dowels (if need be), mounting the new outboard, and swapping out the controls. This includes stainless thru hardware and sealer plus I clean and re-lube the steering rod. This does not include extras like tach installation, adding guages and bells and whistles of that sort. There are flat rates for those jobs also. All the best, Steve. ps usually an experienced mechanic can make "mince meat" out of a flat rate manual.
Bosmass	posted 03-31-2003 11:37 AM ET (US) I know I got over-charged on the install, despite an emphasized verbal agreement. I wish I had posted this before I contracted for the installation. Anyhow I got my boat back with the new TLDI 90 hp, it's the second Tohatsu I've owned and I had a great experience with the first one. I've severed dealings with the shop that installed it, lack of confidence and trust, I've written Tohatsu in an attempt to secure my 3 plus year limited guarantee. This morning I brushed the snow of the Whaler and figured two more weeks and then I'm in the water and I'll let you know how it runs.
John O	posted 03-31-2003 12:53 PM ET (US) Bosmass, I am up in Gloucester. Where did you have the work down? Anything you would recommend to specify to the mechanic? I am having an install done this week if the guy can get me in. Snow on my Newtauk cover this morning... will winter ever end?!! John O
Bigshot	posted 03-31-2003 01:05 PM ET (US) Remember a few things when adding up the costs. You may will probably need 2 control cables so add about $80 for the dealer gouge on that. If you do not have engine bolts add another $40 for those, etc. When i said $250-400 I meant labor, not out the door costs.
John O	posted 03-31-2003 01:58 PM ET (US) Bigs, I am suppling the mechanic with the 3300 Teleflex cables and hope to use a Morse MT-2 control that I picked up. I also have some used Quick Silver gauges for the rigging. The mechanic will supply the wire harness,trim and tilt switch, prop,all sending unit equipment for temp. gauge,fuel lines, and mounting bolts, key switch. I think the install will be around 5 hours as I have removed everthing from the CC and deck. Dropping the boat off in about 3 hours
Salmon Tub	posted 03-31-2003 02:09 PM ET (US) The computer part depends. If it is TLDI, then yes, they need to hook up to the engine and start it up while it is connected to another machine. It has to do with the outboard's internal computer. As a matter of fact, not doing this negates the warrantee. As a matter of fact, come to think of it, they don't make the carb'ed 2 stroke 90 any more, so unless this is a 2001 model, then that answers the question. I think you will be happy with that engine. It has plenty of power for the 17'.
Bosmass	posted 03-31-2003 02:28 PM ET (US) It is a 03 TLDI and I don't have a printout of the install, and doubt I'll be able to get one. I won't mention the shop in this forum, but email me and I'll let you know.
newt	posted 04-01-2003 08:49 AM ET (US) I paid $250 flat fee to swap a new merc for an old one. Same controls. That was Seatech in Rowely, MA.
John O	posted 04-01-2003 09:12 AM ET (US) Where in Rowely is Seatech? RT 133?
jimh	posted 04-01-2003 09:14 AM ET (US) When I had my twin engines moved off the transom and mounted on brackets, the shop owner had to charge me $100 extra for all the stainless steel mounting bolts and nuts. At first I thought that was excessive, but in this case there were four times as many bolts as involved in a normal installation, a single engine on the transom. (Two brackets bolted to transom; two motors bolted to brackets equals four times the required hardware of a single install.) I am curious to hear more about the required use of a computer reader at initial start up.
TightPenny	posted 04-01-2003 10:07 AM ET (US) Bosmass: Just out of curiosity, you claim you were overcharged. Just how much were you charged? I couldn't find that in your posts.
kglinz	posted 04-01-2003 10:20 AM ET (US) I just looked at the invoice on my new motor installation. $1370. I never ask. It's in the price of the motors. I did the deal on final total price out the door. Like when I trade cars. I don't care about the trade-in value or the purchase price of the new car. Just tell me the difference.
newt	posted 04-01-2003 10:50 AM ET (US) John O, Seatech is on Rt 1, about 1/2 mile north of the intersection with Rt 133. He sells mostly Seadoo type stuff.
John O	posted 04-01-2003 09:38 PM ET (US) Thanks Newt, I know I have driven by it a dozen times. APRIL 1....More snow!!!