Repair costs

[1javelin]

So, hopefully I don't step on any toes and hurt any feelings on here, but the price of boat maintenance is F###ing ridiculous.  Long story short, I have been having problems with my 2000 Johnson 200, and took it to a shop to be repaired.  rough start, rough idle, dies in gear, bogs down real bad, etc...  $359 later, I have 6 new spark plugs, 1 clean carb, some adjusted air screws, and supposedly it is running good.  I am yet to test it, but $119 per hour for labor is a little ridiculous.  Anyone on here moonlight out of their garage, know what they are doing, and taking customers??  I feel like I got raped.

1jav

[stackenem]

Welcome to the wonderful world of owning a bass boat. Just remember that boat means break out another thousand.

[djkimmel]

At times is sure does seem to mean that... for pretty much all of us.

[YpsiBass]

$359 sounds cheap in terms of expensive boat maintenance, but I'm not the best example of small expenses...

[1javelin]

And, it's not fixed.  It does idle a little bit better, but after a few runs it starts to stall out and bog down again.  This is getting ridiculous.  2 marinas, 2 bills for repair, still haven't fixed the problem I took it to them for. 

1jav

[YpsiBass]

If you're in the Detroit Metro area and not taking your motor to Lockeman's, you're doing it wrong.

[dartag]

What brand motor are you running. 

[YpsiBass]

2000 Johnson 200

I think it's a Johnson...

[FrickerDude]

$359 does not sound like too much when it comes to the outboard but it is when the problem is not resolved...
With Repair manuals and the internet it may be worth your time to learn how to do some of the stuff yourself.  Its not too hard doing some of the ground work yourself to save yourself some coin and wait time.  Hopefully you can find someone in your area that can help show you the ropes.  I by no means am a marine mechanic but over the years I have learned how to do a lot maintenance and repairs myself.  There are many knowledgeable people on some of the different boards that are a huge resource.