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Reliable engine servicing and electrical work


Fogg

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Who is currently providing the best service for routine engine servicing and 12V electrical work around Auckland?

 

I've lost confidence in 2 outfits I've used over the last few years and looking to switch. Fed up with bullshit service and explanations.

 

Who do the superyachts use when they want a job done properly?

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Speaking as a guy whose business name is "Total Marine Solutions" don't trust people like us. :wtf:

Seriously, in Auckland you have a specialist for everything and those that claim to do it all generally do it to a lesser standard. My pick for electrical would have to be Electrics Afloat. Can't help with the engine servicing as I have always done it myself.

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Agree that the one-stop-shop model doesn't work - hence need to find new specialists.

 

Looks like some new options for electrics - thanks for that.

 

Any diesel service recommendations?

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Do all you guys pay people to do this stuff on your boats?? I've not had any tradesman on my boat (except sailmakers) in 15 years. I simply could not afford to own a boat if I had to employ someone to do everything!

What I have seen done on other boats by "professionals" in many cases just re-affirms that doing it myself both saves money, and means the job is done properly!

 

It also means that you get to understand all your boat's systems, and therefore have a better chance of repair of a failure at sea.

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Agree that the one-stop-shop model doesn't work - hence need to find new specialists.

 

Looks like some new options for electrics - thanks for that.

 

Any diesel service recommendations?

 

Todd Pearce at Westpark Marine engineering has been looking after my diesels for about 6 years now. Great operator, efficient and experienced.

 

Re electrics - have been using the guys at Beacon marine for long time now. Again, efficient and high quality.

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It's a simple choice thing. Some of us who work Mon-Fri don't have the time to learn to repair or service their boats. In the same way I have not learned to repair or service cars or computers or houses.

 

Some people are naturally good at DIY and enjoy spending a sunny Saturday afternoon doing odd-jobs around their boats.

 

Me, I prefer to pay someone else to do this and to spend maximum amount of time I can using my boat rather than servicing it.

 

I can do the basics like top up oil and replace impellers hopefully enough to get me home where the 'professionals' can take over and finish the job properly.

 

I understand that if I changed my lifestyle to liveraboard and long distance cruising I would need to change my approach and take the time to learn this stuff - but I would have the time to be able to learn this stuff.

 

Meanwhile though, I'm looking for some competent professionals who can take some $$$s from me in return for reliably and safely servicing my boat. I was hoping that wasn't such a radical idea or too much to ask.

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Agree that the one-stop-shop model doesn't work - hence need to find new specialists.

 

Any diesel service recommendations?

 

Todd Pearce at Westpark Marine engineering has been looking after my diesels for about 6 years now. Great operator, efficient and experienced.

 

+1

 

Todd has been brilliant and solved a number of problems caused by another so called "professional" organisation.

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Do all you guys pay people to do this stuff on your boats?? I've not had any tradesman on my boat (except sailmakers) in 15 years. I simply could not afford to own a boat if I had to employ someone to do everything!

What I have seen done on other boats by "professionals" in many cases just re-affirms that doing it myself both saves money, and means the job is done properly!

 

It also means that you get to understand all your boat's systems, and therefore have a better chance of repair of a failure at sea.

With you all the way on that post IT. I guess we are lucky we can. I couldn't do what AC does. It'd drive me nuts. We are all good at something and thankfully not all the same thing.

 

But I don't know why it is becoming more common in the Mechanical field that we have bad experiences. And not just the odd understandable mistake, but some serious stuff ups as if they are complete novice amatures.

One common one I keep coming up against is Salt water cooling Pumps. I don't understand why they are charging what they are to recon them.

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Agree that the one-stop-shop model doesn't work - hence need to find new specialists.

 

Looks like some new options for electrics - thanks for that.

 

Any diesel service recommendations?

In my defence, a one stop shop works here, but not in a large sailing metropolis. We're actually pretty bloody good at what we do and fight off clients because we're too in demand. No advertising revenue sorry IT.

A big centre has the luxury of specialisation and in AC's situation, that is where he needs to be. If you have have a major project (or even want someone to manage your maintenance) then consider appointing one of the trades companies as lead contractor and they will liase with the other service providers to deal with everything. We do this for multiple clients here and they are more than happy. DO THIS ONLY WITH A REPUTABLE BUSINESS, otherwise you will find out why nepotism is actually a word.

In my experience the best outfit to do any oversight(lead contractor) type stuff is the electrical company as they are generally involved with coordinating a bunch of different stuff in the course of their work and usually have more than 2 brain cells.

If you want a really class job done then come up here. :D :D

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One of the problems with larger businesses is that you don't always get " Mike at Whiting's" or "Pete from Total Marine Solutions", you get someone who maybe needs a bit more supervision. That said, going with the main franchisee is usually a solid idea if you want quality over price, as they usually have robust training and quality control systems in place and have the backing to honour warranty and cock ups by their staff. We all make mistakes and our business invests quite a bit in liability insurance and we also offer a 90 day warranty. But all this is at a cost that needs to be passed on to the consumer otherwise we go broke.

Often, due to the need for special tools or diagnostic equipment, the seemingly expensive option turns out to be the cheapest by a long stretch.

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