Outboard Repair Shop Hourly Rates

[36Tango]

What do you all pay for hourly rates on your outboards (5hp-300hp) at a franchised or non-franchised mechanic? Is it a flat rate or straight hourly rate? Is there a diagnostic fee on top of the flat rate?
As a part of a real estate deal, we purchased a very, very small dealership. The owner gave up years ago, but still has an excellent mechanic on staff. We have added some marketing and hired a couple of more and I can see some real momentum being gained. I want to be fair to the customer, but also need to reinvest into not only people, but new equipment and tooling, as nearly everything was worn out. Currently the "flat rate" is $98 an hour, but in my time studies, the flat rate does not cover the time that it typically takes to move the boat in, diagnose, order parts if needed (we stock many), make the repair, and then get it back out. We also work on many older outboards where we need to search for parts. Many repairs are only 2-3 hour flat rate jobs. Any insights?

[idvette]

I'd say talk to your mechanic. He's going to have the best insight on your current clientele and also manufacturer's warranty policies, procedures and times. From there you can work out an hourly system (flat rate or otherwise) that works for your employees, business and customers. Setting up menu pricing on common services, diag and repairs gives the customer the perception of fair value across the board. Just the opinion of a long time flat rate auto Tech

[Da Bull]

Most shops do both flat rate and hourly depending on the job. Example: Remove and replace an engine from an inboard is a flat rate of $1K but does not cover whatever your pulling it for. Only the R&R. Tune ups and oil changes are a flat rate as well. Heavy repairs (powerhead rerbuilds) are hourly.

[Hayabusajm]

Local dealers hear in Palm Beach are between $110 to $125 per hour.

[JBS]

Savannah,Ga. Rate is 100.hr

[WILDMAN]

I rig and paint for $60 an hour, but I'm just cheap. Hate people gettin ripped! I'm also usually too busy to work on other peoples stuff anyway

[Capt.Insane-o]

65 an hour for me, local shops are 110-125

[racer]

Like mentioned most factory authorized shops are between 110 and 125. When I sold everything end of 2014 we were 100 but also the least in area. Worked part time in Florida and they were 110. Shop here in NC is 125, average around lake seems to be that. IMO if you decide to go off of flat rate guides you need to bill most everything that way, you will have jobs a good tech can beat the rates and some you wont but it seems to even out. Some jobs need to be hourly as difficulty getting to them or salted bolts take more time but IMO you need to disclose which you are doing for the given jobs and post it.