Baltimore area Mercruiser mechanic recs? Am I paying too much?

[neuromark]

Hey Everyone,

First year boat owner, first post...bad news. I had the starboard engine overheat a couple of weekends ago, smoke billowing, and had to limp home on the port engine. Marinemax now says a bunch of stuff needs repair. I'm getting the stuff that needs to be done, back up and running now.

My question is...they want to replace both exhaust manifolds, risers, elbows (mercruiser 8.1s, that had new manifolds in 2009): at a charge $4675 ($1485 labor, $3090 parts, $200 other stuff) for each engine. And $550 to haul it out for one day. Total of near $9900.

Should I get another estimate? Where would you go? I'm probably going to get all of this done, winterized, and stored for the winter in one shot, so hopefully a yard that can do all of this at once would be best.

Thanks.

Mark and my disabled 2002 Sundancer 380

[JimG]

Sorry to hear about you engine... that sounds high, but I don't know for sure. Others with direct experience will chime in.

But anyway, welcome to CSR!

[dc380]

4 years for exhaust manifolds seems short. Do you know if they were replaced with Aluminum or steel manifold in 2009?
The risers are stainless steel, I'm surprised to hear they want to replace them. Mine are 10 years old and look brand new during the last inspection. The price of $4.6k per engine is about right, with new elbows, although I don't know why they are pulling the boat, you can replace the manifolds in the water. Pulling the boat doesn't buy them anything. Make sure they are replacing the manifolds with the steel replacements, there are still aluminium manifolds on the market.

Once you get new manifolds make sure you flush the engines after each use.

Dave

[doozie]

I would get other quotes,might be a good price but you won't know till you get quotes. I'll toss a plug in for Porters they have been Merc Certified for 30 + years, family owned, good people. Bob

[JimFromMD]

Hey Everyone,

First year boat owner, first post...bad news. I had the starboard engine overheat a couple of weekends ago, smoke billowing, and had to limp home on the port engine. Marinemax now says a bunch of stuff needs repair. I'm getting the stuff that needs to be done, back up and running now.

My question is...they want to replace both exhaust manifolds, risers, elbows (mercruiser 8.1s, that had new manifolds in 2009): at a charge $4675 ($1485 labor, $3090 parts, $200 other stuff) for each engine. And $550 to haul it out for one day. Total of near $9900.

Should I get another estimate? Where would you go? I'm probably going to get all of this done, winterized, and stored for the winter in one shot, so hopefully a yard that can do all of this at once would be best.

Thanks.

Mark and my disabled 2002 Sundancer 380

Hi Mark,
Just as a $$ reference point I'm having my 6" risers, manifolds, and elbows replaced as we speak. I have twin 5.0L engines and the estimate was ~$5200 including all parts and labor and travel time. The work is being done on the boat at the lift, not hauled.

Send me a PM and I can send you the mechanics information if you like.

James