Mechanic's Costs

[Unregistered Guest]

Does anyone know what a mechanic would charge to remove my old atomic 4 and the old exhaust system, and then install a rebuilt atomic 4 along with a new exhaust system?

[Don Moyer]

Labor rates vary greatly across our country, but in your area (Novato, CA) I would think that $300 to remove the old engine and $400 to install a new one would be in the ballpark.

With regard to installing a new exhaust system, each boat is different in terms of access, so you would have to have a local mechanic come to your boat and give you an estimate. If he's close to your expectation, I would insist on a "cost not to exceed" contract. Any estimate in the neighborhood of $800 (two eight hour days at $50/hr) plus parts - maybe another $500, would seem reasonable to me