So what is the cost?

rasbury

My boat is down for a coupler repair, 270. I'm thinking this would be a good time to change the bellows. I'm getting 100 different parts I should replace while down, the boat has only 200 hours. Not wanting to restart that conversation, I really am just asking, with the drive off, what would be a reasonable cost to add this to the other repair?

BellevilleMXZ

If it was mine, I would do the inlet hose, as they are known issues, all bellows and boots, and the gimble bearing....why bearing? Why did coupler go so soon....probably way out out align.....that's hard on the bearing......should not  have to touch again for quite awhile after this.

pault1216

$1500 minimum for coupler and bellows service IMO with standard coupler. Upgrade add about $200-$300 more based on my experience 3 years ago.  -Paul

rasbury

wow, I'm that for just the coupler, and was suggested on here that was a reasonable price. I hear you on the bearing as well....still, anyone have a recent repair for just bellows at this time?

skennelly

I had bellows done this past spring while I had the gimbal ring and bearing replaced.  I can't find the exact labor charge but they told me it was cheaper because they already were taking the drive off for the other services.  I want to say it worked out to around $500 for the bellows part...normally it would be close to $800.

06Rinker270

$440 @$110/HR for labor to remove drive, install u-joint bellows and gimbal bearing.

$100 for U joint bellows. $95 for Gimbal

Michael T

@06Rinker270....that sounds decent. Parts same cost. We pay about the same here except our cdn $ works-out to $135/hr. So real close! (35% diff in the two dollars)

Michael T

In our area the friggin' muskrats chew on the bellows so we have to look at them all the time and remember to trim down the drives LOL!

summerx

I would agree with Alswagg.  replace ALL the bellows and the shift cable.  parts cost is only a few hundred and shouldn't really be that much more in labor as they take that stuff apart to replace the coupler.  even though there are only 200 hours, it is the years that will cause that stuff to wear out/dry rot. 

pault1216

I must amend my comment as that price was for coupler and drive service minus bellows parts. With bellows, bearing, and shift cable I think I have to add another $600 (Tennessee prices).   -Paul

Handymans342

Ras, break out the credit card, get everything fixed and we dont want to hear anymore till you are back in the water! LOL

rasbury

10 4- called my guy and he just left on vacation....crapola

06Rinker270

At the time my tech said all the other bellows looked new but I agree might as well do it all at same time.  I will have to ask.  He did a full drive service.  Either way its now added to the list for this winter.  

@rasbury I found this per Al's advice.  Looks like $250.  I wouldnt expect too much more labor than what I paid to do the rest.  

http://www.michiganmotorz.com/bravo-genuine-mercruiser-transom-service-repair-p-1275.html?gclid=CJm4jsC4_c4CFddahgod9XMFxg

bigal6030

I replaced my cone clutch last year and had the bellows and shift cable done at the same time. Saved some money, tell the shop to cut you a break since they are working on the drive anyway. $3000 for the cone clutch, bellows and shift cable.boat had 500 hours on the clock

rasbury

thanks all!

rasbury

Well, boat was fixed with no real conversation or suggestions for additional work. He left me a message it was done and to call. Sure wish I had time to splash but really busy...

rasbury

The est was 1800, so far no mention of any issues. Not to bad I guess..another one of those times in glad I have one motor. Whish I knew why it failed with 200 hours. I just hope I'm done with this issue.

Handymans342

They should tell you why it happened and what you have told us about this shop is very questionable 

Handymans342

Get back in the Water Ras!

Dream_Inn

Wow Ras!  Really showing the age there with a great grandchild!  Definite congrats due to you and your family!  Cheers to good health!  I want to see a picture of 4 generations on that boat!

Dream_Inn

Wow Ras!  You only have 12 years on me and my oldest is 16, so it better be a little while before I'm a grandparent   I can remember growing up always getting pictures with 3 generations above me.  It was cool knowing my great grandfather.  Couldn't imagine knowing another generation past that.

Handymans342

And the cost?

rasbury

Went by this am to pay the shop for the repair and what a nice surprise, total bill was 1300 bucks. He said he looked at the bellows and bearings etc. and everything looked fine and in good shape so he saw no need at this time to tear into anything else. So, I will take that and run with it for now!

rasbury

yea @Handymans342 ....have two grandkids birthday parties this weekend and my first great grandchild due any moment...time is a luxury right now but, it will splash soon!

Handymans342

Be careful what you wish for Dream. LOL

rasbury

I can do four generations!.....and I'm only 58! I may live to see great great grand children the way it's goin! If I can wheel my dad on there, might get 5!