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Boatyard Services: 4 Tips To Help Protect Yourself In Case Something Goes Wrong

While you hope that the boatyard that you have chosen to do business with is legitimate and honest, there is always that chance that you could be dealt a bad hand. You can hope that this won't be the case, and it may not be, but the best thing that you can do for yourself is be prepared in the event that things go wrong. Here are a few tips that help you prevent and resolve problems:

1. Take Photos of Your Boat Before and After Repairs.

When taking your boat in for repair, it is always a good idea to take photographs of your boat, its engine and even its trailer so that you have full documentation of its condition before it goes in for repair. This is particularly true if the repairs may take an extended period of time. Make sure to attach those photos to the repair estimate that you received. 

Also, when you receive the boat back, take pictures of it again -- and do so immediately. This way, you have immediate documentation of how the boat looked when you received it back. 

2. Inspect Your Boat Immediately When You Pick It Up.

Aside from taking photographs of your boat upon pickup, you need to also fully inspect it. If it is possible, you should also take it for a test drive to ensure that the boat is operating and functioning properly. You can then discuss any issues that you have with your boat's operation and condition with the boatyard. 

3. Make Sure You Understand the Boatyard's Terminology.

Every repair shop is going to have its own terminology that it uses. While one shop may mean "remanufactured," another shop may mean "rebuilt." Make sure to find out what "servicing" a boat actually entails. You should never assume anything. Always ask for someone to explain everything to you. No question is a stupid one when it is your money that you are spending on a vessel that you are invested in. 

4. Always Request a Detailed Repair Receipt.

It isn't uncommon for the boatyard to send a simple receipt with little to no details on it other than the price that you paid for the repair(s). Don't hesitate to request a more detailed receipt for your records. Make sure that this detailed receipt includes things like total hours of labor, parts used, serial numbers for equipment and engines, description of repair work performed, description of your initial complaint (reason for the repair), and the technician's name. A detailed repair receipt like this can pay off later down the road if a problem arises. Click here to learn more about haul-outs services.