Hi there,
This is my first post of any kind so if I make a procedural mistake please forgive me. I joined this association upon having my offer for a C34 in Santa Cruz accepted. Unfortunately, the owner, a live aboard, could not afford to move so I agreed to cancel the contract. I was disappointed but I have now bought a C36, since I could not find another C34 in the Bay Area. I really did not want to go to Southern California to buy one. I am berthed at the Oakland Yacht Club and look forward to seeing all the Catalina's on the bay. I am writing in this forum since I feel at home here as I have learned so much from the excellent website.
Can you guys recommend a good and reasonably priced mechanic here in Alameda or Oakland. I had an engine survey done by a local mechanic and was satisfied but now that I want to hire him to do the work I find that he is very informal, does not give a written estimate, says he will start "early next week" and does not give a completion date. He also asks that I leave a $1,000 check for him on the boat when he starts the job.
Is this normal in the sailing world? The mechanic has an excellent reputation and my gut tells me I will be happy in the end but his informality bothers me.
Your advice and comments are greatly appreciated.
Henry 925-922-2305
This is my first post of any kind so if I make a procedural mistake please forgive me. I joined this association upon having my offer for a C34 in Santa Cruz accepted. Unfortunately, the owner, a live aboard, could not afford to move so I agreed to cancel the contract. I was disappointed but I have now bought a C36, since I could not find another C34 in the Bay Area. I really did not want to go to Southern California to buy one. I am berthed at the Oakland Yacht Club and look forward to seeing all the Catalina's on the bay. I am writing in this forum since I feel at home here as I have learned so much from the excellent website.
Can you guys recommend a good and reasonably priced mechanic here in Alameda or Oakland. I had an engine survey done by a local mechanic and was satisfied but now that I want to hire him to do the work I find that he is very informal, does not give a written estimate, says he will start "early next week" and does not give a completion date. He also asks that I leave a $1,000 check for him on the boat when he starts the job.
Is this normal in the sailing world? The mechanic has an excellent reputation and my gut tells me I will be happy in the end but his informality bothers me.
Your advice and comments are greatly appreciated.
Henry 925-922-2305