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Gary Dean · 04-08-2018, 05:52

I have just bought a 38' catamaran, located in Hong Kong, and am needing to get the hulls anti-fouled again.

I have got two quotations, and the price difference is really large!

The first quote (attached) was for HKD 44,000 (USD 5,600):

The second quote (attached) was for HKD 22,000 (USD 2,800), half the cost!!

Ok, the first includes some anodes. But the only real difference I can see is the type of anti foul paint used.

This is the first time I have done this type of thing. Can someone explain what, if any, difference there might be between these two quotes, and why they are so far apart?

Also, what questions should I be asking about these quotes to try and determine what the difference is?

I would be appreciative of any observations or suggestions.

**skipmac** · 04-08-2018, 06:41

Well I do see some questions on the higher quote.

Capt and crew charge + 3 day slip charge $13,800 vs $6,600 for lift, launch, etc which is essentially the same services so a difference of $7,200.

The cheaper quote doesn't include the cost of replacing the zincs so you will have to add that in. I might suggest that changing zincs is usually a 5-10 minute do it yourself job so why not do that one yourself?

One quotes $4550 for props and shafts, the other $3000.

One quotes $19,890 for clean and paint, the other $12,500.

One question, what's the local reputation of the yards? Both do good work? Does the cheaper yard have a reputation for finding "extras" to add onto the bill that will change the final cost?

Orion Jim · 04-08-2018, 08:21

Any particular reason why you just can't have the boat hauled, power washed, and set aside for a couple days so you can paint it yourself and replace the zincs? Save yourself thousands.
If only full service yards are your choice use that which has the best reputation for honest work rather than the cheapest if they have a shady reputation.
In either case ensure you can be on site while all work is performed.

**skipmac** · 04-08-2018, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

In either case ensure you can be on site while all work is performed.

Absolutely!

Even the best and most honest boat yards can get a little slack and find a few more things to add to the bill when the owner isn't actively overseeing the job.

Gary Dean · 06-08-2018, 02:37

thanks for your thoughts, @skipmac!

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

Well I do see some questions on the higher quote.

Capt and crew charge + 3 day slip charge $13,800 vs $6,600 for lift, launch, etc which is essentially the same services so a difference of $7,200.

lucky you mentioned this. i questioned this, and apparently the cheaper quote does not include the capt/crew to take the boat to the haulout.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

The cheaper quote doesn't include the cost of replacing the zincs so you will have to add that in. I might suggest that changing zincs is usually a 5-10 minute do it yourself job so why not do that one yourself?

this would be a good suggestion, except for a few things. firstly, the boat is in hongkong, and i am in indonesia, and i can only spend a certain amount of time away from my business. secondly, i have not done any work on a fibreglass boat ever, and don't want to start practising at this point! thirdly, i have not lifted a hand tool for more than 25 years, and don't want to practise on a boat that is preparing for a long passage. certainly, i'll be increasingly hands-on with these type of jobs as time goes on, but not yet!

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

One quotes $4550 for props and shafts, the other $3000.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

One quotes $19,890 for clean and paint, the other $12,500.

yes. this seems to be one major difference, and they are using the same paint and the same number of coats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

One question, what's the local reputation of the yards? Both do good work? Does the cheaper yard have a reputation for finding "extras" to add onto the bill that will change the final cost?

good question, but difficult to find out. i am not a local in hongkong, and cannot find unbiased information.

Gary Dean · 06-08-2018, 02:41

thanks @orieon Jim!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

Any particular reason why you just can't have the boat hauled, power washed, and set aside for a couple days so you can paint it yourself and replace the zincs? Save yourself thousands.

indeed. i wish i could. but i have zero experience, and the boat has to be ready for a major passage to my home country very soon. not the time to be experimenting and getting experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

In either case ensure you can be on site while all work is performed.

ok, this seems to be a theme. i shall now definitely need to make sure i am there for this work.

Gary Dean · 06-08-2018, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

Absolutely!

Even the best and most honest boat yards can get a little slack and find a few more things to add to the bill when the owner isn't actively overseeing the job.

noted!!!