issues with relocating transducer

[Jack Hammer]

I have to relocate my thru hull transducer. I originally hired xxx company to install it. I have never been able to get a useable image even at trolling speed. They installed it behind a strake and therefore it needs to be relocated. They've agreed that the location was not good. Do you guys think that they should cover 100% of the costs to relocate the transducer?...including a new high speed fairing block, all other materials, their labor, AND the repair of the original hole? They've said that they'll "take care of me". It's yet to be determined if that means a discount or no charge.

Thanks,
Lowell

[SALTYDAWG]

Lowell, I would take it somewhere else, Then give them the bill. But thats just me

[Jack Hammer]

Bill,
I agree...except that sounds like a small claims fiasco. I don't feel like doing that. Hopefully they'll make good on it.

Lowell

[daniel-neill]

I have had many dealings with inferior work and found a few things out. I would ask exactly what they have in mind. Most of these companies don't want to loose potential customers and will make good the rework. I would however, seek info, like your doing, to find the best location. When the installer company informs you of their plan, let them know yours. They usually eat the cost of labor, wasted parts used in their mistake, but will not cover the cost of new parts that you would have had to purchase if they had done it correct the first time. I have had companies give me the additional parts at their cost. The best I have done was split the cost of new parts, but these were only one time companies. I put one out of buisness because they fucked me over 28,000.00 in my costs reworking everything they had done. Bye the way, that was the worst cost affective decision I had ever made. I had to eat the entire cost, because the company went out of business.

Sorry for going on, but a few suggestions to protect your butt.

Start a paper trail. receipts etc.
Request the repair in writing, especially if there is no cost.
Start shooting pictures of the original install. Write your story even small notes and date them.
Ask if they mind if you take a few pics of the repair they will make of the hull penetration and the repair.
"remember, you are playing poker, don't show your cards.... So see if they will let you take pictures so you can save them for your scrap book that you keep for your boat.
Keep this file in your house, not in the boat.
Most likely, nothing will ever happen, but just in case. you have documentation, papertrail with photos for court.


Lets say a year goes by, you go fishing and something goes bump in the night. The normal hull is intact, but the repair cracks, leaks or whatever. The leak is in the bilge and goes un detected. You dock for the night and get a hotel. You go to the boat in the morning and it's swamped. The engine is ruined as well as upolstry and electrical systems. You approach them and inform them of the problem. They give you the big FU. Now your in court, you have a papertrail and photos to back your case.

Again; This is an extreem example, but due to the nature of my work, I have learned that a minimal excersize in preparedness can pay big dividends in the future.

In short;
When the shit hits the fan, you have something to wipe with

[Jack Hammer]

Thanks Daniel. That all sounds like good advice. I appreciate it.

Lowell

[Genelie]

Bottom line they should fix at no cost to you...if they do not....then Yes take your case to small claims...you will win.

[Gil Marlin]

Give the first guy a chance to make it right before involving someone else... then follow the advice that has been given...

[Jack Hammer]

Well guys, I'm very happy to report back that Harold over at Custom Marine Electronics (across the street from SD Marine Exchange) totally took care of me and backed up his work. He replace my tranducer and fairing block with brand new units. He relocated the tranducer and hired Driscoll's boat yard to repair the old hole. With the new location I'm getting a MUCH improved picture. I am very satified with the level of service that Harold provided and I can now recommend his services with confidence.

Thanks for all your feedback.

Lowell

[dru]

I like happy endings

Good to hear all worked out

[baja_driver]

now thats cool. a business doing good business. good for you.

[?? fisherman]

Originally Posted by baja_driver

now thats cool. a business doing good business. good for you.

As it should always be!

Good to hear Lowell.

The unknown fisherman :p