Per Foot Charges

David L · Post by **David L** » Jul 5th, '11, 20:51

It has just happened again. I have been charged deck-length for below the waterline services. In this most recent case, a diver charged 36' to clean the hull below the 27' waterline. In the past, I have been charged 36' to put on bottom paint below the 27' waterline.

In both instances, I challenged the charges before the work was begun. The hurt looks from the workers was pitiful and they wouldn't budge from their charging practices.

I have no problem with LOD charges for haul outs, storage, or cleaning and painting the topsides. But ... charging to clean or paint 9' of boat that isn't there seems unreasonable.

What are other members thoughts?

David

Jeff and Sarah · Post by **Jeff and Sarah** » Jul 5th, '11, 21:35

I totally agree with you though I will say that my marina charges per slip length rather than vessel length and I find it to be a fair system even though it costs me extra. It's good that you challenged them though- I bet most people never think to.

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Jul 5th, '11, 21:51

Per square foot of wetted surface would be the fairest. Compared to some of the fin keeled boats with very little wetted surface the 36' charge may not be too far off.

I always do my own work so the bottom seems very big, Steve.

drb9 · Post by **drb9** » Jul 6th, '11, 09:40

I never look at the per-foot rate without multiplying it times 26'. Then, I decide to do the work myself. I suppose the contractors could increase the per-foot rate and then apply it to the length at waterline, but that would lead to a non-standard calculation when you try to compare it to other contractors. Really, it's the total bill that I'm focused on.

Darin

mahalocd36 · Post by **mahalocd36** » Jul 7th, '11, 11:16

If you think that's odd, I just called someplace about storing our mast (only) for the winter. They charge for mast storage by the length x beam of the boat. Not the mast length.

I had to look at it the same way - what does that come out to be? Is the total price something I'm willing to pay, or not?

MFC · Post by **MFC** » Jul 7th, '11, 11:29

Aw hell, that ain't nothin. I went to the hot dog stand at the marina and got a chilledog and a coke asked the girl "how much?" and she told me "it depends on the size of your boat!". I guess I shoulda asked if she meant LWL or LOA but I just blushed.

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Jul 7th, '11, 16:27

MFC wrote:Aw hell, that ain't nothin. I went to the hot dog stand at the marina and got a chilledog and a coke asked the girl "how much?" and she told me "it depends on the size of your boat!". I guess I shoulda asked if she meant LWL or LOA but I just blushed.

So was it cheaper if you had a really big one or more?

I would have blushed too, Steve.

The Cape Dory Board

Per Foot Charges

Per Foot Charges

Does it matter?