How long does it take?

[River Bank]

I am at a point where I have to do some of this boat work myself or sell the boat or find someone who will do the job for something less than boatyard $100/hour.

1. How long does it take to do an oil change?
2. How long does it take to check and change the "impeller?"

At least if I do hire someone (knowing their hourly rates in advance) to do these chores for me I will be able to determine the labour costs in advance and hold them to it.

Bob /// Merlot /// Nanaimo

 

[walldog]

I am at a point where I have to do some of this boat work myself or sell the boat or find someone who will do the job for something less than boatyard $100/hour.

1. How long does it take to do an oil change?
2. How long does it take to check and change the "impeller?"

At least if I do hire someone (knowing their hourly rates in advance) to do these chores for me I will be able to determine the labour costs in advance and hold them to it.

Bob /// Merlot /// Nanaimo

Bob,

There is a wealth of data on this forum concerning 250 hour services and impeller changes. I just changed my impeller by myself, and it took an easy afternoon. I will not pay several hours shop labor to have someone learn how to change it for me. As I would have to be there and help them learn. At my last 250 hour service, I had a local authorized Yanmar service facility do it for me. Just to be sure that I was not missing anything. I have done the others myself, and quite frankly I do as good as or a better job than the "Pro". As long as I am able, I will continue to do the routine maintenance on my boat.

I know that not everyone here has the inclination and or the ability to do their own service, however with the information on this site we should expect to have clearly defined rates to perform these simple services. For a shop to after the fact decide to double the amount agreed upon because "Yanmar parts are much more expensive than they expected" is just not good business practice. I would not use such a shop (more than once) and will not have work performed for these normal maintenance items without a firm total cost before signing the work order.

Bob, use the search box at the top of this page to find detailed descriptions of impeller, oil and filter changes, fuel filter changes, and other maintenance procedures. Print them out and use this information to negotiate a fair rate for your service. Have parts on hand or exact part numbers listed so you do not have to pay the shop to do research, as this is time consuming and they need to charge for all their time spent on your service. Remove any panels, walls, and covers necessary before the technician arrives. An empty cleared out cockpit makes a better work space and less time spent.

Good luck with keeping maintenance costs under control and making our boating experience more enjoyable and affordable.

Herb

 

[knotflying]

Oil change with filter about 1 hour. Impeller on R-27 took me 1.5 hours, however I have heard some people taking 4 hours or more.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

When I change the oil and filter on my R27 I use a suction device I bought at West Marine to extract the oil. This saves a great deal of time and the process is almost free from oil spillage. The process takes about an 1 to 1 1/2 hours. I've changed our impeller and it took 2 hours and with two people. Like Herb I feel it's important to control boat maintenance costs and if one is inclined to do the work themselves you'll get a better job and save money.

Jim F

 

[baz]

1) Oil/filter change is very easy.
2) Make sure you use/have the correct filter for your engine before you start.
3) Use recommended synthetic oil.
4) Using electric power pump to extract oil via the dip stick tube just requires about 30 mins.
5) Do not over tighten the filter cap.
6) Use correct size wrench/socket for loosening/tightening the filter cap.
7) Before removing filter place a plastic bag over the filter and just before final unscrew capture the falling filter in the bag and hold for a while to contain any oil residue from dropping into the bilge.

Engine anodes (Yanmar 4BY2-150)
Easy and buy from Boat Zincs. Takes about 15 to 30 mins depending how tight the bolt heads are for removing.

Transmission oil change is also easy. Just make sure its topped up after running engine briefly.

Raw water impeller replacement.
A real PITA on the R-25 (Classic).
Give yourself at least 1/2 day and use mirror to locate/access hidden 6mm bolt head.
Take care placing pump pulley back for proper alignment on the grooves.
Impeller part cost around $35.
Use Vaseline for replacing the O-ring, and take care not to get any on the impeller.

Batteries.
Service these yourself.

By reading and searching this forum you can obtain many useful DIY maintenance tips and save on hired labor fees.

If boat kept in water all year round make sure to have diver service for checking/replacing the underwater anodes. If this is not done you will incur some significant repair bills.