Costs & process
How many quotes should I get for boat work?
Three is the practical number. It shows you the range without dragging the job out for weeks. Marine Match caps a job at three quotes deliberately, so professionals know they have a real chance of the work and price it honestly rather than defensively.
Two quotes tell you very little — if they differ you cannot tell which is the outlier. Five or more wastes everyone's time, and trades quickly learn to ignore jobs that are being shopped around, which is how owners end up with padded prices or no replies at all.
When you compare, read the scope before the total. A cheaper quote that excludes parts, lift-out, disposal or a second visit for the bits that only show up once the job is open is not actually cheaper.
Useful next
Get it looked at
Post the job once and up to three checked professionals who cover your area send private quotes. Not sure how to describe it? Talk it through with the assistant first.
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