T&T: Boatyard repair estimates

[Frank Lynch]

With all the comments about a yard in Florida charging 100% over the estimate, I thought I would relate a recent experience with just the opposite result.
I sustained some damage to my boat in the Chesapeake Bay earlier this summer.  We were near Solomons, MD. so elected to try to get it repaired there. I called Zahniser's Yacht Center & they told me to bring it in. We arrived late in the afternoon. Next morning the yard manager looked at the damage, said they could fix it, gave me a written estimate & said it would take 2 weeks. The insurance company accepted the quote. The yard began work that day. The work was completed in 2 weeks & 2 days only because a rain shower ruined the paint after it had been sprayed so it had to be sanded off & re-sprayed. The final bill was about 20% BELOW the estimate. A very pleasant surprise. They could have charged the quoted price & I wouldn't have known the difference. 
The work is beautiful. Stronger than original & undetectable.
The point is that if the yard manager knows his business & his people there is no excuse for exceeding the quote. Either the yard in Florida is dishonest or the manager is clueless about what had to be done.
We were fortunate. We stayed aboard while the work was being done, talked to many owners & witnessed some real artistry in boat repair. Zahniser's is a busy place with a top notch reputation. Nothing around where I live comes close. We were just passing through. They didn't need the business, but they treated us as though we had been coming there for years. 
Maybe there is hope yet. If anyone knows of a quality yard on eastern Long Island I'd like to learn of it.
FL