Center Harbor Dock and Pier - a cautionary tale

[DigitalJohn]

I was in the market last year for a new dock and went to Center Harbor Dock and Pier. They verbally quoted $3200 for a floating dock. When I received the written quote it was $4600. Ok, I went with it. Oct 03 they said if I put down a 50% deposit they would hold the prices till spring. Ok, I did this. Then in May 04, the day before they they were to install, and two days before my boat was deliivered, they called to say they forgot some items and it would cost another $1,000.00. I said we had a contract, this was unacceptable and after to talking to John, the owner I agreed to about $400.00 more in the price. Then in August, after the installation, they sent me a bill for $2,000.00 more. I spoke to John and it was agreed I would pay what we had agreed in the spring. Then, stupid me, I asked them to remove the dock in the fall. They first quoted $45./section, or $45/hr whichever is more. I said that since they put it in and since it was a fairly simple system (floating dock, only four pipes, all bolted together) that I would agree to $45/section, but more than that I would go somewhere else. John agreed. I recently received a bill for $200.-( an extra $65.-). My neighbor has had the same experience, getting a bill for $400.- for installing 4 sections.

Note: I called on Monday and here it is Friday and no call back. BTW if you accept doing business by quoting a price then do the work and send a bill for substantailly higher (50%) , I'd like to point out that that is illegal.

[itchin for fishin]

Nothing like a forum to get response. Has he called yet?

[RLW]

Boy they got you coming and going. (They first quoted $45./section, or $45/hr whichever is more. ) Are you sure that shouldn't have said $45./section/per man or the same for the hourly price. That would make more sense as one knows one person can't remove a pier by themself. The dollar figure that was billed makes one think thats the way he billed you. :rolleye1:

[DowIsland Girl]

hmmm, interesting. Thanks for the post. I haven't purchased a dock from Center Harbor Dock & Pier, but have used them for the past 3 years to put in and take out my dock.

I pay $180 each time, my dock is an old wooden one with 3 sections. Their invoice does note that 2 people come out to do the work. That's @$62/per section. I'm wondering now if this is a good price or if I should do some looking around...

I will say that they've done a good job of installing the dock. Going the extra mile to replace bolts, etc. each year which has extended it's life.

I'll be interested to hear if others have had good or bad experiences.

[JTA]

Center Harbor Dock and Pier installed a crank up dock for me. I'm very satisfied. The nice thing is that they designed and installed a large hinge that is attached to a large boulder at my waterfront. I didn't have to pour any concrete as a result nor disturb any shoreline. The welds on the aluminum are as nice as any I've seen. Their price was fair.

[DigitalJohn]

Center Harbor Dock and Pier installed a crank up dock for me. I'm very satisfied. The nice thing is that they designed and installed a large hinge that is attached to a large boulder at my waterfront. I didn't have to pour any concrete as a result nor disturb any shoreline. The welds on the aluminum are as nice as any I've seen. Their price was fair.

Yes, but did they quote you a price, start the installation, you paid a 50% deposit, then they tell you it's going to cost 40% more!

[T.H.E. Binz]

. . . so don't complain. I gave up when they didn't show up to look at my dock for the third time. For these prices maybe you should look into a crank-up.

[RLW]

It is very easy. Ask for a contract that states the work to be performed, including all hardware etc. and a start date (weather conditions to be consided) and do not give more than a 3rd down ( could be more if custom material is required then you can be requested for the complete cost of that part or parts) and the remainder at the completion of the job. Any additional work will NOT be performed unless it is written on a change order and both parties sign it. The C.O. shell state all costs (Labor & materials). How can you go wrong. This pertains to any dealings one has with any type of contractor. :look:

[DigitalJohn]

It is very easy. Ask for a contract that states the work to be performed, including all hardware etc. and a start date (weather conditions to be consided) and do not give more than a 3rd down ( could be more if custom material is required then you can be requested for the complete cost of that part or parts) and the remainder at the completion of the job. Any additional work will NOT be performed unless it is written on a change order and both parties sign it. The C.O. shell state all costs (Labor & materials). How can you go wrong. This pertains to any dealings one has with any type of contractor. :look:

I did have a contract for the dock. Which is why I paid what the contract said with a few agreed additions. They did honor the contract, eventually.