John, they are correct in quoting 4 gallons of paint, or at
least close enough to be correct, assuming only one coat of
paint. (The bottom of your boat is quite large, and bottom
paint covers approximately 250 - 350 sq ft/gallon.) They are
quoting you high retail price for the paint.
(To get a rough estimate of you bottom's surface area=
length x draft x .90 x 2 + transom, rudder, thruster tubes
and other appendages.)
As far as the rest, make sure if the price includes
everything- haul-out/in, pressure washing, blocking,
cleaning the bottom, lay days, supplies, materials,
appropriate paint on the running gear/thruster, on and on.
Whether you could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else, I
can't say, but now you have something to compare future
costs with.
Certainly there are yards that you can find that are
cheaper, but many times you will find that the work is also
cheaper, and often they do not do the same level/quality of
a job.
If you do consider one of these cheaper yards, make sure to
get all the specifics in writing, as many will quote a
cheaper price, but tack on charges/fees, surprising you at
the time you go to pay the bill.
In fact, getting it all in writing it is a good idea with
every yard, even with this yard, if you want to avoid
surprises on payment day.
Then there are other options, do it yourself (it's lots of
fun!), or hire an independent to paint it, but remember, no
matter which route you take, factor in all the costs. Maybe
talk your wife into doing it. (If you do, tell me how you
did it.) Got kids??
Good luck to you.
Rudy and Jill
Briney Bug, Panama City, Fl
