Just thought I'd do a shout-out to the group about a local mechanic that's got my work from here on out: Kelly Patrick of K&J Marine in Buford. I recently had a major electrical screw-up on my Merc Optimax-- too embarrassed to give details-- that I think most mechanics would just shake their heads at and begin replacing parts. The ECM (ignition/emission computer) on that motor alone is $1800, and I had a few lines in the electrical harness actually melt ($800 wiring harness). Not to mention the alternators on these motors don't like a lot of back and forth voltage..... Let's just say I had a brain fart that got close to a flame...
I thought I'd lost my boat and wife, in that order, but was told to go to K&J as the bona fide Merc experts in this area (was actually told this by a mechanic at a local merc dealer!). Long story short, Kelly spent a few days testing every one of the codes on the computer, and checked each of the zillion wires in the harness...and then carefully replaced a few wires and convinced the ECM to come out of its shell--- and the engine, my marriage, and striper season on Lanier were all put back in place for ~$500. That's not peanuts, but it cured my ulcer when i heard that low figure.....still thinking about taking up church again.....
If you want a mechanic that thinks carefully about the problem BEFORE he picks up the parts catalog and the tools to begin installing them, give these guys a try.