After making a dozen plus phone calls this week, I have settled on a supplier for a Mercury 4S 150 XL. Every dealer had about the same reaction; no, we do not have any in stock, but we can order you one. Most said 12 weeks lead time, with some saying 6 or even 12 months. Prices for just the motor ranged from low $12k to MSRP of $14.7k. Rigging and installation was another $4k or so.
I chose to go with Tracker Marine / Bass Pro Shops in Foxboro. They said 10 weeks and had the lowest price so it was not too hard of a decision. I am hoping their large buying power and relationship with Mercury will mean that 10 weeks is accurate. A couple of the smaller dealers I called actually recommended Tracker Marine so that was a positive as well.
Some paperwork to do and then plenty of work on the boat before the end of June and hopefully I am on the water this Summer.
