Buying Outboards Over the Phone

[ScottM]

Seeing as we are in search of a new engine at the moment, I thought I'd ask you guys what your experience, if any, has been with buying an outboard over the phone, having it shipped to you and then installed locally. Steve C. mentioned a Yam 250 HPDI he bought in Florida for $12,600 plus rigging. We got a quote from the local dealer of $17,600 plus rigging, controls, gauges, etc. for the same engine ('03 model). If you have done this before, how did you work the rigging/installation with a local dealer? It's my feeling that a dealer isn't going to give you any priority since you didn't buy the engine from him, plus he may not be too receptive to your service requests in the future. (Am I being too hard on the local guy?)

Any and all input is greatly appreciated.