Buying Outboards Over the Phone

ScottM · #1 06-12-2003, 11:12 AM

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.

Briguy · #2 06-12-2003, 12:36 PM

Scott, I live in Florida and will tell you I never deal with a dealer unless I have too. Not that I have had bad service, I just have a local mechanic who worked for a dealer for years and years. He is now semi-retired and does boat work on the side. If I bought a 250hpdi, he could order everything I needed from a wholesaler and install it no problem. Nowadays, all the guages just plug in.(well maybe just not that simple). Ask around and see if one of your buddies has a guy like mine.

ScottM · #3 06-12-2003, 02:28 PM

Thanks Brian. As it turns out, while I was writing the original post, my father pulled the trigger on a '96 Yam 225 Saltwater Series with 0 hours on a complete rebuild. We're hauling the boat this weekend and hopefully she'll be back in the water by July 4 [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] .

squidrig · #4 06-12-2003, 02:39 PM

quick note even though you already bought an engine scott...if you were to buy a new engine and have it shipped to you to be installed by a local dealer/mechanic you should pay close attention to what would happen with the warranty. some of these new engines come with a checklist that needs to be completed by a certified mechanic of that particular manufacture. The checklist needs to be completed and turned in to activate the warranty.

Runco · #5 06-13-2003, 08:43 AM

Scott,
That must be the new 45 mph model that your father so desires!

sokinwet · #6 06-13-2003, 11:02 AM

Hey Jack - Where are you out of in Weymouth. I have my "71" 20'Seafari at Tern Harbor and my brothers 23' CC is there as well.

ScottM · #7 06-13-2003, 12:30 PM

Sokinwet,
Both Jack and I are out of Hewitt's Cove.

ScottM · #8 06-13-2003, 03:58 PM

Sokinwet,
That would be me, we have the blue canvas. I've seen Chris' 23CC before, very nice boat [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] . I don't know if I've seen your Seafari though, what color is it? I know your father through my father (Rod) and MSBA. I actually see him quite a bit down at Old Salt.

sokinwet · #9 06-13-2003, 05:12 PM

Scott - My Seafari is white; its an old 1971 that is still in pretty good shape. You've got my dad pegged; if he's not at Old Salt he's at Monahans. He's still going strong @ 80 yrs old and fishes every chance he can. He did real well on trout this year and has made the switch over to stripers now. Took 2 keepers from the shore at Back River the other day. One warning; if you see him on the road STAY OUT OF HIS WAY because I guarantee he won't see you!! LOL
I may rejoin MSBA this year (after a 40 yr.absence) to drive my dad to the meetings. John P.

ScottM · #10 06-13-2003, 05:31 PM

John,
Do you live in Braintree on Union St? There's a white Seafari just up the road from the police station that I see all the time.

From what I've heard, your dad is quite the trout slayer. As Tom McKeon says when they're together, "I'm the eyes and Red's the ears."