Buying an Outboard

[Steve Zweigart]

What should I expect when working with the dealer on the final purchase price of an outboard? What are general markup percentages, and how much discount, if any, may be expected when bargaining? Am looking at a Yamaha T9.9. So far, dealer will only quote MSRP, which is "...$2,500, plus freight, plus rigging, plus title, plus tax, blah rah woof..." (Heck, I only paid $2,700 for the boat!)

 

[Mike]

How big is your boat?

Hey, how big is your boat? I have a catalina 22. Last year I bought a early 1980's Johnson 7.5 and it is more than enough power for my boat in any condition. Mind you I do sail in barnegat bay, where passing under the bridge is usually the worse current that we encounter, so I guess if you sail in moving waters you may want that 9.9? If you can, you may want to look into a smaller engine to save weight or a used engine to save cost, or both. I paid $300 bucks for mine and it runs like a champ. Plus, its not all that heavy being a 2-stroke.

 

[Rick Webb]

Compare to These Guys

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/

 

[Jim A]

not honda

if you get a bad one noone will believe you

 

[Warren]

Two Cycle Outboard

If your just using the outboard as auxiliary power on a sailboat...Don't over look a two cycle engine..They are lighter for a given horsepower. Also, they cost less.Check with Defenders Marine on the net.

 

[Mike]

Internet prices are much better

I tried to buy my new outboard from a local dealer, but they seem to have given up on selling smaller engines. I guess they just can't compete on price with the internet guys, and have abandoned the market to them. I mean, $2500 for a 9.9?!?! Unless that is the price for a four stroke long shaft model, I would walk away. I just bought a new two-stroke Nissan 8 long shaft, electric start for about $1700 through Sailnet. Of course, you do get the intangibles with a dealer-bought engine: advice, direction and the advantage of a person who knows you and wants to be your factory-authorized serviceman. I would avoid buying a used outboard unless you know the source very well or are a great mechanic.

 

[ex-admin]

web discounting

Your local dealer buys these products through a distributor. In the past few years those same distributors set up web sites and are selling the same products at the wholesale cost, by passing the dealer. Sometimes the prices are below what your local dealer can buy them for. the manufacturers don't care.Great for the consumer. maybe. Unless you care about having a local dealer to talk to. then it's not so good.