? About boat dealers

[lakelover]

I just visited a local marina (a Mercury Platinum dealer in NY) to start actively shopping for a boat & motor. I got a price on a 2003 Alumacraft V14 Utility with a 2003 Merc Classic 20 hp, neither one in stock. <br /><br />The price I was quoted was: 1699 plus 299 freight for the boat and 2199 for the motor. The salesman said he had a shipment of boats coming in 2 weeks and it could be added to the shipment. <br /><br />Here's what made me uncomfortable about the experience. The salesman had trouble making eye contact and was more interested in talking than listening, but I guess maybe the fast talk is common for a salesman. He never mentioned the free extended warranty promotion on the motor. When I brought it up, he said it lasted another week. I had my printout from Mercury's website with me which lists the promotion as ending June 30. When I pointed that out, it was "Oh yeah, they extended that last week". I guess what's bothering me is the amount of BS I endured in a 15 minute visit.<br /><br />All that considered, my question is does the price sound in the ballpark and is it common to be charged freight when ordering a boat not in stock? If a boat is in stock, is the freight usually a separate charge? Any advice?

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Here in Florida you can buy an electric start 25 HP Merc for that price and probably bargain a little better. I would shop a little more for the outboard and go for the 25 HP MERC electric start. The 20 Hp is a bit of an odd ball and really set up for commercial users. They are rarely stocked here in south Florida. You should be able to buy the outboard for at least 20% off list.. Walk away if you can't....The boat is hard to say...There are no Alumicraft dealers close to me, but they are very good boats..used to have one. Maybe some of the other guys on this board can give you a reference on the boat.<br />As far as freight..some charge and some don't..what it all boils down to is the bottom line....in your case I don't think there should be any "rigging" charges though or new engine service and set up charges. They are required to do this with all Mercury engines by Mercury before giving it to the customer. Mercury does NOT permit its dealers to give customers engines "in the box" any more.(precludes customer problems on egines not setup or tuned at the factory)<br /><br />Some times $50.00 worth of gas and a drive to a further dealer is the best bet to save a few hundred dollars. Try to work your deal by phone, if the dealer gives you "come-on-down and we'll see what we can do for you,,,,", tell him your not interested unless he's willing to talk turkey over the phone. If he won't..pass him up, he's on the seedy side of sales...

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Thanks, FlyBoyMark, very helpful. There are actually a couple dealers much closer to the lake anyway. I didn't have a good feeling about this one.

 

[Solittle]

Re: ? About boat dealers

You are doing the important thing which is to be informed. I wouldn't walk on a good deal if the sales guy was a jerk. I would walk if the service folks were jerks as they are the ones you have to deal with after the sale.

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

FlyBoyMark,<br />I'm not sure what you mean by "The 20 Hp is a bit of an odd ball and really set up for commercial users." Can you elaborate, how is it different? Would that present any problem for recreational use?

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: ? About boat dealers

The 20 Hp is not availabe with any other options except long shaft. You CAN add electric start and power trim with Mercury "kits" for a very hefty price. The only difference in the motors is the 20 has a smaller carburator. These motors were primarily put out for guide and commercial use because they are derated by 500 RPM for longevity. Go for the 25 HP......electric tiller or remote, what ever blows yer skirt up. Power trm-n-tilt is only a kit for these motors and is in the $425.00 range discounted

 

[JRJ]

Re: ? About boat dealers

As Mark says, the Merc 25 w/electric start is easy to find @ $2199. You should at least test drive a 4-stroke before you buy. Have fun with whatever you get.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Check this one out<br /><br /> web page

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Thats not new...its used...

 

[roscoe]

Re: ? About boat dealers

You're right, its used, a 2002. But its also a 25hp, and a 4 stroke for the price of a 2003 2 stroke 20 hp.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: ? About boat dealers

As Roscoe said, That was just to show what you could get for the money.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: ? About boat dealers

They have only a 60 day warranty and you can buy additonal 3 year for $220.00(getting a little too expensive for a USED motor though)......The final question is who will support the warranty near you and whats it gonna cost to git the motor to ya....For $2679.00 you can buy this motor NEW with factory 3 year waranty Hmmmm.....lemme see.....2002-$2159.00 + 220.00 warranty = $2379.00 + shipping....Hmmmm...for $300 hundred bucks more I can have a factory new motor with a factory warranty. 25 HP electric 2 stroke here is $2,147.00 dealer asking price. (negotable..) The four stroke is a good motor but the 2 stroke in this particular model is one of the best outboards made. The only real issue is are EPA restrictions in your area on 2 strokes yet?

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Thanks, lots to think about. There are no EPA restrictions in my area so far. I may go to another brand boat in order to buy closer to the lake. There are two dealers half an hour away from my lake, one I have used before for service; they are 2 1/2 hours from my home. But most or all the use will be at the lake, so it makes sense to shop there.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: ? About boat dealers

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Well, I've done a little more shopping and have this quote: 2003 Starcraft SF14S boat (in stock) and 2003 20 hp 2-stroke Merc (in stock) for $3790. I haven't seen the boat yet, it's a 2.5 hour drive, but have checked it out on the internet. The specs look fairly comparable to the Alumacraft. The Starcraft website doesn't have a photo of this boat, but the description says "Open Rod Storage Port & Starboad". Does anybody have a picture of this boat or know what that means? <br /><br />I am planning to look at the setup before making a decision, but want to be as prepared as I can before visiting the dealer. Thanks.

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

OK, I've figured it all out and made a down payment. Thanks for all your advice & thoughts!

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Now I'm getting real excited and have to ask the old question...How much speed can I expect out of this setup? Boat=225 lb.; me=180; motor=114; anchor & oars, 25; gas=40. Is there a way to figure this out? Thanks.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: ? About boat dealers

33 MPH and has to be propped with and 18" pitch prop, add a 200 lb BOB and you go to 16" pitch and 29 MPH. Add another 100 lbs of gear which you didn't at first with the BOB too and you will need a 15" prop and will do 27 MPH. The only prop Merc has with a high enough pitch is a 14.5" pitch for that motor. Mercury Part<br /> #48-19642A40<br />Thats all based on the recommended RPM...Keep in mind this engine can wind up 500 RPM more because this is the same engine except for carb as the 25 HP.

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Thanks, it ALL sounds like fun to me! (Cabin fever )

 

[lakelover]

Re: ? About boat dealers

Here it is! Thanks to all for your advice and suggestions, you've been very helpful.<br /><br />

<br /> <br />