I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

That warranty is an accrual amount, based on about a 17% failure rate, and the average price of the parts and labor

So, if the accrual was at little/no profit . . . Figuring $3k for 3 year extension and 17% needing repair during the extension period . . .

1/(0.17) x $3,000 = $17,647/repair (which seems high)

I figure that there must be a fair amount of profit in the pricing

 

[redneck joe]

Warranties are a high margin profit center for a business.

 

[tpenfield]

As I look at engines, particularly in the Yamaha and Suzuki product lines, I am finding the model numbers as clear as mud. . .

The first part of the model numbers are pretty straight forward, the last few digits seems to be all over the place

Example . . . the model F300X is 25" shaft, . . . F300U is 30" shaft . . . L prefix (LF300) is counter rotation . . . For the rest of the model number (2-3 more digits) there is Digital Electronic Controls (DEC) to consider and Digital Electronic Steering (DES) to consider, but it is not clear as to the designations.

You will have a tip of my hat and a hearty handshake for folks who can explain the rest of it.

The reason that I ask is that as I get quotes, I'd like to verify the model numbers from another source, so as to avoid any surprises after the fact.

 

[Pmt133]

Thinking about it... most model designations don't make sense. Like how the le is the low end in toyotas line up but then the XLE hybrid is near the top for starting but somehow you can get more in the SE... I think its intentional.

 

[tpenfield]

In the area of engines, I finally got some clarity on Joystick piloting of Mercruiser vs Mercury.

Here is a summary from Google AI. . .

"The Mercury outboard equivalent of the MerCruiser Axius system is Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO). Both technologies are part of Mercury's broader Joystick Piloting System (JPS) and provide similar 360-degree, low-speed maneuvering and docking capabilities.

Comparison of Axius and JPO

Feature	Mercruiser Axius	Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO)
Engine Type	For twin MerCruiser sterndrive applications.	For multi-engine (dual, triple, or quad) Verado outboard applications. It is also available for single outboards with a bow thruster.
Maneuverability	Controls independently articulating Bravo Three sterndrives to provide joystick control for sideways movement, rotation, and docking.	Works by independently moving each outboard for precise control. With a simple twist of the joystick, the boat can be made to move sideways, diagonally, or spin on its own axis.
Technology	The system was developed using technology from the Zeus pod drive system.	Extends the same technology from Axius and Zeus to the outboard market.
Advanced Features	Features like the "Skyhook" digital anchor system, which holds the boat in a fixed GPS position, are also included in the Axius package.	Includes the same suite of advanced features, such as the "Skyhook" digital anchor, "Bowhook," and "Drifthook".

"
I recall that someone ( @vroom ZOOM ) had mentioned that I’d probably loose Axius on the conversion. My understanding is that Merc has not offered JPO on re-powers unless the boat previously had joystick. Not sure if that has changed.

Since I’m indifferent about the brand, the ability to have a joystick becomes a priority. It may favor Yammy and Zuke.

 

[tpenfield]

OK - I've done some quick reading on the Optimus joystick stuff. I think I got my head wrapped around it now . . .It looks like either Mercury or Suzuki engines brands will require Optimus in order to get joystick, Yamaha has Helm Master EX.

So, I'm going to confer with the re-power shop as things get finalized, but I'm anticipating a take-out of most (if not all) of the Mercruiser controls and electronics as part of the prep-work.

 

[Stinnett21]

Following but getting lost. Do I understand correctly that you're building the bracket yourself but contracting out the actual repower? You are in the northeast right? Aren't most repower contractors in FL? If you build the bracket yourself won't that affect warranties?