Re Power Frustrations

Bud Kennedy · September 17, 2020, 04:27:45 PM

Once again I have been considering having my Ranger re-powered. All totaled now I have solicited 5 motor dealers in my area. Motors I am considering have been Mercury, Yamaha and Suzuki. Suzuki was my most recent quest. Prior this the last inquiry the four previous vendors have failed to respond with any relevant information about what would it cost and what would be provided. My expectation would be that a quote would be provided that listed all the elements that they are providing as separate line items and would include a description of the product and services within the quotation. The first four all failed to provide such a quotation.

In frustration I decided to spend a pile of money on the fast strike and brought it up to decent running condition but still I wanted to keep looking for a re power. Two weeks ago I contact our local Suzuki dealer and in writing I have detailed what my expectations were as far as equipment and information. After two weeks no quote had been received but they had e mailed me on a couple of occasions asking for some additional information which of course I provided. As the two weeks passed I began to wanter if my quote had fallen in the cracks or they had just forgotten me. So, I sent them an e mail requesting an update on their progress. About 1 hour lated I received an e mail that was supposed to be thier quote. There was not specific detail, there was no warranty information, they did not even identify the model numbers of the motor they were quoting. Then the last item on their e mail was a bottom line price that of course was not backed up by any detail. In my mind this is an inadequate response. I continue to be amazed about these dealers do not seem to professional enough to provide this kind of information with all proposals. Now all I can do is say that I am 0 for 5 on finding a possible source for a repower. Really a sad state of affairs if you ask me.

Captsteve · September 17, 2020, 05:37:37 PM

They want you to come in, in person. So they can pressure to buy their product without comparing to others.

Any day fishing, is a good day.

Mike Cork · September 17, 2020, 07:10:21 PM

I imagine this is just the beginning of your frustrations. The good thing is you have a working motor and can move on to the next possibility, I'd certainly let them now you have and are looking into options and if they want your business they should poop or get off the pot.

apenland01 · September 18, 2020, 10:36:27 AM

The biggest problem is the lack of inventory. I know guys that have been on waiting lists for new motors. I can tell you that a Ranger 521 got a new four stroke mercury and it was $22,000 fully rigged out the door from the shop at the lake. It took many months to get the motor.

I saw him at a tournament last weekend before launch and he said it has taken some getting used to, as it pushes much differently than his old motor.

I suspect most dealers are so backed up right now, new customers aren't a priority. If you want to be considered more than a tire kicker, you may need to do something to stand out and get on the waiting list or something....

Bud Kennedy · September 18, 2020, 10:49:30 AM

You are likely right that it is a bit of the "new customer" treatment. They are busy this time of year and have all the existing business they can handle. True the new motor waiting lists are fairly long especially for the 250 hp motors.

A lot of the problem is probably me as I do set some pretty high expectations about how I think things should be handled. Since my current motor runs just fine I am not in a hurry but just kind of testing he water to know how big a check I am gonna have to write. But.....I want details and in my mind that is not unreasonable. Maybe this winter they won't be so busy. This however give you an idea that this could be an indication of how responsive they might be for a service request.

I can tell you that a source I would like to use is Anglers Choice Marine. I know they have Mercury motors in stock and ready to be installed but then again they are a very large and trusted dealer that is headquartered in Martinsville, Virginia which is just a tad to far to go.

Princeton_Man · September 18, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

Bud, you should try to find an new Etec 150 or 175. You're talking a ton of extra bucks for new rigging. New tach/gauge, new wiring harness and ignition switch, new remote control (throttle) and cables.
Evinrude still honors their warranties and another thing to look for is a used Evinrude still under warranty. The last time I visited him, my dealer had a one year old Etec 150 HO that was traded in on one of the new G2 models. It still had the remainder of the full warranty which was 6 years when it was new. You'd still need to add or change out a gauge and add the new wiring harness, but it'll be a lot less than re-powering with a different brand.

Princeton_Man · September 18, 2020, 01:24:29 PM

Just had a chat with my buddy Jack and he said no one will give firm quote until they have the motors in stock on the floor. Current delivery dates for all of the manufacturers today is December-January and there could still be further delays. He said it's that way everywhere.

Bud Kennedy · September 18, 2020, 02:40:24 PM

Jim, I do appreciate Jack's fine offer for the ETECH HO 150 HP. In my mind the market position of Evinrude is just a bit too tenuous for me. I am thinking that if I am gonna re power I want to go with a 4 stroke this time. I still want a motor that can be delivered, installed and serviced locally. Although I have not made any decisions as yet I am still on the hunt so to speak. As long as the Fast Strike keeps running the way it is now I am good to go but I understand that can change in the blink of an eye. After spending the better part of $12K to rehab the ranger and then dropping about $35K with the house renovations, I am a bit more cautious about my elective spending than in the past. My age does not help the situation either and makes it a concern to drop another big chunk of cash into the boat unless it is absolutely necessary to keep fishing. I certainly am not ready to quit fishing yet but as we know that sometimes can be out of our control.

Donald Garner · September 19, 2020, 09:11:56 PM

Bud, I was looking and checking around last fall for an up grade for my Yamaha 150VMax. A Four Stroke, mounting / rigging / replacing gauges etc I was looking at $15,000.00 dollars. I don't have any idea what that cost would be today.

My Yamaha is still running strong. I was just testing the waters just in case. Good luck with finding the right motor for that Ranger.

Bud Kennedy · September 19, 2020, 09:25:47 PM

Donald, the $15K still is about right to repower with a 150. The basic motors are running about $13K plus the rigging deal. That brings it up to the $15K + number. Warranty coverage is different across the brands with Suzuki still offering 6 years and Merc and Yamaha at 3 years with an option for 3 more for a fee. So, all in all not much is changing price wise. As long as the fast strike is running the way it is I am not gonna make a purchase but I wanted to be fully aware of all the charges and bottom line costs should I change my mind.