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New motor dilemma

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/04/2012 : 11:03:31

4 weeks ago, I ordered a new motor from a local Honda dealer. At the time, he told me that he expected the motor to be delivered the next week. I gave him a check for half which has not been cashed yet. After 2 weeks, I started calling him asking when I could expect the motor to be delivered. Always says "end of this week" when I call early in the week and "middle of next week" when I call at the end of the week.

I like the idea of supporting local merchants, but I am starting to regret it this time. I am considering putting a stop on the check, telling him to forget the order and ordering a tohatsu from onlineoutboards. Is this unreasonable for me to do?? Is a month a reasonable lead time??

Pat Duffy
1984 SK/SR #4113
Slàinte

Edited by - pfduffy on 05/04/2012 11:08:47

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 11:16:25

While the dealer may have an actual product chain problem, it seems like he's been less than forthcoming regarding your new outboard. You're probably under some time constraints to get your boat launched for the season, it doesn't seem unreasonable to me to cancel your Honda order and order the Tohatsu. It's your money after all, and if the dealer were interested in keeping the sale, you'd think he'd be more proactive in letting you what's going on at a minimum. No money has actually changed hands, so he's already ordering the new outboard on spec, and it's unlikely he's going to get stuck with it should it finally appear before he cancels his order. What if his "next week" responses stretch into June? You'll have lost another 4-6 weeks of sailing (or motoring anyway).

As far as lead time, a month seems more than adequate. As I remember, I got my Tohatsu from Online Outboards in less than a week after ordering it. Plus the delivery guy helped me hang it on my transom, which I thought was above and beyond his duties (and really nothing to do with your question, I was just impressed).

Reminds me of the guy who "fixed" my old dinghy outboard a few years back.

Edited by - delliottg on 05/04/2012 11:19:34

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 11:44:49

I lost nearly half a season a couple of years ago waiting for "next week".

Edited by - on

szymek
Navigator

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Canada
209 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 12:15:44

I am also all about supporting my local shops. But in this case, this will impact your sailing season.

I recently ordered Tohatsu motor. I got it from local dealer as I find them as very reputable place! But they told me straight out it will be another month before they place the order and it will take a up to 5 days to get there. Given it was middle of winter - I did not care, but i did appreciate how honest they were.

Also on a side note: I looked at Honda motors as well. And based on best value for a buck I went for Tohatsu.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 12:23:01

I have no patience for businesses that don't shoot straight. Either you know when it's coming in or you don't. If you don't have any idea, don't tell me otherwise.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 12:44:47

I'm with the others - put a stop on thecheck and order elsewhere. Have you called Somers Point Marine? They are a Honda dealer in my area, and seem to have several different engines in stock. It would be about an hour drive for you, but you might be able to pick up the Honda engine this weekend. They're open 'til 5 on Saturday, and 1 on Sunday, if I recall correctly. That's where I'll be taking my engine for repair.

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 16:29:05

You are being too kind. Business is business. Reverse the thought-if you had told someone what you have been told how would you expect them to act. Thought so! Get on with another source.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2012 : 18:25:04

Stop payment on the check, order a Tohatsu from Onlineoutboards, and tell the first guy what you did due to his lack of customer service. He's jacking you around.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2012 : 06:21:39

I ordered my Tohatsu SailPro from Online Outboards on a Friday, received it on Tuesday.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2012 : 10:54:13

FWIW - I'm w/ Don!

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2012 : 13:14:42

My Honda dealer knew the serial number, location, and shipping schedule for the engine he ordered for me. He told me a week... I think it came in about five days. Honda generally has high standards for their dealers--for example, they're required to tank-test every engine. I think you got a lemon.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2012 : 19:06:25

I'm with the others above. See if your bank will allow you to place a hold on the check. If they will call the guy and tell him he's got till Wednesday to get you the motor or your cancelling the order. If it shows up release the hold, if not put a stop payment on it.

This might be a good learning experience for all of us. If supporting the local community maybe it would be wise to get the delivery date in writing along with a cancellation agreement if it doesn't arrive on schedule.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2012 : 20:30:47

"Hold", "Stop Payment", "Release",... Check your bank's fees for these things, and then see if the dealer will just hand back the check or write one to you. Hopefully, all he has to do is cancel the order that hasn't been shipped.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2012 : 21:21:16

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 . . . Honda generally has high standards for their dealers . . .
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Totally agree, but I have a disdain for outboard dealers in general - at least in SW PA - different breed. I've had more positive experiences on the internet for outboard stuff.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 05/06/2012 : 20:05:47

Pat,
So, what did you do?

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 09:02:34

I put the stop payment on the check this morning and called him and told him to cancel the order and that I have no confidence in his ability to deliver a motor. Given his reaction, or lack thereof, I am reasonably certain that he has not ordered my motor.

I then called Onlineoutboards and got the Tohatsu for $400 less than I would have paid for the Honda.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 10:19:29

Good for you. I hope it works well for you!

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 10:58:37

.....and you'll probably have the Tohatsu by Friday, if not sooner.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 11:28:43

Pat, did you get the member discount, too?

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 11:41:30

Yepper... I'll put it this way... I will drive across state to get to a specific mechanic that works on my Stamas.

When you know you are going 10 miles offshore, you pick your people carefully.

Kinda like when you get your cave diving scuba equipment serviced.. I use the son of the man I've always used...

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 11:48:37

Yes - I got the member discount. I expect that I will get it no later than Monday, but most likely this week.

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2012 : 16:52:48

I already have the fedex tracking number. Currently expecting delivery by Wednesday.

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2012 : 10:27:30

Motor arrived this morning. For those who were counting - 46 hours from placing order to taking delivery.

I will post a full review of the motor just as soon as I launch.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2012 : 10:45:18

WOW - very nice. Did you go with an 8, 9.9, or 15?

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2012 : 11:02:31

9.9 HP 25" shaft, electric start. I've very excited!!

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2012 : 11:22:48

Congratulations on the new outboard. I think you'll like the new Tohatsu. Other than things which weren't really it's fault, ours has been great and the XL shaft makes a big difference.

Edited by - delliottg on 07/08/2012 11:55:21

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