buying a new boat without an engine?

[stackz]

is it even possible? I'm pretty sure a dealer would do it reluctantly but can you just buy a boat from the manufacturer direct without an engine setup on it?

was going to look into this more starting next year but figured I'd ask in case anyone has been down this route.

basically, I've got two good outboards right now (one on a stand, one on my other boat). the one on the stand is a spare in case my active engine goes.

I'm outgrowing the boat even though I just spent 3 years restoring it as its a fresh water runabout and not really suited to the bay here in charleston and I'm quickly remembering why I was so slow at the restoration.

anyway, if I sell it then I still have a good engine/control setup.

why spend $20k on a boat setup when I can spend maybe $10k on the hull with options I want and then just add on my outboard.

I'm looking at something like 17' flats boat like a scout or keywest, etc. I see them optioned with engine and trailer for $22k+

assuming the engine/control setup is $10k of the price for a 70-90hp, wouldnt that mean the boat/trailer by itself is only about $12k??

not too worried about looking like I have a super old engine on a super new boat either. I dont need to have the newest 4-cycle wonder pushing me through the water.

but yeah, is this possible or would they just say no and that I need to buy the whole thing as-is setup from the factory?

I see several dealers in town with unrigged boats in their lots (so you can pick which engine you want, etc)...

buying factory direct would save me dealer markup too. and scout and keywest both have local factories.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: buying a new boat without an engine?

I think you have two points in here. The first is you want to buy an unrigged boat. That answer probably depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have contracts in place with certain motor companies, and I doubt you can buy them separate. Others may be more doable. A call to the dealer of your choice should clear that up.

You second question was can you buy direct from the manufacturer. This one I can almost asure you is a no go. Unless it's a very small company, I don't see them dealing in the retail business. In addition, most companies have contractural obligations with the dealers that they won't sell direct. The few that do sell direct often have a mark up higher than the dealer to discourage it.

Hope that helps.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: buying a new boat without an engine?

Given the economy I'm sure a dealer will be thrilled to sell you a brand new boat with or without a motor attached.

I'd be looking for a 3-5 year old used boat that happens to be missing the motor, but having a warranty would be nice too.

Good luck to ya!

 

[Dave1251]

Re: buying a new boat without an engine?

Many dealers will buy stock boats pre-rigged with controls for the outboard they are dealer for. If you wanted the boat without controls, than the dealer would have to special order the boat. No big deal, but the type of boat you are considering are usually purchased in truck loads to kept freight cost down. If you work with the dealer and he can add your boat to one of his stock orders, than you should have no problem ordering a boat with any controls and motor.

As for buying direct from the factory, most would not have any interest in dealing with you. They are not set up to deal with retail customers.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: buying a new boat without an engine?

I think you would have to get lucky and find something that had a problem, like a new boat that sank on a sea trial, or that was returned with a blown motor and rejected by that buyer, or a new boat which had its motor stolen (I know of one). You just have to catch them before they repair/replace.

Some dealers sell new boats as "catalogue sales" where they don't have the actual boat on the lot but they order it rigged as you want it. Seems a dealer who does that should be able to get what you want.

I have also heard of some brands of OB boats that are assembled in say Malaysia, so that brand would not be easy to get just the hull.

 

[stackz]

Re: buying a new boat without an engine?

I think you would have to get lucky and find something that had a problem, like a new boat that sank on a sea trial, or that was returned with a blown motor and rejected by that buyer, or a new boat which had its motor stolen (I know of one). You just have to catch them before they repair/replace.

this is what I've been trying to do for the past year with this other engine of mine. mostly what I've been finding are either ones where they cracked the hull and sold the engine/trailer and are trying to pawn off the hull...or 26'+ boats needing new drive setups (much too big for my little OB lol).

that or super old boats needing pretty much everything. I guess when it gets closer to tax time I'll start going to the local dealers and seeing whats up with this type of hairbrained desire of mine lol