Here's a question for you....

[Limited-Time]

How has the availability of on line parts and information changed the way you service or have your boat serviced? And do you think it undermines your local marina's ability to compete?

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Here's a question for you....

edit

 

[roscoe]

Re: Here's a question for you....

The availability to get parts and how-to-advice online means that more motors actually get serviced in our area.

We have no dealer or marina within 60 miles, and only a generic small engine shop that "may take a look" at an outboard. Which translates into " they will fiddle with the carb a little".

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Here's a question for you....

I do my own work so being able to get parts on line makes it a lot easier.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Here's a question for you....

Sometimes it's good that people can actually get the parts,fix em themselves. At our marina it doesn't affect us to much. A lot of times they will quickly realize they are in over their heads,and we get the job,usually for extra $ as we have to re-do their screw up.
Sometimes the say I can get that part online cheaper,but when showing them the differences between oem,and aftermarket parts,they quiet down. Yes there are good aftermarket parts out there,you just have to be careful on what/where ya get them from.
Grub

 

[southkogs]

Re: Here's a question for you....

I do my own work so being able to get parts on line makes it a lot easier.

^^^ Ditto. 'Course, I have a Stringer so most shops in the area won't touch it anyway.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Here's a question for you....

I equate this to all motor repairs.

I do not think mechanics/repair shops as a whole are really affected. The do it yourself attitude has changed. I would not hesitate to rebuild a motor or do a repair however, the tools required has jumped exponentially.

New motors/vehicles require special tools and special computer programs to repair. That stuff is available to the consumer level but not cost effective to buy. A good auto mechanic today has almost 50K in tools.

I still replace the common stuff and buy allot online. For my marine stuff I can do it all since I have older motors. Compare that to some of my friends with new stuff that require computer adjustments (which I will not touch).

Parts on-line are cheaper (Just look at Rock Auto vs Autozone or NAPA for simple iridium spark plugs or starters)and using on-line eliminates the middleman and local profit.

I do not think the local marina's are bothered. As a matter of fact......many marina's will not work on the older stuff (i.e. 2 strokes) at all. That leaves two choices........ buy new or DIY.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Re: Here's a question for you....

We are very fortunate here there are at least 6 or 7 lakes near us that allow for almost any size boat to be run on them. There are three within 15 minutes of my house. So there are lots of options for us in the form of local boat shops.

There are alot of small repair places, and guys around who work on or will point you to someone who can work on older marine engines.

One of the local shop owners told me last year that he doesn't mind when people use the internet to get parts for themselves. He said he keeps plenty of filters and carb kits and the like on hand for those of us who get in a hurry. Plus he said he still gets plenty of work fixing our screwups.