Re: Purchasing outboard online
Been studying this forum and have convinced myself that a Tohatsu 8 HP 4 stroke long shaft outboard will be just fine for a kicker on my Lund 1700 Fisherman. It would appear that the best price is buying it online at onlineoutboards.com. I did see a reference on one post about being cautious on buying outboards online because the warranty may not be validated. Any true to that? Have others had good experience with onlineoutboards.com purchases? Thanks
I was told by my local dealer that any motor that isn't purchased and "prepped" by an authorized dealer will void the warranty because by law all motors are shipped and come dry with no fluids in them so they cant leak anything and be a hazard to the environment. when you buy it the dealer must do the oil fills with the manufacturers specified fluids and test the motor for proper lubrication and function. after this is done it cant be shipped after this process because it contains "contaminents".
basicly he said it was so some idiot didn't forget to put oil in the crankcase or in the lower unit or something and destroy a brand new motor and want it fixed for free. he said any warranty repair done on that motor will be denied unless there is a record of it being "dealer prepped" AND "break in" service done after its been run a little bit.
talk to your local dealer and ask then if you brought a new motor to them still in the crate (I assume it is) if they could do the dealer prep to validate the warranty so its covered. if he says no then you know where you stand, part of the cheap price is because you have no warranty and are you willing to risk it for the money you save?