factory options Vs after sales installation

[deandavis1]

Hello again. This is my third post and topic in a quest to gain knowledge. I want to know peoples thoughts on factory options vs after market installation.

I am looking to purchase a new boat and money IS an issue. There are probably some things that I could live without to start off with and buy later and then other things that might be a little more affordable to buy as after market.

My question is what are peoples experiences with this in terms of:

Bow thrusters
Navigation and electronics
Air conditioning
etc.

I have an electronics background and simple maths tells me that there is no way i would pay thousands of dollars for a small factory LCD TV so I suspect the same might be true for other options I am less familiar with currently.

Thanks for your input.

[Vasco]

Your point on the tv is correct. But there is a middle ground between factory installed and after sales installation. That is to have the dealer install the options you require. I would have the dealer install as many options as possible, not the factory. A good dealership will have a permanent commissioning crew who should know the boat inside out. They need to be kept busy. When you buy the boat include all the options you want for the dealer to install. The more the better for the dealership. This will give the dealer and you a lot more room to negotiate the final price. Of course the secret here is finding a good dealership. Their reputations vary and of course they each have their territories so you may have to go outside your local area to find one.

As for the tv you can specify that you provide it and they install it.

Before you buy talk to those that have bought and ask them how the dealer's service was. I know from personal experience that dealerships vary greatly in their commissioning departments. Find one that has a good reputation and have them do the installations. Their initial price for individual items might seem a bit high but it is the final total price that counts and that price is up to you and the broker.

[JohnRPollard]

My take on that is that I would want the factory to install anything that is difficult to access or structural in nature -- items like bow thrusters, heat/ac units and ducting, optional deck hardware, generators, etc.

Electronics are constantly changing/improving, so I would spec them as close to delivery as possible. But battery banks, high-output alternators, wiring, and "blank" nav station panelling and cockpit instrument pods are all important to have in place.

[Melrna]

First you didn't say what type of boat you are looking at and what you plan on doing with it. Options are like buy a car, some the factory needs to install and some the dealership while commissioning the boat. John pretty much summed it up.
The advantage of the boat builder installing items are the warranty issues that might arise can rest with the boat builder as well as the manufacture of said item. One thing for sure is I would make sure there are PVC pipes that run throughout the boat so electrical hardware can be a snap to install. Pre installed wiring too can be a major plus. If planning air conditioning on the boat most boat builders will pre install the required duct work and wiring as well.
TV for boats can be had from $199-$300 dollars right now. What you might do is pre wire the TV antenna on top of the mast if that is the way you want to go.

[dacap06]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

My take on that is that I would want the factory to install anything that is difficult to access or structural in nature -- items like bow thrusters, heat/ac units and ducting, optional deck hardware, generators, etc.

I would add all the most expensive items that you want eventually to the option list to be installed either by dealer or factory before purchase.

I am pointing out the obvious, but factory and dealer-installed options that happen before sale and delivery are reflected in the purchase price and can be included in the boat loan that is paid off over many years. Those scheduled for later may well end up being put off longer than you want. We forget that systems on new boats are often no more reliable than systems on old boats and may require unforeseen repair or replacement. It is easy to underestimate the true budgetary requirements of your purchase, necessitating the unwanted delays.