We bought a 1972 MacGreggor Venture 21 last fall, that came with a very old Gamefisher 7.5HP outboard. This spring I purchased a brand new Honda 5HP (from an authorized Honda outboard dealer).
One week ago, we got the boat in the water for the first time, but the outboard wouldn't start - despite using just-purchased gas and following the mfg instructions to the letter. The dealer immediately blamed the fuel, and upon returning the motor to them, they put it in their tank and quickly got it running on THEIR gas. I then took the motor back to the boat, and bought two gallons of fresh gas at our marina. My wife and I then took the boat out, putting about an hour of time on the motor (being careful not to over-rev the engine, again per the mfg instructions). The motor ran flawlessly.
Saturday, we were back at the boat, and AGAIN, the motor wouldn't start (and I tried EVERYTHING, including purchasing 3 gallons of premium gas from BP, and draining the carborator at least 5 times). I called the dealer, and they offered to either refund my money or give me a new motor (they strike me as VERY reputable people, and have been nothing but friendly). I opted for the new motor and immediately took my motor back. As I expected, they quickly got my motor running - but I still wanted a new one, and so they got another motor out and set it up. Only THIS time, they dealer couldn't get the new motor started. He tried everything. We're talking Honda products here - BRAND NEW outboards - it's unbelievable.
Now I'm thinking of just getting my money back and buying another brand, and would appreciate any and all thoughts on this.
Thanks, and I hope everyone's out sailing this fine memorial day!!
Marc
One week ago, we got the boat in the water for the first time, but the outboard wouldn't start - despite using just-purchased gas and following the mfg instructions to the letter. The dealer immediately blamed the fuel, and upon returning the motor to them, they put it in their tank and quickly got it running on THEIR gas. I then took the motor back to the boat, and bought two gallons of fresh gas at our marina. My wife and I then took the boat out, putting about an hour of time on the motor (being careful not to over-rev the engine, again per the mfg instructions). The motor ran flawlessly.
Saturday, we were back at the boat, and AGAIN, the motor wouldn't start (and I tried EVERYTHING, including purchasing 3 gallons of premium gas from BP, and draining the carborator at least 5 times). I called the dealer, and they offered to either refund my money or give me a new motor (they strike me as VERY reputable people, and have been nothing but friendly). I opted for the new motor and immediately took my motor back. As I expected, they quickly got my motor running - but I still wanted a new one, and so they got another motor out and set it up. Only THIS time, they dealer couldn't get the new motor started. He tried everything. We're talking Honda products here - BRAND NEW outboards - it's unbelievable.
Now I'm thinking of just getting my money back and buying another brand, and would appreciate any and all thoughts on this.
Thanks, and I hope everyone's out sailing this fine memorial day!!
Marc