Importing a pair of new Suzi engines from the US

[Fatenhappy]

Hey one and all ....

I was asking Leeza for a couple of bits of information re the NMEA interface for Suzis and happened to mention that I'm looking to import a couple of 175HP 25" Suzis from the US.

Rather than unintentionally taking over his thread with an unrelated subject I'll throw this one up.

Brief history ... as most know I am in the middle of doing a reno on our 23' shark cat .... The repowering side of the street has left me in a quandry as any offers/quotes for quality stuff from Oz runs into the early mid 40 grand mark.... that's a lot of dosh. We're not rolling in cash so any improvement on that would be greatfully appreciated.

To me thats 40 plus thousand good reasons why I should do a whole lot of research on all the options. The best quality Oz inboard option by far is the Yanmar 260 diesel. Nice package and good people to deal with. Haven't been able to find a pair of twin O/B's in the 175/200 class thats not slightly more than that (I need to do a full pod conversion if going to O/B's)

The best off shore option for O/B's so far seems to be from Eds marine superstore in the US.

Confirming emails say they will export Suzi and Mercury that have a world wide warranty, or are happy to have my Oz organised couriers do the work instead.

From any of these off shore dealers, what you get is the crated engine and thats it. You still have to bye the control cables, props etc, which I don't have any problem with as I want and need to customise my fit in any case.

I have no problem with local industry doing there own thing, but for me I'm willing to have a serious look at it. A pair of 175 25" Suzis @ $20,000 US hard to argue with that.

Hopefully I should be able to get the deciding information within the next couple of days. Timing is a major problem in that they are 14 hours behind us here in Brissy.

And so the journey continues ....

Cheers

[trev1]

thats unreal, basically half price when our dollars at 93c US. Probably will be worth all the trouble

[Noelm]

be very careful with the "crates" as all Timber will attract serious Quarrantine costs and time, so make sure you factor that in as well.

[Dan5]

be very careful with the "crates" as all Timber will attract serious Quarrantine costs and time, so make sure you factor that in as well.

More than likely you'll find they come in metal crate's,my suzi 70 and yammie 60 both did.

[jimbo59]

Hey lr did you know mercury make marine diesels up to 350hp look heres a 300 superchaged cheers jim

[Charlie]

Is that model made in Thailand ? it might be cheaper to buy there, I'm not sure about prices but there are a few online dealers if you do a search.

[Wahoo]

Greg, we might be able to share container cost, how soon will you be going ahead with this?


Daz

[BM]

I would be ringing a local Suzuki dealer and having them check with Suzuki in relation to warranty.

You may well find your imports only have a 12 month warranty on them as you have parallel imported them. Some manufacturers have this in place although there are changes going on presently.

Cheers

[FNQCairns]

Good job I have mentioned on here I looked into it through Eds and got to your stage before deciding different, certainly a grand option IMO, would love to hear the outcome when you get them landed.

Ausfish bulk buy:)

cheers fnq

[Noelm]

BM is correct, lots of stuff only have a very minimal Global Warranty, and indeed some items do not carry any warranty except for a "return to base" setup if the same product is available here, so make sure you do your homework, and do not rely on what a Salesman tells you (especially one on the other side of the World)

[Fatenhappy]

Happy with that Jim

Re the turbo diesels .... , but trying to get one at a similar price to what is on offer for the twins O/B's is a bit of a challenge ...

Having said that I am onto that too ... nothings set in concrete as yet

[Fatenhappy]

Re the import costs ..

2 engines allowing for dimensions of 2m x 1m x 1 m sea freight cleared through customs Brissy ex Virgina picked up from the dealer, $1931.84 ($1932 - I had pencilled in $2000 - so thats spot on ) Allow between 40 - 50 days delivery

So the costs so far if it goes through:
The engines 20,000 USD .... today thats $21,550 AUD + $1932 = $23,482 + 10% GST = $25,830 V/s $44,000 here ... hmmm??? (no customs excise on engines)

And yes I am still looking into the warranty thing fellas so thanks for that too ....

By air ... forget it ... $3698

[Fatenhappy]

Hey Wahoo ...

My problem sharing a container is all the paperwork to be processed as well as getting the engines to the container from the dealer at the US end ...

Thanks anyway ...

[Spaniard_King]

Guys, Just for your information Honda has just sent a dealer bulletin (IN THE LAST MONTH) stating that Honda Australia will not cover any imported engine under their warranty system. They are to inform the client that their engine is only covered by an OEM warranty in the country of sale.

LR, get something on paper from suzi re -warranty before you go ahead.

[Grand_Marlin]

Howdy Y'All,

Greg - do you want me to test drive them for you?

I am in Houston, Texas at the moment :cowboy:

Cheers

Pete

[Noelm]

that's what can and does happen!

[boatboy50]

Guys, Just for your information Honda has just sent a dealer bulletin (IN THE LAST MONTH) stating that Honda Australia will not cover any imported engine under their warranty system. They are to inform the client that their engine is only covered by an OEM warranty in the country of sale.

LR, get something on paper from suzi re -warranty before you go ahead.

And get it from Suzuki Australia (because they will be who covers the warranty), not from the US dealer.

Let us all know who you get on though.

Regards

Darren

[FNQCairns]

26K V 44K, bugger the warranty buy yourself a spare powerhead for each instead:) or a whole spare engine ...still infront with change.

cheers fnq

[BM]

Yep, I agree FNQ. Although as you would know from similar topics raised some buyers want the cheap engine and will scream blue murder if they don't get a full warranty as well.

(Not suggesting you are LR, not at all but some have in the past certainly have).

Cheers

[BaitThrower]

Yeah bugger the warranty, just make sure they are shipped insured! And even if you have warranty, with all the half-assed workarounds and clauses in most of em, you got more chance of not getting a claim done under warranty these days...

"But sir, you turned the ignition key... clause 2,674,643 Part 34542BCDEFGHIJKLMNOP says "the claimaint must herewith have demonstrated that said engine under warranty terms of Part -45.38273 of Dr Who's Tardis manual must not have turned key more than 1 degree clockwise, or anti-clockwise if in the other hemisphere, or said warranty of your lawn mower will not be granted" :)

[Fish Guts]

why dont more people import engines ? it sounds too good to be true ? how much import duty and taxes would be charged ?

[Fatenhappy]

hey fish guts ..

A couple of points here to keep it all in perspective ....

The only reason any of this sounds so good is because the current exchange US is running so high at about 93 cents Oz to the US dollar

As far as the import duties go, there is no customs excise on new or used marine engines .... believe me I've checked and I even have the exact reference there at work somewhere if any one is in doubt ....

What you or I pay to bring an engine in is
1. The cost of the engine from the source,
2. Whatever it costs to ship it here inluding all port fees etc in total and
3. (You'll love this part) add 1 & 2 together and pay GST on the total of the lot and thats it .... good old Mr government ....

Someone like to try and explain to me why you have to pay GST on a source that originated outside Oz?

Hope that helps ...
Cheers

[BaitThrower]

Someone like to try and explain to me why you have to pay GST on a source that originated outside Oz?



Isn't because the govt is trying to "encourage" you to spend your money here? Too bad most retailers dont do much to encourage it :)

[disorderly]

26K V 44K, bugger the warranty buy yourself a whole spare engine ...still infront with change.

cheers fnq

Those kind of numbers just blow my mind...all it suggests to me is that the local distributors are carrying a hell of a lot of excess baggage if they need to charge that in order to be profitable.

Sorry for the edit Scott but reading it this way just astounds mehttp://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/../yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/shocked.gif.

Remember also, that companies are still making a profit even on the 26K.http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/../yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/wink.gif

[Fatenhappy]

Don't forget old mate in America is a businessman and making his profit on all of this otherwise he wouldn't be in business.

Now without taking anything away from the local bloke as I didn't start this thread to bash the local distributor far from it, but I would be more than just a bit surprised if they are not buying at similar prices to old mate in the US.

I really don't care what the excuses are .... Hmmm. ask me again ... "why are you lookin off shore?" and as FNQ said .... if necessary at those prices bugger the warranty ... that's a whole lot of dosh

And no I'm not trying to start a rebellion !!!!

[BM]

Hang on lads,

Its important to note that the Aussie dealers are not buying the engines at the prices the American dealers are. Of course not!! Just like the spare parts as well. Different country, so different arrangements from the manufacturer.

As with anything, higher volume equals lower price. Australia is insignificant in the marine market on a global scale and as such the lower volume means higher prices for the dealers.

Cheers

[marco]

Hang on lads,

Its important to note that the Aussie dealers are not buying the engines at the prices the American dealers are. Of course not!! Just like the spare parts as well. Different country, so different arrangements from the manufacturer.

As with anything, higher volume equals lower price. Australia is insignificant in the marine market on a global scale and as such the lower volume means higher prices for the dealers.

Cheers
with all that in mind bm surely the aussie importer would do better to buy there engines from a american retailer rather than from the japanese manufacturer . it seems to be a lot cheaper that way for them but then again if you were the importer and you could buy cheaper from a retailer in another country than what your paying direct to suzuki themselves you would have a lot to say about it wouldnt you ?
food for thought on just how much markup there is for aussie distributors

[Fatenhappy]

Thanks BM .... point taken as I, like most others am not privvy to any inside info on dealerships ...

I say again, I am NOT here to bash the local bloke, just like everyone else to get the best possible deal on the hip pocket nerve!!

[seabug]

Hang on lads,

Its important to note that the Aussie dealers are not buying the engines at the prices the American dealers are. Of course not!! Just like the spare parts as well. Different country, so different arrangements from the manufacturer.

As with anything, higher volume equals lower price. Australia is insignificant in the marine market on a global scale and as such the lower volume means higher prices for the dealers.

Cheers

Also the local dealer has to buy and upkeep a a prime exposure comercial real estate site.
Employ qualified mechanics and train them.And carry them through the slack season.
Have some motors on hand for display.
And also have boat ,motor packages sitting in the yard.
Carry a range of spare parts.
And put up with tyre-kickers.

The overseas dealer avoids most of these .

Regards
seabug

[Luke G]

Also liquid-remedy make sure you order bulk fuel filters, oil filters, water pumps when you get your motors, they are cheeper then half price over in the US aswell.

Cheers

[BM]

LR, I understand your not local bashing. No issue there!

Marco, the local dealers can't buy from a dealer in another country because they won't then be backed by the manufacturer from a warranty perspective. And you couldn't be an engine dealer for "x" brand but buying your engines from overseas. The serial numbers are easily tracked via computer and a serial number that pops up in the wrong country is disregarded by the manufacturer in most cases.

Heres a concept for you that I have considered. Start bringing in engines from the US by the container load. Sell them cheap here although with no warranty or with your own warranty. Set up a workshop/showroom and do your own fitups and service work etc etc

Sounds great doesn't it? Except....... its been tried before and not overly succesfully on any occasion. The average punter would rather have a warranty and know he had a legit engine and not a "grey import". On top of that, you would be in the firing line of the legitimate dealers of the products your selling and the manufacturers would act to stop the supplier in the other country from selling to you, in order to protect their dealer network here in Oz.

Cheers

[Fatenhappy]

More than obvious there a few here that are retail marine related and thats fine.

Bottom line is, why do people like me look further a field at all?

Give me a good quality item at a good price and service that's second to none and guess what ... I'll stick to you like sh%& to a blanket.

One of my 3 caps in life is that I used to be a registered builder in country Qld, and very proud of it.. Honest day for an honest dollar!

I mainly used to do renos. When quoting I was fully aware that if you were fare you would win. And so used to quote for a job at so much per hour for so many hours + materials.

My guarentee was that hey, if I don't take as long as the quote I will refund the hourly rate for the difference. I used to quote fairly and honestly and people appreciated it. And so that's all I am after.

For me from a builders background, in Australia mention "boat or marine" and the cost goes up 3 or 4 times.

Another example (and sorry to bore anyone) ... used to live in Toowoomba. Had a 660 Whittley - a 25 glass boat - that we used to tow with a F250 to Brissy etc. Got minimal bimini work done in Brissy at touching $2000, so had the next lot done up there at NJ Canvas (free plug) .... absolute top job at at $660 with fantastic service

Anyone can come up with what ever excuses they want but value for money is all that anyone is asking.

Cheers

[Fish Guts]

very true !

[BM]

Value for money is definitely what we are all looking for. Money doesn't grow on trees so therefore we all need to be wise in how we spend it.

However, you can't compare pricing in one country to another and then talk value for money. They sare 2 countries with entirely different economic situations.

Following along that same track couldn't we say that we should buy all our clothes from Indonesia where a t-shirt is say $1 and a hawaiian print collared shirt is $3? I mean thats a lot cheaper than buying those items here.

I have no issue with your import plans. It makes sense. Its not without its shortcomings but the price differential makes up for it in my book.

Cheers

[insideout]

So the costs so far if it goes through:
The engines 20,000 USD .... today thats $21,550 AUD + $1932 = $23,482 + 10% GST = $25,830 V/s $44,000 here ... hmmm??? (no customs excise on engines)


yeah i believe in supporting the local guy where i can , but there is a difference between making a tidy profit and a making a killing. These figures blew me away and basicly you could nearly buy 4 engines there for the price of 2 here,i believe people are going to get global in there spending ,while the prices stay that way.
And if you want a real eye opener on prices here vs o/s , do yourself a favor and take a trip to china, and see what things are really worth....

[Fatenhappy]

For your further information re the warranties an email from Suzi and their reply ...

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the warranty for Suzuki Outboard Motors. Suzuki do have a world wide warranty for their products however as a distributor for Suzuki we are not in a position to process the warranty for engines which are not supplied by our dealer network. Each distributor is responsible for warranties sold in their market area and these are processed according to the engine serial number. If the Haines Group tried to make a claim on an engine which has not been supplied to our market the manufacturer could reject our claim. The claim would need to be processed by the distributor for the selling dealer.



*** Notice “could” is not “will”

We may be able to assist with processing the claim but we would require engine serial numbers and the warranty registration details to assist with making the necessary contacts. Do you already have a boat or are you thinking about buying one? If you are looking at buying a new boat it might be a proposition to have the boat pre rigged with controls and gauges and fitting the engines when the boat arrives in Australia.

I hope this has been of some assistance and please feel free to contact me if I can be of any help to you in the future. Regards, Andrew Leeson | Suzuki Service Advisor 140 Viking Drive, Wacol, QLD4076, Australia | Direct: +61 7 37185630 Fax: +61 7 32714054


I do appreciate that they took the time to answer ...
Cheers

[peterbo3]

Also the local dealer has to buy and upkeep a a prime exposure comercial real estate site.
Employ qualified mechanics and train them.And carry them through the slack season.
Have some motors on hand for display.
And also have boat ,motor packages sitting in the yard.
Carry a range of spare parts.
And put up with tyre-kickers.

The overseas dealer avoids most of these .

Regards
seabug

Seabug,
Sorry to burst your bubble but US dealers such as Ed's Marine have real showrooms with real boats & engines in stock. They also have service departments with live people in them fitting out boats & servicing engines.
Some of the US electronics dealers "drop ship" items which are warehoused & sent to customers when ordered, but not all. Most have showrooms & carry stock with the attendant costs.
When we buy from the US, we are paying retail prices, not wholesale. The only saving on purchase is that no US state or local taxes are paid. I have said this before & will say it again........................someone :-X :-X :-X :-X is making a heap of money on marine electronics & motors so I will buy offshore & save.
The links will take you to some people with showrooms:

http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/home.php

[marco]

LR, I understand your not local bashing. No issue there!

Marco, the local dealers can't buy from a dealer in another country because they won't then be backed by the manufacturer from a warranty perspective. And you couldn't be an engine dealer for "x" brand but buying your engines from overseas. The serial numbers are easily tracked via computer and a serial number that pops up in the wrong country is disregarded by the manufacturer in most cases.

Heres a concept for you that I have considered. Start bringing in engines from the US by the container load. Sell them cheap here although with no warranty or with your own warranty. Set up a workshop/showroom and do your own fitups and service work etc etc

Sounds great doesn't it? Except....... its been tried before and not overly succesfully on any occasion. The average punter would rather have a warranty and know he had a legit engine and not a "grey import". On top of that, you would be in the firing line of the legitimate dealers of the products your selling and the manufacturers would act to stop the supplier in the other country from selling to you, in order to protect their dealer network here in Oz.

Cheers

hey bm ,
yea i kind of know what your saying , my point was a bit tongue in cheek that the local importer would most definitely getting there engines cheaper than the usa retailer hence the profit margin i was referring too and i know there is all the associated stuff with running the bussiness but those costs have been absorbed in the usa price so it makes you wonder ! .

mark

[ovakil]

I bought all of my dive gear O/S,for a third of the price,as with warranty I took the chance.Never had any trouble.If I did I could either pay & get it fixed or buy another peice brand new & still be in front.
When I spoke to the local dive shop on prices he told me that they can't buy in for that price.Also they weren't allowed to direct import themselves.So who's making all the extra money.Do items travel through so many hands?
I would buy O/S again.

[marco]

For your further information re the warranties an email from Suzi and their reply ...

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the warranty for Suzuki Outboard Motors. Suzuki do have a world wide warranty for their products however as a distributor for Suzuki we are not in a position to process the warranty for engines which are not supplied by our dealer network. Each distributor is responsible for warranties sold in their market area and these are processed according to the engine serial number. If the Haines Group tried to make a claim on an engine which has not been supplied to our market the manufacturer could reject our claim. The claim would need to be processed by the distributor for the selling dealer.



*** Notice “could” is not “will”

We may be able to assist with processing the claim but we would require engine serial numbers and the warranty registration details to assist with making the necessary contacts. Do you already have a boat or are you thinking about buying one? If you are looking at buying a new boat it might be a proposition to have the boat pre rigged with controls and gauges and fitting the engines when the boat arrives in Australia.

I hope this has been of some assistance and please feel free to contact me if I can be of any help to you in the future. Regards, Andrew Leeson | Suzuki Service Advisor 140 Viking Drive, Wacol, QLD4076, Australia | Direct: +61 7 37185630 Fax: +61 7 32714054


I do appreciate that they took the time to answer ...
Cheers

same deal as furuno and raymarine , local distributer fixes it and charges overseas distributer for the repairs . down side is if local guy is like the furuno company , they slow the process down to make it hard for you but given the price saving i would say it is worth it .

[marco]

So who's making all the extra money.Do items travel through so many hands?
I would buy O/S again.

the importer / distributer is the problem in my opinion

[Jaffo]

the importer / distributer is the problem in my opinion


Dont forget all the import taxes as well

[Fish Guts]

surely it would cost more than $1952 to ship two engines from the states.

[BM]

Bloody hell folks.....

Aussie engine dealers are NOT getting the engines for even CLOSE to the US retail for an engine....

Likewise with the electronics and everything else that comes from the US. They have nearly 15 times our population and as such their sales volume is far greater and therefore better buying power in the first instance.

Those of you who reckon our dealers are getting their engines at a price below the US dealers retail are absolutely dreaming. I know what the margins are in new engines and they are nothing liek many of you seem to think.

And for the record I do not have any engine franchises so my info is unbiased. Just facts from within the trade.....

Shit..... that some people believe that dealers here are making some obscene killing on engines (based upon US retail pricing) is just laughable.... it truly is.

And the distibutors are in most cases the manufacturers themselves. Well, Suzuki don't even want local representation here and have appointed The Haines Group (actually its probably Haines Group that struck the deal). But that in itself shows how insignificant our market is on the global stage....

Cheers

[Wahoo]

surely it would cost more than $1952 to ship two engines from the states.
nah thats about right F/G, prob a tad high, $2800 to get a 21foot cadilac (sp) car here to Cairns

[Fatenhappy]

hey fishguts .... if you like I will scan the quote from BAX and email it too you honest injun, thats it ... the sea cargo part of the deal is $230 per cubic metre .... 4 x cubic metre rate = $920 the rest is either handling the other end or same same this end

Cheers

[Fatenhappy]

hey Jaffo ... what import taxes .... purchase price + transport + GSTof 10% on the lot and thats it no other exice or imports !!!!

[Aigutso]

great thread and an eye-opener
mike

[boatboy50]

Hey Liquid,

Isn't there a stamp (import?) 5% duty payable on all costs inc. GST, if the goods are not made in the US (such as Suzuki, but not Mercury or Bombardier)(part of the free trade agreement, as with boats).

I think you should check into that with customs or whoever deals with those issues.

Regards

Darren

[Fatenhappy]

Hey Darren, I have

I am not in the office tomorrow, but if you like I will dig up the exact reference from customs if you like. I have it there chorus and verse right down to the exact paragraph ......

Without being rude ... "watch my lips" ... there is no import duty, no excise on imported marine engines (unless it has changed within the last 72 hoursor so) just 10% GST and thats it!!

Believe me ... I am anal about this sort of stuff when it comes to the hip pocket nerve .... otherwise simply ring them yourself or hop on their web site and you will find the same outcome

Cheers
Greg

[boatboy50]

Hey Greg,

No worries.

I know that when I imported my boat from the States it was exempt from the duty I am talking of because it was US manufactured. If it was a Jap or Canadian boat I was bringing from the States I would have copped it.

It may fall under a different ruling for engines and accessories. Has anyone been charged import duty on sounders or the like?

Regards

Darren

[peterbo3]

Hi Darren,
When I was in the US for three months last year I sent back a heap of electronics by post but kept under the magic $1000. When we flew home I had a Raymarine C80 plus a number of other high value items which I declared. My wife & I were allowed to combine our $900 duty free limit to give us $1800. Although I was way over that Customs waved me through even though I was asked to show them what I had in two very large Igloo coolers. The guy behind me was grabbed for having an extra bottle of alcohol & was being asked for money as I left.

[Fatenhappy]

Hey Darren now let me think as to what I have bought on ebay or otherwise and brought in over the past lets say 2 years or so ....

1 set of NMEA 2000 position indicators for my bennett trim tabs $314,(local Lowrance mob Tweed Heads said they didn't exist and they obviously weren't available here)
1 Lowrance 27c sounder combo $1800 odd ($2800 here)
1 Lowrance 1500 series radar $1400 ($3200 here)
1 Sanvik remote controlled search lite (under $200 - closer to $450 here)
1 Mount for the search lite $100 (not available here)
1 Position light extension pole that fitted to the search light - $100 (not available here)
1 LMF 400 NMEA compliant combo indicator - $340 (Locally $535 here)
1 Lemar sliding deck hatch - $320 ($580 here)
1 Compass $57 (cheapest I've seen similar, but not the same here $120 at Bias)

I'm sure there are a couple more ... never with any import duty and all under the Oz/America free trade agreement ... My guess is probably saved at least 3 to 4 thousand and never had a hint of a problem ...

Cheers

[SO70]

i am in the process of importing an outboard engine at the moment.
as per the Australia - United States Free Trade Agreement, the goods have to be of US origin to be exempt from Import Duty.
no if's, buts or maybe's.
you also have to produce an Invoice and a declaration from the seller stating that the goods are of US origin.

[Fatenhappy]

Thats no problem ...

If you have a look at the customs import on marine engines for boats, there is no tarrifs on them regardless of where they come from. Thats irrespective of the free trade thing as they have there own specific and seperate listing. This what was advised when I rang Customs. The woman directed me to the section custom and verse so I printed it out.

Having said that, as usual its up to every individual that does something like this to do their own research and be happy with their own individual circumstance before proceeding.

I do realise what you are referring to re the country of origin thing. That I am told is a seperate issue to the marine engines as that whole thing is there to inforce Australias anti dumping laws.

I should be back in the office tomorrow (Thursday). I'll scan and paste it for you then, word and verse !!!

Cheers

[Whitey81]

BM,
Take a chill pill. I know 2 suzuki dealers in Queensland and neither is struggling for coin if you know what i mean, but good on them, im sure you dont sell yourself short to your boss either. Everyone is trying to make money.

I only started to import when i struggled to with warranty on any of my electronics, they would get repaired and do exactly the same thing next trip. So i now buy from the states and no dramas as yet figures crossed. I saved enough to buy another 1 any way.

But anyway lets talk about paying less for our motors and not how much certain people are making. I would be keen to see how you go importing, would love to support the local bloke but geez those figures look good.

[Fish_Two]

Hi LR,

It does sound too good, i have also checked and there is no duty on this, and your frieght cost are correct, although for an extra $1000 would you look at getting them here by air ?
In regards to fitting up, would these motors fit our locally made wirring harness, or would the connectors, etc ,need to changed.
Again are the spare parts the same?

Did someone say BULK BUY!

[marco]

Bloody hell folks.....

Aussie engine dealers are NOT getting the engines for even CLOSE to the US retail for an engine....

Likewise with the electronics and everything else that comes from the US. They have nearly 15 times our population and as such their sales volume is far greater and therefore better buying power in the first instance.

Those of you who reckon our dealers are getting their engines at a price below the US dealers retail are absolutely dreaming. I know what the margins are in new engines and they are nothing liek many of you seem to think.

And for the record I do not have any engine franchises so my info is unbiased. Just facts from within the trade.....

Shit..... that some people believe that dealers here are making some obscene killing on engines (based upon US retail pricing) is just laughable.... it truly is.

And the distibutors are in most cases the manufacturers themselves. Well, Suzuki don't even want local representation here and have appointed The Haines Group (actually its probably Haines Group that struck the deal). But that in itself shows how insignificant our market is on the global stage....

Cheers

bm , i was referring to the distributors getting them cheaper than usa dealers selling them(they would have to be )and therefore questioning the profit margin as i know the margin is not excessive for the dealer

[Fatenhappy]

These are spot on same as in every respect ... bottom line is ... If the figures stack up for what you want to do (which is what I am paticularly looking at as I have conversions if changing over) and you can live with no warranty, then go for it.

Where I personally see this as a bonus ... say old mate has an engine that dies or is about to and needs a new replacement engine and doesn't have to carry out any mods, then this has got to be a great alternative.

[Fish Guts]

Liquid- remedy,

if the figures you say are correct you would be silly not to go down this avenue. I would have no qualms in throwing away the warranty on suzi's considering the purchase price being that good. ours have been faultless !!
hope you go ahead with it. Could start a bit of a trend...

all the best

fish guts

[BrewGuru]

I wouldn't worry abot the timber issue, our major client imports machinery from Italy that come in treated pine crates, only an issue if they have bark or dirt/mud on them.

[BM]

Sorry Whitey,

I'm not sure why I need a chill pill there buddy. Just pointing out a few facts as opposed to the wild guesses that go on from time to time.

I don't have a boss mate. Haven't worked for someone else in over 10yrs and wouldn't do so either.

I think you missed the boat Whitey in terms of the discussion. I was simply pointing out that the margins that some people "think" are in a product simply are not there and they are misguided. If you have friends in the business as you state then you will know this to be true.....

Marco, you persist with wrong thoughts. The distributors in almost all cases in Oz are the manufacturers themselves. But once again, its a different country so its a completely different structure financially.

Cheers

[Fatenhappy]

Liquid- remedy,

if the figures you say are correct you would be silly not to go down this avenue. I would have no qualms in throwing away the warranty on suzi's considering the purchase price being that good. ours have been faultless !!
hope you go ahead with it. Could start a bit of a trend...

all the best

fish guts

Hey fish guts ... the figures are spot on ... with the sourcing figures in bed the rest comes down to conversion figures with the pods, new props, rigging, hydraulic steering etc etc

Without the numbers stacking up at substantially under the inboard original, less warranty it won't happen for us so that's where we are ....

The numbers for the import itself are excellant

[Fatenhappy]

Hey guys ... once again I feel it necessary to say I didn't start this thread to stir sh#$ re the local providers just to show what might be possible if you want to go down the import road ..

Got to love Oz though .... no matter what your thoughts are, at least we can have an open point of view, say what we like (within reason) and that's what makes this place soooooooooooo special .... hey !!!

[marco]

Marco, you persist with wrong thoughts. The distributors in almost all cases in Oz are the manufacturers themselves. But once again, its a different country so its a completely different structure financially.

Cheers

well we must agree to disagree hey ;D.

if you have such a insight into what a importer / distributer margins would be how about sharing what the actual margins are ?
if everything is above board shouldn't be too much of a worry letting us all know where the dosh goes !
remember my point is the aussie distributer would not pay more than what a usa retailer can buy theirs for and in this case we are talking suzuki . please prove me wrong .

cheers

[Taroona]

Gotta say I have a problem with the prices that are paid here for anything that is attached to "marine" use.

I bought a chart pltter the Northstar 557 which is the Navman 5507 here they cost about 1200 landed form the US was 820. Now this unit was made in NZ shipped to the US. I bought from ###### imports in New York. So the journey would been NZ to US west coast, then to US east coast, then to Brisbane.

How come to ship from NZ to OZ it now costs around the 30% more.... work that out..

I was working in Diesel place over at wacol a couple of years ago and there where two white diesels ready to be shipped to NQ. I asked how much the motors where and was told around the 300K mark but the identical motor that went into trucks was around the 60K mark... so it costs 240K to marinise a diesel::)

[Whitey81]

Bm,
Not disputing the fact that the Aussie dealers need to sell alot of motors at small profit to make a living. American warehouses can buy directly off the manufacturer where aussie buyers go through the middle man (haines group) who has the importation rights. I am just trying to find out about importing of engines not about how much the dealer earns. Fact: they are cheaper in america, lets get one on the back of someones boat who can teach others about what they did, should have done.:)

JUst remember that it adds up very quickly to rig an engine, the american motors are just that a motor nothing else.

It will take a bit of courage for someone to put there hard earned money down for something they have never seen.

I have also heard that you need to get motors fitted by authorised dealer to get warranty. If you buy a motor in Australia fit it yourself it may not be covered.

Cheers whitey.

[FNQCairns]

Eds is a true large volume dealership, although there are Ma and Pa dealerships in the US which have a small population base to sell, which still give spanking value for money compared to here, engines are identical.

Found out a couple of years ago what one particular name brand distributer payed per engine even before any further reward from the manufacturer for volume/lack of warranty claims, suffice to say no-one would consider our outboards even remotely overpriced even compared to the US if they sold for 2 x the importer/distributers cost, infact we would consider the US prices over charging.

cheers fnq

[Fatenhappy]

My personal experience that initially lead me to start looking even more to the o/s suppliers.

I came back to Oz late 2004 and mid 2005 finally committed to having a 6.4 metre plate boat built. Great boat and all the rest.....

We had it fitted up with a Honda 150 which was a great choice ....fantastic and at a cost of $18,000 odd ...

At the time of the end of the motor fittment, I dropped in to see how it was all going at the engine dealership. I happened to see my file on the counter for the boat and was talking with the staff and noticed a price of just over $16,000 for the engine.

I queried it thinking I was going to get a refund on what had been quoted for the engine alone and received the reply, "oh no, thats what the builders price " ... Then came a blank stare as they realised they shouldn't have told me that ....

10% discount back to the boat builder on a 16,000 odd dollar engine is ($1600 odd) for absolutely nothing ... I know a mark up, trade discount or kick back is just that, but $1600 odd on that sort of item I think is way out of kilter. I might add, the boat builder normally pushed Suzis not Honda.

So please tell me again, why do I shop O/S when ever the opportunity arises?

[Noelm]

a lot of us are still missing a very important point here, a Dealer does not do a "one off" buy and import, there is a whole host of stuff to be covered long before a range of Motors hits our shores, lets start at the very beginning, first off, a US based Dealer will and does buy direct form the Manufacturer, an aus dealer buys from an agent (he needs a dollar) then there is container loads of shipping costs, Import duties, and storage/customs facilities, this is not a one off like liquid remedy (say) then there is usually an agent in Australia (he also needs a dollar) then off to the retailer, who then needs to be able to employ staff to sell the thing, staff to fit the thing (they all need a dollar) next comes parts inventory for Warranty and repairs (more dollars) plus all the glossy brochures we take for free at a Dealer (more dollars) not to mention costs incurred by just being a Franchised Dealer, all this stuff does NOT come into play for a one off, fly be the seat of your pants deal, but none the less, it is what makes it so much dearer to buy here than Offshore, there probably is People along the way that take a fair old cut, but they are also the ones taking the risk a tens/hundreds of thousands of Dollars worth the goods transported from the other side of the World, in a foreign Currency with all the associated risks involved.

[Noelm]

by the way, I am not saying "don't do it" it just seems like we all think the Dealer is raking in a pile of loot for bugger all, it just aint so!

[Fatenhappy]

Hey Noelm ....

Really do take your point BUT .... if you have a close look at all of the people that want a slice of the pie in your example, why not as someone said import them directly from the US dealerships yourself and from my own perspective throw your own warranty against the deal ...

I would imagine these days there wouldn't be that many serious warranty claims against the quality and quantity of engines that are being provided. Except of course for the assh%*#s that you sell them too that want to try and tap dance and try to put their crappy maintenance and stupidity back on the suppliers, being .. "you" ..... or is that sort of thing a lot more prevalent than I imagine?

Thanks
Greg

[mr fisher]

Noelm some one is it goes with a lot of stuff that comes from the states

[BM]

OK....

Marco,

Just for you. :) I was down at a friends business premises today who happens to be a large multibrand dealer in Vic sorting out some issues with a customers engine (long story and completely irrelevant to the topic).

I put it to him about the margin in a new outboard. 10% was the figure I was quoted. He then went on to say that on a $20,000 engine (buy price) they would not even get 10% on it unless they included fitup etc

So there it is from 'a' horses mouth. Accept it or not I am not bothered. But I asked the question and you have an answer. I have known this guy for quite some time now, we get along well and I know damn well he will not bs me on something like this.

Whitey,

Yes, if you fitup your engine yourself and do not return it to a dealer for a final inspection you will void your warranty. And rightly so. You (or anyone) could be a complete tool that has no idea what they are doing. Why should a manufacturer have to wear your stupidity? (not saying you are, just giving an example).

LR, without the full story on your plate boat purchase you have painted a picture that suits your own offshore purchasing pursuits. Perhaps the builder had the engine franchise too? Who knows since we don't have all the info and really, what you have written whilst it may be accurate to some degree, without the full story you are perhaps swaying people towards your way of thinking when your way of thinking is presented in such a way to enhance yur cause and not fully explain the situation.

As I have previously stated, I see no issue with people personally importing engines. I don't have an engine franchise so it has zero effect on me and therefore zero bias.

I CAN tell you that bulletins have been released from a couple of manufacturers in recent months in relation to parallel imports. The manufacturers are going after the businesses in the US and elesewhere that are supplying to other countries. Those caught have their franchise stripped from them and in many cases this puts them out of business also. The manufacturers are taking this very seriously.

So personal imports are fine. No problems. But get in quick people because its going to end and Eds in the US will get the chop sooner or later for their breach of agreement activities.

The manufacturers MUST protect the market in each country they are represented, otherwise they will not get dealers to represent them. Who would want to stock engines on the floor when they now that some parallel import mob is bringing them in far cheaper from overseas???

Interestingly, my multi franchise friend also stated that they too could parallel import from the US but in order to do so they would need to REMOVE the serial identification on the engines (to protect the US dealer from being caught) and sell the engines with no warranty......... A situation that he said was simply not suitable.

Enjoy it while it lasts folks and that is effectively coming from the manufacturers guys.........

Cheers

[Fatenhappy]

"LR, without the full story on your plate boat purchase you have painted a picture that suits your own offshore purchasing pursuits. Perhaps the builder had the engine franchise too? Who knows since we don't have all the info and really, what you have written whilst it may be accurate to some degree, without the full story you are perhaps swaying people towards your way of thinking when your way of thinking is presented in such a way to enhance yur cause and not fully explain the situation.

Not often I get toey, but I find your comments offensive!!

As is, is exactly what happened! I reported the same to this venue and have explained to this thread as such. And, not misrepresented by 1" as to the EXACT nature of what was !!!!

I had written more in my defence, but have since come back to edit the same.

I am not going to get into a slanging match re the truthfullness of my statements.

Unbelievable!!!!

[BM]

Rude and insulting was certainly not the intention. Sorry if you took it that way. However, I am not questioning your truthfullness, never stated it nor implied it. I simply asked for more information to complete the picture given there may have been another answer to the situation but the limited info presented lead to only one conclusion.

You only need to read through the topic and you can see from the comments of others that people have a perception that they are being "ripped off" here in Oz, from your comments I guess and their own perceptions.

I am simply asking for the "bigger picture" relating to your lifechanging purchasing situation.

You have repeatedly stated that you are not about shooting down the local bloke but the undertone of your writing suggests otherwise.

And for the record and I have said it several times (look back and you will see it) I have no issue with your personal import or anyone elses and I don't have an engine franchise so how could my input be biased?? I am simply telling people whats going on from the other side of the fence.

And why must you resort to namecalling by the way? This forum (as all) is about presenting mature points of view, yet when asked for more information you became defensive and resorted to namecalling.....

[Xahn1960]

I've read this thread with a great deal of interest, now I don't have a problem with people going for price on any item, hell its hard enough to earn a quid so we need to save where possible. I do have a problem with general comments that Aussie dealers are ripping people off !! I have been an electronics dealer ( not boating related ) and the frustration of trying to compete when people can land product on their doorstep cheaper than you can get it wholesle is no great joy.. Its even worse when those people think your so bad because you couldn't match the price or don't want to service their gear.... Hell my priority was to my customers they were the ones that fed my family and paid my staff. I ended up closing my store, I just couldn't compete, 5 people lost their jobs.

If people want to buy O/S, go for it.. Its your choice / your money buy where you want. But don't knock the local guys they are not the money hungry demons you might think... They contribute to our economy and employ our people, where will you be when there are none of us left ??????

Sorry for the tone guys, not having a go at anybody in particular I just get a bit defensive when Aussie businesses are bagged out.....

Bill.

[marco]

hey bm , thanks for the reply . i assumed the dealers margin was 10% ish which is the same for motorcycles and i believe that to be reasonable but the question was regarding the importer / distributer margins . in all the markets electronics , engines etc i believe the probelm lies at the importer / wholesale level and not the dealer .
cheers
mark

[BM]

Marco,

For most marine engines the manufacturer has their own office/representation in Australia so there is no "distributor" so to speak. I don't know what the situation is with
Haines Suzuki as the Haines Group is clearly a middle man.

I wonder if the Haines Group drops Suzuki at some stage where will all the owners be in terms of warranty support and parts???

Cheers

[Noelm]

I just came up with a great idea, why not import a pair of etecs, then we can argue about it for another 10 or so pages (just joking) but my thoughts way back still stand, there certainly MAY be People in the supply chain making a tad more than they should, and if that's the case, then so be it, but to anyone who has been in the Marine "game" for any length of time will tell you straight off, that if they could make a nice tidy 10% on a Motor it would be a very big bonus, it is a very hard cut throat business, BUT, by all means if you can save a substantial amount by going "offshore" then so be it, it is your cash, and we are not talking about $50 or so, it is serious dollars, and indeed may be worth the Warranty drama, but Jesus it would be a real killer to have your brand new Engines fail and all the Money saved just got guzzled up, lets just hope it does not happen, it probably won't, I wonder what would happen (say) if there was a reall on an Engine model and you/me had one that qualified, but had got it OS? is a recall still valid regardless of Origin? it is not a true Warranty issue is it? (sort of)

[crab man]

Hi guys been reading this with great intrest ! i spoke to a friend last nigh who is a suzuki dealer and he told me there figures and they make #### all on them , he said one problem with importing them is the seriel numbers here in australia they are diff so if you want to resell it in the futcher and they do a revs check on the motor it comes up as none existent, and if it gets stolen it carnt be check and found . only a small problem ok guys hope this helps
P.S liquid rem i think its a great idea and when i get new ones ill be looking into them i dont see the problem aslong as you tell your self if they break ive lost out and the seriel numer thing with that in consideration you could save 20k!!! bugger about the warrenty thing now suzuki is offering 7 years!
Craig

[rando]

Surely the price difference is generated by the manufacturer. Notwithstanding the issues relating to volume. If a dealer in America is buying direct from the manufacturer and paying $x, but a distributor/agent in Austalia cannot purchase bulk engines at a better price ..... you can see where Im going,Its the same engine ,,, same cost to manufacture.
Start getting up the manufacturers for price gouging.

[lee8sec]

And why do the distributors come up with all the "warranty exclusion" clauses? So they keep a strangle hold on the pricing in OZ. Leigh

[paul251]

I CAN tell you that bulletins have been released from a couple of manufacturers in recent months in relation to parallel imports. The manufacturers are going after the businesses in the US and elsewhere that are supplying to other countries. Those caught have their franchise stripped from them and in many cases this puts them out of business also. The manufacturers are taking this very seriously.

I am a little confused in your thinking BM, one minute your saying that Australia basically doesn't register on the world stage in reference to new motor sales, and then in the next breath your saying that if dealers in America get caught out they'll get there franchise striped off them by reference to a circulated "bulletin". I know your not saying it, Suzuki is, but it seems odd to me that a dealer, Ed's for eg, would get there franchise pulled for selling engine's to a customer/customers here in Aussie. Why would Suzuki give a crap if we don't amount to a hill of beans on the world stage? Especially since Suzuki don't have the dealer network that the other major players have in the USA from what I read. Why would Suzuki want to lose / strip away a big franchise like Ed's to save the Aussie market which doesn't rate? I personally don't believe for a second that there is only 10 percent in an engine, not with the numbers being bandied about, but once again this is only my opinion.

[Fatenhappy]

Its not all rosy from off shore ...

Got this cut and paste from Ed's email this afternoon which is what I have been waiting for in total ....

1. Their freight as quoted is not inclusive of the processing charges here at the Brisbane end of just under $500 AUD and is quoted in USD .... my local quote was $1932 or there abouts so no to that !!

2. The rigging kits here are available for $2200 or so (and that's in ozzie dollars) so no to that,

3. The props quoted are in USD ... that's about $450 ozzie under what I can buy them here for and from what I can make out don't seem to be of the same high standard as those supplied by Solas, (which is my choice at 14 1/4" X 17 degrees 4 bladers, 2 of) so no to that as well.

By my estimation that would be the better part of another $1,500 there at least ....

Bottom line ... do all of the sums from every angle, don't just go with the offered package from OS!!

OK, by the time all the numbers are in and scrutenised the total package for the two engines with everything I can think of is running out at a tad over $36,000.

Don't forget, I also have to look at two pods which I was given a lead on so went and saw the guys at ARK ... They do top quality full pods and was happy with those their quote at $2000 + gst

A pair of solas stainless 4 bladers is $1600 and only at that price because we have done business before.

At that all up price I cannot go ahead with the import.

So why not .... Don't forget I was putting all this up against the Yanmar 260 HP turbo diesel (NMEA 2000 compliant BMW M5 derivative common rail) with a Bravo 3 leg.

There's only $5000 difference between the two setups, with our choice having no conversions, no warranty hassels and local dealer support the later for the next 3 years.

My point of view ... as I have said previously in this same thread, if you are importing just engines and nothing else, I don't doubt my choice may well have been diferent.

For me I have to look at the total picture and hence the direction that we are headed. You cannot compare one set up (twin O/B's vs single diesel stern drive) against the other as they both have their independant attributes.

For me personally, I am glad I took the time to thoroughly research the two different avenues so that I am satisfied with the final decision ...

Hopefully now we can get the old girl finished off in the shorter term and get back onto the water

Thanks
Greg ;) 8-) ;D

$1,000 per motor for freight


PAIR DF 175 HP 4-STROKE EFI SUZUKIS 25" 2008 $20,000

Dual Rigging Kit - $2,500
Dual SS Props - $1000
Shift & Throttle Cables - $4ft X 4

[Grunter71]

You can't say you didn't do plenty of research before making the decision. Out of interest, when researching, did you find any good deals on Yanmar or similar engines from the US?

[lee8sec]

thanks for the full story, not just highlights. Leigh

[Fatenhappy]

Hey Grunter ...

I wish !!!!!

There was supposedly a bloke near Miami with a 315 HP Yanmar with supposedly 68 hours !!!!

But, but but, ...... all noise and that's about it .... throw $15,000 AUD towards a deal that sounds to good to be true, no guarentees no nothing ... might be like pis%&$* into the wind and loose the lot, plus imports etc etc and where are you then ... up shi ****ers ditch without a paddle!

Better the devil you think you know as the old saying goes .... My observation, home grown is best if you can find one ....... and in that regard, that's the only problem, trying to find good second hand !!!!

Cheers

[BM]

I am a little confused in your thinking BM, one minute your saying that Australia basically doesn't register on the world stage in reference to new motor sales, and then in the next breath your saying that if dealers in America get caught out they'll get there franchise striped off them by reference to a circulated "bulletin". I know your not saying it, Suzuki is, but it seems odd to me that a dealer, Ed's for eg, would get there franchise pulled for selling engine's to a customer/customers here in Aussie. Why would Suzuki give a crap if we don't amount to a hill of beans on the world stage? Especially since Suzuki don't have the dealer network that the other major players have in the USA from what I read. Why would Suzuki want to lose / strip away a big franchise like Ed's to save the Aussie market which doesn't rate? I personally don't believe for a second that there is only 10 percent in an engine, not with the numbers being bandied about, but once again this is only my opinion.

OK.. Australia's sales volume is relatively insignificant on a global stage. However, there are enough sales I guess (I do not sit on the boards of these companies in their decision making process) that warrant local offices here in Oz and of course the dealer network here needs to be supported.

Further to my reference from chatting to a multi brand dealer friend (and he's not a Suzuki dealer) he went on to say that they could go ahead and parallel import engines HOWEVER in order to do so he said they would need to remove the serial number in order to protect the US dealer and the engines would have to be sold with no warranty.

I have since spoken to another dealer friend (his brand is not in the portfolio of the multibrand dealer) and he has mentioned a margin of 15% at best.

Further to this again, the multi brand dealer friend mentioned he picked at random 10 Mercury parts and sat down one evening to see what prices he could get them for from American retailers.

NOW....... He quickly found 5 (concluded it there as he had proved his point to himself) American retailers who offered the "specific 10" at prices LOWER than he can buy them DIRECT from Mercury here in Melb including the discount he gets on top of normal pricng for the particular structure of his business. I can't go into that any further as I want to keep his buisness anonymous in this debate.

The manufacturers must act on complaints of dealers in a country that are being undercut by a dealer in another country. Its just not the way things work...

Unit pricing per country is dictated by the manufacturer and I would assume, yes assume, its based upon volume more so than anything else. The US sales volume would make our sales look dismal and as such the unit pricing to US dealers is far better than ours.

For those who do not believe what my close friends in the trade have told me then I frankly don't care. Via me, you have it DIRECTLY from the trade. If you choose to ignore that then frankly, what more could I possibly do?? These people are good friends and they dont bullshit me. I told them both why I was asking the question (after asking the question).

Paul, all of your above post is based on Suzuki and I guarantee that Suzuki is not one of the dealers that I have made mention of, so unfortunately for you all of the question marks are not relevant. I do, however see your point in relation to Suzuki if thats who we were talking about but we arent. And the questions would be well founded.

Cheers

[boatboy50]

Hey Guys,

Im sure the guy who grey imported a set of brand new fandangled Evinrude/Johnson Ficht 200hp outboards in 1998 was happy he saved the 5k each engine, until they went bang a year later.

Or the guy in a similar position who imported a new Suzuki DF250hp outboard in 2004, only to find the recall of all ECM's didn't apply to him because he grey imported.

Or the guy who imported a new Yamaha 250hp HPDI, only to have it make an expensive bang only months later.

There are a million ways that grey importing could go horribly wrong. Whether the saving is worth the risk is up to you.

"Are you feeling lucky punk, well are ya!"

Darren

[skipalong]

how long to get here

[Fatenhappy]

Hey Skipalong ...

BAX (Brisbane) were quoting 40 to 50 days with sailing leaving port every 2 weeks, so I don't know if that 2 week thing is or isn't factored into the 40 to 50 days.

Those lead times show the OS thing isn't all gold, but hey, for the potential saving that wouldn't have concerned me too much if I had have gone ahead.

[BM]

For the cost savings LR surely you'd consider airfreighting them? Your airfreight figure was another $1500 odd wasn't it?

[Fatenhappy]

Air freight nocking on the door of $3700 for the pair, so no I wouldn't have if I had have gone ahead.

We wouldn't have been in any immediate hurry getting them here as we are still doing the reno ....

[Almighty]

Hi Guys I'm a new member.

I have just purchased a new 300 suzuki from the states. It cost 17900aud which includes rigging kit and freight to brisbane. I will have to pay %10 GST on that and freight to Thursday Island. The local guy here sells suzuki and his best price is $37000 all inclusive (Mounting as well).
One thing I see nobody has touched on here is the how come the exchange rate hasn't affected pricing. If the importers are getting 94 to the US dollar instead of 70-80 you would think there would be a price drop not an increase ?
Last I looked we where at 96c which is nearly lvl pegging with the states now but still these prices don't change ? I can understand that they may have old stock but ? 2008 stock should attract some sort of price drop shouldn't it ?
I'm no importer and to be honest I just bought 2 x 140 suzuki's last year(640 hrs) but now I want one 300 for better fuel and lower servicing. I can sell my 2 old ones for 10 grand each and be infront. I don't care about warranty as I have just saved 15 od grand and I can buy another one if it blows up which I doubt will happen anyways.
I still support my local guy with my servicing repairs.

David

[boatboy50]

Thanks Almighty,

Please keep us updated as to their safe arrival and any other costs which may pop up.

Regards

Darren

[HH565L]

Spot on David, lets wait to see what happens when our dollar softens. I'll bet my left one here and now that outboard prices in OZ will go up.

Regards,
Spiro

[Luke G]

Do you mind if I ask what dealer you brought the motor from?

[Almighty]

Do you mind if I ask what dealer you brought the motor from?



I have just put the order in so I have a 45-50 day wait . I bought it from The Boat Place his email is ray_boat_parts@yahoo.com (ray_boat_parts@yahoo.com)

[John Buoy]

How good is this anyone dealt with them?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-2007-SUZUKI-140HP-4-STROKE-LOOK_W0QQitemZ280249879037QQihZ018QQcategoryZ11112 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
His 300XX 14500 plus 1200 rigging Delivered!!
Regards

[Almighty]

How good is this anyone dealt with them?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-2007-SUZUKI-140HP-4-STROKE-LOOK_W0QQitemZ280249879037QQihZ018QQcategoryZ11112 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
His 300XX 14500 plus 1200 rigging Delivered!!
Regards

The quote I recieved from was as follows
[he 300hp ia $13,500.00 usd The rigging is $2,400.00 usd The shipping is $1393.00 usd .
Thanks Ray Jr
I have an order in with him and I guess in 6 weeks we will find out if I get a motor or not.......
I will be the guinea pig :-/

:) :) :)

[tin can marlin]

Well done almighty great to see people are saving there hard earned. I must say i think everyone is on the right track because i think the haines group is profiting on people who are not on the ball keep up the good work almighty it is a credit to you.
Regards Mark

[2rods]

You can now get them on e-bay as well...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-2007-SUZUKI-140HP-4-STROKE-LOOK_W0QQitemZ280249879037QQihZ018QQcategoryZ11112 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[PinHead]

I don't have a problem with anyone importing anything to save some bucks..but on a lot of other threads some members are pushing to buy local to keep the local dealers in business...no point complaining then when the locals go bust.
Amazing differences in the pricing structures.

[ozscott]

I think the savings to be had are amazing. My only fear with this stuff if the amount of dosh being sent offshore...and $50 or so here and there on e-bay is one thing but 10 to 20 large is another for me! If there is a place that other people in Aus have bought from several times with no dramas then I suppose your chances of getting a good motor actually arrive are increased.

Cheers and good luck

[ozscott]

good link matey - $8700 odd australian plus delivery - which would be a total under 10k...for a new suzi 140 4 stroke!

[megafish71]

Hi Guys I'm a new member.

I have just purchased a new 300 suzuki from the states. It cost 17900aud which includes rigging kit and freight to brisbane. I will have to pay %10 GST on that and freight to Thursday Island. The local guy here sells suzuki and his best price is $37000 all inclusive (Mounting as well).
One thing I see nobody has touched on here is the how come the exchange rate hasn't affected pricing. If the importers are getting 94 to the US dollar instead of 70-80 you would think there would be a price drop not an increase ?
Last I looked we where at 96c which is nearly lvl pegging with the states now but still these prices don't change ? I can understand that they may have old stock but ? 2008 stock should attract some sort of price drop shouldn't it ?
I'm no importer and to be honest I just bought 2 x 140 suzuki's last year(640 hrs) but now I want one 300 for better fuel and lower servicing. I can sell my 2 old ones for 10 grand each and be infront. I don't care about warranty as I have just saved 15 od grand and I can buy another one if it blows up which I doubt will happen anyways.
I still support my local guy with my servicing repairs.

David


Good to see another Sea Prowler owner on the site. How is your boat going?

Cheers Ron

[disorderly]

Amazing differences in the pricing structures.

I reckon that Haines are making some big profits on the motor component of their boating packages...and good on them if people are willing to pay.http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/../yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/wink.gif

I guess Seafarer's now come standard with the Suzuki's as well now.

[Spaniard_King]

I don't have a problem with anyone importing anything to save some bucks..but on a lot of other threads some members are pushing to buy local to keep the local dealers in business...no point complaining then when the locals go bust.
Amazing differences in the pricing structures.

I agree with Pinhead, I wouldn't be suprised to see the importers trying to stop this sort of thing happening as it will have to be impacting on the local dealers.

I would think it would only take 1 or 2 engine failures of an imported engine to put the wind up everyone else.. seems a big outlay for no warranty:-/

[ozscott]

Garry makes a good point. But its tempting if you were looking for a good second hand motor say 3 years old and could get a spanker for the same price. But I suppose the spanker is untested and if an engine that is well maintained and propped correctly is going to blow up under say 4000 hours, it will probably do it in the first year or so, which means I guess that a well maintained second hand one 3 years old that was correctly propped with for arguments sake 200-1000 hours (ie at the upper end net boat territory) would be safer than a brand spanker...does anyone know the catestrophic failure rate of a new suzi/yammy/merc etc 4 stroker?

Cheers

[Xahn1960]

I agree with Pinhead, I wouldn't be suprised to see the importers trying to stop this sort of thing happening as it will have to be impacting on the local dealers.

I would think it would only take 1 or 2 engine failures of an imported engine to put the wind up everyone else.. seems a big outlay for no warranty:-/

Warranty is only one of the issues, how many threads are there now about dealers closing their doors ??? what is it currently ?? 3 in brisbane so far this year I think. Who is going to work on these engines? with or without warranty..

I suppose helping out the Americans is a good thing though.... I mean they are our friends, we should prop up their economy by buying from them, help them shift more engines and keep their buy price down and helps them sell cheap motors for us to buy, thats gotta be good? right...... Hell, whats a few more unemployed Aussies when we can get things overseas anyhow ?

Ok... so maybe the sarcasm a bit thick, but the truth is still the truth, buying O/S hurts our economy and puts Aussies out of work, so is the savings really worth it ???

Bill.

[Almighty]

Good to see another Sea Prowler owner on the site. How is your boat going?

Cheers Ron

Hi Ron,

Boat is awesome, I have had my 7200 out in some hug seas and it handled it with ease. Nice dry and comfy !
I do 4 day trips overnighting and it's great

I had a twin set up but the fuel up here is at $2.13 a ltr nearly now and out the islands it's hitting $3 so I'm changing to 1 300 that should arond half my fuel costs. Performace with the twins was around 2 lt per 1 NM or around 40 ltr an hour for both. Thats cruising around 25 knots. Top speed is 38 knots.
I will never own another boat that don't have an auotpilot again !!! it's awesome.
My motors have done 650 hours in 17 months so I get plenty of use.
The only problem I have had with them was some water thru the fuel which stuffed a fuel pump other wise no problems

[FNQCairns]

You can now get them on e-bay as well...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-2007-SUZUKI-140HP-4-STROKE-LOOK_W0QQitemZ280249879037QQihZ018QQcategoryZ11112 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Would you guys stop already! How am expected I too keep justifying old smoky when prices and ease of availability like these are pushed in my face!:-/;D;D;D

cheers fnq

[paul251]

I think it will be soon a reality that there will be fewer dealerships, and more mobile guys, not only servicing/fitting up motors, but installing electronics etc, and these mobile guy's will be factory backed for the simple reason that there will be fewer dealerships, and the outboard company's will have to offer a more convenient flexible arrangement, or risk losing business to there competitors.
Almighty will be one of many who choose to go down this path, because of the mark up in Australia, on the same item in USA.
With decent mobile guys around, and the ability to get anything shipped to you today, from tackle, to electronics, to motors, parts, etc, and the ability to buy direct from some boat manufacturers, big dealerships are on a limited tenure. You only have to look at the Furuno website where they are warning of grey imports, quite obviously it is effecting them. I think that buying on the internet and getting stuff, all sorts of stuff, shipped to your door is in its infancy.Interesting times ahead.

[2rods]

good link matey - $8700 odd australian plus delivery - which would be a total under 10k...for a new suzi 140 4 stroke!


Have another look at the link..it includes freight:o

THIS IS AN NEW 2007 140HP SUZUKI .THE SUZUKI IS A 25INCH SHAFT .THE RIGGING IS EXTRA $1,200.00 USD WICH IS A TACK , A SHIFTER , SHIFTER CABLES ,A MAIN WIRE HARRNESS, KEY SWICH , A S.S PROP ,AND A RAYCORE WATER FILTER. THE SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE MOTOR .YOU CAN HAVE THE MOTOR SHIPPED TO ADERAIDE , FREMANTLE , BRISBANE , MELBOUNE , SYDNEY , OR PERTH .

::)::)

I want a new 100HP one ;D

[ozscott]

WHOA BABY - whats that about!!!! Im tempted

[John Buoy]

The quote I recieved from was as follows
[he 300hp ia $13,500.00 usd The rigging is $2,400.00 usd The shipping is $1393.00 usd .
Thanks Ray Jr
I have an order in with him and I guess in 6 weeks we will find out if I get a motor or not.......
I will be the guinea pig :-/

:) :) :)
Good luck not that i think you need it.
Was it Pay Pal or Direct Bank deposit?
Will be watching with interest.
Regards Frank

[Shanoss]

Warranty is only one of the issues, how many threads are there now about dealers closing their doors ??? what is it currently ?? 3 in brisbane so far this year I think. Who is going to work on these engines? with or without warranty..

I suppose helping out the Americans is a good thing though.... I mean they are our friends, we should prop up their economy by buying from them, help them shift more engines and keep their buy price down and helps them sell cheap motors for us to buy, thats gotta be good? right...... Hell, whats a few more unemployed Aussies when we can get things overseas anyhow ?

Ok... so maybe the sarcasm a bit thick, but the truth is still the truth, buying O/S hurts our economy and puts Aussies out of work, so is the savings really worth it ???

Bill.

The only Aussies out of work are the ones that want to be out of work. And yes, the savings are worth it. Actually, if you think about it, sending money offshore actually relieves inflationary pressure...

[upstart]

Just a thought. If Suzuki motors are made in Japan, is it possible to buy one directly from there? Shouldn't it be cheaper than getting one that has been shipped to the states and then over to Australia? Anyone here speak Japanese?

[Xahn1960]

The only Aussies out of work are the ones that want to be out of work. And yes, the savings are worth it. Actually, if you think about it, sending money offshore actually relieves inflationary pressure...

I'll agree to disagree with you on that :)

Personally I feel a person has the right to spend their money anywhere on anything they please... They don't need me to agree with them. I wouldn't buy a big ticket item overseas, I don't feel the risks warrant the savings, someone else?? well thats their call isn't it :)

Bill.

[mirage]

Just a thought. If Suzuki motors are made in Japan, is it possible to buy one directly from there? Shouldn't it be cheaper than getting one that has been shipped to the states and then over to Australia? Anyone here speak Japanese?

I have worked in Japan for the last 6 years. Anything to do with fishing and boats that's made in Japan that I have looked at is cheaper in the US. (That's new goods I'm talking about, 2nd hand is another story)

Someone up here is making money as well, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, who knows???::)

[Fatenhappy]

Been away with work .....

Got back last night, logged onto Ausfish to find this thread I started 2 months ago is still growing ...

Good to see some of the comments !!

Cheers
Greg

[Quaker]

buying O/S hurts our economy and puts Aussies out of work, so is the savings really worth it ???

Bill.

From what I can make out here, the Aussie dealers are screwing us over with massive mark ups. The only ones being hurt by buying o/s is them.

[Almako]

What pisses me off is that the Australian wholesalers/retailers are not taking into account the high Aussy dollar, and therefore they are gaining more margin.
I am looking at the Humminbird fish finders and i can save thousands.

[Xahn1960]

From what I can make out here, the Aussie dealers are screwing us over with massive mark ups. The only ones being hurt by buying o/s is them.

I doubt it is the dealers ripping us off, more likely the distributors/importers, dealers are caught in the middle. Your right though on the last bit, the dealers are the ones being hurt by buying o/s

Bill.

[jimbo59]

The reason we seem to pay more for stuff is that we dont buy in large quanties that the yanks do, we might only need 2000 susukis a year where the yanks want 60000 thats a hell of a better buying power than us.I'm not worried about buying overseas either because we all do, look at the car tv computer we all got all from the land of the rising smog.:o ..jim

[julian1]

i have not read through every page of this thread, but i wonder what extra costs would be incurred by buying from the link below ? extra taxes ?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-2007-SUZUKI-140HP-4-STROKE-LOOK_W0QQitemZ280249879037QQihZ018QQcategoryZ11112 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

for those prices who really cares about warranty as you can't even buy secondhand here for that money.

cheer's

Julian

[Shanoss]

I'm inclined to disagree with the whole "buying power" theory. Certain items that are imported from Japan etc.. can be bought here for less than in the US. I would put it down to Distribution competition. Surely there has to be more than one distributor of Suzuki outboards in the US? Where as in Australia, you have the Haines group with a monopoly on the whole thing, and look at the result.. I find it hard to believe Haines are paying nearly double what the americans are paying for their motors. And its not just Suzuki is it?? they are not overpriced in relation to other outboards sold here, so i reckon we are getting screwed by just about every importer that has exclusive import rights.
So yes, maybe the dealers are getting caught in the middle of this global market environment, but we are also sticking it to the likes of Haines group and the rest of the clowns that see fit to rip us off... It will have to be a helluva bargain to get me to buy local again...

[chuss]

That price includes shipping too? Sounds too good to be true.

Extra cost is only import duty (if applicable) and GST.
You need to ad $1200 to the cost also for the control cables, prop, etc.

Still $6K cheaper if it's the real deal. There's a few spelling mistakes in the ad though?..


i have not read through every page of this thread, but i wonder what extra costs would be incurred by buying from the link below ? extra taxes ?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-2007-SUZUKI-140HP-4-STROKE-LOOK_W0QQitemZ280249879037QQihZ018QQcategoryZ11112 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

for those prices who really cares about warranty as you can't even buy secondhand here for that money.

cheer's

Julian

[megafish71]

Hi Ron,

Boat is awesome, I have had my 7200 out in some hug seas and it handled it with ease. Nice dry and comfy !
I do 4 day trips overnighting and it's great

I had a twin set up but the fuel up here is at $2.13 a ltr nearly now and out the islands it's hitting $3 so I'm changing to 1 300 that should arond half my fuel costs. Performace with the twins was around 2 lt per 1 NM or around 40 ltr an hour for both. Thats cruising around 25 knots. Top speed is 38 knots.
I will never own another boat that don't have an auotpilot again !!! it's awesome.
My motors have done 650 hours in 17 months so I get plenty of use.
The only problem I have had with them was some water thru the fuel which stuffed a fuel pump other wise no problems

Let us know how everything goes with the import, might consider that myself when the time comes to purchase my 300hp. best of luck with it all.

Ron

[FNQCairns]

This site and the Ebay add are 1 and the same?.

http://www.boatplaceofnaples.com/displayGeneralDealerInfo.page?language=en&country=US&profileType=marine&returnType=html&dealerId=402880c6040613420104061365790a49

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=%22the+boat+place+of+naples%22&start=10&sa=N

cheers fnq

[Fatenhappy]

As an side to all the import thing, has anyone ever noticed that although the Ozzie dollar has firmed from the mid 70 cent area of just a couple of years ago to nearly parity ie dollar for dollar, that the importing price of what ever hasn't come down at all ???

I don't really care whether your looking at cars, boats or bits its all the same ..... Strange me thinks !!

You can't blame the price of fuel and the like, because that's only realy gone hey wire over the past 12 to 18 months or so.

So who's ripping who off? I wonder why everyone looks overseas to buy most times.

Cheers
Greg

[stinky-stabi]

and who said the yanks were good for nothing ...lmho

[Fido]

The penny has not dropped.

Naturally everything is dearer when it arrives on Australian Shores. The land of high wages etc. Australia's problem. Everyone wants to earn big bucks themselves but not pay it out themselves.

It is unsustainable.

So that is what the originator of this post has set out to do. ie import the motors himself but at the same time an expectation to continue earning the big bucks.

A Marine Dealer in Australia has massive overheads but the old consumer doesn't reckon you are a good fella unless you sell everything to him at no profit. The moment the dealer makes a good profit he is a robber.

I could go on but I am sure others have their comments.

Therein lies the problem?

[FNQCairns]

The penny has not dropped.

Naturally everything is dearer when it arrives on Australian Shores. The land of high wages etc. Australia's problem. Everyone wants to earn big bucks themselves but not pay it out themselves.

It is unsustainable.

So that is what the originator of this post has set out to do. ie import the motors himself but at the same time an expectation to continue earning the big bucks.

A Marine Dealer in Australia has massive overheads but the old consumer doesn't reckon you are a good fella unless you sell everything to him at no profit. The moment the dealer makes a good profit he is a robber.

I could go on but I am sure others have their comments.

Therein lies the problem?

yeah sort of, it's worth looking up the raw census statistics on income to get a not media/politicised feel for our land of high wages, sure there are some although even in a mining boom state 80% of the populace are still waiting to join the land of high wages - a one day if very lucky proposition at best.

The US by comparison has lower wages but a marketplace where a purchase is priced more competently on the fair VALUE of the unit being sold, think the only segment where we get a fairer go is healthcare due to subsity and again they have a safety net.

Even the smaller ma & pa operators in the US which have a small population base as customers can do a competitive Suzuki sale,

BTW the AUD will only go down, time to sign on the doted line is now before we see 89c in the dollar again.

cheers fnq

[SNAPPERCOFFIN]

From what I can make out here, the Aussie dealers are ######## us over with massive mark ups. The only ones being hurt by buying o/s is them.

Would love to see the numbers on the above statement shouldn't have a problem providing them for us all if you know what u are talking about.

[on-one]

Fido, that's not how economics works - paying someone more money just because they're local just makes everyone worse off by encouraging people to stay in uncompetitive industries. That's why ford and gm are in such trouble in the states they relied on patriotism to sell their products rather than making decent cars. Same thing with aussie dealers (or any industry) if they can't offer a better package of price and service than their competitors they should do something else.

[Col_s]

Hi all, here’s my two bobs worth on this.
Everyone retailing is entitled to a margin otherwise they obviously won’t be around..........and btw contrary to what some people are saying the margins aren’t huge!
As a dealer if we sell an engine in a box we stand to lose our dealership?
I know that this isn’t just with Suzuki’s either.
I would guess it may be the same world wide so if they are flogging engines over the internet, I doubt whether it will last long before they are gone.

Why the price difference?…I can’t answer that…but I do know that Aussie prices have nothing to do with the U S Dollar. The cheaper US engine price may have something to do with the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen and quantities.

If you want to take a chance…Good luck with it, it’s your risk, but unfortunately local dealers can’t help if you have a problem.

I’ve always been taught that after sales service was as important as the original sale, maybe those days are gone for some..... but fortunately not for all of us
Support your local businesses..... At the end of the day you may need them :)

Col

[Noelm]

that's what I have been saying for years!!!

[finding_time]

Why the price difference?…I can’t answer that…but I do know that Aussie prices have nothing to do with the U S Dollar. The cheaper US engine price may have something to do with the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen and quantities.

Col

Hey Col

Agree totally and to explain the above( which i tried to do regards electronics before) It has nothing to do with exchange rate or aussie dealers RIPPING people off.

Companys set there regional prices to the market there selling in. They look at what similar products are sold for in that market, the affluence of that region and about a dozen other things. then that's what the instruct there agents to sell there items for! It has nothing to do with manufactoring cost or anything.

Americans buy the cars for about 40% less than we do eg a Jeep here cost 40,000 there 24,000 nothing to do with exchange rate , it's just we'll buy the jeep for 40 000 and they will buy it for 24 000 but would not buy it at 40 000. American are used to paying alot less for a very wide range of goods than we are! Another example would be in my line of work. Componentry for a dental implant in this country is about $1600 it cost the company bugger all to make this stuff but because they developed it that's what they charge. Now a indian dentist in Deli can buy the exact same componentry for $90.00:o because that's all that there market can afford, and no an indian company will not sell there product offshore!

It works the same for Big Mac's , subway subs, everything the price is set by the market not the manufactoring cost! let's face it if you made a product would you sell it for what people would pay or a small profit above manufactoring price!! They do have a responsablity to there share holders after all.::)

Ian

[Col_s]

Thanks Ian.....old mate;D ;D ;)

It will also be interesting to see how they go with the computor side of things....... especially with starting and running the 300's:o

Col

[Almighty]

Thankfully the motor is pre programmed before it's sent and the dealer in my area is more than happy to service it and repair it at my cost in fact he's making plenty from from fitting and ongoing services. He has already made lots from when I purchased twin 140's last year from him and 4 x services and R&M i have spent on the vessel.
I told him what I was doing and he's fine cause he knows I have supported him for the last 3 years with all the vessels I have owned. he looks after me and I look after him it works well. The coupla grand ? he's missing out on the sale of a motor pales in comparisionto the money he makes from the $100 bucks an hour he charges me for anything he has to fix !
Every service has cost me over $1200 for both motors
My dealer is a happy camper :)

[Matt_F]

Ian,

Doesn't competition solve that problem???? Maybe there just aren't enough companies importing suzukies. As far as I understand it, the Haines group are the only importers. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

And as far as the car story goes, the government puts tarrifs on cars to protect local industry. That may also influence the price.

[mik01]

I doubt it is the dealers ripping us off, more likely the distributors/importers, dealers are caught in the middle. Your right though on the last bit, the dealers are the ones being hurt by buying o/s

Bill.

I must agree.

no one is technically ripping the consumer off.
because so many hands touch the goods, each gets a slice of the pie and the price goes up.

the distributor, who has to pay rent wages etc in a first world country needs to ensure his margins are 'up there' to cover the cost of floor space for every product.

so you have high prices compared to some other countries.

what is a ripoff (IMO), is that the manufacturer's stifle competition so much that you either play the game and score a distributorship or if you try to import outside of that, they will refuse to trade with you. also, should a 'rogue' distributor decide to export his outboards, he faces losing his distributorship asap.

no offence to those distributorships, but everyone is acting to stifle competition - of course if you are the sole distributor of Suz (for eg) you don't want another opening up as they might undercut you a bit.

So you see its a nasty world of business in the outboard industry - militant protection from the manufacturer, distributors too scared or unwilling to rock the boat, and damn hard to encourage competition by cutting out the middle men and importing direct from the manufacturer and selling locally.

the easy way to protect themselves from competition is the warranty. you want a warranty, well then you buy at whatever price we set through our channels - its frustrating, but not illegal therefore there is no way around it unless you are prepared to forego a factory warranty.

[The coral trouts]

Guys, My first post but here goes
I have just imported a Suz 140 4st from Florida.
Costs were:
US$ 7500 for the motor
US$ 1200 for all the rigging
US$ 280 to freight from Florida to LA (across USA) to where my exporter operates.

A$190 to insure against loss or damage from Forida to my door.
A$500 freight Cal to Brissy
A$ 800 Govt charges (GST etc)
A$ 200 freight Brissy - Tsv (Blenners)
When I was quote $17,000 fitted here in Tsv I thought the $11,300 odd with no warranty stood up pretty well. If need be I can buy a new powerhead and still be in front.

Lessons learnt - be patient it has taken 9 weeks.
Don't buy the rigging kit in one hit. I can source the parts cheaper individually on ebay.
Pick your moment the A$ was .95c then - now $0.85
Regards

[bert]

a friend of mine on the sunshine coast looked into importing a 140 4 stroke but found he was not saving much cost fitted $13500 from a dealer on the coast some where. But he has to wait because they recalled them because of a wter pump problem.He also said suzuki are starting there own dealiships in oz not happy with haines group.

[FNQCairns]

a friend of mine on the sunshine coast looked into importing a 140 4 stroke but found he was not saving much cost fitted $13500 from a dealer on the coast some where. But he has to wait because they recalled them because of a wter pump problem.He also said suzuki are starting there own dealiships in oz not happy with haines group.

If true, will be interested in seeing what the outcome is as time progresses.

cheers fnq

[Wahoo]

Guys, My first post but here goes
I have just imported a Suz 140 4st from Florida.
Costs were:
US$ 7500 for the motor
US$ 1200 for all the rigging
US$ 280 to freight from Florida to LA (across USA) to where my exporter operates.

A$190 to insure against loss or damage from Forida to my door.
A$500 freight Cal to Brissy
A$ 800 Govt charges (GST etc)
A$ 200 freight Brissy - Tsv (Blenners)
When I was quote $17,000 fitted here in Tsv I thought the $11,300 odd with no warranty stood up pretty well. If need be I can buy a new powerhead and still be in front.

Lessons learnt - be patient it has taken 9 weeks.
Don't buy the rigging kit in one hit. I can source the parts cheaper individually on ebay.
Pick your moment the A$ was .95c then - now $0.85
Regards

C/T ..PM sent

[boatboy50]

C/T,

Did you use the same guy Almighty is using, the guy that advertises on EBAY? If not could you tell us which dealer in Florida you used.

The guy quoting 17k fitted in Townsville must have too much business. You could get that motor fitted down here for $14500 any day of the week. Almost worth the drive down.

Regards

Darren

[Fatenhappy]

Just got back to Ausfish after being away and noted this thread still going ....

A couple of changes since the original post nearly 5 months ago for those who don't know .....

I had decided quite some time ago to go with a T/D.

Also, the gloss is starting fade dramatically from the whole idea of importing as the Oz dollar has slid almost 10 cents since the original calculations. This means everything including purchase price, cartage and GST have all gone up accordingly.

So, the original 26K vs 44K arguement has now softened to closer to 30K or so vs 44K .....

Everyone has diferent ideas and will make there own decisions particularly when relating to the good old hip pocket nerve

Cheers
Greg

[finding_time]

Ian,

Doesn't competition solve that problem???? Maybe there just aren't enough companies importing suzukies. As far as I understand it, the Haines group are the only importers. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

And as far as the car story goes, the government puts tarrifs on cars to protect local industry. That may also influence the price.

tarifs are still a small part! No compitition doesn't solove the problem, take europe for example! Plenty of compitition, but as the cost of living is much higher the manufactor will expect to sell his product for more in this economy! Now i dont know the price of a Suki in england but i bet it alot after all a coffee there is around $7.00 aussie dollars, people are used to paying more, thety earn more and they will get charged more. In the USA they generally earn less than we do ,consumables are cheaper and so are cars and outboard motors! Nothing to do with exchange rates!It's just a very differant economy!
ian



Just a footnote!

Searched some uk suzuki dealers sites and DF140 in the uk is 9049 pounds or $19.300 australian dollars this does not include fitting! Now i couldn't find any aussie prices but Boatboy 50 ( Darren ) reckons they sell for $14.500 fitted here so if were being ripped how are our limey cousins fairing:o . It's all about the market there being sold into not the importers and dealers ripping people off!

[Col_s]

He also said suzuki are starting there own dealiships in oz not happy with haines group.[/quote]

Geeze Bert,
I can tell you now that that's a load of BS.

The rumours that get around ::)

Haines is the best thing that's happened for Suzuki's..... especially if you look at the past.

Keep buying offshore guys........ your doing Australia proud;)

Col

[troy]

C/T,

Did you use the same guy Almighty is using, the guy that advertises on EBAY? If not could you tell us which dealer in Florida you used.

The guy quoting 17k fitted in Townsville must have too much business. You could get that motor fitted down here for $14500 any day of the week. Almost worth the drive down.

Regards

Darren
Have the zuks come down in price as the last time a member posted prices from F&Boat Magazine this motor was $17000.
Troy

[chop duster]

troy those prices were RRP if i remember correctly, being a fair bit out of wack with real world prices.
Ring your local dealer and get a real local figure if this is what you are after. Those F&B figures aren't worth the paper they are written on!

[boatboy50]

troy those prices were RRP if i remember correctly, being a fair bit out of wack with real world prices.
Ring your local dealer and get a real local figure if this is what you are after. Those F&B figures aren't worth the paper they are written on!

Troy,

Chop is right. The F&B prices are a guide only to compare prices between manufacturers. They are all listed RRP. Each dealer has an individual price, which will be a hell of a lot better than the RRP.

Regards

Darren

[boatboy50]

He also said suzuki are starting there own dealiships in oz not happy with haines group.

Geeze Bert,
I can tell you now that that's a load of BS.

The rumours that get around ::)

Haines is the best thing that's happened for Suzuki's..... especially if you look at the past.

Keep buying offshore guys........ your doing Australia proud;)

Col[/quote]

Col,

I know your against grey importing for obvious reasons.

Please let me know your advice to buyers here to combat paying thousands extra by buying from their local dealers? Have you spoken with the powers that be about the issue. Surely they realise they are losing sales, as are you?

I'm not having ago at you, just hoping something is being done above to combat the problem, not just wait till the dollar drops to 75 and everone is paying heaps again. I will guarantee when the dollar does drop a new Suzuki price in Oz will jump accordingly.

I hope the answer is not to make the importing harder, but to make our local prices more competitive?

Regards

Darren

[chop duster]

(continued on from my other post)
All it really does is give you an indication of the buying power / or profit margins between dealers.

[Outsider1]

Have the zuks come down in price as the last time a member posted prices from F&Boat Magazine this motor was $17000.
Troy

Satisfaction Marine have the 140 Suzys listed for $15,200 to $15,300 depending on leg size. That prices includes rigging kit A but not fitting costs;

http://www.satisfactionmarine.com.au/?catID=15

Cheers

Dave

[boatboy50]

Thanks Dave,

They will better those prices in person too i'm sure.

Regards

Darren

[Col_s]

Geeze Bert,
I can tell you now that that's a load of BS.

The rumours that get around ::)

Haines is the best thing that's happened for Suzuki's..... especially if you look at the past.

Keep buying offshore guys........ your doing Australia proud;)

Col

Col,

I know your against grey importing for obvious reasons.

Please let me know your advice to buyers here to combat paying thousands extra by buying from their local dealers? Have you spoken with the powers that be about the issue. Surely they realise they are losing sales, as are you?

I'm not having ago at you, just hoping something is being done above to combat the problem, not just wait till the dollar drops to 75 and everone is paying heaps again. I will guarantee when the dollar does drop a new Suzuki price in Oz will jump accordingly.

I hope the answer is not to make the importing harder, but to make our local prices more competitive?

Regards

Darren[/quote]



Darren,
I really don't know if I've missed sales or not..maybe, who knows.:-/
I have already said in my previous post I don't know why they are cheaper except for the fact that they buy so many at a time and usually whatever you buy if you buy in bulk you get it more cost effective.
I wonder if the US motors are built to the same compliances as Aussie motors, maybe that could be part of it ?
In all engine dealerships, not just Suzuki, you can not sell an engine in a box because of warranty reasons. We personally don't sell engines in other dealers territory either, maybe the Aussie way is different then the American way, I am not sure, but I doubt it.
As I have also said previously the margins aren't huge and the Suzi's are competitive with the other brands. There is nothing to say that there is any price rises looming and it has nothing to do with the US Dollar. If we sell them any more comeptitive we might as well not bother. ::)
If you want to buy offshore to save a few bucks .......go for it , but it may come back to bite you if you are unlucky enough to have a problem.
I'm also a proud Aussie so I'd rather see business stay here,you can't bloody buy everything from offshore .........this is my personal opinion!!

Col

[boatboy50]

Col,

Darren,
I really don't know if I've missed sales or not..maybe, who knows.:-/
I have already said in my previous post I don't know why they are cheaper except for the fact that they buy so many at a time and usually whatever you buy if you buy in bulk you get it more cost effective.
I wonder if the US motors are built to the same compliances as Aussie motors, maybe that could be part of it ?
In all engine dealerships, not just Suzuki, you can not sell an engine in a box because of warranty reasons. We personally don't sell engines in other dealers territory either, maybe the Aussie way is different then the American way, I am not sure, but I doubt it.
As I have also said previously the margins aren't huge and the Suzi's are competitive with the other brands. There is nothing to say that there is any price rises looming and it has nothing to do with the US Dollar. If we sell them any more comeptitive we might as well not bother. ::)
If you want to buy offshore to save a few bucks .......go for it , but it may come back to bite you if you are unlucky enough to have a problem.
I'm also a proud Aussie so I'd rather see business stay here,you can't bloody buy everything from offshore .........this is my personal opinion!!

Col

Col,

Thanks for the reply. Most of us here know and appreciate the dealers don't make all that much off an engine sale.

I'm sure it all starts at the top (Suzuki, Mercury ect), who set the wholesale price, which is just passed on as it goes throught the hands. They are the ones who in the end set the final pricing.

Please pass on the publics thoughts to the higher powers, and make them aware people are looking elsewhere and are feeling they are being taken advantage of. I believe everyone would prefer to buy locally, but when there is 5k difference on a 140 Zuk, most believe the warranty is not worth that 5k extra. If it was a 2 or 3 k difference I doubt they would lose many sales at all.

Thanks again for the reply.

Darren

[rich158]

Starting to look really tempting with the strength of the A$

[dunny]

This post has re-emerged after sitting idle for two years. Couldnt be bothered reading the entire post but did Fatenhappy get his imported engines...

[Noelm]

he will be lucky if he did, as most US dealers will not sell out of their country any more. This whole issue was raised and proven on another site, they will rarely even give you a price these days, let alone sell to you.

[8astripey]

interesting thread this
its really irrelevant if he gets his motors or not as it does educate us to what the process is to get things in Australian dollars. Its the same with cars or trucks. A ford f250 new in Hawaii is $32ks now Hawaii is only a small market and everything has to be shipped in and with the local laws all vehicles at the end of their life have to be disposed at cost. Now one of the last F250 trucks sold in Aus in about 2007 was purchased by my brother for the pricely sum of around $85k just shows the mark up that we pay as consumers in Aus. As for some of the comments about having to pay for labour , stock etc in Aus any dealer in the US would have equivalent costs in their economy.
lets go to interest rates. In 2009 ford have a 6 year interest freeeee loan on new vehicles purchased in Hawaii now that only proves they are in deeeeep shit however who is paying the price . Interest in Aus for money is what 10>13% for a car loan? Now the banks in Aus will say that is because they have to buy the money from the banks in the US to lend to us, the US has just printed a few more Billion dollars to circulate . sounds like the rest of the world will be forever paying for the US economy .

[fisho64]

interesting thread this
its really irrelevant if he gets his motors or not .

I disagree with that, theorizing and pulling it off successfully are different matters. About as different as drawing up a concept for a new boat/car/house and actually building it.

Reading this though it appears he eventually came to the conclusion it wasnt worthwhile, unfortunately.

[odes20]

Just had a read thru this as well. As for the Warranty issue,

I have a 175 Zuk on my boat which has done 600 hours without any probs, but I have a mate in Darwin who just bought a rig with a 175 Zuk as well and at 50 hours broke down at sea, then again, and had to have the power head replaced! Went out again and it broke down again!

Yea I know it sounds hard to believe, but I know this bloke really well and there is no way he is pullin my leg.

Now I know this scenario is way left field of the usual Zuk 4 stroke reliability, but without Warranty he would really have had the shakes.

To those who say bugger the warranty, I m not so sure
Cheers
John

[Noelm]

like buying all things from OS, you save money (usually) and you take your chances, most have no problems at all, but to the odd one who does, it can be money down the gurgler, it is up to the individual to weigh up the options and make their choice. this argument has raged for almost as long as the 2 stroke V 4 stroke war, if you buy a big ticket item and it goes missing or shits itself, so be it, just don't go whingeing and wining to the local dealer/shop and expect them to drop everything to save your butt, how easy is that?

[Noelm]

just to show an example, there was a post on another forum from a guy the purchased a reel from OS, (via a reputable shop)when the package arrived (only a few days) there was no reel in the box, just the manual and spare spool and stuff, the seller said it was there when it left, so either they are lieing, or someone hoodwinked it enroute to Australia, either way he is down a reel, so from that, always insure you purchases for theft! and anything else that could possibly go amiss.

[OPTI]

well in feburary next year ill be importing a pair of 225's for my boat,they cost 20,000 each here ,best deal i can get in a box,i can buy them for just under 13000 us at the moment,il ship them in with peter leagh imports for 1600 plus customs etc ,il save over ten grand minimum.,as for warranty if for example it does a powerhead il eat the freight and send the powerhead back and get a new one ,it still has warranty just have to wear the freight and will proably be quicker than the local dealer warranty as well;)