frustrated with mercury racing
 

For now the THIRD time since I've had my 450Rs, Ive had an issue which is obviously covered by "Warranty" but now have to wait WEEKS before parts get here because, well, they are on backorder. I signed up for my first poker run ever, and with my "brand new" boat next weekend in Destin and now im essentially screwed because one of my motors is down. I understand COVID issues but, man we pay quite the premium for the 450Rs and when things happen that need to be fixed the parts are always on back order. Happened to my flush valve, fuel filters etc. Now its a FSM and an O2 sensor. Its just unbelievable that I've had my boat down well over 6-8 weeks this season because I'm waiting for parts.

Should've just gotten the 400R and had a plethora of parts available.

just venting....

Interesting that mercury has the parts to build the new complete engines but can’t support the existing fleet that’s in service. :party-smiley-004:

Exactly my point. Very quick to sell the new motors for $$$$ but, then when something breaks. "Sorry those parts are on backorder" well heck, pull it from one of those motors on a crate!!!!! I have a very sour taste with this issue and mercury. Not good business model from a consumer standpoint.

That's so annoying! Not fair and doesn't make sense. And then to top it off they don't extend the warranty length for the downtime!

Could be worse dealers in Michigan are scheduling Polaris RZR SXS warranty out till September!!!!

In MY line of work, (Caterpillar) if a part is on back order, we rob one off a NEW machine in the yard to keep the customer up and running ..

Guess Merc doesn't care much.. it's not like THEY have any competition. :(

Gator, I responded to your PM. I completely understand your frustration, but everything has changed due to the WuFlu. Supply chains have been slowed or even cut off and production is suffering. Place a 450 order and see how long it takes to get it. You’ll likely get it next year. We are really seeing the effects as a lot of rigging parts and props are backordered with no expectation on availability. That’s where we make most of our money. As frustrating as it may be, it’s only affecting your use of a pleasure boat. No one could’ve predicted or prepared for this but it will eventually get back to normal and life will go on. You’re not the only one in this boat, pun intended. Our livelihoods, as well as some guides and other commercial operations are being seriously affected, but there’s little to nothing that we can do about it.

Take my advise and calmly call Mercury customer service and state your case. You as a customer have way more pull than us as a dealer or even your boat builder. I’m not promising they can do anything, but it’s worth a phone call.

Last sentence of below quote is, ummm, welll....

May 1, 2020

”The Mercury Racing 450R set a new benchmark for outboard performance and design,” said Stuart Halley, Mercury Racing general manager. “Its inclusion as a Boating Industry Top Product acknowledges the creative talent and the engineering and manufacturing prowess of the entire staff at Mercury Racing, where we always run Wide Open.” “

construction and agriculture suppliers tend to realize where their $$ comes from. Merc could do the same if they cared.
Lack of competition as stated above is the real problem.

I ordered 2 ECM/fuel pump power relays 3 weeks ago which are in stock but waiting to ship!

Find a dealer who has 450s just hanging around in stock to ‘borrow’ parts from. I’ll help you out, no one has any.

Up to 3 weeks shipping delay for anything coming out of Fond du Lac, even if it’s in stock. Thanks China.