R-Don

I am at the end of my tether with the crap service provided in the UK in the Marine Industry.

I went to my local Mercruiser Dealer for some parts last week and could not believe my experience:

I asked for a set of Spark Plugs and plug leads for a 1989 454 BBC. I was told by the salesman that they dont stock plug leads. When i asked why that was, he replied "well, we only sold one set last year"! I asked him what he thought all the local owners did for plug leads then and he replied that he didnt know and that they probably bought them at the local car accesory shop! (We have very few BBC engines running on the roads in the UK)!

So i moved on to the spark plugs which i was informed were also not in stock, but could be ordered! I declined his offer as i can order parts myself from home and cut him out altogether.

So, I enquired locally to other suppliers to find that no-one had any plugs in stock! In the end i found a Company on the Web in the UK that just specialise in the sale of Spark plugs, I ordered 8 Champion RV8C and thought that that would be the end of it. I received an E-mail the next day saying that they only had 6 in stock and would be back ordering the other 2!

I now realise that it is a blessing that we have a short boating season in the UK as this gives you plenty of time to source spare parts and effect repairs before the next season.

Here i sit still awaiting delivery!

Whats the service like in the Marine Industry in the US?

fund razor

To be honest.... the US gov't doesn't let the UK stock parts because you once had the strongest navy in the world. And because you call wrenches "spanners." Just kidding.

It's better here (in boating regions) because we have so many boats.

But I'm having a heck of a time finding a proper bonnet for my Austin-Healy.

Cheers!

t500hps

We do have some good people/ companies to deal with, but......there are some real dirt balls over here too. Once you find a good shop/ mechanic I suggest you bring him beer/ baked goods/ loose women, or anything else that he's interested in. You'll get what you need for your boat much faster that way!!!

R-Don

We dont call wrenches spanners, a wrench is an adjustable spanner generally yielded by plumbers and bodgers. Spanners are of a fixed size ie. 10mm, 13mm, 15mm etc. However a spanner is also a derogatory term for someone who is not very bright.

Which Austin Healey do you have?

fund razor

In that case, I KNOW a few "spanners."

I don't have an Austin-Healy. It was just a joke. BUT, my Mom's boyfriend had a 60s Austin Healy Sprite in the early eighties that I used to like to "borrow." I wanted to buy it off of him because it needed some work, (including paint) but he knew what he had and kept it.
Haven't seen him or the car in 20 years.

jaybird

As far as plug wires go, I buy them at the local auto shop rather than Merc, they are better than Merc wires, IMO.

As was said before the marine service industry is hit or miss in the states, probably better than the UK though.

Waterfoul

What in the heck is a bodger??? And do plumbers in the UK have a "crack" problem like most of them here in the states do???

RonS

R Don, try calling Mel Riggs, Riggs Marine Svc 1 920 872 2728. I know he regularly sends parts to a customer in the Virgin Islands and has a very large inventory of parts.

He is located in Eldorado WI which is very close to Fondulac so he has a short drive to pick up any parts he does'nt have from the mercury plant.

R-Don

A "Bodger" is someone who attempts to fix something without all the correct tools or technical know-how.

Plumbers in the UK dont have "Crack" problems like their cousins in the USA. However, Plumbers in the UK are well known for being lazy sheisters and Con men.

They are well known for charging for parts not fitted or supplied and for turning minor work into major work.

Dishonest plumbers make a very good living in the UK.

R-Don

The problem in the uk with auto stores is that most engines in the UK dont have plug leads as long as the BBC needs.