Volvo prices again.

[Guest]

There is more to it than not buying overpriced spares.

My first boat was Volvo powered, rather old and needed lots of bits. I was so horrified by the costs that when I came to move on and up I consiously avoided any boat with these engines and bought Merc powered ones instead. So it isnt just the manufacturer that loses sales but the boat builder who uses them too. Perhaps they are the ones to apply the pressure rather than little 'ole us?

Geoff



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[Dave_Knowles]

As I understand it Mercs can be expensive too. I think the problem is the manufacturers think that people who own boats have lots of money and therefore rip you off.

The problem seems to be that with cars we have many companies that make parts that are copies of the original items. This does not seem to happen in the boat world for some reason. Maybe there is a fortune to be made by someone who does this, but maybe the majority will still buy original due to the fact that they are sold the idea that these are very special. Of course many of us know that this in a lot of cases is rubbish and if you use say a car alternator instead of a Volvo one you are probably buying the same item but at a very reduced cost.

I still believe that if non original replacement parts were listed on a site this would gradually begin to have an effect on the Volvo and Mercs of this world and if it didn't who cares if you are saving money.

<hr width=100% size=1>Take care.

Dave

Dave Knowles
Southampton - UK

http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk

 

[markc]

I guess that if it was profitable to make pattern parts for marine engines on parts that cannot be cross matched with equivalant non-branded items, then someone would be doing it. It is after all, a very small market compared to cars.

What I think would make a difference is a guide to all the bits that can be fixed or replaced without resorting to Volvo or Merc etc. - not just filters but info such as how to get an alternator re-wound, starter overhauled, hoses made, exhaust elbows welded etc., etc. Then save the pennies for the 'no alternative' genuine parts

M

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