Why buy a Mariner

Andy · 14 September 2004, 10:28

Why buy from Mariner ... the engines are rebadged Mercs etc. Does anybody know what their value add is?

Daniel TD5 · 14 September 2004, 10:40

its the mariner that cheaper than the mercury by about 10%

and yes they are the same

mariner is a products are aimed at more working type of boats

but i would wait as the mercury and mariner models are to be changed
and up dated

dan

Phil Davies · 14 September 2004, 10:45

Mercury engines are now all identical to Mariners but retail for 3% more (not 10%!!!), due apparently to perceived 'superior' brand image i.e. more people prefer the black paint! Powerheads on both brands' 4-strokes (excluding Verado) are of course sourced from Yamaha. Mercury Marine are evidently looking to incorporate a development of the Verado power head design onto 4-stroke outboards from 150 upwards. Which will be nice

Daniel TD5 · 14 September 2004, 11:09

if it was 3% i would have had a nice black mercury one

but if lord phil say 3% then 3% it is

dan

dgpw · 14 September 2004, 11:10

It is not only the purchase price that is different, the second hand market prefer merc as well. the perseption is that they are more reliable! rubish as they are the same. I think it would be fair to say that if 2 identical boats came on the market one with a merc and one with a maraner the merc would sell more. I personaly would not be to bothered and would prob get a marener new as I am poor!!! Somewhere there is a realy good vid clip of the history of the two companys, they started making chain saws.

dgpw · 14 September 2004, 11:12

O forgot to say don't get a silver one thinking you will get a black top, they are very pricy and well into the thousands for a big one. THe other option of course is to swap the cowling and cover with you neighbour late one night. He he.

Phil Davies · 14 September 2004, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel TD5

but if lord phil say 3% then 3% it is

Well, they wouldn't sell many 250 Mercury Verados if the Mariner 250 Verado was £1,700 cheaper, would they?!

Louise · 14 September 2004, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgpw

Somewhere there is a realy good vid clip of the history of the two companys, they started making chain saws.

Is this what you were thinking of: http://www.screamandfly.com/home/fea...eo_history.htm

dgpw · 14 September 2004, 11:38

that is the one!, thanks

Simon B · 14 September 2004, 11:58

Andy Clark has some interesting history notes on his site at Bosun's Mate.co.uk relating to the internicine nature of OB motors from the various makers.

gtflash · 14 September 2004, 12:19

i dont like the mariner image but have to say the verado looks better in the grey outfit i think, and 2% difference with verado engines price

Mr-d · 14 September 2004, 12:59

I think when an engine is visible, it should look Smooth, slick and powerfull...
Black is the ideal colour... Sinister fuel eating machine belching out smoke!

So, im lucky i have a old Mercury? i can ask 3% more for it than a Mariner?
Only downside i have found so far is that it takes 3 weeks + to get spares for it... still waiting on 2 new coils........

Phil Davies · 14 September 2004, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr-d

Black is the ideal colour... Sinister fuel eating machine belching out smoke!

I'm afraid I couldn't tell you what colour Pete7's engine is

Nick Hearne · 14 September 2004, 13:31

Mercury do look so much nicer!

I would love one!
Nick

Phil Davies · 14 September 2004, 13:37

Have to agree there, Nick. And look at this newly launched little cutie - ain't that just the prettiest little engine you ever did see?

Might get one and mount it on a plinth in my living room

CJL · 14 September 2004, 13:42

I`ve had both Mariners and Mercs and they are identical. The Mariners seem to have more retail dealers than Mercs. But either type of service agent can carry out repairs without invalidating your warranty.

There are no real pros or cons except the slightly higher resale value of Mercs.

I believe they began the two brands as they were told by the nasty EU that they had too large a share of the market so they split the group and began selling the same number of engines under different brands. Same amount of cash to parent company just from different bank accounts - very creative!

Its really a simple question, extra cash for gucci Merc looks or less cash for the less flashy Mariner?

Chris

Daniel TD5 · 14 September 2004, 13:43

no way the grey or dirty colour looks the best just like my mariner i have

and you don,t have to clean the salt marks off after use

Nick Hearne · 14 September 2004, 13:47

Gucci it is then darlings!

I wish!

Carl · 14 September 2004, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr-d

Black is the ideal colour... Sinister fuel eating machine belching out smoke!

yeah baby,and the odd flame now and again

Pete7 · 14 September 2004, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Davies

I'm afraid I couldn't tell you what colour Pete7's engine is

Smoke ? never, I now use Soltron, the elixir of life

Mercs and Mariners are both suppied by Barrus since the demise of Sowester in Poole. Mr D your not the only one waiting for spares, Wave spent 5 weeks waiting for an Opti compressor on a charter boat. Thats 5 weeks loss of income during the height of the summer, not good news.

Dirk keeps recommending Keypart, which might be an alternative but what we need is competition not a monopoly.

Pete