Shades of grey enter industry

AUSTRALIAN boat owners are being warned of the potential safety and financial risks attached to “grey” (or parallel) imports.

The Outboard Engine Distributors Association (OEDA) released a statement voicing concerns about the increasing number of outboard engines that are being imported into Australia outside the outboard manufacturer’s authorised dealer networks – leaving buyers exposed.

“What’s happening is that people are finding great deals, usually via the internet, on engines which are being brought in from overseas,” said OEDA executive officer Lindsay Grenfell.

“Deals that look too good to be true usually are,” Grenfell said.

OEDA said its primary concern is customer safety.

Authorised dealers conduct extensive pre-delivery programs, using specialised diagnostic equipment, to ensure all engines are properly prepared and work as they should. They also ensure engines are fitted correctly to the boat.

“We don’t want people taking their family to sea with engines which could have come from anywhere and which haven’t been properly checked. There could be any number of serious issues,” Grenfell said.

Similarly, if a manufacturer ever identified an issue with a particular model or type of engine, those owners not registered with an authorised dealer could easily miss the recall or update, leaving their engine and themselves at risk.

“The other problem is engines imported on the 'grey' market are not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty which means if the engine dies or falls apart there is absolutely no comeback – no repairs, no replacements, nothing.”

The situation is a grave concern for OEDA, which represents marine outboard engine manufacturers.

“OEDA is urging anyone who’s looking to buy an engine to ask a lot of questions to make sure they are buying from an authorised dealer who will be doing everything to ensure your safety.”

Haines Suzuki also released statement warning consumers off the purchase of grey imported motors.

Suzuki Marine Australia said it has received a substantial number of phone calls from those who have purchased Grey Market items, who have experienced problems due to the many unknowns associated with these products.

The statement reads:

The standards of storage and transport are highly questionable, and there is also the possibility that the item is refurbished. Products not purchased through one of our Authorised Suzuki Resellers cannot be covered by our Australian Warranty and we cannot provide free technical support or warranty repair to purchasers of these engines.

One of the most important of the below points is that the motors that we sell are C-Tick compliant and labelled as such, and therefore meet the standard as required by Australian law. Unfortunately, we have noticed the recent importation of Suzuki outboard motors by private importers or grey importers. Unless you see the C-Tick label on the motor, then you cannot be sure that the motor is C-Tick compliant with Australian law and this may be a problem for you if you make an insurance claim. You should make your own investigations with your insurer, if you feel necessary.