Trouble finding maintnenace for Merc powered Islandia?

[bhowell123]

I am heling a buddy check out a 2003 Islandia with the Merc 2 cycle. I called the local dealership that sold the boat, still sell them, but they quit working on the Merc Optimax v6 years ago apparently because they are a pain to work on. They suggested I call a authorized Merc outboard shop. I did. They do not work on them either, they did for a year or two and stopped. The guy said "never again". I am beginning to see a trend here. Is there an issue out there in getting these boats worked on? I am in Virginia, the boat is here, the dealer and Merc outboard place I spoke with is here, and if my friend buys it is either going to stay here or more likely likely headed is to the Chicago area. Buying a boat no-one will work on seems like a bad idea, stuff does break, things need maintenance. My buddy is not all that mechanically inclined so doing the work himself is not an option. Input anyone? Thanks.

 

[henryb]

When I got my boat about 3 years ago, I had the same issue, calling a Seadoo marina, saying they don't have Mercury trained mechanics? Then Mercury marina's saying they don't work on Seadoo boats. Very weird, I eventually found a place that sells Seadoo and Mercury and they work on these boats. But it was kind of far.

But more recently, I went to a Mercury marina and spoke directly to the head mechanic, asked him some questions about the issues I was having with the engine and once he realized that the engine was basically a Mercury outboard with a SportJet lower unit, he was completely ok with doing the work! Even though the front desk was still saying no... He over ruled them and I got it in there and they have now changed their policy on these boats!!! I've seen a bunch of them in there this spring!

So the trick is to find a shop that has a really good Mercury outboard mechanic, go talk to him directly.

 

[gioakjoe]

I go to a mercury shop as well just tell them the engine not the boat. A certified mercury mechanic should have no problems working on these boats. The only problem is people don't realize that a Bombardier seadoo who makes engines would have a mercury engine instead of a rotax or even a evinrude engine in there boats, makes my head scratch on who made this deal haha

 

[bhowell123]

Great. Kind of what I was thinking, too. Thanks.

 

[henryb]

Yep, that is the trick... Just tell them you are running a Mercury 2.5 liter 200HP V6 ... And they will have no problem working on it.

 

[Dr Honda]

First.....


If your buddy isn't mechanically inclined... then tell him to go buy a new boat, with a warranty. PERIOD !!! Boats break, and dealers charge +$120 hr to work on them. A small issue can cost you more than the boat is worth.

Not trying to be harsh... just saying the truth.

Seadoo dealers DO NOT work on the Mercury boats. There is some bad blood, and they can't get the parts any longer. (that's the real reason) They are no harder than any other boat to work on.

Any REAL Mercury shop WILL work on that engine. All the parts are available, and it's the same as the 200 Opti outboard engine.



That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

 

[bhowell123]

First.....


If your buddy isn't mechanically inclined... then tell him to go buy a new boat, with a warranty. PERIOD !!! Boats break, and dealers charge +$120 hr to work on them. A small issue can cost you more than the boat is worth.

Not trying to be harsh... just saying the truth.

Seadoo dealers DO NOT work on the Mercury boats. There is some bad blood, and they can't get the parts any longer. (that's the real reason) They are no harder than any other boat to work on.

Any REAL Mercury shop WILL work on that engine. All the parts are available, and it's the same as the 200 Opti outboard engine.



That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Glad you decided not to be harsh.....

Well, that's one way of looking at it. My take is if only people mechanically inclined owned boats, there would not be many boats out there. Not sure what a REAL Mercury shop is, are they the ones that say Authorized Mercury Dealer and service? The ones that show up on the Mercury website? Like the 2 I contacted and said they would not work on that motor?

New boats become used boats the first time you take it out. Mercury warranties expire in 3 years. I do appreciate the insight on the failure of Sea Doo dealers to work on Merc powered vessels. I will pass that on to my CPA non-mechanically inclined friend. A boat is a boat, for the most part, any good mechanic should be bale to work on it. Most boatyards charge much less than $125 an hour, in my experience.

No disrespect but I think your post is a bit short sighted, a bit arrogant, and frankly, not helpful. But that is just me.

That's MY story, and I am sticking to it.

 

[Dr Honda]

Everyone is entitled to their opinions... and I will whole heartedly accept what you said.

But, if you look at it from my side...

I see guys buy boats all the time. And, there are a lot who think just because they paid a "Prime" amount... or that it looks super clean, means that it's going to be troublefree. Look a few posts down in this section. Someone just bought a UBER clean Merc boat, but the first trip out, it ate it's electrical system, and now is going to sell it. That's the way it is with a used boat. But now his defense is... the old Rotax boat he had never had issues. Well... the reality is... it can at any time.


So... when someone comes here asking questions like this... I know the end of it. I will get a post saying something like... "You guys all suck because you said they are reliable."

The best example I can think of is... if that engine pop's... it will cost $7k to $10k to have a shop install a rebuilt engine. This is a very plausible scenario, and it will be more than the boat will be worth.

Boat's aren't cars... and the 10 year mark is where they can have major issues out of the blue. So... being blunt, harsh... or whatever you want to call it is the best way to approach it. Also... since this a forum to help people save $$$ by directing them in the right direction, in doing their own repairs... advising what shop to use isn't what we are here for.

 

[bhowell123]

Dr Honda

I asked a pretty straight-forward question, I think. Have other people who have owned Islandia's with the same motor in the one my friend is looking at had problems in getting Merc shops to work on it. The answer was "ÿes". Read the entire thread. There were some helpful suggestions on how to maybe work around that. I do not think what I asked was naïve or ill informed. Your response "So... when someone comes here asking questions like this... I know the end of it. I will get a post saying something like... "You guys all suck because you said they are reliable" is, to me,. just further evidence of an arrogance that you seem to have. If you were helping a friend decide whether or not to buy a boat, wouldn't the fact that there may be an issue as to getting it worked on when, inevitably, it will, be a good thing to look into? Or should he retire from his accounting practice so he can learn to work on it himself? Or is he simply unworthy to buy a glorified jet ski? I guess in your world if you can't do your own work you should not have a boat. Well, in the real world not everyone has either 1) the ability or 2) the time, to do that. So to be real honest, I think you are not a good spokesman for this forum or to anyone looking for some advice or assistance from those who already have it.

Really disappointing to get this kind of response. Not at all typical of a boating forum, I have asked, and answered, a zillion questions on my sailing forums that people have been very kind to answer or glad to receive.. That is what we do, I thought, share experience and advice. Without trying to make anyone feel like an idiot or a ""second class" boat owner. My suggestion. maybe lighten up a bit? But different strokes.....

 

[henryb]

Before we make snap judgements about any bodies integrity... I think the best advice you can give your friend, regarding any 10+ year old boat purchase is to get as much information as you can on what has been fixed repaired (sometimes you can't get any of that info). Then go to a few Authorized Mercury shops to see if they will work on 200HP V6 Opti outboards. They will be a bit pricey, I know from personal experience, that even though I try to work on the boat/engine as much as I can, I have taken it into these shops a few times, with $1000 in hand knowing how much the bill was going to be each time.

I have also found a "generic" boat mechanic that will work on just about anything, they are typically a bit cheaper, and most times can source out OEM parts... and will sometimes source out used parts when OEM are no longer available (something Authorized Dealers won't do!!).

Even for the folks who are not mechanically inclined, this forum has been an unbelievable resource on tracking down what the problem is, based on experience and diagnostic techniques. Dr Honda is probably the single most knowledgable resource we have, and has gone WAY out of his way to help folks find and fix problems.

So I think if you find a boat (Islandia or other Merc power Seadoo), this is the place that will guide you through figuring out what problem is before bringing it into a shop and letting them do that leg work. And going into a shop with some knowledge behind you will make sure they are not pulling the wool over your eyes. That alone will save you $$$.

 

[bhowell123]

Great Henryb, exactly what was looking for. Boaters helping boaters. Thanks.

I do most of my own work on my sailboat, too, but there are times when either I don't know what to do or, in a sailboat, I just won't fit into wherever I need to be. I much prefer a local boatyard as opposed to a dealer. And with my 35 year old sailboat, there aren't any dealers, anyway.

 

[Dr Honda]

Henry... Thanks.


BHowell... ok, fine. Nothing honest, that can be construed as negative.....

The Merc/Seadoo boats are great, and there's really very few out there that compare. (That's why we are all here) Here's the info needed.

1) An authorized Mercurry dealer can and will work on the engine and drive.

2) Most of the hardware on the boat is generic, and can be bought in any boat shop. (Telleflex controls, Moris cables, Attwood, Sea Source, Perko, so on)

3) A seadoo shop (probably) won't touch it since they can't get parts.

4) Hard Parts (seats, Deck lid, so on) will be used, and ebay will be your friend.

5) If you want to save $$$... stay here and learn. We can help.

 

[bhowell123]

Great, thanks. Forums like this are fantastic. I actually saw this boat sitting sad and lonely on a trailers with a for sale sign on it. Looked into it and it would be perfect for my buddy and his family. I have been impresses with some of the features, the head/changing area a big plus for his wife, running sink and shower water (if the hotel pump was connected, should be easy to replace). For a power boat it is pretty cool.

You obviously know a lot about these boats. Thanks for sharing

 

[Almighte1]

if i can interject here... if the boat you are looking at is this one... https://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/boa/5568538197.html i went and looked at it bout a month and a half ago. something i found concerning was that there was an obvious poorly done fiberglass patch in the hull just in front of the jet intake. when asked, the "owner" knew nothing about how that happened. he also mentioned that it has a new engine in it, but he doesnt recall why. as i began asking more and more questions, the "owner" seemed to know less and less about the boat, however he claims to be the "original owner". well his dad is the "original owner", and round and round we go. I love my islandia and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun family centered boat, but go over this one with a fine tooth comb... it seemed fishy to me.

 

[bhowell123]

I think this may be the same boat. It is parked at a carpet store, looks like the photos were taken in their warehouse maybe. Some of the story sounds the same, the father, a repair to the hull. We did take it to Coles Point Marina where my boat guys, both of whom either had or have seadoo pwc's, took a pretty good look at it. Their view, not in great shape, not in terrible shape, ran pretty well minus the "beeps", worth maybe $8000.00 max. Engine compartment blower inop (a must fix), hotel pump disconnected, so no doubt needs replacing, nothing major but needs some work.

Thanks.

 

[Almighte1]

yea thats the one. after i saw the patch in the hull i decided it wasnt the one for me and told him i didnt need to put it in the water, so I never went as far as seeing what else didnt work. agreed, not great shape, but not terrible shape. he seemed pretty firm on not coming below 10k. i felt that unless he was willing to come down closer to the $7k range, it wasnt worth the risk. if he had been upfront about the condition and the information around the repairs that had been done and engine replacement, maybe. but again, that was back in april, so he may be more eager to move on it now. good luck.

 

[Dr Honda]

Just an FYI....

I know you said you were passing on that boat... but on the Merc/seadoo boats... a dead blower is normally a bad switch, and not actually the blower. (common issue)

A hull patch to me isn't a big deal. UNLESS.... you look inside, and see that it was a major repair. (as in, you can tell that the hull was crushed) Messed up Gel Coat can be from anything, and it's not structure. But, a new engine is nice.

I'm not seeing it up close... but may be a good deal for $9k.

 

[bhowell123]

Dr Honda

Good info. Thanks. Our thought was since the blower is actually disconnected, as is the hotel pump, that they had disconnected for electrical reasoning (pump not getting to pressure, running constantly running down battery). As to the blower, the boat did not seem to have a separate blower switch, we assumed that it was wired into the battery switch and would come on automatically. Not true? I have a separate blower switch in my sailboat. How is the blower rigged on the Islandia?

I am no too worried about the hull repair either. One thing I have learned about fiberglas boats, they are just big pieces of plastic. Break it, glue it back together for the most part (simplified version). The hard part is making it look "pretty" again, absent structural issues.

The asking price for this year is $12k up, some as high as $17. Absent something serious you think $9 is not unreasonable?

My original question was about the alarm beep codes, posted in another forum on this site (2 stroke sport boat forum, trying to respect the etiquette of this site) and was about an intermittent 3 beep alarm that morphed into an intermittent 4 beep intermittent alarm after we ran the boat for a while. These codes are like national security matters, held secret and no one seems to know what they mean. My internet research says maybe oil level in the main tank for the 3 beep, maybe water in the water/fuel separator for the 4 beep, or maybe a battery/charging system issue for the 4 beep. The battery was dead when we tried to start the boat, had to jump it. I know I am getting greedy here, but since you are here....you have a idea?

 

[Dr Honda]

The blower is a 4" unit, mounted into the ducking on the deck lid. You may or may not be able to see it. There should be a "Bilge Blower" switch on the helm. But... the Carling switch's are known to fade, so you may not see it there either. But, not to worry... you can down load the owner's manual directly from Seadoo's web site, and it will show you what each switch is.

The bilge pump (to remove the water) does have a "Automatic" switch inside. They are also known to go bad. And... when they do... yes... it will drain the battery. It's a Rule 500 pump... but they have a finite life. Especially where it freezes during the winter. (Ice gets past the seals if the boat isn't winterized properly) But, needless to say... a bilge pump is a vital part, and it would need to be replaced.


Now... the switches, pump and blower are all non-OEM type parts. The switches are Carling... the Blower is a 4" attwood... and the Bilge pump is Rule. You can replace any of those parts with anything you like... but the switch is nice if it matches. So I normally recommend spending the few extra $$ on that.


2003 was an odd year for the seadoo Merc boats. That boat can have the Gen1 240 EFI (if it's an early build) it could have the Gen2 240 EFI (nice) it can also have the 250 Opti engine. The big engine is nice. It's a 3.0L vs the 2.5L... and the gear case is beefier. BUT... the Opti engines are a little harder to work on, since they are direct injection. My personal vote/hope would be for the newer 240. It will have a square-ish top cover, and say 240 EFI right on it. If it's a smaller round cover, it's the early engine.


Pricing a used boat is tough. It's the beginning of the season, and prices are always high right now. But if it has a bunch of cosmetic flaws... it's not a $12k boat. I can see that the seats have been recovered, and it wasn't a great job. (that's a hit on the price) The messed up electrical is a hit. I'm also guessing the fresh water pump, and pond pump are dead too. (Common) (price hit) and if the belly is ugly... that's a hit. (not just scratches) So... yes... realistically... $9k is where I would be on that boat. That's assuming they can produce paperwork on a new engine. If they can't... before you buy it... take it to a Merc dealer, and have them read the time out on the engine.

As a pricing FYI... I paid around $4k for my boat with a bad engine. (but it was in good cosmetic condition) And most of the 2001~2004 islandia's are going for $10k~$14K.

The Merc "Beeps" won't be known to the regular 2-stroke guys. That's really the Rotax forum.

Anyway... I would have to know exactly what engine is in it. but generally... 4 beeps is either low fuel, low oil, or water in fuel. Over temp is a constant sound. It can also be low voltage... but you should have a switch on the helm to silence that.