Any experience buying open box (returned) engines?

[Tortuga]

Thanks to all who gave such thoughtful feedback on my earlier question re carbed vs EFI Honda. I am much closer to making a decision, and now am wondering whether there may be unanticipated problems buying an open box engine.

I'm down to two engines at this point (a new Honda EFI 90 and a new Yamaha EFI 90) -- both are discounted due to having been returned to the manufacturer for minor repair (ding, etc). Both are sold and installed by factory authorized dealers, and both come with the full factory warranty.

The Yamaha would be able (I hope) to use my existing Yamaha shift/cables which are relatively new and maybe even the existing gauges -- which would save even more money.

So the question is, are there unforseen risks with going in this direction as compared to buying a "new" engine. These are not internet buys, they are offered by local dealers who service these engines.

For those with local SoCal knowledge the dealers are Specialty Marine in Channel Islands Harbor (Honda) and Inflatable Boat Specialists in Ventura Harbor (Yamaha).

Thanks for any observations!

Matt

 

[BRAZO]

We purchased a 9.9 Mercury from West Marine that they said had a "seal" problem -- but it was under warranty. We got it for a song and took it to a local marina. Found out that they put too much oil in the engine (never started it) -- so it worked for us.

 

[thataway]

I purchased a "Scratch and Dent" 225 hp Ocean Pro Johnson a few years ago. It had come new on a 24 foot Well Craft and in transit there was damage done to the cowling and skeg. The buyer had paid for a "new" motor and this motor was sent back to Johnson. It had a new cowling and the skeg was straightened with a 4 x 4 and dead blow hammer. The motor had the standard warantee and performed well. I am sure that this happens to all manufactuers. I paid about 30% less than a "new" engine for that one.