Yamah drops model year designation

[Dhadley]

Yamaha Drops Model Year Designation on Outboards <br /> <br />Powersports Business <br />Tuesday August 30, 2005 <br /> <br />Yamaha Marine has eliminated the model year designation on its outboard motors, a move which may "help reduce the inventory control situation Yamaha's builders and dealers have faced in the past," according to Kennesaw, Ga.-based Yamaha Marine officials. <br />Yamaha Marine President Phil Dyskow said the move means the "unnecessary burden to match the boat model year with the outboard model year has been eliminated" for boats packaged with Yamaha Outboards. <br />"On some products, such as automobiles, RVs, airplanes and most boats sold in the U.S.A., a formal model year designation makes sense because most of these products change from year to year," Dyskow said. "Historically, it was common for outboard models to feature new components or changes once each year. However, improvements in outboards thanks to today's new technologies often means outboards usually do not change a single specified date. <br />"It has become obvious to us at Yamaha that the model year designator for outboard motors no longer brings significant benefit or advantage to the table for the consumer." <br />Yamaha also says model year designations for outboard motors unfairly affect an outboard's value for the consumer during model year transitions. <br />"When a dealer placed an order during certain times of the year, it was possible that the dealer could take delivery of boats and motors packaged together with model years that do not match even though the boats and motors are brand new," Dyskow said. "And worst of all, this inventory could include outboard models that are identical with the single exception of the model year designation." <br />The last digit of the model number for all previously built Yamaha Outboard motors identified the model year code. For example, the "D" in the model number F150TLRD represented a 2005 model year Yamaha Outboard. <br />The removal of the model year went into effect with all Yamaha Outboards produced from April 1, 2005, forward. As a result of this change, Dyskow strongly recommends that all boat builders and dealers manage their boxed outboards in inventory in a manner that effectively recognizes the order in which they were received.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

I'm trying to see the good side of this Mr. D, but can't. I'm not a Yammie dealer though.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

For Yamaha, boat builders and dealers it means they dont have to sell off "old" inventory each year. <br /><br />It eliminates another reason for discounting. <br /><br />It smooths out the production time scheduling. <br /><br />Engineers arent "rushed" to make improvements at a give time each year. <br /><br />Improvements can be incorporated at any time.<br /><br />All of this helps eliminate costs. Will the savings be passed on to the consumer? What do you think?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Interesting....sort of a "rolling" Yammie. Could be a pain in the butt for wrenches though unless the Co. keeps them updated with service bullitens. Now that's a scary thought....."Use the last service manual you got and apply the correct service bulliten".....but it is an interesting concept.<br /><br />Will the consumer see the savings? Doubt it.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

OMC did it with Drive Systems (OMC Stern Drive, Sea Drive, Sail Drive, Turbo Jet, Quiet rider etc) and Merc goes by serial numbers. The dealers wont have any problem keeping up because all the literature will reflect the correct model or serial number ranges. <br /><br />The consumer may or may not know what he's buying. The problem is going to be when a consumer thinks he has a 2006 model 200, which he may well have, but his neighbor has a 06 model 200 with different features. <br /><br />It's kinda like telling someone with a Merc Sport Jet that they actually have a Force powerhead. They aint real pleased.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Didn't know that about OMC Stern Drives and what not. Sorta answers some questions about 86' stringers/Cobra outdrives. Course...round 86' I was just wrenchen for chits and giggles.<br /><br />Thanks for the info Mr. D. Always good to converse with ya'.

 

[BillP]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Sure Mr. Yamaha salesman, I believe you that the 2005 motor is identical to the 2008 motor. I also believe when you say Yamaha made no improvements to the 2005 motor since it was first introduced. I believe you that motors sitting in warehouses a few years aren't going to rust more than ones sitting a few months. That's why I want to pay the same price for the motors. I'm so glad it is beneficial to me to pay 2008 prices for a 2005 motor.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Excellent point BillP!

 

[Laddies]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

This is a typical procedure for a company that has overproduced products, Mercury did it in 1980/81 to get rid of left over motors I didn't not think it was good for the consumer then at I don't think it is now. I hope for you Yamaha owners this doesn't wind up like their stern drives, SOL--Bob

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

The company I work for did this in Feb of this year. We are now back on the old system, it made it very difficult for our customers to manage their inventory, and for us to tell what we were looking at in the field when there were problems.

 

[accord_guy]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

I have a Yami dealer trying to sell a 2002<br /> 9.9 two-stroke for the same over-price as in <br /> 2002. <br /> Sure it hasn't been run yet, but it's<br /> sat there almost 4 years. It's not my fault <br /> he's had it marked too high for so long. <br /> The grease is dry and the gaskets are who <br /> knows what condition.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Everyone go back and read the Yamaha press release. The only thing they have done is to NOT put the MODEL year on the engine. The engines still have the production year and model number on them. If and when Yamaha sells an engine to a boat manufacturer or dealer it becomes whatever model year they happen to be in. Since Yamaha rarely has inventory in the U.S.,that is not commited...you will not be negatively impacted. Also, Yamaha is required to provide a manufacturers statement of origin( which will have the model year on it) with every engine that they sell. Other manufacturers have been doing this for years. Don't sweat it.

 

[BillP]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Originally posted by INTERNETOUTBOARDS:<br /> Everyone go back and read the Yamaha press release. The only thing they have done is to NOT put the MODEL year on the engine. The engines still have the production year and model number on them. If and when Yamaha sells an engine to a boat manufacturer or dealer it becomes whatever model year they happen to be in. Since Yamaha rarely has inventory in the U.S.,that is not commited...you will not be negatively impacted. Also, Yamaha is required to provide a manufacturers statement of origin( which will have the model year on it) with every engine that they sell. Other manufacturers have been doing this for years. Don't sweat it.

Easier for a dealer not to sweat it than a buyer not to. I think this is a can of worms and the consumer needs to beware of shortcomings. Yamaha sure isn't going to tell any of them. <br /><br />Virtually all lending institutions use mfg date for financing and valuation. Motors are not titled in my state so there is no way to tell what year they are except by mfg date or bill of sale. Are they going to believe BillyBob's bill of sale that says the used motor he is selling in 2008 is a 2007 year model when the mfg date says 2005? <br /><br />Hopefully you're right and I'm totally wrong.<br /><br />I just fired off a note to NADA to get their opinion on how this will play out.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

"I need an impeller for a , um, ah 2000 to 2010 Yamaha"

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Originally posted by BoatBuoy:<br /> "I need an impeller for a , um, ah 2000 to 2010 Yamaha"

no! you would simply say i need an impeller for a 20hp yamaha, and my serial number is as follows: blablabla<br /><br />thats it. mercs been doing this the whole friggen time. why is everybody so worried

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

There is always potential for a dealer...or boat manufacturer to abuse(read that as fraud) the end user. And it has happened in the past, it is going on now and it will go on in the future. Keep in mind that every outboard has a statement of origin( whether you need it or not, it does come with the engine)....that does have the model year printed on it. There are benefits to the consumer as well as detriments. Keep in mind that a boat package that has a 2005 model boat and a 2006 model engine is perceived as having greater value than a 2005 model boat with a 2005 model engine. Of course differences in model year can work against you just as easily. But, think back as to what "model year" is supposed to mean. When a model was introduced and stayed in production for a year...I agree, that had meaning. But, today....not really. Engine models vary during the year as changes are made to design and parts modification. All manufacturers supply data to dealers based on serial number ranges and model number changes. Sometimes those changes do take place at the same time as a model year turnover. But, usually they don't.<br /><br /> Let me give you an example: We get a phone call from a guy who tells us that he has a 1972 Chrysler 55 hp. We will ask him for a model number. He will say, "they are all the same". We will tell him, "no, they are not, what's the model number" The year is not important because parts are looked up by model number not year. Was the man really wrong? Not 100%. All 55's in 72 did use the same headgasket. But, we know that the man only has a one out of ten chance of actually knowing the model year. Everyday we tell people that we have to have a model number. half the time we have to have the serial number as well. Model years are just not important when it comes to providing parts.

 

[BillP]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

You're a dealer selling parts and focusing on parts...Identifying parts accurately has always been by serial number instead of model year so dropping model year isn't a big deal unless... <br /><br />Not having a model yr on parts means they can dredge up technically obsolete NOS parts from past yrs, lower standards by using them and make hodge podge engines. No "model yr" means anything goes for parts and part types can change as inventory changes. Motors with a "model yr" make parts obsolete by using higher technology and parts could be visually identified as the latest and greatest. In the case of no "model yr" engines it can go backwards to let obsolete parts go on new engines. This senario will make old parts even harder to get because Yamaha will design in all their old stock into new motors to clear the inventory. This is the same way home appliances are made and the reason they are throw away items now instead of repairable items...hodge podges of the cheapest parts available at time of mfg. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm a consumer wanting to know how the motor I buy without model yr is valued for loans and resale. If I come into your shop and tell you my motor is a 2008 how are you going to know it is a 2008 or 2005 concerning trade value? The statement of origin shows mfg date? The serial number shows mfg date too. <br /><br />Here's an example: The 2005 motor is three yrs old and had two owners. Both owners have a bill of sale because that's all you get in Florida on motors. The second owner was told the motor is a 2007 and the bill of sale says nothing about year...after all, there is NO model yr on this motor. It is now 2008 and the second owner walks in with cash in one hand and a used motor to trade in the other. He says and believes it's a 2007 and will argue the serial mfg means nothing. As a dealer, how are you prepared to handle this? Is this a warranty registration deal to establish yr?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Is this a warranty registration deal to establish yr

no. the dealer can look up the REAL year, regardless of what bubba says, and can tell you whats up by using the, hwat, oh yeah, thats right, the SERIAL NUMBER.<br /><br />local evinrude dealer uses serial numbers, and they still use model years on the motors.<br /><br />merc has ALWAYS used model numbers.<br /><br />if somebody gets burned and thinks they have a 2007 when its really a 2004, they shoulda checked better.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

Wow. Where so I start with this? Parts from prior year model engines are always used on later models as long as there is no design change to that part. I have no idea what a "lower standard part" means, but if your talking about a design change that is an improvement...that will usually take place as soon as a manufacturer can initiate the change.<br />Having a model year on an engine does not guarantee anything other than an arbitrary date of....model year. Design changes take place constantly throughout the year. Often a paint color or decal will mark a difference in model year...but, even that doesn't happen every year. New models(meaning radical change) will often be introduced at a model year changeover. But, even they can and do happen throughout the year. As far as using obsolete parts go. I don't get your point. If they are being used they are not obsolete. If the manufacturer has them in stock for a previous "model" engine they are not obsolete. Parts are only obsolete when there is no appreciable market for them. I.E. A design is so old that there is no longer any demand for the part. Spare parts are always available for older model engines unless there is no demand for them or a secondary vendor to the manufacturer stops production for whatever reason.<br /><br />Any dealer or consumer can find out the model year of an engine by contacting the manufacturer or asking a reputable dealer. It's done by serial number in lieu of a model year. All engines sold in the U.S. have a production date stamped onto the serial number plate. It would be rare for an engine to be more than one model year different from from that date. The MSO of an engine has the model year of the engine on it. That is really the proof that any consumer would need as to what year engine they really have. <br /><br />If a consumer walks in with her five year old 25 hp engine and say's that she bought it as a 2001 model in 2000...we look up the serial number and it is what it is. It might be a 99, 2000 or a 2001. We can only tell her what it is. If she was lied to 4 years ago, then she needs to go back to that dealer and beat the crap out of him. If she is walking in carrying a 25 hp I'm sure she could wipe the floor with the guy.<br /><br />Warranty registration's only determine who the first retail purchaser is. The model year is always determined by the date the manufacturer sells the engine...or if the engine has that arbitrary model year stamped on it.<br /><br />It's a fact that people were/are/will be misled about what year engine they are getting. I just believe that it's not going to be a widespread problem.

 

[gss036]

Re: Yamah drops model year designation

I would think that the only one going to benefit from this would be the dealer selling old stock at new prices. So if I buy a Yamaha motor and thinks it is too good to be true, well,yeh! Probably is. I guess one will just have to see it play out to see who really benifits. I have never know the consumer to benefit from something like this. Just have to keep this information in mind if by chance I ever decide to look at a Yamaha, which is doubtful at this point. Maybe they can get rid of some of the HPDI engines that have earned bad reputations. Kind of like the Opti-Bombs(pops)!!