To start off, the 2 ea Hondas on Journey On are good motors. But they do need parts and service.
Tthere are 2 ea separate issues I have with Honda. First, parts. That I take care of by buying my parts through
Boats Net Honda Parts. This offers 3 advantages. First they're cheaper, though probably not enough to make everybody happy. Second, they know what they're talking about. Local Honda dealers, and there aren't many, are confused when I start asking for parts, sad but true. And finally they have to order the parts. So, if I try to buy them locally, I have to wait AND pay shipping. From Boat.net, I do pay shipping, but the part is cheaper. And ofttimes the wait is shorter. And I have a higher level of confidence that I get what I need.
Second is service. As chronicled elsewhere, the kicker on Journey On wouldn't start, and I had it serviced at a Honda dealer. When I got it back it still wouldn't start well, but got me through the summer. And the dealer wanted me to bring it back as I was leaving, though I live 1200 miles away. I have it apart now at home, and to be blunt, they didn't do a good job with the carb.
In addition, they charged me the same as a new carb would have cost me from Boat.net. So in the time it took to "service" the motor (a week) I could have ordered a new carb, and installed it myself. And it would have run.
This is the second time a Honda dealer has nailed me for bad service. So, I've finally found a dealer I trust in Long Beach: Avalon Yacht & Boat Sales. But that's 100 mi away, so it's back to doing the majority of the service myself.
Moral: If you find a good Honda dealer, love him to death. And learn how to do your own work.
One question: what in a 100 hr service costs $675? Change the oil and check everything?
Boris