We bought our boat new in early 2009, a tri-toon with a Yamaha 250 four stroke. That July, we were running down the lake one day and it starting slowing, sputtered and died. After a tow and a couple days at the dealer, it had a new low pressure fuel pump along with a check valve and filter replaced under the hood, all under warranty of course. They blamed it on the fact it had sat for a while at the dealer and the fuel system had gotten a bit gummed up from not being used.

Fast forward to last week. Same symptom, back at dealer, same problem. Only this time the motor has 406 hours on it (we use the boat), I fill at the marina with non-ethanol gas, and I use a maintenance dose of marine Stabil on every fill. The service guy calls me this morning and tells me the diagnosis, and says he’s already talked to the Yamaha rep about some goodwill coverage for the pump. Says the Yamaha rep can’t do anything because it’s over a year out of warranty. Two $700 pumps in 4 years? Seems excessive to me, especially for a motor that gets used. Normally, according to the rep and the service guy, the folks that have issues are the ones that use them 15-20 hours a year. He’s going back to the rep to press the issue.

Just thought I’d interject some boat content here. Wish me luck!