Buying Electric Motor from USA?

[Aeon]

Hello all. I'm looking at Minn Kota electric motors (specifically the new SP, or ST Riptide 55lb for my 3.8 metre punt) and there are some excellent prices from stores in the states. Does anybody have experience buying electric motors from the states, or experience with the following companies:-

SCUBA STEVES - ###############
Has the SP (with co & auto pilot) for $900 AUD

ONLINE MARINE
www.onlinemarine.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online_superstore/fishing/minn_kota_riptide_sp_bow_mount_trolling_motors.htm ?L+scstore+ccrq7703ffa16ba1+1183970164 (http://www.onlinemarine.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online_superstore/fishing/minn_kota_riptide_sp_bow_mount_trolling_motors.htm ?L+scstore+ccrq7703ffa16ba1+1183970164)
Has the same SP for $915 AUD

Prices in Australia seem to be above $1700.00 for this model. So even with postage, GST, duty and fees it seems the much better option with the current exchange rate (especially once the accessories are added on).

Thanks for your help.
Mick

[Sniper]

Inquired myself about buying the new Riptide ST but the 80lb ersion from the states. By the time I would have landed it here it would have cost me well over $3500 because of freight and duty and gst. Being over the $1000 threshold, you have to pay tax on it. Also, they will not air freight or post the item, because of the size and weight. The other issue was warranty. If there is a problem with it, the Aussie distributors, BLA, will not cover the warranty, so it has to be sent back to the states. More freight and down time. Also have heard from quite a few different source now that Minn Kota USA will not warranty any motor sold from the states to Australia, so no warranty, apparently. Also heard that any authorised dealer in the states is not allowed to ship them sell them outside of the USA, or they face loosing their dealership. To many factors for me so going to buy local. Don't want the hassles if there is a warranty issue, and if I do, BLA is in Brisbane anyway so easier to keep on top of a repair if neccessary.
Thats only my opionion though. Your decision.
Cheers
Bill

[Steven78]

I am geting the SP AP model too very soon once they are in stock.
Any one know how much they wiegh?

[Aeon]

Thanks Sniper - you have answered a big question re the warranty. It's hard to put a price on the warranty..... It seems the best places to order from in Australia are CH Smith Marine and BLA. I'm in NQ so I need to get one shipped here.

Steven 78 - the following website lists weight:-

http://www.anyboat.net/store/search.php?mode=search&page=1

e.g SP 55 is 40 LB, SP 70 is 60 LB (it seems more like an estimate for shipping weight, but it will give you an idea)

[Dunco]

Got a price sent to me by another forum member. He said Mullet Gut Marine in Toowoomba has them for $1750. I got a price for pack N send to ship it to townsville $170. So you might want to get a price locally for good support.

I think it weight 27kg if I remember.

[Sniper]

Will be getting the 80lber once I sell my other boat and they land in the country. Should be here in the next week or so if they haven't already graced our feezing cold shores
Bill

[Alchemy]

Have been thinking about one myself. Check out this price from Whitworths here in Oz.

http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=126&item=45516&intAbsolutePage=1

Regards,
Dave.