How much will 2010 stern drive and inboard engines cost?
To meet EPA regs inboard and stern drive engines will not only have to have catalytic converters, but they will also have to have onboard diagnostic systems. These systems will automatically alert the operator when there is an engine malfunction and when emissions exceed a preset limit. It will then be incumbent on the owner to take the boat in for servicing. The engine makers are reluctant to be quoted on the increased price of their engines and they have no idea what the boat builders will add. From what we can gather, the new engines intended for California cost about $2000 more each at retail. Whether or not this price goes down when the whole country — about 63,000 units a year — comes on line remains to be seen. Will outboard engines cost more in 2010? Since outboard makers do not have to strap on catalytic converters and making their engines compliant only involves adjusting their fuel calibration systems, their expenses rest more in engineering. We assume that price increases
