Which OEM VS aftermarket boat parts should you choose? Over time, you’ll inevitably have to start replacing the parts. This is when performing repairs or as part of regular maintenance. When it comes time to buy parts, you will have a choice between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, and aftermarket alternatives provided by third-party manufacturers. Aftermarket components are an attractive option as they are usually cheaper than OEM. While, choosing aftermarket alternatives can significantly impact your vessel performance, reliability, and longevity.
With winter upon us, you will likely be performing maintenance on your boat that may have been neglected during the busy summer season. If in the course of performing these repairs, you find yourself wondering whether you should choose OEM or aftermarket parts. We also suggest to keep reading to learn more about the benefits of investing in OEM parts to ensure maximum performance next summer.
OEM Parts Are a Perfect Fit
OEM parts are designed and manufactured by the same company that built your boat. This ensures that the part will be a perfect fit. Alternatively, aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and often have compatibility issues or need to be modified to make them fit properly. Fortunately, by choosing OEM parts you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues, as they’re designed to seamlessly fit your vessel.
This precision is critical, as complex parts need precise alignment to function properly. Additionally, this precision makes installation simpler and reduces the chance of errors during the installation process that could affect your boat’s performance. When you choose OEM parts, you can rest assured knowing that you have the right parts that will be a perfect match for you.
Quality and Performance
OEM VS aftermarket boat parts, what else do you need to know? When you purchase aftermarket parts from a third-party manufacturer, you’re taking a gamble. There is no way to know how well the parts were made, how they’ll perform, or how long they’ll last. Alternatively, OEM boat parts undergo rigorous testing to meet the manufacturer’s quality and performance standards. This commitment to excellence ensures that the parts are built to last. Many OEM parts come with warranties guaranteeing that they will perform as well as the original component, and if any defect does appear in an OEM part, the manufacturer will replace it. Being built with quality in mind, OEM parts will also help ensure that your boat performs optimally. Whereas, aftermarket components can negatively impact your operation.
Reliability and Longevity
Let’s face it, aftermarket parts are often less expensive for a reason. The fact is that they are generally not manufactured using the same high-quality materials as OEM parts and are not produced to the same quality standards. These parts are then usually not as reliable as OEM. You may also find your boat breaking down more often and parts needing to be replaced more frequently if you use aftermarket components. Thus, while aftermarket components may be cheaper upfront, they can cost you more in the long run as you will likely find yourself replacing these parts more frequently than if you had invested in OEM components.
Protect Your Boat’s Warranty
If your boat is relatively new, it may still be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. If this is the case, then it is critical that you only use OEM parts when performing maintenance and repairs to protect your warranty. What many owners do not realize is that warranties often require owners to use OEM parts. In fact, using aftermarket parts can even void your warranty. This leaves you stuck with costly repairs if something happens to you that would’ve been covered by your warranty. Before deciding to use aftermarket parts, it is then essential that you make sure that you thoroughly read your warranty to see whether using anything other than OEM parts could void your warranty.
Preserve Resale Value
While many people buy a boat to use it for years or even decades, you’re not alone if you tend to sell your property after a few years so that you can upgrade to the latest model with all of the bells and whistles. If this is the case for you, then you should consider choosing OEM parts when performing maintenance and repairs as using OEM parts can help maintain your vessel’s resale value. This is because prospective buyers often feel more confident knowing that original parts were used for repairs and maintenance, as they know that they tend to perform better and last longer, meaning they won’t have to worry about these parts failing anytime soon. Using OEM parts then gives buyers peace of mind, which can potentially help you sell your vessel more quickly and/or at a higher price.
Choosing OEM components for your boat when performing winter maintenance can help ensure reliability and performance when you get back out on the water come spring. Yet, just as important as performance maintenance and repairs this winter is ensuring that you have a safe place to store your vessel when winter arrives.
If you’re looking for boat storage in Annapolis, Maryland, consider the marinas by Trident Marine Group. With best-in-class storage facilities designed to protect your vessel rom wind, rain, and sun damage, as well as state-of-the-art security systems to keep your boat safe, you can rest assured that your vessel is being well cared for during the off-season when you choose one of our Marinas. Additionally, our on-site marine concierge services will ensure that your vessel is serviced and ready to go when the boating season returns. Our experienced team can even winterize your boat for you before placing it in storage to ensure it is protected from winter storms.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us today about OEM VS aftermarket boat parts to learn more about our boat storage facilities as well as how our on-call mechanics can ensure you’re vessel is operating at peak performance when you get back out on the water later this year.