Advantages of Using Genuine OEM Replacement Parts
When carrying out maintenance or repair on your boat, be it the engine or the main hull, there are a wealth of options in spare parts & maintenance kits to choose from. However, in order to ensure the best quality for your boat, we at Boatspares.ie recommend sticking with OEM Parts (original equipment manufacturer).
There are several benefits for choosing OEM parts over “aftermarket” parts (those made by 3rd party manufacturers, not the boat or engine’s original manufacturer). In this blog we are going to highlight 3 key reasons to choose OEM parts over aftermarket parts.
OEM Parts Will Fit Better
This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how poorly some aftermarket parts will fit your boat, despite possible claims of being “identical” to the manufacturer’s original designs. OEM parts will have been designed by the original manufacturer, almost certainly at the same manufacturing plant as the original parts in the boat when you first purchased it.
This means you can be 100% certain that the OEM part was made to the same exact design as the original part, and almost certainly on the same exact production line.
Be aware, OEM parts are likely to be more expensive. Aftermarket parts manufacturers can take measures to cut costs in the design & production of their parts, which the original manufacturer cannot. However, it is worth spending the extra on the OEM part for the added peace of mind and quality.
Whether your insurance company will cover the full cost of OEM parts in the case of an accident, though, is another matter, and one you should check when renewing your policies. Some insurers may recommend or even insist on the use of aftermarket parts if you file a claim, but in these scenarios you have the option to choose to pay the difference between the cost of the aftermarket parts & the OEM parts yourself. We recommend contacting your insurance company to be sure one way or the other.
OEM Parts Go Through Stricter Quality Assurance
In line with OEM parts coming from the same manufacturing plant as the originals, they will therefore receive the same higher-level of Quality Assurance checks before being sold to you. Aftermarket parts may receive their own “QA” marks, but, since they are not going to be exactly the same checks & approvals as the actual original manufacturer, it’s far more difficult to assure the same level of quality in an aftermarket part.
Aftermarket parts may also be produced in higher quantities than OEM parts, thus furthering their lower costs, but increasing the likelihood of lower QA checks.
At Boatspares.ie, we only stock OEM replacement parts, which we ensure come with the original manufacturer’s stamp of Quality Assurance.
OEM Parts Can Be Sourced From Reliable Sellers
Aftermarket parts can be sourced from several different websites on the internet, which can make it difficult to find exactly the right part, with a reliable warranty and quick delivery.
OEM Parts, by comparison, are far easier to purchase from registered retailers with manufacturer approval and warranties. When you buy an OEM part through Boatspares.ie’s call centre, or by visiting our store in Portumna, Co Galway, you can be sure it is the exact right part with all the relevant manufacturer stamps of approval.