A fun comedy of errors. We purchased the previous owners Mercury inflatable but had never opened it up to see if it was worth it or if the mice had eaten it.

It didn't come with an outboard so in a moment of madness I purchased one on-line from - wait for it - "Outboard on-line". Same exact 6HP engine that West Marine sell for $1700+ sold for $1100 but not badged Mercury. Free shipping and US warranty.

So the outboard turns up. I inflate the dinghy and it looks great. Way better than I would have bought. Regan, Henry and I take it and the outboard to a local lake for a test drive. Where the outboard starts, runs for a minute (or two) and then resolutely refused to restart. The deep, deep weed did not help. We were rescued by a passer-by and generally had a great time rowing about in circles and even got back in time to watch Helena score a goal at soccer. Left wondering if the outboard was a lemon though.

So on Sunday I take the aforementioned dinghy and outboard to the pond in Sharon (carefully de-weeded and having cleaned the engine in case it was bad fuel and drained and replaced all the oil) and sit in the pouring rain while it starts first time and runs like a dream. Sad Sack moment though.

So the comedy ends well and I'd buy from Outboards Online again. Though hopefully not for a very long time.