I found this interesting. The Thames' exorbitant lock fees to discourage outboard use was a surprise!
1923 Commerce Reports
American Outboard Marine Motors Succeed in British Market.
Assistant Trade Commissioner William M. Park, London, May 7.
The average number of outboard motors sold in the United Kingdom each year is approximately 1,000. American makes lead the sales, although Swedish motors are close competitors.
The principal makes of the latter are the “Knight (known in Sweden as the “Archimedes”) the “Comet,” and the “Penta.” The German “Fortis” [Note: I have Fortis as a British maker! -E.C.] and the British “Water Mota" also are being sold, although the latter is more expensive than any other make on the market and sells less readily for that reason. Prices are fairly steady in the range of £30 to £40. The prices of American motors are quoted entirely in line to meet competition.
There is no import duty on outboard motors, except that of 33 percent of the value tax on the magneto. American manufacturers are on equal footing with all foreign competitors, as no countries entitled to imperial preference export outboard motors to the United Kingdom. The present season has started out very auspiciously for increased sales, in contrast to the lower volume during the past two years. The twin-cylinder motor is fast replacing the single-cylinder machine. Local Restrictions Lower Volume of Sales.
Certain local features tend to restrict any rapid growth in the demand for outboard motors, although it is susceptible of considerable future expansion. Pleasure-boat construction is in no way standardized, as there is no mass production; most of the pleasure boats now on the rivers need some slight structural alterations before outboard motors can be attached. Furthermore, owners of boats for hire hesitate to rent them if an outboard motor is to be applied, contending that such motor causes undue wear and tear on the boat and makes it unsuitable for rowing purposes.
On the Thames, the longest pleasure river in England, the heavy lock dues that are levied restrict the use of outboard motors. The Thames Conservancy imposes this restriction on the basis that motor boats are a menace to a large number of rowboats, sailboats, and punts. Only 60 outboard motors were registered during 1922, over a distance of 160 miles on the Thames River.
Outboard motors are used more extensively on other rivers, particularly those adjacent to larger towns.
Dealers Desire Manufacturers’ Assistance.
Certain dealers in London handling American outboard motors feel that a larger volume of sales could be made if American manufacturers would grant better terms, longer credit facilities, and advertising allowances, such as are granted by their Swedish competitors. Generally speaking, these dealers are small concerns of limited capital and can not satisfactorily undertake the financing and advertising of their lines. Such assistance, in combination with a more rapid development by American manufacturers of the twin cylinder motor, which is fast gaining popularity, would doubtless result in increased sales of American makes in the British markets.
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1923 Commerce Reports
American Outboard Marine Motors Succeed in British Market.
Assistant Trade Commissioner William M. Park, London, May 7.
The average number of outboard motors sold in the United Kingdom each year is approximately 1,000. American makes lead the sales, although Swedish motors are close competitors.
The principal makes of the latter are the “Knight (known in Sweden as the “Archimedes”) the “Comet,” and the “Penta.” The German “Fortis” [Note: I have Fortis as a British maker! -E.C.] and the British “Water Mota" also are being sold, although the latter is more expensive than any other make on the market and sells less readily for that reason. Prices are fairly steady in the range of £30 to £40. The prices of American motors are quoted entirely in line to meet competition.
There is no import duty on outboard motors, except that of 33 percent of the value tax on the magneto. American manufacturers are on equal footing with all foreign competitors, as no countries entitled to imperial preference export outboard motors to the United Kingdom. The present season has started out very auspiciously for increased sales, in contrast to the lower volume during the past two years. The twin-cylinder motor is fast replacing the single-cylinder machine. Local Restrictions Lower Volume of Sales.
Certain local features tend to restrict any rapid growth in the demand for outboard motors, although it is susceptible of considerable future expansion. Pleasure-boat construction is in no way standardized, as there is no mass production; most of the pleasure boats now on the rivers need some slight structural alterations before outboard motors can be attached. Furthermore, owners of boats for hire hesitate to rent them if an outboard motor is to be applied, contending that such motor causes undue wear and tear on the boat and makes it unsuitable for rowing purposes.
On the Thames, the longest pleasure river in England, the heavy lock dues that are levied restrict the use of outboard motors. The Thames Conservancy imposes this restriction on the basis that motor boats are a menace to a large number of rowboats, sailboats, and punts. Only 60 outboard motors were registered during 1922, over a distance of 160 miles on the Thames River.
Outboard motors are used more extensively on other rivers, particularly those adjacent to larger towns.
Dealers Desire Manufacturers’ Assistance.
Certain dealers in London handling American outboard motors feel that a larger volume of sales could be made if American manufacturers would grant better terms, longer credit facilities, and advertising allowances, such as are granted by their Swedish competitors. Generally speaking, these dealers are small concerns of limited capital and can not satisfactorily undertake the financing and advertising of their lines. Such assistance, in combination with a more rapid development by American manufacturers of the twin cylinder motor, which is fast gaining popularity, would doubtless result in increased sales of American makes in the British markets.
