When does the warrantee start?

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I bought a Humminbird 788ci in December and haven't installed it yet. When does the warrantee start on my unit?

[LMITOUT]

I would guess the date of purchase.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The date That is on your reciept is the day it started.

[BobT]

I think it has to start when you purchase. First, there is no practical way for the retailer or the manufacturer to know that you haven’t been using it since new other than to just take your word for it. I’ve been in field service long enough to know that taking someone’s word when it comes to warranty is a [PoorWordUsage] shoot at best. People will stop at nothing to find a way to obtain free warranty service.

Also, electronic components become obsolete extremely fast. Part of my responsibilities at work includes maintaining our purchase parts inventory and keeping up with electronic parts obsolescence can be a challenge. Electronics are also prone to corrosion whether they are used or not. I don’t see how any end user could hold a manufacturer liable for products beyond the specified warranty period. Of course, they always try and sometimes for good reason.

There is some hope though. Some manufacturers are willing to go that extra mile under the right conditions. A number of years ago I purchased a Garmin Rino120 GPS. It worked great even after being dropped overboard and fished out of 6 feet of water, dug out of about two feet of mud while ATV riding, and dropped from my deer stand 16 feet onto a rock pile. Then one day while ice fishing I stepped off my ATV, slipped and fell. There was no snow on the ice yet so it was really slippery. The GPS was on my belt clip and I landed on it with my hip. To my surprise and delight it still worked but about an hour later it began to have problems. I sent it in for repair/replacement and it was discovered the mother board was cracked. My replacement arrived and it worked great until I started having problems with it intermittently shutting off while using batteries. It worked fine using the 12v power adaptor. The warranty period on a refurbished unit was 90 days and I was about six months past that time. To my surprise they offered to cover it under warranty. The gesture in this case paid off because I know my next GPS will be a Garmin.

[Powerstroke]

Date of purchase. Once it leaves the store its yours. If you choose not to install it for several months you have allowed to return to store period to expire and several months of your warranty. Now you are at the mercy of the manufacturer. Hopefully they are feeling willing to help if you need their help.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Yeah, it's been a crazy summer. Didn't use my boat on our annual Voyaguers trip and havent wanted to work in the garage when it's so hot. Was super busy besides. I haven't even opened the box. Bought it at a weak moment at the big C.

[LMITOUT]

Bought it at a weak moment at the big C.

We've all been there.