Dealer service has been an issue for the boating industry going back to the 1970s at least. This same story, dealers don't stay with the line, companies go in and out of business, companies get bought up by other companies. Perhaps the latest example is Evinrude leaving the market this year, and what happens down the road a couple years? I have two E-TECs myself so it is a concern that gets more of a concern for me every year. Older long time dealers continue to age out or just go out of business at least in my part of the world. Or on older equipment they just tell you they don't want to tackle it(I am talking a twenty year old outboard).
With how expensive new product has become, you would think things would be better but they never have been. Like everything else there are exceptions to that and you should frequent those dealers and businesses.