Product Focus
May 31, 2005
What’s new in the world of marine fabrics? A better question would be: What’s NOT new? This fast-moving industry hastily responds to market trends, constantly introducing improved fabrics, monitoring the latest fashions in color and design, and finding new ways to capture the greatest possible market... Read more »
Building a better boat show
May 31, 2005
It may have been as “goofy as a three dollar bill,” but construction of a 10-foot Lego model of the Chris-Craft Speedster proved to be a showstopper at this year’s Seattle Boat Show. Not only did it draw throngs of boat show attendees, the media dropped in more than once during the 10-day January... Read more »
From clean to certified
May 31, 2005
As the Grow Boating initiative moves closer to certifying builders and dealers, the next logical step for Grow Boating is to assess and monitor the nation’s gateways to boating — our marinas and boatyards. As has been the case with dealer and builder certification, the idea of marina certification... Read more »
If you (re)build it
May 31, 2005
For the past 11 years, water access has been a dire issue in Fort Myers, Fla., and the surrounding area. The cost of waterfront property has been skyrocketing and marina owners have been falling into a trend of selling to condo developers. Construction of public waterfronts in the area, has been flat... Read more »
You can sell extended protection plans
May 31, 2005
Whether you call them service contracts, extended service agreements, or as we will here, extended protection plans, they are loaded with value for your customers and are a good source of profit for your dealership. Customer benefits My mentor, Steve, said that most business managers could sell more... Read more »
Does ‘Previously Owned’ mean ‘Out of Luck’ to the dealer?
May 31, 2005
Lordy, I hope not! It’s kind of scary to think we may have lost control of two thirds of our market at this point. I’m convinced that the Grow Boating initiative will have significant results over the next few years, but a lot of the push it generates will result in sales between driveways. Are there... Read more »
120 columns in 11 years (but who’s counting?)
May 31, 2005
Not too long ago I read that another industry trade columnist had just published his 100th column. That prompted me to count how many I had written and was surprised at the number: 120. In 11 years. Being semi-retired, I am sometimes asked when I am going to stop writing and consulting and fully retire.... Read more »
Barnstorming with Discover Boating & Take Me Fishing
May 31, 2005
In early May, before leaving for a Discover Boating “dress rehearsal” at LaFayette, La.’s Crawfish Festival, Steve Tadd, Discover Boating programs director, and his team of seven, were working late hours getting ready. “I spent 34 of the last 48 hours working on getting the tour on the road.... Read more »
MAATS no longer a gamble
May 31, 2005
A mere five years ago, the Marine Aftermarket Accessory Trade Show was but a gleam in its organizer’s eyes. NMMA’s brainchild was designed to compete with the new Marine Equipment Trade Show USA, introduced the same year by Netherlands-based RAI Group and Professional BoatBuilder magazine. NMMA’s... Read more »
Oil and water
May 31, 2005
As short supply and strong demand pushed oil prices well above $50 a barrel this spring, some analysts predicted a “super spike” was on the way that could push the price to $105 per barrel in the not-to-distant future. Fortunately that prediction has not yet come to pass, and most doubt it will.... Read more »
