Make the right connections
September 28, 2007
By now, the Internet has become an essential marketing tool for most marine dealerships and for many also a secondary venue for selling parts, goods and accessories. If you don’t have a Web site yet, there are a number of Web service providers that specialize in the marine market. Once you have one,... Read more »
Do the research
September 28, 2007
Knowing your demographic and targeting it with every marketing and advertising dollar you have can bring in more qualified prospects. While it’s good to be out in the boating community to observe trends, here are a few additional ways to do market research: • Subscribe to Statistical Surveys or... Read more »
Think local
September 28, 2007
Being an actively contributing member of the community is one of the top priorities for many Top 100 Dealers. Through education and support for local organizations, dealerships across the nation are ensuring stronger towns and cities and a smarter, safer boating public. Marine Specialties (Ranked 86... Read more »
Bring them together
September 28, 2007
Drawing boaters together can get them excited about boating, their boats and your dealership. Here are a few ideas with good follow-through examples: • Open Houses. Not your grandma’s open house with crackers and clowns, today’s events are strategically timed for the beginning of the season or... Read more »
Back it up
September 28, 2007
Sponsorships can put a dealership’s name in front of the community or bring the community to the dealership. Both can generate top-of-mind awareness when consumers are looking for their next boat. Many Top 100 Dealers sponsor a fishing or waterski/wakeboard team. Galati Yacht Sales (Ranked 2 in 2006)... Read more »
Cobalt Yachts president resigns
September 28, 2007
NEODESHA, Kan. – Just weeks after introducing its first products to the marine media, and one month prior to the consumer unveiling of those same products at the company’s first major show, Cobalt Yachts’ president, Cos Constantinou, has resigned. In a release delivered to Boating Industry on Sept.... Read more »
Magnum Marine not being sold, says owner
September 28, 2007
MIAMI, Fla. – Magnum Marine, a Miami-based manufacturer of high-performance yachts and patrol craft, has not been sold, contrary to a report earlier this week originating from Italy, owners reported in a statement yesterday. “The Theodoli family has owned and managed Magnum Marine for over 30... Read more »
Fountain Powerboats reports 13-percent sales decline
September 28, 2007
WASHINGTON, N.C. – Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc. (AMEX:FPB), a manufacturer of high performance fish boats, express cruisers and sport boats, saw its sales and profits decline significantly in the 2007 fiscal year ended June 30, it reported in a recent statement. Net sales for the fourth quarter... Read more »
Attendance strong at fall boat shows
September 28, 2007
CHICAGO and NEWPORT, R.I. – Despite what seems to be ever darkening forecasts of boat sales declines for the year and few concrete indicators of a rebound ahead, several early fall boat shows are reporting increases in attendance and strong sales numbers. Attendance at the 37th Annual Newport International... Read more »
BRP and GE Money expand marine finance program
September 28, 2007
ST. PAUL, Minn. — BRP’s Outboard Marine Engine division has extended its consumer financing program through GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, GE Money reported in a recent statement. Beginning immediately, the Evinrude Retail Finance program will include revolving and installment credit on the... Read more »
