Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

[jdsgrog]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

IMO, I believe if he could find a niche in the market, I would think he could be profitable as a custom boat designer/manufacturer. But something has to set him apart, and "quality" boats at lower costs may not be the justification for many to travel 500+ miles. I may have missed it on this thread, but what would set his boats apart from the rest of the boats that have been known for their quality yet have things like warranties, a dealer network, etc? Having said that, though, for me, if I was looking at buying a new boat, I would be willing to travel that far to save several thousands of dollars.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

The generic computer parts being used in the 1980s were essentailly the same. The boat parts that can be used today vary a great deal in quality. The manner is which fiberglass is laid up also can vary a great deal and that relates directly to quality. You are still missing the point in a major way.

I can see that you are not really interested in a view of this project from others.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

To address the marketing question that so many have made remarks on, from what I am gathering, I don't think that they're not saying that there will be no marketing. I think that what the initial thought is that marketing will not be in a traditional fashion (through dealerships in this case). Personally, I think that the internet is a very powerful tool, especially for the younger generation. Also, I don't believe this idea would fly for the "average boat buyer," but it doesn't mean that the idea won't work. Also, knowing enough people who are successful in business in the heart of a major city, every new idea is an uphill battle, and quite frankly most do fail. But if the product is good, marketed in an innovative way with a clear target, and a reputation built, the sky is the limit.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

The generic computer parts being used in the 1980s were essentailly the same. The boat parts that can be used today vary a great deal in quality. The manner is which fiberglass is laid up also can vary a great deal and that relates directly to quality. You are still missing the point in a major way.

I can see that you are not really interested in a view of this project from others.

i agree with you jay. i think he is more intrested in his point of view than what any other one thinks.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

The point being made here, is that the question is not as simple as, "if x were true, would you do y?"

Potential buyers don't think in terms that are that narrowly defined and that fact is exactly how this thread evolved into one of many other issues. You have to understand that your target market is going to think as the folks here do - they are typical boat buyers. They could care less if some guy has been desigining boat for 15 years or a hundred years - they want to know if he can pull the venture off and if he can deliver a quality product, for the 25 grand of their hard earned dollars that they would potentially spend.

I'm glad that you believe in your buddy. That's about loyalty in a friendship and its a good thing. If you really want to help him, however, you have to get out of the mindset that says we are all missing the point and expanding the discussion into irreleveant issues, because we are not - we are giving you an perfect opportunity to see what sorts of issues you might run into.

The idea about detailing construction method and materials choice on a website, is great. It will address many of the things that we have pointed out and might overcome questions that many buyers will have. For your target market to know that the layups will be done properly, with none of the crappy filler materials that are now being put into even the top brands, will help the situation greatly. The same is true in terms of choice of hardware, accessories, fabrics, etc. What you will demonstrate in detailing these things, is that the low price of the boat is a function of lower distribution and overhead costs, not construction/materials cost.

I would also profile the principals in the company, both in terms of background/experience and business philosophy. You have to remove the "unknown quantity factor." Market these people as hard as you market the product and make potential buyers feel like they know who they are. Once again, I know you believe in your friend, but at this point in time, there is very little about him that would make others accept your viewpoint on blind faith.

At this point, you can either choose to continue to blow us off and assume that we don't know what we are talking about, or you can choose to listen and learn something. In my opinion, the latter would be the much better choice, because we represent a viewpoint that is extremely likely to mirror that of your friend's potential pool of buyers.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

"Sigh, again I am not being understood..."

Speaking of business saavy...there's an old adage that suggests those that aren't getting the message are in fact being failed by the deliverer of the message...

Now, go check out Scout's website if you want some online ideas. While they do have a dealer network, they are big on showing and telling the quality story. Also big on putting the man behind the product out in front of the product although I admit I certainly hadn't heard of him before I started researching the brand.

Here I am following up behind the owner of a boat I am looking for!...Right now as we look for our next move up, it will be from a company that I find has a reputation beyond reproach....Scout is one of those manufacturers....

Triumphrick -- I can heartily endorse the Scout brand ('til Bubba's buddy spools up, that is...)

Scout has consistently blown my expectations on customer service out of the water. When I was looking for my used Scout (for which I ultimately flew / drove about 1500 miles for all told...) they responded quickly and with good grace to all sorts of nit-picky questions about their models. This included looking up specific HINs I had come across and had questions about.

When I finally found the boat o my dreams and got it home, it developed some gel coat crazing in the floor between the consoles. After searching for a local Canadian Scout dealer for a repair estimate, I discovered the dealer, unasked, went back to the factory and told them about the problem. They in turn, promptly offered to pick up half the cost of repair even though the boat was.....OUT......OF.....WARRANTY.

Yes, kids, I went back expecting a simple quote for repair, and was presented with an offer from a manufacturer in another country to chip in and help, even though they had no contractual reason to do so. They said that they felt the failure was unacceptable, even on a boat out of warranty and they were going to help make it right.

Then to complete this surreal experience, Scout went on to insist on shipping a specially prepared batch of gel coat tint to me to ensure the colour match was going to be exact for the local guy doing the work. The inside of the boat is a tricky off-white/cream and they wanted that to be perfect too.

I know I've told this story a few times on this board but I wanted to reply to Rick as well as demonstrate the gold standard in customer service from a "small" boat building company. As a result they've earned my undying admiration and loyalty. Hopefully your friend can establish a similar following.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

Bubba,

I think Jay had some good constructive things in his last post.

Jay,

Had you left the last paragraph off your post I think your points would have been better received.




I think that it is going to become more common to have regional boat makers again. It has been really interesting to see some of the small niche makers popping up. Look at all the wakeboard brands that have started in the last 5 years.

If Bubba's friend is going to be successful he is going to have to really focus on a solid marketing plan. More importantly he is going to have to have a good market base. I personally think that being in Minnesota is a good place to sell bowriders from.

From my standpoint I would need to see the product in person before I drive 500 miles to pick it up. That is, I would really like to be able to see a boat at a demo day, boat show or local showroom before I plunk down my money. I think that getting to all the "major" boatshows with the product would be very important from the marketing standpoint. I also think having some regional factory demo days on some local lakes may be an effective way to get the boats in front of customers.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

Hmmm, maybe he should "loan" me a new boat for a year so I can show it off for him.

Hey, if you can convince your friend to "loan" me one, I could show it off very well...after all, I have a nice little lake in my "backyard"...a lake called Michigan

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

Jay,

Had you left the last paragraph off your post I think your points would have been better received.

You might be right. Then again, based upon what has been written over the course of this thread, you might not and the last paragraph might not have made any difference at all.

None-the-less, I don't discount the wisdom in your comment.

While much of what gets written in these forums is along the lines of intersting "chit-chat," most of it involves imparting knowledge to others, so that they may better accomplish their goals. I don't happen to think that everything I write is 100% correct, but I have spent about 30 years of my life in organizational management of both private and public entities. During that time, if there is one thing that I have learned about "for profit" businesses, it is that failure to listen to an actual or potential customer base, is the "kiss of death" in terms of success.

In the sales end of business enterprises, there is something taught to the sales staff - it is called "control of the sale." Like many jargon terms or buzzwords, its really a pretty silly phrase, because salespeople never have control of the sale. The customer is the one with the cash, checkbook or pen to sign a contract, and until they take action with one of those things, you have nothing but a bunch of effort to show for your time. If you want to turn that effort into an actual transaction, you had better listen to what they say to you, because if you don't you will probably miss the cues that they are giving you, as to what will make them buy.

On a purely personal note, I would really like to see this venture succeed. This is true on alot of levels, starting with the feeling that it is nice to see anyone have a successful project. That's why I spend so much time on this board trying to help people.

There is also the fact that our economy can use every successful business that it can get. Another is that it would be great to see a new boat manufacturer, who is building a high quality product at an extremely attractive price. I often think that we have lost our edge in the U.S., when it comes to quality and innovation. If this venture becomes but one business that reverses that trend, I think it will be completely great.

At any rate, let us hope that we see some really cool new boats coming out of Minnesota in the not too distant future.

 

[H8tank]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

Drive 500 miles to buy a 20' no-name boat with a v6 built in some dudes garage for $20,000?

This is the question?

An emphatic NO.

Also, your poll options suck.

 

[blot101]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

well, the big thing here is quality i think.
and word of mouth.
the fact is, the advetising has to be right. the best kind is word of mouth, it's slow, but it's certain to win lifetime customers.
those custom motorcycle shops on tv, and such make it becuase their motorcycles are well built. not mass produced.
i would much much rather deal with a person who counts on my business, than someone who could take it or leave it.

the very expensive cars, are expensive because they reflect quality. with a lamborgini know it's good becuase of the name.
your name would start generic. but with quality, service, and the right price... i would definitely travel 500 miles.

especially if you can test drive it, and a guarantee is offered.

eg:
i bought a car at a place called nate and andy's. they offer a free lifetime warantee on the engine and transmission on every car they sell, as long as it's serviced there. after that... you know it's quality, no matter what brand... because they're willing to back it up.

throw in some gimmicks like.... every fourth winterization is free... you've got yourself a business i think...
as long as you have enough capitol to lose money for three or four years. (as is the case with any business)

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Whould YOU travel for a great deal on a new boat?

I would have to see the boat first and all the bells and whistles that goes with it.