C-Brats Table at the Boatshow

Boat at the show was the latest from Triton, a new 2011.

As far as showing on the trailer- viewers like to be able to look in the boat with it on the floor, and the trailer takes up more space (and requires more stairs, which also take up space).

I agree the boat would show better with lights inside- we always tried to light the boats, but sometimes running extension cords can be a pain. Not having been involved in Master's booth setup, I can't shed much light on the "why" of how they did things.

The way things worked out this year, Master had a boat they could take to the show, and we didn't. So we focused on motors and trailers (which is working out well for us) and didn't want to dilute the C-Dory message by having a competing display.
 
Thank you all for your input and it is duly noted. Jon and I will be heading down to the show tomorrow morning first thing and will be addressing the issues brought forth. I will be bringing pin striping to replace the broken piece, plants(Fakes), dishes and table wares, lights and a table. I apologize for the miscommunication that has happened, after looking at the event sign up sheet I didn't think there was going to be enough people to warrant putting up the table and I should have posted that.

In regards to dressing up the boat, we definitely are somewhat between a rock and a hard spot as it unfortunately was not our booth to dictate direction with. Jeff, Jon and I were there on Friday to look things over and with Andy manning the Cdory I was hopeful things would run along smoothly. I did not look the booth over though as carefully as I should have obviously and for that I apologize to all. We will rectify this situation immediately tomorrow and look to put as good a showing as we can for the rest of the show.

Thanks to all the put forth their input and lets finish the show up strong. Pat your collage looks great, thank you for your help I truly appreciate it.

Scott
 
Scott:

I suggest adding something on the aisle side of the boat to identify it - as you can see in the picture, there is nothing. No sign, price list, anything. If the intention is to make folks go around inside the booth to the left (the right is blocked by the salesman with his back to the aisle), then I'd rethink that approach. :wink:

I can't recall if there were any rod holders on the boat, but looking at the picture I don't see downrigger mounts so maybe not. I'd really suggest considering a way to get a piece or two of fishing gear on there. I think it could spark some interesting discussion. I'm not a fisherman so I can't really tell you what exactly I'm suggesting, but perhaps someone else can chime in. Maybe a crab pot on top? You need to suggest the lifestyle that might come with the boat.

I also strongly suggest getting some power to the boat and turning on the interior and running lights. You could also put a clamp-on burgee holder. And if you have a C-Dory welcome matt laying around you should bring it. Likewise, any kind of runner for the cabin floor would help in the female department (I'm guessing here, not being female!)

Is there a way to get a handrail on those steps? It wasn't obvious until I went around the boat that you could even get on it.

Well, that's just a few thoughts...
 
I'm a little surprised they didn't leave the boat on the trailer, since trailerability is an important selling point.
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Ya, I agree - when we first looked at a C-Dory 22 in St. Louis, they had both CD22's on the ground with no trailer. It took quite a bit to convince the family that it wasn't just a $50k toy.

We ended up buying from another dealer and was nice to see a "real" boat on the trailer when we went to pick it up. The lack of trailer almost cost me a chance to buy one (family wasn't too interested in that little boat- now they love it).
 
While I agree with Keith that it would be nice if some kind of fishing gear were shown on the boat, the requires holes in the boat that some owners might not want. I think the best thing you can do is to dress up the table (place mats, table settings and maybe bottle of wine) and the berth (a comfy looking blanket and pillow) a bit to make it look like something the wife would want. The fisherman-to-be owners will be able to see the fishing potential but they've got to get the purchase past the wife. Other than that, I think you're best off listing a variety of options that can be installed either at the factory or the dealer to customize it for fishing or cruising. Many here fish, but many just cruise so customization can increase sales on one side but perhaps detract on the other. I'll probably be by on Thurs evening so if you're around Scott, I'll drop in and say hello.
 
One alternative to the trailer I saw in a couple of booths was removing the wheels (and axle?) to get it low to the ground but still illustrate that it was trailerable.

CD's aren't BAMFs (you know that that acronym stands for, right?) so I don't think it's necessary to intimate people with their presence high on a trailer.

I don't have a strong opinion on this one, but note the woman up on the ladder on the cabin-side in the picture of the Ranger booth I posted - that made me a little nervous!
 
I should have posted that
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Being a small business owner for the last 14 years, I understand what it takes to build something up and hold on in the hard times. That being said, it is hard to sit back and see what occurred with the factory. Seems a bit sloppy to me from a business standpoint - but then again, you have to make choices on where to concentrate your efforts/money and the boat show and C-Brats may not be top priority.

Just some thoughts from another small business owner and C-Dory lover...
 
Hey Scott- If you ever get out of the boat building business, consider a career in diplomacy. You will do well. Seriously, here's wishing you, and Triton, every success.
 
It is 9:00 am and we just loaded Jeffs car up and he is on his way to the show. He is bringing a table and two chairs for any and all C-brats who would still like to bring their brand of ownership to the potential customers that come to the exhibit. There will be no sign up, just if you want, stop on in and have a seat. He also has an easel for a good sized Cdory picture, plants, tablewares, lights, pinstriping so that Andy can do the repair, and some brochures.

I will post some pictures after we are done with the sprucing up.

Scott
 
Good news Scott, a bit late, however nice to see the factory has listened and is following through. By the way I need to get some tune up work and a few other things done on the boat, how far out do we need to schedule these things?
 
I say better late than never. I bought a 5-day pass so I might be able to sit at the table this weekend. Thanks Scott.

BTW, I just sent an email asking for a quote for bottom paint. I look forward to hearing from the factory soon.

Peter
 
We have a situation, are there any C-brats that are near Northgate that would be willing to lend a hand. Jeff broke down on the way to the show and is sitting near MP173 on I-5 with all the Boatshow stuff in his car. If there are please give me a call (360) 303-6315 as we are scrambling getting ready to go assist as well but we are a ways away yet.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Scott
 
sjboysen":sk9w6tfs said:
We have a situation, are there any C-brats that are near Northgate that would be willing to lend a hand...
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Just talked to Scott - they got the vehicle on a flatbed, and have the stuff at the boat show.
 
Ok, what a fiasco getting down to the show. All is well though. I have put the pictures in a new folder in the factory picture section under Seattle Boatshow 2011. Thank you all for your input, and hopefully we can salvage whats left of the show with what we have done today.

Pat I am sorry that the beer mugs are empty, but it was our way of paying tribute to you, Patty and your collage. Thank you. We also put the table and chairs in place so any and all C-brats feel free to rest your legs and commence with the telling all why our lifestyle is so beneficial to the mind and soul.

Thanks again everybody and feel free to give me your input after you look at the pictures.

Scott
 
Hello Scott, that looks a lot better than when I looked at the boat on Saturday. It should attract a few more people to crawl in and take a good look. Thanks for your efforts and keep building our favorite boats. Bruce
 
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