kenny chaos":2ap00kbc said:
"The reaction of the C-Brats to the factory change and warranty issues was not helpful eiether, and I spent a lot of time answering questions about warranty with potantial buyers, and not talking about how wonderful the boats are. There has also been an attitude of wait-and-see, again, partly fueled by rampant speculation on this site, as to whether the brand would even survive."
WOW! That wasn't necesary. Maybe Pat was right.
Hi Kenny,
Unfortunately, both of them are right - just different perspectives. I see that you signed on here last month... frankly, there were some pretty divisive things said about warranties a year or so ago. People who already had boats lost warranties when the previous factory owners closed up. The Triton folks (understandably) couldn't warranty product that they didn't produce. That situation happened in many industries as the economy tanked - it certainly wasn't just here. Some folks wanted
someone to honor the warranty with the defunct company, and expected the folks who took over the molds to be that entity. Anger was misplaced, but understandable.
We would all like to see the Triton folks be successful with the C-Dory brand - it's good for current owners as well as potential new buyers. BUT, if you don't have the bucks to advertise, you can't just make that $$ appear. It's an especially tough situation: you need to promote to build business, but you can't afford to spend the money to promote. Catch 22 that isn't unusual with small businesses.
For a while, no one was producing C-Dorys. A REALLY tough situation for a dealer who is heavily dependent on that brand for product to sell and factory support. Now, they're being built again, but at a greatly reduced number.
From the dealers' perspective, that's a real business-killer... IF there was any business to be had. Thus, the demise of many boat brands over the past few years... and many dealers. It's disheartening from their perspective. Toss in an owners group where some members frequently state: "buy used, it's just as good and cheaper," and you have folks who actually drive business away from the dealers. Add in some folks who will beat a dealer down to the last dollar and still order goods from the internet because they can save another buck... and when that dealer goes out of business, those same folks will complain because there is no one local to support them.
If we want the factory to make it, and dealers to make it, we have to encourage people to participate in the C-Dory lifestyle. Some of us LIKE the smell of new fiberglass and want to be the first ones to inflict the dock rash. If NEW BOATS aren't selling, there is no reason for the factory to exist... and no one to support the dealers. And dealers can only make it so long trading used boats for used boats... they need buyers for new boats - people who also want to equip those boats so they can keep their service people busy rigging new boats. And the electronics manufacturers would LOVE to see manufacturers and dealers ordering their stuff.
I can guaran-damn-tee you that Triton and the dealers would love to have people crowding into their establishments to buy new boats. Triton would love to be making enough profit to pay for the booth space at a bunch of boat shows. They would like to have dealers from all over the country calling them each day with new orders. The dealers would love to be making a profit so they can afford to "eat" some warranty work and give out a free hat or two. BUT, since that isn't happening, the money ain't moving.
And that's where we are now: no new boats to show to perspective buyers, because the manufacturer and the dealers just can't afford to make boats that aren't pre-sold. BIG damn Catch 22.
I remember the enthusiasm at the 2006 Seattle Boat Show when we ordered our boat. I got to see EVERY model C-Dory at that show. It was a FACTORY display booth, and they were taking deposits on orders. I actually had to wait for a bit to give them my money, because the guy in front of me was buying a boat, too.
So, Pat is right: there isn't the promotion and the "frenzy" that there used to be. And Matt is right: there isn't the co-op money nor the easy credit to allow them to have boats in stock. So, step up and order a new boat. Encourage others to do the same. There ARE some people buying new boats... check out the forums for Ranger Tugs or Regal Boats (they recently set up a manufacturing show room where dealers can bring perspective buyers to see all the different models). BUT, the Seattle Boat Show is going to be a lot smaller than it was in 2006, because a lot of folks who were in the boat industry back then no longer are. That's the reality of current economic times.
I have my boat. I LOVE my boat. I am definitely an enthusiastic C-Dory owner and always take the time to discuss our boat when people at the dock have questions. There were boat owners who gave me advice and encouragement when I was in the looking stage. I try to do the same. It took me months to even get to see one of these boats back then, so I can appreciate what potential buyers are going through.
So, we can all wave C-Dory flags and be the best sales force out there, but without some boats for people to look at at the boat shows, it is underwhelming at best. And without people wanting to buy new boats... well, there's that ugly cycle again.
I don't have deep pockets and I don't know anyone in the boat biz who does. The C-Brats can give enthusiastic support, but until there are people willing to part with their cash for new boats, I don't see the manufacturer/dealer situation changing any time soon.
Respectfully,
Jim B.