Early this year a group of marine industry professionals got together to discuss their frustrations with, at that time, the traditional banking industry. Many key topics were discussed, from boat loans to floorplan financing. (Read More…)

During the past year, fuel prices have been extremely volatile and seemed to be at their peak in the midst of the boating season. For some boaters, this season was a time to scale back on their boating. For others, it was a time to modify their boating habits so they could still enjoy their vessels without breaking the bank. Customer needs and the marketplace are changing, which creates the opportunity for something new and different. (Read More…)

Lately we’ve all been re-evaluating many aspects of this business, especially where we spend our money. Let’s face it: There isn’t as much coming in as there used to be, so we have to be a little more prudent about what flows out. (Read More…)

The days of the “order taker” are over. No longer can a retailer continue doing business the same way as in the past. Look for opportunities, experiment, try something new and monitor the results. (Read More…)

October will be a busy month for the marine industry, as business leaders gear up for two major events that traditionally serve as key indicators for the coming year. (Read More…)

For those who read our e-newsletter on a regular basis, you’re sure to have noticed a lot of stories lately about layoffs, plant closings and weak earnings reports. (Read More…)

The endlessly skyrocketing price of boating fuel has now become a relentless headache for the American boater. Accustomed to paying no more than two or three dollars per gallon for decades, boaters are now paying more than twice that amount for fuel. As a result, boaters are unable to decide how to adjust to this change. (Read More…)

I recently got a boat delivered to me. It was a custom order that I was very pleased to have earned. In the current marketplace it was for a custom Bass Boat, a market we are just breaking into with one of the high level manufacturers. It had been ordered in the “official” 2008 model year and; therefore, was priced at 2008 pricing. (Read More…)

For those of you, including myself, who remember Jackie Gleason, my favorite line of his was “How sweet it is.” (Read More…)

Yesterday was the opening of MAATS and exhibitors appear to be taking a realistic, but optimistic approach to the market. (Read More…)