Alumacraft layoff..

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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I see in today's news that Alumacraft has had a massive layoff, no detaiks, but makes me wonder.....have new boats priced themselves out of
business ? I know very well that everything has gone up in price, who doesn't ? Just hope that this is not a trend that is starting !!
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Sad days for Minnesota boat companies, partially my fault I have a 1957 model with no plans to up grade.
Understand completely....I have a 1992 Sylvan that is almost showroom new condition and has never leaked a drop ! Never they are making aluminum boats to good !!
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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The market rose significantly during COVID, most companies were short-sighted and did not position themselves for when the market softened severely this past winter

It should rebound in a few months, as RV is on the upswing and boating lags about 6 months
 

briangcc

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Jul 10, 2012
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Well...to replace my existing boat, which was around $40k I think?, I'd have to spend between $60-90k now. That's without 2 foot-itis.

2 years ago, the owners of a local marina who winterize my boat, said a customer of theirs had just paid $96k for an 18 ft Starcraft fishing boat. And they even said it wasn't worth what the guy paid for it.

Before the end of the world happend, Covid, I had said I had (1) more new boat purchase left in me. That ship sailed. So yeah, they priced me out of a new one.
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Call me old, cheap or whatever, could I afford a 75K new boat ? Probably, but would not be able to sleep at night ! Never catch enough fish to make it worthwhile.....quit buying new cars about 20 years back as well, way to much depreciation, and way to many nice used stuff out there. I have always been prudent about spending my money, guess that is one reason we are doing OK after 74 years....
 

Grub54891

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Jun 17, 2012
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When Covid hit, our marina was busier than ever. Then the price of fuel went up and after that it is slowed down drastically.
 
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cyclops222

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Mar 21, 2024
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All the marinas near me have loads of new & used boats covered on outside trailers.
Waiting
This year is the LEAST # of boats in the water. I have ever seen.
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
Messages
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All the marinas near me have loads of new & used boats covered on outside trailers.
Waiting
This year is the LEAST # of boats in the water. I have ever seen.
To early in my area to know for sure. Many folks don't get their docks ready until after mothers day, this year has been to much wind and rain even with the warmer temps.
 

cyclops222

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Mar 21, 2024
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This past holiday ourtourist town was DEAD !! Nobody at any places. Friday & Saturday were fantastic weather days !!
only 20 % of boats were in their docks.
NONE came out at all............... A lot of our old seniors are not able to come out and boat anymore. The kids DO NOT want the expense or manhours away from their constant texting. Not 1 loud high horsepower boat running over the holidays..
I felt totally alone on Earth. Kind of nice..
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,080
This past holiday ourtourist town was DEAD !! Nobody at any places. Friday & Saturday were fantastic weather days !!
only 20 % of boats were in their docks.
NONE came out at all............... A lot of our old seniors are not able to come out and boat anymore. The kids DO NOT want the expense or manhours away from their constant texting. Not 1 loud high horsepower boat running over the holidays..
I felt totally alone on Earth. Kind of nice..
The kids are waiting for the parents or grandparents to get there boats ready so they can burn their gas !
 
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