Kansas City Boat Show.

[Bubba1235]

Things must really be rough, they aren't even listing the manufactures that are there this year. I think I may skip it this year.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

Why ??? It's a great show to buy slippers, beads, koozie cups and fur coats.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

Funny, I thought the same for the chicago show. Yesterday I met with with one of the exhibitors who claims the boat market is changing drasticly. High fuel prices and the econemy result in people buying smaller boats. not to mention some dealers have not sold all of the 2008 inventory yet an it is 2011

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

Ummm - not sure if this is the one you were looking at - http://www.kansascitysportshow.com/attendees/exhibitors/exhibitors.aspx

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

Of course, the big boys boat show is at the Overland Park Convention Center beginning on the 27th, sponsored by the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers.

If ya want to see the big cruisers and go-fast boats, this is the one to go to. 'Course they also have pontoons, ski boats, etc. as well

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

Funny, I thought the same for the chicago show. Yesterday I met with with one of the exhibitors who claims the boat market is changing drasticly. High fuel prices and the econemy result in people buying smaller boats. not to mention some dealers have not sold all of the 2008 inventory yet an it is 2011

Yes, this seems to be the future trend. I reminded the people at Cobalt about this in an email. I reminded them that back in the early eighties they came out with their economical line of boats known as the Cobalt Specials, starting with my boat, the CS7. I stated that today's issues are similar yet more drastic. The smart money in the boat builder's business, if they so decide to stay in business, is to diversify. I suggested that Cobalt should look at the amount of used boats that will always be kept by loyal owners, not just Cobalts either, and the market for replacement parts, especially now that so many boat companies are closing their doors, is a viable market. We all know that many parts overlap the boat lines, and those that don't can still be made and sold at a profit based on a survey of boat retention. I suggested they think of a boat owner that would not wish to buy new again due to the economy, the job market, or his abilty to cover the depreciation with the glut of used boats already out there. Keep in mind the babyboomers are being followed by a smaller generation, and therefore supply and demand kicks in. Instead, streamline your product line and expect less sales and a slower market, but still afford to stay in business by selling quality parts. I am talking replacement seats, hardware, accessories, and even powertrain parts, since many are no longer available. You don't think it wise to own an OMC designed boat, but they will continue to be on the water for the next twenty years, due to the used part market. The truth is, major boat manufacturers will need to reaccess their ability to continue as things get tougher and tougher in the industry, but one smart company is going to wake up and diversify.

 

[642mx]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

The Nashville show sucked last weekend! Nothing but toons and 17' bow riders... some of the ski boats were cool, but I'd rather see some performance boats. I normally go to Louisville's and STL's, but I think I may save the gas money this year.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

The Nashville show sucked last weekend! Nothing but toons and 17' bow riders... some of the ski boats were cool, but I'd rather see some performance boats. I normally go to Louisville's and STL's, but I think I may save the gas money this year.

Yes, the market has turned to fuel sipping rides or docks with motors on them... I am afraid of how it wil look at the St. Louis show, but since they haven't lowered the ticket price, it had better be worthwhile. I guess the Mrs. could spent the day filling out packets of raffle forms! It may prove the only value to attending! How about something new to combat the Asian Carp on the river, so we don't have to play "dodge fish" while water skiing?

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

LOZ? But if I came there i would have to buy the refreshment I've been promising you for so long.

The sad thing is that I can't go to the OP show! So come on over.

We will moving to the lake THAT weekend. Time to enjoy retirement while we can. If ya make it that far south, drop me a note.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

I went to the Houston Boat Show last weekend (just like I do every year) and really enjoyed it. For the first time I stopped and looked at the jet skis. I guess I just haven't been keeping up with the times. When did these things start costing $16,000?

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

Moving in January? Are you using dog sleds on the ice or something?

Might have to. House has been on the market since October 2009, and it sells in the middle of freakin' winter! Noooo, they could have made an offer in the fall, but waited until every thing is froze up. Oh well and so be it. This whole thing hasn't been the smoothest adventure. Well something's smooth - my lake drive coated with snow. I tried going down it last year and Bobby ain't goin' to do that again!

 

[oops!]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

By and large, boat manufactures build hulls, pretty much everything else comes from third parties. (There are a couple exceptions, Yamaha come to mind.) Their only role in parts would be middlemen.

fully agree.......they are boat builders ....not part jobbers.

one thing bayliner saw and did......was to further refine there building process.....they put out entry level boats at 10 k.....that is freeking phenominal....!....good on them.
in fact...i see b-liners everywhere on our lakes......they allowed people who would not get into boating because of the cost a way in.....they opened up a whole new market !

the toronto boat show just closed this weekend....has any one heard how it was?

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

By and large, boat manufactures build hulls, pretty much everything else comes from third parties. (There are a couple exceptions, Yamaha come to mind.) Their only role in parts would be middlemen.

True enough. But, with the dwindling manufacturers of boats, there is also the issue of boat parts manufacturers staying in business. Many of the boat manufacturers who have close contacts with their suppliers in parts, can see the future isn't one for putting on blinders and continuing down that same path. As I stated to Cobalt, who has a good track record for overcoming obsticles, smart businesses plan ten and twenty years into their future. The boat business is limited to an audience of discretionary spenders. Therefore the boat parts manufactuers won't stick around forever with less volume. It's not like auto parts manufacturers finding other car lines to contract with, since people have the necessity of driving. Picture a few years down the road when you need are replacement part. That old supply and demand issue starts to kick in. Even the boat builders should see this and know that boat buyers don't want to invest in something with a limited lifespan, no matter how well they take care of it, because they can't get a standard part! Try and see the next ten years or more, not the here and now....

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

I seriously doubt you can convince boat manufactures to make the huge capital investments required to tool up to make pieces parts. Honestly, I don't think most people understand how much money it takes to manufacture things. I just finsished a job up for Proctor and Gamble to retool a packaging line so they could change the cap on a bottle. Total project cost when done, $1.7 million. (Just to use a different cap.)

I was not trying to convince them. All I was doing was making them think. The tooling up would be more like a merging of industries needed for lines to even continue. Business models you are used to and state here, are not the future. Sure, boat manufacturers make shells. That must change or the boat market will continue to suffer. Ask yourself who will spend $25 thousand plus for a boat if they can't trust the company will even be around to cover the length of the warranty? This is the direction we are heading...

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Kansas City Boat Show.

I for one don't understand why they make people pay to show up at the boat show and look at buying people's product. I'd love to go, but am not paying $10 and another $10 to park (power and light district).