Is this really the worst boat economy in 40 years?

jarcher · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

I have been told by a few people in the industry that right now is the worst boat economy in 40 years. But I have to wonder.

I am considering getting a bottom job done, which is not an inexpensive proposition. At the Newport Boat Show, I spoke with five boat yards in RI, MA and ME, each of which said they would get back to me with a quote within a few days. So far, exactly none of them have contacted me. So today I called them all, but all I was able to do was leave messages. Plus I called two others and left messages. We'll see how many actually call back.

Of the eight places I have contacted, only one has been responsive. He is pretty pricy, but he may end up with the job by default.

A few months ago I bought new sails. Same thing, most sail makers I contacted were pretty unresponsive. One guy was excellent and he got my business.

So I have to wonder, is it really a bad boat economy?

nuffoftexas · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarcher

I have been told by a few people in the industry that right now is the worst boat economy in 40 years. But I have to wonder.

Hmmm... maybe because of the layoffs there is no one to answer the phone, or do the dirty work, or get back to you. From a boat buyers perspective, I sure hope it lasts another year or so.

Stillraining · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

I have come to the conclusion that i am in the wrong business...boat yards around here are not hurting one bit, and are still quite arrogant and demanding.

It is the manufactures that are dying like they did in the 80's but from what i have experienced and witnessed here the boat yards are jammed with work. Probably as people are making due with the boat they have and refitting them rather then buying new. A lot of the used boat buyers tend to DIY more so then potential new boat buyers and those same potential buyers are now like I said turning to yards and spending gobs of money on their existing boats.

Just my theory anyway.

jarcher · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuffoftexas

Hmmm... maybe because of the layoffs there is no one to answer the phone, or do the dirty work, or get back to you. From a boat buyers perspective, I sure hope it lasts another year or so.

They managed to buy and staff booths at the boat show...

MikeinLA · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

I got a free haul & launch with my bottom job last week , but that's about it as far as I can see. Also, I don't see any desperate giveaway prices on good boats, maybe you can get a good deal if you start negotiating, I don't know.

Mike

Encre2Chine · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

I think it's just that boat sellers are only interested in selling boats right now, rather than bother with bottom jobs or pulprit modifications.
No such thing as boat crisis here in Hong Kong. 45 or 50 ft brand new boats arriving from Germany, France or Australia are lined up waiting to be commissioned, and the guys on the yard have to work night shift...no hope to get any "special" deal from the good boat builders I'm afraid..

SOUNDBOUNDER · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

The term "boating industry" is too broad of a segment.

The automobile industry might be in terrible shape, but that doesn't mean every gas station, repair shop, or parking garage is desperate for business.

night0wl · #8 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

Come down to Fort Lauderdale, I'm seeing good specials for boat yard work. Only in the last month or so have the deep discounting begun. A power boat can be bottom painted with 2 coats of Ablative for $20 a foot, including haul pressure wash and block.

Its starting to get desperate, but you have to ask if throwaway discounts are good if you have to deal with a yard that goes belly up while your boat is in the travel-lift slings!!

RainDog · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarcher

I spoke with five boat yards in RI, MA and ME, each of which said they would get back to me with a quote within a few days. So far, exactly none of them have contacted me. So today I called them all, but all I was able to do was leave messages. Plus I called two others and left messages. We'll see how many actually call back.

I think you are dealing more with incompetence than anything. People who are incompetent in a healthy economy are still incompetent in a down economy. Unfortunately most people in the marine trades seem to suffer from this malady (at least in the two areas I have owned boats). The ones that do not most likely stay very busy from word of mouth and do not need to go to boat shows. I would try asking around to try to get a word of mouth endorsement.

tommays · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

All you have to do is look at how many 2006 leftovers are still in stock