Correct Craft today

Unfortunately, I think CC has moved in the wrong direction including wake boarding boats. Any competition besides the masters or one that is hosted by Nautique uses Mastercraft now. I think CC got too comfortable with there product while other brands (Mastercraft and Malibu) busted their asses to offer a competitive product. I think offering a low cost product is a good idea but for now CC needs to focus advertising and marketing what they make.

RainDog wrote: I have a foot in each half of this debate, kind of like the way I'll drool the same volume over a 2009 911 and a 1961 MGA. You'll have to pry my Classic from my rigor mortis crippled hands when the day comes, however I am tire kicking for a late model used 210/220. I won't give up the soul of the classics, but I need the utility, space and function of a newer boat. In regards to a lower priced boat or standard editions, I really question what the demand would be for this offering. As I've been watching the market, I rarely come across a 210 or a 220 limited. Almost everything is a Team with extras. From what I've seen, I'd be surprised if the Limiteds make up more than 20% of sales. I've also chawed on the thought of a new, reissued Classic/Cuda/BFN etc. You'd be hard pressed to put one on a floor for less than $25K. Like Tim said, $30K is probably more realistic. Is there really a market for such a boat? If so, how many per year? Would you rather have this new boat or a very nice 2003 210? For me, right now, I'd choose the 210.

Well said.

05 210 wrote: ...For starters,with todays standards,it most likely would have to be quiet.. Mike

Hells bells, Mikey, you of all folk should know that could be easily remedied, especially if a little forethought during design made <cough> allowances <ahem> for the aftermarket.

Riley wrote: I got to wonder though, what if they took an old Mustang or Ski Tique mold, if they still have them, and made a basic 16' Mustang with a 235 hp 4.3. Why couldn't you make a boat like that and price it under $20k?

Bruce, if the old molds exist and are useable, and you are a major manufacturer that already has the infrastructure, you might be able to pop one off and sell it for $20K. As MadTown said, your costs would have to be around $10K to make it work.

Now you need to consider the ancillary costs. There will be re-engineering for modern power, safety and controls. USCG certification. Marketing. Product liability insurance.

Now factor in volume. Can you sell 25 to 50 a year? Are these new sales or are they parasitic, meaning you just lost out on the sale of a 196 at $35K? Might not be worth it if you need sell 2500 boats a year.

Can a independent shop do it on a custom basis? Now you need to make molds, create an infrastructure, raise capital, source parts and materials, find distribution/dealerships, market from scratch on top of every thing else the established manufacturer would have to do. I'd guess you'd be into it for $250K before you sold your first boat. That is quiet a gamble.

That said, Donzi still sells the Sweet 16 and 18. But they sure as hell are not $20K...

I am sure nautique has thought of some of these things. They have to make sure that the sales of a new product don't hurt their existing products (self cannibalization). I don't think they should reproduce old boats, that is what makes all the vintage boats on this website so cool, they are hard to get. Everyone on this website knows they are driving the best boat. CC needs to find a way to let other people out there know that Nautique is the best investment when purchasing a new boat. Nautiques have better upholstery, stronger engines, the BEST resale value. I think CC needs to tell people these things. I know they just came out with a training program for the staff in Orlando. I think a training program for dealers would help too. At a good note I just read that nautiques market share has grown in the last month and they also sold a lot more tow boats than any other company last month. While they have had a hard time with the current economy they are not struggling as much as others in the boating world.

RainDog wrote: 05 210 wrote: ...For starters,with todays standards,it most likely would have to be quiet.. Mike Hells bells, Mikey, you of all folk should know that could be easily remedied, especially if a little forethought during design made <cough> allowances <ahem> for the aftermarket.

   Hehehe.......get some!

Your points about remaking a classic are very valid Steve. You would have to sell a lot of them before it would start to be profitable. I personally hope that CC never brings back the old 210 hull. That hull will go down as one of the great legends of the company's existance. All in due time,of course!

Mike

As another aside to this discussion on the current state of CC. I went to the Madison boat show last weekend. It is not a huge show, but decent. It had representation from most other major names but oddly no correct crafts.

There is a local dealer in Madison and a few others within 60-80 miles, but still no representation. I found it very odd to say the least. Keep in mind that Madison is literally built on an Isthmus between 2 big lakes (w/ large boating communities).

I don't know much about the Madison dealer, and their lack of show did not provide any reason for me to find out anymore about them. So far I have not met a reputable CC dealer in my area. Sheisty mechanics, poor customer service, no assistance in finding parts. (Luckily thanks to this forum I learn tons...) The CC dealer scheme is definately broken in my neck of the woods and you can tell by just looking on the lakes each summer that they are not winning any new buyers here (or at least not a very big market share).

I think the CC leadership is banking on boating becoming a rich man's game down the road (when fuel prices go back up). . . so that's the market to go after. Probably a good strategy, keep it a status symbol, like Cadillac.

I talked to our local CC dealer last weekend at our show & he said he was still selling a few - there are guys out there with money.

Whatever they do, I just hope they keep doing it in the good 'ol USA!

   I was told that the new 211 is the price point boat for CC. Basically comes stripped and is not available at all with some of the options it used to have. I wonder what the price on one of those is.It does still come w/ a tower

   Mike

The Louisville boat show only had one 08 220.

Mike, it will be interesting to see what East Coast Flightcraft has this year. Between the Fountains, Cobolts and Malibus, last year their display was huge. I'd be surprised if it's half as big. I bet NECC will be the same size as last year.

If you've noticed at the big shows, the local dealers typically participate alongside the factory people. The local dealers provide the inventory support, staff etc, but I'm sure a local dealer is not footing the bill entirely at a place like McCormmick. They most likely participate on a financial basis depending on if the store is franchised or not.. Etc..

Also notice that many of the boats decked out for the shows are already sold prior to arriving, some of which deliver directly to the customer afterwards..

It is rare for any exibitor, in any show with a sizeable island display to ever pay for the cost of the booth and floor space with the profits of those said pieces being sold from the floor.

We used to rent a 50X50 foot island at McCormick for years and never paid for it at the end of a show with sales...

Moj'

trbenj wrote: Have you ever been in a 176? I have, and I'd consider it to be a roomier boat than a 2001. The windshield is pushed really far forward, and its quite a bit wider- the interior is only marginally smaller than the 90+ Ski Nautique. I disagree that its only good for slalom- do you remember the "Air 176"? With a smaller footprint and similar weight as the 19' foot boats, I bet it throws a decent boarding wake.

Absolutely agree with this. I have a 1999 176, and while I'd like a little more width when moving alongside the engine cover, it has plenty of room. The wake, while being somewhat of a compromise by current standards, throws plenty at wakeboarding speeds (even without ballast), and evens out nicely at slalom.   I have no idea if the market would support this hull again, but to me it's an ideal boat. Fast enough, handles great, strong like bull, and most of all, efficient.

Riley wrote: Tim, doesn't Kyle have one of those with a GT 40? That's a beautiful and fast boat.

Yep- got to ride it & drive it @ NE07. Pretty darn quick ride!

Emergency thread jack!

Nautiquehunter wrote: Its the main reason I buy Harleys its nice to be part of a group.

   Dooooood,

   I hope your kidding.

    Mike