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Random Quote: I prayed the Serenity Prayer but never received the requested wisdom.
Are you aware that Mako plant in North Carolina is closing down next week? Although some people around here mentioned that they were consolidating its operations in another Tracker facility, the way the management released the news to the press, its seems they closed for good instead of moving anywhere else.
As a Mako owner, and a very happy one, its sad but true.
If management has any other comments, please let us know.
Regarding the Mako 18 LTS, I didn't have anything to do with it's development. I've driven it, but just enough to know I was impressed. I know several people whose opinion I trust, and they are also impressed after extensive testing. I was with 5 different magazine writers when they tested the second boat -- you should see their articles soon. Production on the 18 LTS is at the planned rate already. Some production models are already in dealers hands -- and more will be soon.
I'm not sure who "some people around here" are and I'm not sure the news of the plant closing was worded and distributed as well as it could have been. I am sure that if you've ever closed a plant, you know how difficult it is, and that the press release can take a secondary role to other issues. In any event, Mako and SeaCraft production will continue -- but at a different facility. All molds and production are moving to MO. Production on one model has already started in MO. Production on others starts right after the first of the year. Facility modifications to accept the larger models is underway. It may take a few months, but all models in the current brochures and on the web sites as current models are scheduled to be built in MO.
When times are bad, companies have to be careful about what information they release to the public, or about being silent when it is common knowledge that things are not going well for whatever reason, in this case the economy. Good PR is always necessary, otherwise, misinformation will spread and potential clients (the few that are actively buying now) will end elsewhere else. So, tell Tracker management to never say that a press release related to the closing of a plant can take a secondary role.
I should stick to drawing pictures and building boats.
I don't speak for management, but do speak with them quite frequently. I know that Tracker Management understands that clear communication with the public and with our distribution network is essential -- especially given current market conditions. I should have said that I'm not sure that I thought that the press release was the most important issue. Having said that, your point is well made and is one that I'll remember. I'll also tell Tracker management that our press release lead to some confusion regarding our plans.
Back on topic, we showed the Mako 18 LTS at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. The only boat we had available was the prototype. We learned some things talking to the customer and tried to address any issues or concerns that we felt were realistic. The boat isn't a technical flats fishing boat, but does float and run in pretty shallow water, and is very stable and quiet in a chop. I ran the boat with a 50 and was very impressed. The day I got to test winds were blowing 25 constant with gusts of 35+. We were in the intercoastal and were dealing with a steep chop. The boat was great -- soft and dry. When shut down, it drifted very well and was very stable. I'd be proud to say that I had a role in it's development, but I didn't.
2009 MAKO 18LTS 
