Poor new boat conditions at dealer and mid-vs-top tier?? - Page 2 - The Hull Truth

msumoose · 07-28-2005, 09:56 AM

sorry double post

msumoose · 07-28-2005, 09:56 AM

There are two dealers I frequent here after hours, one keeps theit boats under a shed, no sides, but it keeps the rain and sun off, the other washes the boats twice a week (friend works there - washing boats) and there is absolutely no vinyl anywhere on those boats until sold or sea trialed. They really keep them looking new. Keeping the cushions, etc off makes it easier for the guys to clean and wash them too.

I would not buy that either....

JayD · 07-28-2005, 10:01 AM

"I can understand jon boats being dirty, but this is about a 75K boat."

I can't understand ANY boat at a dealer being that dirty. To some of us a jon boat is as attainable as a $75K boat. First impressions and attention to detail is what sells a boat to me.

Sea_Dad · 07-28-2005, 10:10 AM

which pic showed water in the bilge? I must have missed it.

GWcpa · 07-28-2005, 10:15 AM

The sixth picture is actually a bilge shot. The water is covering most of the positive battery cables. Not sure if water is under the hatch in the lower bilge or why there is another compartment there.

Bruce W · 07-29-2005, 12:48 AM

Quote:

GWcpa - 7/28/2005 9:55 AM

Good eye Bruce. I was wondering if you had pics of this one. Curious, what month did you take your pics? It obviously hasn't been touched since.

I took the pics 4/12/05 - I had also taken a few at the 2/05 boat show, but couldn't get as good a shots when it was at the show.

Don't understand why someone hadn't bought that boat before now? Maybe because of the things you pointed out - layout, etc.?

But, 'ya GOTTA' keep 'em CLEAN - OR, give some bucks off to get it off the lot!

I agree - get the PLUG outta' that thing, tilt the trailer back, hose it off, and let 'er DRY OUT! Some "unknowing" guy is gonna' end up with it!

I'm SURE it would get a good "clean sweepdown, fore and aft" if someone was interested. Just sad to see it get like that - probably THE most expensive Sea Pro in the line/on the lot!

Regards,

GWcpa · 08-04-2005, 10:39 PM

Bruce,

You ever stop by the "new" big boat lot on the way out of town with all the pretty new Pro lines and Fountains? In the interest of equal time I have to say I was very disappointed in the condition of the new boats there, as well.

The boats on the lot that I looked at were much more expensive than the Sea pro above and in the same or worse condition. There are '04s there with parts missing, cabins left open to the weather and fish boxes full of bugs and dirt.

There are boats with sticker prices of 175K with tachs, spotlights and misc parts "borrowed" and in bad shape. I don't get it, and won't spend my $$ there either.

I figured the car business experience would have carried over better.

I am still looking at 4 year old boats that cost as much as some of these new ones that are in better shape.

stevec717 · 08-04-2005, 11:39 PM

I can't understand it either, but I saw of lot of that at some dealers. Let's face it, people spend that much money not only because of specs or performance, but because of emotion - a feeling. When you go into a dealerand see a boat you love your next thought is picturing yourself on it and what a great time that would be! I don't know how anyone could look at this and think - that's for me! I can't wait to have this to clena up!. Dealers selling big $ boats (or cars or houses for that matter) aren't just selling hardware, they're selling a dream. And this dealer just doesn't get it. His only customer for this boat is one that walks in and says - I've been looking everywhere for that boat model and you're the only one within 100 miles that has one. Can you do something about the price if I want that one? I really can't imagine someone walking in and making an impulse sale off that. Again, I just don't get it, they've got so much $ tied up iin inventory and they let it get like that? Hire a kid for $8 an hour to spend a few hours and clean the thing up!