Crocker Marine closing - Page 2

Capthorace · 10-22-2009, 05:50 AM

I heard yesterday that the Civic Center boat show in Raleigh, Parker has leased 9000 sq ft. You may see Grady and Parker start selling their own boats without a dealer network, factory direct.

wcleeuwenburg · 10-22-2009, 09:10 AM

I knew Kay since 1969 when the only thing he sold were Chrysler outboards and a few off-brand boats out of an old building across the traffic island from his current location. I heard my father, who never had anything good to say about anyone, reflect once back then that it was a shame that Kay only had a dealership for Chrysler because he was such a likeable and honest person - If could ever acquired dealerships for some decent equipment, he would do well. He bought a Chrysler outboard from Kay and although it was a piece of junk, Kay stood behind it and continued to build his business on the philosophy of integrity. I was driving past Morehead Marine before sunrise yesterday morning – It was sad to see the entire showroom empty. The Crocker organization will be missed.

Charles Leeuwenburg
Wilmington / Morehead City / San Diego

Libra · 10-22-2009, 09:32 AM

A post in another thread indicates that both Parker and GW may be selling direct and eliminated the dealer network..

Parthery · 10-22-2009, 07:18 PM

Absolutely devastating news....I bought my 208 from Newland...we have stayed in touch. I ordered my GW parts from the parts department.

If Crockers can't make it, makes me wonder how many more long time dealers are headed in the same direction. My local dealer has stayed busy in the service department, but when I dropped the boat off a couple weeks ago, there was a lot of empty space in the back lot. Hope they aren't next.

bluewaterpirate · 10-23-2009, 06:37 AM

These are terrific folks, bought my current Whaler from them. It's a sad day for sure. They were always great to deal with even after they gave up the Whaler side of the house they always helped me out with a smile. I was always included in all of their Grady & Parker events whether in the store of on the water.

Thanks to all of them for 8 years of friendship and quality service.

abw2 · 10-25-2009, 03:26 PM

They serviced my Yamahas this winter. The mechanic was great. If anyone knows where the service guys end up, please pass it on.

Ricemmann · 10-25-2009, 06:08 PM

I heard that the boys didn't want the business and tried to sell it. Didn't sound like Crocker went under pre se...lack of interest by the next generation.

luvschilipeppers · 10-26-2009, 07:04 AM

First let me say thanks for all the kind comments about MM that I've read on here. I am Kim, service administrator @ MM. We just found out on Friday that Gregory Poole Marine will be doing service out of what is currently our showroom. Richard Jones will be the service manager and I will hopefully be going there, too.
I hope to continue seeing you in for service under our new flag!
Kim

Motivator · 10-26-2009, 08:34 AM

???

Whew...I thought MM was for Marine Max at Wrightsville Beach. Not a big fan of Marine Max. Hopefully, we will have some good news about where to go for service in Wilmington.

yknot fishing · 10-26-2009, 06:12 PM

I assume he is talking about morehead marine MM

abw2 · 10-26-2009, 07:24 PM

any word on the Wrightsville beach guys?

TR/X · 10-30-2009, 01:19 PM

I had an opportunity to speak with Scott Bedson yesterday, he will be going to work for Gregory Poole outside of the Wilmington area for the time being. Brian, their Yamaha Master Mechanic, will be going to Starling Marine over by Bradley Creek. Both said to anticipate Gregory Poole and Starling to step it up a little bit in order to fill the void left by Crocker's in Wilmington closing it's doors, i.e getting some transport trailers and looking in to some larger space to accomodate all the larger Grady's. I was assured one way or another our boat would be taken in at Bradley Creek or Poole's location up the Cape Fear.

We bought our first Grady from Kay back in 1990 and our second in 2005. The first one was because Grady is absolute quality, the second one because Kay had assembled a fantastic "family" in his business. It's a true shame to see it broken apart in this fashion.