Have you ever thought about posting off topic post in an appropriate list?
What a bunch of idiots.


"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
nk.net...
Hi New Guy,
Welcome to REC BOATS. One thing that will get you flamed in this group
is unmarked off-topic posts. Please mark posts that are not related to
boating as OT. For instance. OT Trucking as you subject line will make
the posts appropriate.

As far as a magic bullet for improving business, I am sorry, If I had
one, I would shoot myself! I am partners in a boat charter / rental
company. We offer on-the-water entertainment for those that like boats
but have no time to own one.

We did show a profit this year, but not as much as we had hoped. It is
only our 3rd year in business. We managed to show this profit while
other charter companies were going out of business. We diversify and use
our assets in as broad a spectrum as possible.

For instance, one part does "romance cruises" while another group is
fishing, or we rent a couple of houseboats "dockside" for parties ect.

During the winter months, we haul out, perform maintenance, and train
our personnel. I think the modest investment in training has reduced our
liability, made safer Captains and crews, and that is why our insurance
rates a a little lower.

We conserve fuel too. The boats don't idle at docks or anchorage for
hours. We use a 15 minuet warm up from cold start. After that only 3 or
4 minuets. When the anchor drops, the mains engines are killed and the
APU (generator) is started to provide electrical power. When trolling,
we troll on one engine only. (alternate between engines to keep the
hobbs balanced.)

There are ways you can curb costs in business without firing loyal crew,
and that makes them all the more loyal. Let me clue you, employee
loyalty is priceless. But! It is a knife with 2 edges. You have to give
in order to get. You handed out any bonuses this year?

Capt. Frank

The new guy wrote:

Most of you guys asked what this has to do with boating. I guess
nothing....
I can tell you: sadly enough, I was out last year to buy my self a
boat.
Looking for something big and comfy, where I could take my whole family.
Maybe spend around 20 thousand...well, it still a dream....
I figure that people that own boats must be ok financially, so I thought
to
my self, let me put this ad in this group and perhaps someone will come
up
with an idea or share a success story or give some advise.
Thank you Doug Kanter for your advise, and belive me that I have done
that
already, most truckers get on price to go and a different one to come
back,
my trucks go and come back for the same price. Before the loads are
booked
it is understood that detention time will be paid at reveivers if they
are
not quick unloading...this is a tough industry and if you in it you must
be
tough too.
So, what is that you guys have done that I have not?
The New Guy