"Tom Francis" wrote in message
...
On 13 Oct 2006 18:23:22 -0700, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:

I believe that national stats would show, if expanded, that the
marginally financed entry level buyers of small boats are in short
supply; but once up into a "medium" size boat of say 30-35 feet the
market hasn't been hammered very badly by fuel costs.

Nicely explained.

As a small boat guy myself, I try to keep up with the fishing side of
the equation and I know that even Tracker is having problems selling
their boats including their Mako and Trophy stuff.

Ranger is still selling well as is Triton, but sales have slowed a lot
in this area. I know a guy who has been trying to sell his 17' Ranger
CC (like mine only smaller) for two years and no bite.

I know my Halman hasn't had even a nibble and that surprised me
considering it's uniqueness and condition - plus being a sail boat.

On the other hand to make your point, the Contender went very quickly
- a matter of two weeks.

And I would never sell my Ranger, so I can't say about that. :)

A lot of repowers though - I was just one of like nine my dealer did
this summer.

So I would guess it's a mixed picture - a little better here, a little
worse there.

I think a problem is also the cost of the boats. When a tournament ski boat
is now in the $50k+ range, you priced a lot of people out of the market.
The prices have gone up similar to or more than cable TV. Was not that many
years ago a 21' Trophy was about $21k. Now probably $34K. I think the
price inflation has come home to roost.