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Crownline - next to go out of business?
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Author:  cougarcruiser [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Crownline - next to go out of business?
Crownline shut down all manufacturing right before the holidays (not new news). But - Crownline hasn't resumed manufacturing yet?

There's news around that Crownline is looking for an investor and to sell. Rumor has it they approached Irwin Jacobs (Genmar) - but he turned them down.

When will Crownline re-open their factory? Nobody knows........... How do you think that news will affect their business? YEOUCH.

There's some chatter over on THT about it...

Anybody got any info about Crownline?

Ironic that the local Crownline dealer in Seattle just picked up Four Winns!
Author:  07H200SS [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
I guess its good to own a FW!!
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
FW is definitely feeling the pain... I am sure the factory has slowed/halted for a while.

But - it's good to own a FW... I don't see them going out of business anytime soon.
Author:  impulse [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 6:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
Our local Dealer dropped Crownline 2 seasons ago I believe. I think they've been a 4Winns dealer all along though. I've got a real good friend that own's a Crownline. I'll ask him if he's heard any news.

Also found this post http://boards.trailerboats.com/cgi-bin/trailerboats/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=004302 on the subject for what it's worth. The last guy to post when I read was dispelling the rumors.
Quote:
I just spoke today with a NC dealer for Crownline who contacted his dealer rep, and he was told clearly that Crownline is not out of business, so I can assume that rumor was false. Yes, they are looking for additional capital, and yes they have suspended producttion but that production will start back up once dealer inventory and orders are in balance was the information I received.


Also, this post contains the statement Crownline released to the public.
Author:  aguyindallas [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
Guys, I work in the car business. For an Acura dealer to be exact.

Acura is NOT building ANY cars in the month of March. The reason is simple...the economy is slow, there are a lot of cars on dealers lots. This means the expense to floorplan these cars is very costly.

So, Acura is responding by not building anything in March. This will allow the supply to dry up a little bit and get production more in line with current consumer demand. This does not mean they are in ANY financial trouble at all, just taking smart and proactive measures to protect their business and their dealer network.

Sounds like Crownline is doing the same thing.
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
aguyindallas -- what do you do in the car business?

The wife's car is an 08 MDX w/ tech & ent. It's a great ride!

When should we expect an MDX refresh?
Author:  240 Joe [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
My Four Winns dealer picked up Crownline a few years ago. They have sold Cobalt and Four Winns for a long time and said they wanted another price point with Crownline. This month I noticed a "liquidation sale" on Crownline; have not talked to them because I am happy with the H240 but it looks like they are dropping Crownline.
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
I really do want to like Crownline's boats... but I don't see the added value for the 15-20% added cost.

That, and the admiral didn't like the layout/designs of the boat compared to the 240.

Their cruisers are fantastic - but man, get our your wallet.
Author:  aguyindallas [ Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
cougarcruiser wrote:
aguyindallas -- what do you do in the car business?

The wife's car is an 08 MDX w/ tech & ent. It's a great ride!

When should we expect an MDX refresh?


New Car Sales Manager. The 2010 MDX is supposed to have a minor model change. This typically means new headlights, taillights and wheels. They have not shown us any firm pictures or given any real info.
Author:  240 Joe [ Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
I did not realise that Crownline was a 15 to 20% more expensive boat (per Cougarcruiser). Since I am very happy with the H240 I did not price them. Just to look at Crownline I thought they were less expensive.
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
240 Joe wrote:
I did not realise that Crownline was a 15 to 20% more expensive boat (per Cougarcruiser).


+1, I would be interested to see some documentation that supports CC's comment.
Author:  Walt [ Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
That's about what I saw when I was shopping. I felt they were just overpriced (and not flexible) compared to the other brands I was seriously considering (FW and Ebbtide).
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Tue Feb 24, 2009 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
Call your Crownline dealer and price out a comparable boat to a FW.

Maybe not 15-20% in the 20 footers - but you get into 24 feet and beyond - there is a noticeable difference.

I had lengthy conversation with my local dealer who is now Crownline and FW.

Crownline has tried to position themselves against Cobalt. That's not working.
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
cougarcruiser wrote:
Maybe not 15-20% in the 20 footers - but you get into 24 feet and beyond - there is a noticeable difference. I had lengthy conversation with my local dealer who is now Crownline and FW.



Thanks. It must be true then. :?

As far as rumours go, they are everywhere. Are they substantiated? I would say not until you hear it from the company spokesperson themselves. Like a CEO.

The problem with rumors like these, is many people actually believe what a dealer, or poster on a message board says, and there is NO proof to back it up. And what about the credibility of some of these people that post the rumors? Here are some prime examples of questionable credibility/rumors that are being circulated.
This is an excerpt from the Crownline Forum:
Quote:
It's got to be brutal in the boat business right now. I heard at the boat show Saturday that Maxum boats is no more and somebody said Bayliner will cease come June. I find that hard to believe but both are owned by Genmar.

WTF ???? Bayliner and Maxum are owned by Brunswick !!!! Credibility of his post is zero.

Here is another speculative post on a board that is some funny reading.
http://boards.trailerboats.com/cgi-bin/ ... 2;t=004302
The original poster says he is a dealer, and is providing "inside information", many of the posters on the thread bend over backwards to vouch for the original posters credibility,
if you read through the bantering and rumors you will find this comment from the original poster of the thread,
Quote:
I think Regal may have been confused with Rinker when the news first broke out. I hope to know more about them tomorrow. For me the drawback to the Stingray and Four Winns is they are exclusive Volvo Penta.

Boy that just makes him look like an ass. I believe you can get Mercruiser power in a Four Winns ? Certainly the Axius Drive System as an option on the 338 Vista IS NOT a Volvo Penta product.

So, be careful who you listen too, what you read, and wait and see what happens. Opinions and observations are fine, but false rumors, and hearsay do no service whatsoever.
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Wed Feb 25, 2009 9:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Crownline - next to go out of business?
Great post Cap'n.

I'm tellin' ya - call your local Crownline dealer and price out a loaded H240 or Vista 278 equivalent. Not to mention the Crownline 340 equivalent. $$$$ more than a comparable FW.

As for Genmar owning Bayliner and Maxum. Did the poster get thrashed pretty hard?
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