www.iFourWinns.com

Turns out that we boaters are an "...early indicator of what the economy is going to do." Well, I'm pretty damn proud to be a part of that group! I know if we aren't upgrading the whole boat we are at least upgrading our sound systems, electronics, flexteak or SOMETHING. More power to us! BTW, if you have never seen BoatTest.com I strongly urge you to subscribe to the free e-newsletter. They do reviews of new boats and have nice video tours, performance data, etc. Their archive is quite extensive. Check the article below.

http://www.boattest.com/Resources/view_ ... ewsID=3283

I'd like someone to go ask all the local dealer's in Seattle "Hey, I hear that march business has been fantastic!"

You'll get your butt kicked right out the door.

I love these types of media... we need stuff like this to help get things moving again. However, I do not think Boat Test took an accurrate sample to publish that.

Is Crownline back up and running yet? (I don't think so).

Oh - and SeaRay just announced more layoffs.

But - if Four Winns is reporting a great March -- then that is AWESOMENESS

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Well, you gotta take note that they did cite the New York Slimes, the Wall Street Urinal and Ben Pleasespankme as their sources! All in all though, I do agree with you. When all you hear is bad news, people tend to sit on their wallets. We do need some positive stuff out of the media so people feel a little more confident.

Positive stuff is good to hear. The media is quick to tell us about lay off's and closings, but not much about going back to work, or positive trends in the industry. Some good news mixed in would be welcome.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

The question of the day is -- when leftover inventories clear out, will used boat values level out from this steep drop...

considering new boat prices continue to rise, I would be shocked if we didn't see a little 'used boat recovery'.

Time will tell.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Some facts and figures related to the original topic.



http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=2105353

It's a start, but they follow the above article with this news.....

Bénéteau plans layoffs
"With everyone mobilized, we believe that it will be possible to save 1,000 jobs out of an estimated overstaffing representing nearly 1,600 positions," Cathelinais said in the statement."

Viking yachts layoff total reaches 560
"BASS RIVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — After the final planned round of layoffs last week, the total number of jobs lost at New Jersey's Viking Yacht Co. stands at 560, according to a report in the Press of Atlantic City. The company said the most recent cuts are expected to bring an end to cost-saving measures that started in December."

MerCruiser cuts 120 jobs at Oklahoma plant
"STILLWATER, Okla. — The Mercury MerCruiser engine plant in Stillwater shed 120 hourly jobs this week in addition to 15 salaried positions last week, according to a report today in the Oklahoman newspaper. "

Lake Havasu City boat builder closes
"LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — Power Marine and Motor Sports, the Lake Havasu City boat manufacturer behind Magic Powerboats and Sleek Powerboats, has closed, according to a report in the Today's News-Herald newspaper. The paper said it was unknown exactly why the 15-year-old business was shutting down."

See what I mean.... One article that is positive about the industry, followed immediately by four negative news articles.

Articles can be found here FWIW.

http://www.boating-industry.com/

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy