And even more so considering he's open to help with financing.

Would love to see AT continue and succeed. No joke, if the 29 they have now came out 10 years ago I would have been all over one. Just too late in my life now for that significant of an investment that is simply a toy. I never understood why AT didn't sell more boats other than as I stated above, the lack of a dealer network. The blue 33 that went to Virginia (?) new is still one of my all time favorite boats.

There are less than a handful of boat dealers anymore that stock new boats (plural) of this caliber, period.
Floor-planning dried up for these recreational crafts thanks to the Hionasasses of this world. The RV industry recovered, but the Marine industry has not in that aspect.
The "dealer" agreement requires a commitment of buying/selling/ordering boats, and that's where the rub is.

Pat always made sure to establish a 'servicing dealer' relationship with each of his new customers in their backyard. As such, it wasn't ever a huge concern.

What's the cost of power from an independent engine builder for a similar featured/hp engine? From what I've seen there can be savings but it's still plenty of money.

Where do you get a workforce when you're building boats infrequently ? There is a skill set needed for various stages of construction.

The sale is mostly "good will" as the assets are really not financeable. Banks look at the asset value when considering a loan. This business has molds, a trademark and a name. At a bank auction those assets would bring very little. Many businesses are sold on good will type sales (restaurants/bars for example as they usually don't have huge assets unless they own the building).



I suspect owning a sister business like a body shop would allow for a decent amount of employee crossover. If you can sand fiberglass you can sand car fenders too! :D

Knot 4 Me,

The blue 33 is housed on a small lake in southern Wisconsin. We trailer to LOTO several times a year. The boat has been great for the year we have owned it. The 33 is easy to tow and does great if you run into some rough conditions, like leaving the Shootout last year.

I would LOVE to some complete NON MERCURY engine/drive packages in the 500, 600, 700hp ranges!!!

Won't happen......market is too small and R&D costs are too high for any type of new product launch. Remember what happened to Ilmor and they are already in the engine business! They got their 710 motor in a bunch of different boats (types/brands) and still shut the program down after just a few years.

These boats are old school technology. Think about if you were an inventor would you design a new high tech VCR or rotary dial telephone to market and sell? OB's are the direction everyone is going (warranty/maintenance are big plus factors).