Commentary: Mystic And Skater Will Survive Without Miami
 

For both Mystic and Skater, the Miami International Boat Show didn’t make sense this year, https://www.speedonthewater.com/comm...without-miami/

I sold boats in central Ohio in the late 80’s/early 90’s and while far from Miami, the logistics/financials would be similar.

Their expenses of displaying in the local boat show kept going up and up when the returns stayed the same, or went down.

This was at several of the strongest dealers (of the time) and they all felt the same.

Their fear was always if they skipped a show, and their competitors did not….., they’d miss something and wouldn’t know it until Spring.

A couple I did not work for actually did pull the plug and had their own “dealer show”.

As a sales guy, I always enjoyed the shows.
Never sold anything but made great contacts.

As a consumer, I always liked the shows as a break from our winters and to see what was new.

But…., never bought anything 😉

The fact of the matter is. Both builders are financially where they want to be. Both builders have been in in the industry for a long time.

We had a booth at SEMA for 15 years, we were the first to have full cars done in ppf, every year we had to up the bar on what we were doing. it was a chance to meet with the people that made us money. BUT, the down side was that every person was there for our hospitality night, dinner and drinks on me 5-10k dinner and bar tabs were the norm every year. but it got to the point where by being there everyone had their hand out. unions and set up were a nightmare, the only thing that made it bearable was I had a shop in vegas... i get it, and they will be just fine.

Considering their delivery pipeline on existing orders is well into next year, it is reasonable for them to state that Miami would be a burden on their resources (incl. $$$) vs planning a heavier presence on venues that do pay off on orders....Go with what delivers the signature on the order!

It's not Peter nor Coskers' first rodeo...

Met John at the St. Pete boat show yesterday. My dad really loved the mystics and they made a big impression on him. So that’s something you’ll miss by not going to shows in general. But my dad isn’t in the market either.

I don’t how much it costs to go to this small local show, but we love seeing the boats in person. I think it’s a boon to show available broker boats in person at well. Looking at new prices all day, then seeing a clean used boat and price will probably sell lots of those boats that day.

Manufactures and dealers should self organize and use the door receipts to fund their expenses somehow.

I also really enjoyed talking price points with the repower guys. That info isn’t always readily available or up to date online.

Isn’t there going to be a new 368 at the show?

The expense is insane.

Way more to it than what most know.

This was up north, here but a great example of what is impossible to write into your operating/promotional budget.
(change the % to fit your deal)

Was at a small boat, 25’- dealer one yr and we took 8 or 9 boats to the show.

Had our crew clean/detail before towing to the show.
It snowed over night, which gets salted, then melts, turns to a salt shower for us to tow through!

They wouldn’t even let us in the coliseum when we got there!

Sprayed them off outside, took them in and spent the next 2 days cleaning!

Many of the dealers didn’t have staff to do that so hired locals for 2 days!
No appointments…., write that check!

Next yr everyone shrink wrapped before heading to show.

I kind of doubt the people looking to buy a Skater or Mystic is going to “discover” them at the boat show.

my thoughts exactly!!