Forget everything you know about running a company when you talk about a boat building business, has nothing to do with it.

That's the problem with boat shows. You build a showcase to show. Boat goes to the show were only 5% off the visitors are potential buyers.
Your boat has to be sold for a better price because it's the show model, or doesn't get sold because off power or color or whatever.

I understand their decision, how many they build every year?

Look how mass producers got into trouble (or are in trouble)

In a better economical environment mayby.

Who pays the boat show you think? The builder?
it's the customers

Sorry about my spelling sometimes but english is my 3th language

When I worked the shows up north, most of the dealers I worked for hated doing them. Ton's of work and expense and near impossible to measure results. Most figure 6 mnths after the fact to see any results.
Most would spend their money else where if not for knowing the buying public and most of their competitors would start stories that they are in trouble
Some of the smart ones scaled way back on the big shows and did multiple smaller, independent versions.
Way more bang for the buck. Open houses are great ROI shows.
Also agreed that anything at the show is expected to be "show pricing" and is never the right color,power etc.
The big shows are the best place to get press and for mfgs to release new models but still a catch 22 deal in most opinions.

I get your points and will agree to disagree. IMO if you want to be a player you need to show up to the game. Hope to meet some of you guys in Miami later in the week.

My point is this...
The person thats going to pull the trigger on a 38 Sonic or a 39 Top Gun..or any other boat along those lines/price range allready knows what he wants..its NOT going to be a knee jerk desicion..

Did your boat sell on ebay???

I understand what your are saying...especially the two girl through school part..putting two girls through College myself as we speak

All Im saying is theres a big difference/price between buying a 28 and a 38..
you are shopping, kicking tires and looking at all your options when your looking at 28s..
But for the cost of a 38 Sonic now your a serious buyer.

Go Fast boats are a discretionary expenditure.
Don't get me wrong. I have and am always been a
big supporter of Sonic. I bought the first 31ss that
Sonic built when CSI took them over. The 31ss delivered
to RI was built before the current owners took over.
The current owners rigged that boat in NJ.

The ultimate decision about displaying in a boat show is a
marketing and image one. Most people, unless they have more
money than brains, do not impulse buy at the boat show.
They look around and make comparisons between brands.
Probably take some check rides, and/or make an appointment
to tour the factory and dealer. In my opinion the boat show is
not to make the sale at the show, but to introduce the product
to the potential buyer. One of my best friends used to buy
a new boat every year ($300k to 750k range). He never bought
at the show. I always took the check rides with him, and visited
the factories/dealers with him. The deal always was made
six to eight months after the show. By the way he always named
his boats: "For Awhile".

point. Never thought of it or I guess even realized that. Come to think of it, I do remember John telling my that when I was interviewing with them.

I don't think it's a matter of not wanting to show up, but more of a financial matter.

just to add to the conversation ... I went to the Boston boat show in the late 80's early 90's saw a sonic there and never forgot the plush interior I saw on a cigarette styled boat... I bought mine in 2011 because of that show. but will add that the economy the way it is today... it is very different from then. I woudl have to seriously consider spending the time and money for a show. I have a sporting goods business and have not been to the Vegas show in two years because of this. the profits do not justify the expense of the show...

Finally I feel someone understands what I'm saying. If I didn't have a booth at major trade shows and my customers are there but I am not it affects the relationship; especially if my competition is there building customer relationships and debuting new products.