There goes another one!

[wildsv211]

Anyone else having the same problem? Every boat shop in our area, (Northern California) is closing down. It does not matter what there selling. They just can't seem to stay in business. We have lost a Natique dealer, Malibu dealer, Matercraft, etc. And the pro shops that go along with them. I can count at least 5 shops that have closed in the last year. Looks like i will be forced to buy all of my gear on line.

[AirTool]

RE: There goes another one!

I haven't noticed but haven't been looking either.

I will say that I've noticed a lot of "new" 2008 (and maybe 2007) boats available at dealers. I'm not going to post links...but I last week I was cruising through some of the "favorites" I created as I shopped for a boat....clicking on some of them took me to dealers across the nation that had quite an inventory of "stale" new boats. Not a good sign.

AirTool

[JUST-IN-TIME]

RE: There goes another one!

if they were smart they would have closed down 3 years ago when you could get a loan!

[2gofaster]

RE: There goes another one!

Here in Houston, our Malibu/Mastercraft dealer got rid of the mastercraft line, expanded their business and added other pleasure boat lines. They only did this because Mastercraft demanded they give up Malibu. Regardless, they are selling more and have a great ski/wakeboard pro shop. Then a new mastercraft dealer opened and they're stocking 40+ new boats. I don't know if they're selling anything, but they sure look like it. Our numbnuts nautique dealer is wayyyyyy outside of town in an industrialized area. They prove you don't need foot traffic to sell boats. Even the pleasure boat dealers seem to be fine. I haven't seen any in the area that are shuttering over the last few years.

[perfski]

RE: There goes another one!

Hey wildsv211,
Sorry to hear about your issues with the boat dealers in your area. Things are definately tough out there and until the election is done, I don't think people will start to move forward with their lives due to the uncertainty. That said....there are some good shops you can get your wake / ski products online or over the phone. You just have to find stores who are focused on what they do and work at it 12 months out of the year. If I can help in any way to fill your wake/ski gap....I (my staff) will work to try to earn your business and give you the customer service you were hopefully getting at your local store. I would agree that there is no substitute for going into a shop....touching / testing / trying on the gear you are looking for...but if thats not an option....a good shop with knowledgable staff, digital cameras and a desire to improve your quality on the water and off will make this happen. We strive to extend our proshop experience outside the store through our net store or over the phone.....Not always easy...but thats our goal.
If I can help let me know.

Best Regards,

Bill Porter
Peformance Ski and Surf of Orlando. (www.perfski.com / 407-859-7544)

If I'm not in ask for Anthony, Danny K, or Justin Dunn. They are key staff members who will work to help meet your needs.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: There goes another one!

We have had one local boat shop close one location and their main location is scheduled ot close in Dec. They were mainly a bass boat place though, sold Rangers along with some Bayliners. The reason they gave was a decrease in sales and the fact that a Bass Pro Shop is moving in soon.

We had a new Nautique dealer open last summer, the existing one at the lake seems to be doing strong, pro shop is pathetic though.

[srock]

RE: There goes another one!

2gofaster, I think with fuel prices the Houston area may not be as hard hit as the rest of the country.

[AirTool]

Re: RE: There goes another one!

2gofaster, I think with fuel prices the Houston area may not be as hard hit as the rest of the country.

Good point. Most of Houston "loves" high fuel prices because many or most of us here work in that business.

AirTool