Big News from Yeargin?

[MARK-S]

New engine

Probably using the new Ford engine that is in the new F150s.

[Shooter]

Maybe a fct6? It's too bad they can't seem to make a tower that looks good and is functional.

[maxpower220]

Too Much

I find it funny that people think $70-100K is too much for a boat. I find $50K to be too much for a boat, especially a ski boat. There's nothing special or that much more costly to a wake boat.

To those looking at Axis for a cost boat, Moomba has been making a no frills boat for a lot longer. There are good boats out there for a lot less money. Those people who complain about CC prices are the same ones who want to bash Moomba/Axis for their quality.

[swc5150]

I guess that's kind of what I was getting at. You could order up a Moomba Outback DD for under $30k, set up for skiing, but there's a trade off... the upholstery isn't as nice, the carpet is weaker, the compartments don't fit together as precisely and close with a solid thud, etc. CC's pricing/build quality has positioned themselves for those who want the best of the best - not necessarily just in the wake department. I'm sure there are some BMW enthusiasts out there who are upset that the 3 series has been priced out of their budgets too. It sucks for those of us who used to be able to buy new, without selling a body part, but I guess that's how goes sometimes. Heck, I think people paying six figures for the latest and greatest Vette are crazy too.

Way deep inside, there isn't a CC owner on this site that doesn't feel some pride and satisfaction when you roll into a landing with your Nautique, and there are a bunch of Moomba's sitting there! It's an exclusive company to be in, and it ain't getting any cheaper.

[cedarcreek216]

I'm sure if you do a comparison, all of the above mentioned manufacturers have a similar price percentage increase on their product each year as CC does, the increase is simply less dollars due to the lower staring price that is being increased.

Either you can afford to have the best or you can't, that's why there's so many different products out there that fit different consumers needs/requirements. In any market, you pay a premium for what is know in that particular industry as the best, it's not specific to the boating industry only.

If you think Axis will be selling the same product for the same price in 3 years from now you're crazy, because if they are they'll be out of business. I'm a happy owner of what most of here believe to be the best of the best in their market and I understand there's a price that goes along with that.

[Chattwake]

If the boats didn't change so much from year to year, I'd agree. However, nautique added a handful of options, like the LINC system, which drove the price of their team edition boats through the roof. A 2011 team 230 would have cost me over 20k more than the 2008 team edition 230 I bought. I'm sorry, but I didn't see $20k difference between the 2008 and the 2011. I mean, I could buy a **** nice car for $20k....

Yes, material costs hit all boat companies and drive prices up each year. I understand that. However, its not like nautique is trying to sell the same boat every year. I agree that nautique is an exclusive, well built, superior boat, but at some point, these price increase have to level off. I wish I could have afforded to stay in a 230, but I simply couldn't - even at dealer cost.

Oh well. At least my A22 will be paid off. Oh, and I don't think it's fair to compare an Axis to a Moomba. I say that simply because the Axis boats perform much better than any moomba I've ridden in. That's what I'm more concerned with - can I get a superb wake and surf wave. I'm done with trying to out "bling" everybody.

I sure will miss owning a nautique though. It is a presigeous company and tight group of owners. Don't get me wrong, if I no longer could get a boat at cost, I very well may have held onto my 2010 230.

[cedarcreek216]

Chatt, I agree. My statement wasn't to devalue any other manufacturer's quality or performance, simply that there's a market for everyone and all manufacturers are seeing price increases.

[gride]

brand new 230 coastal with trailer or Benz s550? Honestly nautiques are in that luxury category, but it seems that the sport of wake boarding will suffer in the long run from these prices and IMO, the catering to the cruiser rather than rider. Wake skating will grow larger eventually because the entry price to participate is lower on every level except rope and handle. It's always been a rich mans sport, but I'm astounded at prices from cc, mc, etc. That said, id rather own an older nautique than a new moomba/supra. so when is this announcement coming?

[swc5150]

next Tuesday...

Maybe it's this: 200 closed bow, with the helm moved forward 12" with a non-wraparound windshield, and only 1 saddlebag - on the driver's side, for those skiing from a dock.

Oooo, little dreamer...
"VH1978"

[210GA]

Way deep inside, there isn't a CC owner on this site that doesn't feel some pride and satisfaction when you roll into a landing with your Nautique, and there are a bunch of Moomba's sitting there! It's an exclusive company to be in, and it ain't getting any cheaper.

Agree, but for me it's because I'm riding in a wake legend, a boat my fathers father use to have and one I grew up behind. It's a pride of being behind a boat that is a legend itself.... Not because I paid 100k for it.

[ClemsonDave]

It's going to be a long 6 days. Interesting guesses so far.

[MARK-S]

The market should force the price to go down

As well as competition from other boat makers. Material costs should be going down, not up. As the home building has slowed, costs have come down. Less materials sold should increase competition from the makers.
I am in the airline business. Fuel costs have gone out of control yet the cost of air travel is the lowest ever.
I was in the Promo business for 9 years and the cost went up every year anywhere from 5-9%. Most of the problem is with the big 3 stigma and not having all the other boats pulling tourneys. CC makes the best boat hands down and you pay for it. A few more years of a bad economy would drive the price down. They will sell them for what you are willing to pay.

[RLS]

The price of a CC has priced them out of California. There is one dealer in Northern California. He has a third as many CC ordered as Malibu. The othe former dealers have changed to MFGs with lower prices. There is $25,000 - $30,000 difference between a 23 foot Malibu and CC. There were no CC at the local boat show because CC would not help the one dealer left who I believed did man the Malibu section. You that believe the costs of CC has gone up as much as their prices are kidding yourselves. There new overhead has but not costs. There are several Mfg that use PCM with out major increases. If the economy does not make a major shift CC could be in big trouble. They have lost almost all market share in California. If that happened in one more market they will be in big trouble.

[ClemsonDave]

The price increase from my '10 to my '11 promo 200 was under 4%. While we all want the best for less, they are not having any trouble selling boats. So, clearly, the boats have value to some people. I could be completely wrong, but I don't think their goal is to sell mass quantities of boats.

I don't think the announcement has anything to do with price.

[swc5150]

Agree, but for me it's because I'm riding in a wake legend, a boat my fathers father use to have and one I grew up behind. It's a pride of being behind a boat that is a legend itself.... Not because I paid 100k for it.

For me, it's because I'm skiing behind the best, not the most expensive. Unfortunately, the two often go hand in hand.