Correct Craft today

Poll:

If you had the chance to buy a new, "woodless" classic Cuda/Mustang/Classic/Barefoot, with all the other modern running gear, electronics etc. for $25,000, would you????.

Moj'

TRBenj wrote: Phats, CC has tried this in the past. Look at the Ski Nautique "Standard" offered in '93-94 or the 176, which was sold from '96-99. I dont have sales numbers to back it up, but I suspect that if those models had been considered successful, they would have continued making them.

   I was having a conversation with someone locally today who echoed this exact statement. Given who this person is, I would say Tim is right on the money.
    
   Mike

I have a foot in each half of this debate, kind of like the way I'll drool the same volume over a 2009 911 and a 1961 MGA.

You'll have to pry my Classic from my rigor mortis crippled hands when the day comes, however I am tire kicking for a late model used 210/220. I won't give up the soul of the classics, but I need the utility, space and function of a newer boat.

In regards to a lower priced boat or standard editions, I really question what the demand would be for this offering. As I've been watching the market, I rarely come across a 210 or a 220 limited. Almost everything is a Team with extras. From what I've seen, I'd be surprised if the Limiteds make up more than 20% of sales.

I've also chawed on the thought of a new, reissued Classic/Cuda/BFN etc. You'd be hard pressed to put one on a floor for less than $25K. Like Tim said, $30K is probably more realistic. Is there really a market for such a boat? If so, how many per year? Would you rather have this new boat or a very nice 2003 210? For me, right now, I'd choose the 210.

Hopefully, they won't go the way of Century. They got bought out by someone who was mostly interested in posing in the brochure photos and he ran the company into the ground, and now they make center consoles.

Nautiquehunter, it is a funny picture. Don't take it so seriously.

They do not even refer to themselves as Correct Craft anymore. In all the press releases I have seen recently, they call themselves "Nautique".

HW,

The Garbage Scow is an great photo!

I think quality is achievable at all markets levels and why CC can market a base base at a lower price. Quality doesn't mean quantity or more bling. Look at Toyota, top line Lexus, mid tier Toyota, bottom line Scion. All three brands have excellent quality and only the features changes. Then, why not. I liked the idea of being able to buy boat I can pay in 4 years. Then if is an excellent boat I can keep upgrading as money allows or trade in. But I bet that would have a negative impact on the brand price. Selling a basic model might affect the high end perception of brand. Just some random thoughts...

Doc,

CC is not the only business or Boat Mfr for that matter that is hurting in this economy, many many people and businesses are, mine included. Their name or offerings really have nothing to do with it, we are just in some very tough economic times.

FWIW, the Orange Crush is not a Loaded boat, top engine yes, but pretty basic after that. You can purchase a SN with a base engine and no options for WAY less than 70k, I have seen current year promos out there for 30k.

One thing that CC could do that would be really cool is bring back a "Muscle" boat, like the Mustang/Camaro/Challenger of the car MFR's, imagine a brand new Cuda SS or Classic, that could be a really cool boat.

I think we will have to agree to disagree. I like the old classic boats they were the top line "bling boats" of there day. As far as building a new Ski Tique or Mustang I think the market for that boat may be very small.Witch will make them a custom build and add to cost. Don't get me wrong I think boat prices are too high as well as house,car,food,fuel ext. I don't see Chevy building a low cost Corvette for 1/3 the price leaving out some options. Companies like CC have done well buy building what the market will buy I look at the changes made in the last 10 years. They sold me! CC has put in production changes to be as fair to employees as possible. I wish my employer did I get 0 days a week. Take a look at MC or BU they are sitting on so much 07,08 inventory it will take years to sell them.CC is in much better shape.

boat dr wrote: Sorry for the shotgun effect there Mike ..... that was aimed directly at Nautiquehunter......Boat dr

    No problem Doc.

    I think what Nautiquehunter is saying is that he doesn't want to see a cheap Correct Craft.In todays day and age is it posible to have an inexpensive CC without it being cheap? Probably. Will it happen? Only CC knows for sure.
   I personally would have preferred an all white basic boat somewhat like the stripped one posted on here a while back. For me ,tower and perfect pass are a must. Other than that I can do with or without. If I had ordered the stripped option boat that was bare bones/ all business I would have had to wait a year to get it and it would have been as much if not more than my fully loaded 05 which was about to go down as a leftover. The biggest problem I see with "entry level" boats is that they are too expensive. Mastercraft tried it a few years ago,and Malibu is trying it now w/ Axis. Neither one of those boats are inexpensive by my standards (45k+). MC actually advertised the X1 @ $39,995 but no one seemed to ever have one in stock for that price.

   Moomba makes an entry level inboard for around 30k, but what's the first thing you think of when you hear that name?

When you think about the CC boats it kind of reminds me of the Chevy Corvette.

Base Model around 40k
Loaded version 90K.......come on,is there really that much technology in the loaded version to justify more than doubling the price? Manufacturers need to get their pricing back in line and stuff will sell.

Bruce, Thanks.

    Mike

2 days a week? Sounds like they're trying to stop the hemoraging. Wouldn't it suck if they got bought by another boat company.

Mike, (05210), you're boat is beautiful. Wakeboard boats have been great for the industry. The boat companies were scrapping by with just tourney boats until wake boats came along. I just think their line should have more to offer.

wow...great thread. I do think I read a post with tubbing by the Boat Dr.....just fell over in my chair!!!!!

I agree with most of the points made. I think what you are going to see...or already seeing...that in this economy a 50-75,000 dollar boat....car....or widget is not a priority for most if not all families.

I think i will just keep my 86, or trade for billy's I mean Karens boat!

Hold on guys in no way was I comparing a Bayliner to a CC. And the last thing I want to do is offend. I have been boating for 25 years. I must admit my ignorance of the CC history. I have always looked at CC as a top of the line boat. When you were saying they should build a entry level boat I never thought of CC like that. Kinda like Caddy or Lincoln building a metro or escort. IMO If CC wants to build a stripped down boat they should change the name like Supra/Moomba or Malibu/Axis. I see CC today as #1 in their market with the line currently being built. If they want to get into a different market I don't think they should try to add it to the high end line.

Mike, I slalom Ill let my little brother and cousin take my tow card behind your boat they kneeboard hah. I would drive it tho:).

Anywho just ideas. It wouldnt cost anthing to cheapin up a pre existing boat and they have nothing to loose so go for it.

Like I said the only thing motivating people to buy currently are deals.(deals:loaded boats for stripped prices). My family ownes a used car dealership and if the paper or trader puts a miss print about a year too new or a price to low the phones ring off the hook other than that business is hitt and miss.

   Billy, I read just fine thank you and my comments were not directed toward you personally.Sorry if you took it that way.
   I'm not saying they don't need to do something about sales.I'm saying that no matter what they do,there still may not be any buyers.I own a business and I am fully aware of what is happening with the struggling economy. I think it's great that you have ideas about what they can do to survive,but I think you totally missed my point.
   Buyers that have excess cash to spend on a boat in this economy aren't necessarily looking for price point boats.They are looking for loaded boats for stripped prices.Maybe this economic crisis will change peoples outlook on what they really need in a towboat, but until that happens I don't know if they'd sell. That's all I'm tryin to say.I'd be willing to bet that the average "new boating family" would walk into a dealer,look at a base model and still go buy a Bayliner because it has more features etc,even though it is a POS longterm. FWIW Correct Craft has a stripped model already.All they need to do is lower the price.
    Phatsat, thank you for the compliment on my boat.I never took from context that anyone thought they should stop making them.You are welcome to go for a pull anytime . For me ,it was the right boat at the right time for the right money.Simple as that.

   Mike