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You know what's coming, don't you? OK, I get it. Let's support the home team. I too am impressed that GM was able to produce an entirely new platform that [...]

The Internet has definitely evolved at a rapid rate since it was introduced but its progress is impeded by on-line congestion. The major problem is that its bandwidth can only handle so much stress despite rapid growth. Downloading data, especially graphics, can be a slow and tedious process for users. But despite these impediments to progress, the Internet has become an important advertising tool for the boating industry

High-performance servers will start using a new I/O architecture to boost performance without costing a fortune. Today's PC servers face ever-daunting demands on their resources. Beside traditional roles of file, […]

High-performance recreational fishing boats, which emerged in the 1990s, are bringing in good sales for manufacturers. These reasonably priced, power speed boats can go deep-sea fishing, allow the fishermen to quickly move to better fishing spots and can outrun bad weather even from deep waters. Manufacturers actively support fishing tournaments, where fishermen players display and test the boats, and provide the manufacturer with valuable technical feedback on how performance could be developed.

Boating supplies dealers can profit from a properly merchandised boating wear section. Dealers should display their nautical clothing items out front to generate sales. It is also important for dealers to differentiate to customers marine clothing and street wear. Furthermore, dealers are advised to change displays regularly to give adequate exposure to new and existing products. Dealers should also take time to bring buyers to the accessories department to generate future sales.

User conflict issues have led to the creation of several state regulations on the use of personal watercraft (PWC). The rules concern age limits, safety equipment, speed and proximity to private waterfront properties. Meanwhile, the PWC industry expressed its opposition to the granting of PWC regulatory rights to local authorities. Industry officials believe that this will lead to conflicting and confusing rules.

A closer look at how the microkernel and hardware abstraction services will strengthen Apple's upcoming OS. Copland Highlights Apple will release the OS in stages. Open Transport for networking is […]

Boat dealers and distributors tout direct mail as the most effective marketing tool. They stress that fliers, unlike other print and broadcast advertising, are usually inexpensive and can be custom-made for target customers. Furthermore, dealers and distributors can enter code-sharing agreements to offset mailing, graphic design, layout and printing costs. Aside from attracting new customers, direct marketing also enhances brand and company image.

Boating Industry magazine's dealer profile is aimed at highlighting those companies which excel in different management areas. In selecting these dealers, Boating Industry magazine solicited recommendations from boat manufacturers, trade organizations and the dealer community itself. A brief overview of these dealers and how they have remained competitive in today's business environment is presented.

The Internet is attracting many boat manufacturers and dealers to use it as a sales tool. Consultants, however, warn that the Internet is not for everyone. Factors such as price and availability determine the selling success of products on-line. Boat dealers should also be prepared to upgrade their systems when new technology arrives to remain competitive with other on-line retailers.

Inflatable boat sales in the country are increasing gradually despite their unenviable reputation in the recreational marine industry. This trend can be attributed to the customers' search beyond the traditional boating market and the affordability and versatility of inflatable boats. The use of innovative marketing schemes by many boat dealers also contribute to the growing demand for inflatable boats.

Center consoles ranging from 17 to 19 feet have become the fastest selling boats in the market. Dealers attribute their popularity to their versatility and ease of handling. Center consoles can be used not only for fishing but for skiing, diving, cruising and yacht tending, and allows ease of movement from bow to stern. They can be easily stored in a garage and driven anywhere from lakes to offshore.

Watercraft security systems are becoming increasingly popular with boat owners who want protection for their investment. However, the boat alarm concept is meeting some degree of resistance from people who do not want to think about the negative aspects of their pastime. Another factor is the fact that boat alarms typically cost up to three times the price of home or automotive security systems.

North Miami, FL-based Gulf Capital Corp. and St. Petersburg, FL-based Priority One Financial Services are the largest independent marine finance and insurance (F&I) out-servicing services in the country. They have handled a number of contracts for different boat dealerships and have helped the latter earn big profits from these outsourced F&I contracts. A major advantage of using these firms is the expertise they lend to the transaction. They also enable the dealer to concentrate on just selling the boat without being distracted of the details about financing.

Marine dealerships can boost their bottom lines by selling boat lifts. However, such an undertaking requires full committment to marketing and support. Among the factors to consider before adopting a boat lift line are the credibility of the contracting company, full service support and maintaining an adequate supply of replacement parts.

Marine dealers report that the time span between initial customer contact and the closing sale has lengthened considerably. This is because buyers are doing more product research than ever. Dealership personnel will therefore have to maintain communication with prospects while not becoming too pushy. A customer database is useful for such prospect follow-up activities.

Boat dealerships and marine accessories dealers can cash in on the growing market for marine audio systems. Dealers who have succeeded in this aftermarket sector believe that it is important to create an impression among customers that the dealer is seriously into the marine audio business by stocking up on a few high-end equipment and advertising them heavily. Boat dealers should also promote audio systems while selling boats.

Fierce competition compelled a boat, motor and accessory dealer to specialize in niche products that chain stores and catalog businesses do not carry. Boat Center Inc. of Savannah, GA, started to concentrate on special products when other stores set up shop nearby and considerably reduced its market share. In response, the dealer began to offer such products as engine parts, accessories, oil, and water ski equipment and related apparel.

Open, outboard-driven fiberglass boats 17 ft. or under in length have shown remarkably steady sales in the small saltwater boat market. Price sensitive and value conscious buyers nowadays are attracted by the simplicity and versatility of these small boats. Small saltwater boats have also replaced the used boat as the premier entry-level boat while dealers are finding out that they can be stepping stones to selling bigger boats.

TABULAR DATA OMITTED Research analyst: A good starting point The research analyst shares many of the concerns of those above him or her. This year's research analyst earns about 20 [...]

The corporate profiles of the top ten boat dealers for 1993 are presented. A description of the facilities, personnel complement and product lines of each company is provided. In addition, sales figure each company are broekn down into component to indicate the market specialization of each firm. The companies' sales and management strategies are also discussed.

The lowly jon boat has a lot of good qualities despite being a seemingly unattractive watercraft. A jon boat has a fairly reasonable price and is also economical to operate. It is versatile, light, roomy and will carry a good-sized load. Furthermore, it can be transported over land easily and is ideal for fishing. For boatbuilders, selling jons is enjoyable beacause of their simplicity. But the bottom line is that the jon boat gets people on the water and creates avid long-term customers.

The responsibility of the board of directors of rural electric cooperatives to choose the most qualified general managers becomes more important as far-reaching changes grip the electric distribution industry. To reach on informed decision, members must bestow total commitment, preparation and hard work. During the selection process, they should take into account such factors as location, size, growth rate, load distribution, competition, strengths, weaknesses and needs of the organization. They should also take note of the potential pitfalls in this activity. The stumblingblocks to be avoided include being influenced by the retiring manager and political pressures, limiting the help-wanted advertising to the area newsprint, hiring the cheapest person, foregoing the task of reviewing the background of an applicant and being closed-minded. Guidelines on what to do when vacancies occur are provided., The electric distribution industry is constantly changing and boards of directors across the nation are facing an ever-increasing rate of turnover in top management. Hiring a qualified general manager to [...]

Insurance for a marine business should be applied for more carefully or what happened to Gateway Marine in Florida City might happen again. After the devastation caused on company by Hurricane Andrew, its insurer did not award his insurance claim because the it said the boats were repairable and should be done through the manufacturer's warranty. It is therefore advised that marine business owners should verse himself with the help of company lawyers and honest insurance agents in choosing an insurance carrier.

The fishing boat segment of the boating industry is the lone standout in terms of sales. The offshore cuddy, a boat featuring an enclosed cabin which permits complete walkaround fishability, has been prefered by most offshore fishermen over perennial favorite, center console. The 20-30-ft-size cuddies have experienced brisk sales because of their designs. The versatility of cuddies also allows them to be used in water activities other than fishing.