Tag Archives: March 2017

Winterization is pivotal for proper boat care in a seasonal climate. Equally important is getting boats out of winterization and ensuring they run smoothly for customers the first time they are ready to finally hit the water. Right now it’s time to get your shop ready and stocked now so you can meet those boaters’ needs. “Wintertime is the hardest ...

America’s growing love affair with saltwater fishing boats continues to blossom, as more and more consumers take the plunge and purchase a new fiberglass center console, dual console, walkaround or convertible. Fueled by innovative features, substantially improved fuel economy and overall ease of maintenance, the saltwater fishing category remains one of the brightest stars in the recreational boating constellation, continuing ...

Digital, events most useful marketing methods Digital marketing continues to be the go-to tactic for most companies in the boating industry. For the fourth year in a row, we surveyed the readers of our print and digital products about how they market their businesses. We surveyed dealers, service providers, manufacturers and others in January about how they marketed in 2016 ...

We often talk in the boating industry about reaching the “middle class” — that nebulously defined average American. But the Demand Institute is suggesting a new way of looking at consumers — one that makes a lot of sense, especially in a category like boating that is not need-based. In “Introducing the Connected Spender: The Digital Consumer of the Future,” ...

If you don’t see your service department as a profit center, it may be time to revisit the numbers. For many dealers, a service department provides a vital source of income during economic downturns – particularly this last one – by selling repowers, routine maintenance and more for existing customers who aren’t ready to upgrade their old boat just yet. ...

Do you spend money on advertising? Or, do you invest money in advertising? What’s the difference you say? In my book, “Marine Marketing Strategies,” I give the example of “brand building” versus what I call “results marketing.” The goal of traditional, image or brand building ads is to “get your name out there” and be “top of mind.” The idea ...

Longtime Top 100 dealer Cleveland Boat Center has been a part of the Tennessee boating community since 1972. But even for a dealer with a long history of success, it’s important to keep revamping and improving. In 2015, Cleveland Boat Center underwent major facility renovations and updates in order to create a more efficient process flow for the business. “This ...

Water sports, environment big focus of show As Europe’s largest boat show, boot Düsseldorf helps to set the agenda for boat shows throughout the rest of the year. Organizers of the show said the 2017 edition ended up drawing 242,000 attendees to see the latest technology and products. “boot is in great shape. There was a vibrant atmosphere in all ...