Ask many small business owners in the marine industry how they study trends in their market and you’ll hear a similar answer. Whether it be dealers, manufacturers, marinas or others that touch the water, all too often the answer is some variation on “We talk to our customers” or “We’re on the lake every weekend.” While certainly important, anecdotal evidence ...

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. ...