Boat Show at Jack London Sq.

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MisterBK

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Anybody know how this year's Sail/Power Boat show is going? I wonder if there's much activity or attendance. It looked like there sere a lot of vendors this time, more than last time.

The $10 fee per person was a bit much for me to pay to check things out, but I was just sent some free admission tix by the Jack London Square people. I guess they see the need to entice more folks to their location.
 
Most boat show vendors also provide free/discount tickets. You just have to ask....
 
I am also curious how the show is going. We take Amtrak down there from Sacramento and make a day of it.
 
Trains, boats and Jack London Square....what a great combination!!!!
 
I went on Sunday, had free tickets. Almost NO vendors, maybe 3? Lots of Sailboats, a few powerboats. Not worth the gas to drive to and I don't live far!

Heard that MarineMax is going out of business 9/19. They had no Searays at the show. All California locations closing.

I guess that's it for any new boat dealers.
 
While I don't especially like seeing any boat business crumble, I won't much miss MarineMax. I think their approach of glitz, glamor, & gung-ho is a significant cause of the widespread dislike of the owners of their main product line. They used the wrong approach and attracted the wrong people for the sport of recreational boating, and it's not surprising that their testosterone-fueled "fight club" buyers have totally deserted them. Likewise, it's not surprising that such a high-flying outfit lacked the reserves to survive a periodic recession.

Good riddance.

(And a word of advice to former MarineMax salespeople: Find a new line of work. The surviving boat sellers want people who know boats and boating--your skills at evaluating and cultivating potential buyers by recognizing their particular Rolex and schmoozing about their latest marble bathroom remodel and four-figure shoe purchases won't be of much value. Maybe the Ferrari dealerships in Florida and Texas will recover soon enough to consider your resume. If not, try a high-end dealer's used car lot--their approach is one you're accustomed to.)
 
Wow! Based on boater3500's review, maybe we will pass. Thanks for the heads up.
 
Thanks for the info, Boater3500. A far cry from the vendor list & booth layout on their website. It's a "pass" for me, too.
 
Rinker boats are still in business. There is a dealer on Bethel Island. A good value boat IMHO.
 
Pacific Boat Center

They used to be located on the right side of the road before the BI bridge, but due to the construction, they relocated to the other side of the bridge and to the left behind the Jugs (former Boathouse) restaurant.

Hopefully, for their sake, it is a temporary location. It is not very visible and is easy to miss.

They only had four Rinkers in stock when we recently drove by the place and according to their website, they are all non-currents.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boater3500

I went on Sunday, had free tickets. Almost NO vendors, maybe 3? Lots of Sailboats, a few powerboats. Not worth the gas to drive to and I don't live far!

Heard that MarineMax is going out of business 9/19. They had no Searays at the show. All California locations closing.

Click to expand...


Yeah, another joke of a show. A buddy of mine is a dealer and gave me some freebies. Even though we had the freebies and were able to park for free on the road near the tracks, the show was still a rip-off!

A total waste of time!

As mentioned, lots of blow-boats. More used boats than new. Maybe 60 or so total...

The knuckleheads at the NCMA are blowing it big-time. $10 for a lousy show. I guess they don't read the papers. The economy is in the toilet and they still insist on making folks fork over $10 to get in...

I guess they still want to make their $100K a year salary while the few exhibitors that are left sit there twiddling their thumbs at a show that nobody is going to.

Real good dealer association support... [:-boggled]

I'm sure they will cancel the January show again like they did last January. [:-cry]

Yeah, Marine Max is pulling the plug. The morons in charge will now be refering their customers to the AZ and CO stores for service!

I feel for their customers that just recently purchased new boats from them. If you just spent $200K on a new boat, how would you like to be told that you have to call a place in AZ or CO to arrange for service?

What a nightmare!

Hopefully, Sea Ray can sign a reputable dealer for the NorCal territory that is concerned more about their customers satisfaction than just collecting their 40% profit on the deal and then running away...

X2 on the good riddence...
 
quote:
Originally posted by BayTrawlerGuy

Likewise, it's not surprising that such a high-flying outfit lacked the reserves to survive a periodic recession.

Good riddance.

Click to expand...


That is what happens when you build a business based on financed money.

Add a bunch of morons at the helm to that and going belly-up is the result.

No great loss though... (well, except for the few hard working, good emplyees that they had scattered throughout their stores. I do feel sorry for them.)

The rest, pffftt!
 
quote:
Originally posted by jmeirhofer

What is the name of the Rinker dealer?

Click to expand...


Pacific Boat Center. They have moved to Taylor Rd on the island, just past Tugs Bar & Grill.

(925) 684-3510
http://www.pwrboat.com/

I know Matt, the owner. This is a permanent location. He purchased about ten acres for his new location.

No dealers can afford to stock much inventory in these conditions. However, he has boats in the water for sale as well as those in his yard.

I bought my boat from him 18 yrs ago.....

He is honest, customer oriented and very knowledgeable. Have a chat with him!
 
Thanks BAB.

I nearly bought a Sea Ray from the MarineMax dealer in Sac last winter. Several things kept me from completing the deal not the least of which that me and my wife felt insulted by the salesperson. In the end it turn me away from wanting a Sea Ray period.
 
I have been a contributing member of this group for three years. Some of you know me, Dave Witte for example. However, I own a Sea Ray - a big one. We are not all bad, particularly those with the larger boats. I have my issues with those in the boats under 28 feet that should not be on the water but they include the other brands as well. My comments do not include the resentment from the space that we take up with anchorages. However, we do spend an extra three days on the water putting the site together. Please direct all hate e-mail to me as a PM

Bill
 
Bill,

I don't think anyone was spewing hate at SeaRay owners, it was towards the Marine Max management and the attitude that they put forward. However a certain club never fails to arouse a little angst around here and on the water, but we all know the issues and there's no need to stir the pot again.

BTW, we'll be out in Mildred Island this weekend hosting our club for Margarita Madness; stop by if you're in the neighborhood. Nice boaters are always welcome regardless of what they're piloting ;-)
 
Bill, it wasn't "hate speech", it was a valid comment on attitudes and ignorance I've encountered. (I really detest the practice of labeling any speech critical of something you like as "hate speech"--we only get to resolution of ANY issue when we stop claiming that people who disagree with us do so only because they "hate" us. Frankly, it's worse than playing the race card, especially when the problems referred to are widespread, widely known, and generally obnoxious.)

And as for "size matters", I own a trawler. It hasn't been the wakes of the "under 28 feet" boats that have spilled my wine and stained my cushions.

I confirmed that MM of Oakland is closing this month--boat sales closing immediately, parts/accessories/maintenance within the next two weeks. I can only hope that fewer irresponsible owners will be attracted to boating in the future. And no, Bill, I'm not talking about you. You're clearly a responsible boater. (But if you feel the need to do something irresponsible, MarineMax Corporation has just announced an new stock offering set to raise $18 million--which might just get them to Halloween.)

BTG
 
I meant no offense and none was taken. I am as intolerant of the rude and ignorant as are you.

Dave, we are taking a look at Tinsley Island and, time permitting, we will steam on over to your location shortly after lunch.

I will pass on the Marine Max stock. I hope nobody is silly enought to fall for it. BTW, the reference to "hate mail" was an attempt at levity.

Bill
 
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