Thurston's Marine

[paugusbay]

Just heard over the weekend they lost their Cobalt dealership.

[AC2717]

Just spoke with the Marina,
did not disclose with them that I would post something so I will just confirm that they and Cobalt decided to part ways due to contract negoiations and
what VT steve has just posted: "Dealers are under immense stress with floorplan rates being ridiculously high, boat prices rising at a time when the economy is still soft, and makers unable to produce a fraction of what they used to."
Something to the tune of Cobalt wanting them to sell at least twice as many boats next year as this year

[Tank151]

Goodhue Hawkins is now listed as a distributor of Cobalt Boats.

Premier Marine Group - Goodhue & Hawkins
244 Sewall Road
PO Box 853
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire 03894
Phone (603) 569-2371
Fax (603) 569-3728
General Magement steve@goodhueandhawkins.com
Sales brian@goodhueandhawkins.com
Service dan@goodhueandhawkins.com
goodhueandhawkins.com

Tank

[GTO]

Originally Posted by AC2717

Just spoke with the Marina,
did not disclose with them that I would post something so I will just confirm that they and Cobalt decided to part ways due to contract negoiations and
what VT steve has just posted: "Dealers are under immense stress with floorplan rates being ridiculously high, boat prices rising at a time when the economy is still soft, and makers unable to produce a fraction of what they used to."
Something to the tune of Cobalt wanting them to sell at least twice as many boats next year as this year

I just heard from a very reliable source that the owner of East Coast Flightcraft on Rte 104 will be an official Cobalt dealer, but he is looking for a new location around the lake

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by GTO

I just heard from a very reliable source that the owner of East Coast Flightcraft on Rte 104 will be an official Cobalt dealer, but he is looking for a new location around the lake

See post#59 above?

and this on the Cobalt site

http://www.cobaltboats.com/v11/your_...3246&group=pmg

[sea_n_ski]

When I brought my deal with ECFC for my Cobalt to Thurstons they couldn't come within $20K of it (including trade). I couldn't understand why anyone would buy a Cobalt from them at that price difference. My bet was they just couldn't move enough boats. Danny probably sells more Cobalts on the Lake from his Middleton, MA location then Thurston did in the Wiers. I know a number of people who opted to go down to MA for their Cobalt. They also sell them up in ME as well. Their service is expensive, but they provide quality work. They will do really well on the lake. I personally am glad they are finally here.

[Resident 2B]

Two plus years ago, I decided I needed a bigger boat. I narrowed it down to a Cobalt 282 or a Sea Ray 270 SLX. I started shopping around and got a great price from ECFC on the Cobalt, $18,000 less than the price from Thurston's, a place that I had been storing and servicing my ex-boat with for several years over the winter. I tried to work with Thurston's because of the excellent relationship I had with them, but they would not lower their price at all.

I did not want to get into a situation where I purchased a Cobalt from ECFC and needed service on the lake from Thurston's, so I ended up buying the Sea-Ray and I have been very happy with it, so far. However, I really wanted the Cobalt. I could walk to Thurston's in 5 minutes, so I wanted to buy from them.

With that experience, I can understand why Thruston's is no longer in the Cobalt business. I beileve they do excellent service work, but they lost me as a customer.

R2B

[VtSteve]

Some dealers have such a good, diverse business, they don't rely as much on top margin for their boat sales. Being right on the lake has it's advantages as well. But one of the hallmarks of any good dealer is service. If a dealer for any make of car or boat is tough to deal with because you bought elsewhere, they're not a good dealer IMO. As with cars, I'd rather have a happy service customer than none at all.

It appears some have the perception that Thurstons is not good to deal with unless you bought new from them.

[robmac]

I have purchases two new boats from Thurstons in the past. I can say ( being in the auto business ) I am not the easiest when it comes down to the bottom line price. In my dealings with Jeff I found them to be both fair and upfront. Service was both prompt and efficient,all in all very satisfied. I no longer slip my boat there simply because I wanted to get out of dealing with the channel. I should mention I am not related or affiliated with them other than being a satisfied customer for many years. When shopping you should keep in mind that different dealers have varied costs ie,what the per square ft costs are for their facility which will change what you pay as well as floorplan for in stock inventory.

[winni4ever]

After just being layed off from a local marinal on the west side of the lake, I probably have some answers that may answer a lot of people's questions , startle some folks and maybe do a little more looking before buying a new boat on the lake in the next year.
To start, Thurston's probably has one of the best reputations on the lake for sales and service. In my brief encounters in passing thru the years, they do a very credible job. Much to their credit and not known by all, they were honored ny Cobalt Boats in 2009 for having the highest CSI score in the region, the US and the entire worldwide dealer network. The highest honor anyone could receive. In case anyone did not know, the family that owned Cobalt boats for 40 years sold off over 50% of the company to a private equity firm, Rosewood Equity back in 2008. Anyboby in this economy knows that equity firms are in a position to take over companies, seat members on the board, pump up the number of boats produced and flip the company with inflated sales figures. Cobalt's national sales manager, no name given, is walking into 20 + yr Cobalt dealers and telling them that they have to buy an outrageous amount of inventory...more than they had ever sold in 20 years... in this economy....and if they didn't like it , see ya later. Thurstons look to have taken the smart route and said see ya.

As for East Coast Flightcraft, they are NOT a marina on the lake with full marina services and a tax bill to pay for waterfront property. They operate out of a steel building landlocked in Middleton Mass and an old wooden building in Meredith not even on the water. No wonder his prices are cheaper..no services to offer. For years, they have been launching boats that they sell at Googhue and Hawkins in wolfeboro even though they are NOT supposed to sell out of their territory. Now comes the good part, Goodhue and Hawkins is now listed as the Cobalt dealer as they were snookered into a deal with ECFC to sell off his inventory if ECFC was allowed to use their facilities.
It gets better, in 2007, ECFC became a Formula boat dealer for Massachusetts called Boats of Boston , renting space from Danversport Yacht Club in danvers Mass...again no taxes or real estate to own. They have been selling Formula's the same way using Goodhue Hawkins as a lauch ramp... great service.
Now, to no one's surprise, Lakeport Landing is NO LONGER a FORMULA dealer on the lake any longer. Formula Boats has been calling local marinas looking for a new dealer..... And it goes on, Monterey boats is calling marinas looking for a new dealer. What happened to Shep Brown's /?? And now Channel Marine has lost Crownline boats right after they come out of bankruptcy and Crownline is moving to Winnisquam Marine. What happen to four Winns that they sell?

And as of last weekend, as much as I hate RUMORS,Irwin Marine is about to announce something big..!!!! Could it be they are buying Lakeport?? One could only speculate. Wouldn't surprise anyone at this point.

My only reason for this post is to advice the general public to beware of all these boat builders and the games they re playing with all the local Marinas

[ishoot308]

winni4ever;

Eye opening to say the least! You have definitely have an inside track on the situation and bring up some very valid points. I appreciate you sharing the info.

Dan

[gf2020]

I wouldn't read too much in to Winnipesaukee area dealers changing their boat product lines. With all of the upheaval in the boating industry in the past three years, we will continue to see a general consolidation of brands and dealers in the near term.

At any rate, I suspect the vast majority of boats in the area were actually purchased elsewhere and brought to the lake. Heck, I actually purchased my boat from a Winnipesaukee dealer but I keep it in Boston Harbor.

As for dealers like East Coast Flightcraft being located inland with no on-water presence, that is a pretty common business model. Russo Marine in Medford, MA, is not on the water but that does not prevent them from selling a lot of Sea Ray and Boston Whaler boats. Likewise for New England Correct Craft in Rochester, NH, for their product lines, or numerous other boat dealers across the region.

[VtSteve]

The boat makers, particularly the "new" owners of bankrupt brands, have definitely taken a different approach this year. The dealers are probably in about the worst positions possible in decades. If you don't have big bucks and capital, it will be a rough road indeed.

It's especially surprising that Cobalt would now require a large inventory, being a relatively small builder. My dealer won awards for CSI and was a top 100 dealer as well. Worst dealer experience in my life, and many others share the same feeling, as does the manufacturer

Floor plan costs are sky high now, with limited competition. Capital is key. Boat makers are holding all the cards now, and want maximum profit on bare bones costs. Dealers don't have much choice or say. Customers will have fewer choices as to good service and brand availability, not to mention model choice.

These things go in cycles, and this was a particularly bad one.

[Lakeport Landing Marina]

Definition of rumor - A statement or opinion widely disseminated and alleged to be true though its veracity is unconfirmed.

After reading these posts and several others, we are amazed at how quickly negative hearsay can spread. Forums were originally established to be the modern equivalent of a traditional bulletin board and not a venue for gossip, individual’s opinions or someone’s soap box. It’s a shame how some people in society abuse, misunderstand and misconstrue the meaning behind our first amendment.

So it’s been a few days and the Purchase and Sale Agreement from Irwin Marine to buy Lakeport Landing never showed up. We waited patiently and thought perhaps they changed their minds…or wait…may be it was just a rumor??? At this point I think it’s safe to say Irwin’s “big announcement” may have been their annual tent sale…Surprised???

To anyone who may be curious enough to ask or obtuse enough to believe the “rumors,” let us confirm from the original source that Lakeport Landing Marina is here to stay. We have worked too hard for too long to give up now and our employees and customers mean far too much to us to let these types of rants go unnoticed. We appreciate the continued support of everyone who has worked with us and for us and look forward to many more years of continued service.

To our fellow marina owners on Lake Winnipesaukee who we have known and cared about for many years, we hope that you are having a prosperous and rewarding summer and look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you,
Lakeport Landing Marina

[sunsationdave]

From what i hear from formula. Lakeport is no longer a formula dealer parts/repair only. formula is looking for another dealer on the lake.I would like to see shep browns/ thurstons/ silver sands get the formula line or irwin
mabye goodhue/hawkins/ecfc will get it . we will find out soon

[VtSteve]

Good to know you're still going strong Lakeport. My family did business with you, let's just say, decades ago

The Thurston's "rumor" was apparently true. Someone with one post only started a rumor about Lakeport no longer being a Formula dealer. I take that to be Untrue? Obviously, you squashed the Irwin buying Lakeport rumor.

Maybe your fellow marina owners can come here and squash whatever other rumors need to be squashed in that single post.

[sunsationdave]

Talked to a formula rep today. Lakeport will no longer be selling new formula boats. parts/service only. formula is looking for a new marina on winni to sell formula boats . We will all know soon who it will be . I want to order a new
350fx

[robmac]

Thanks LLM,didn't think a successful and profitable business would sell during these financial times. Just didn't make any sense.

[BroadHopper]

I have dealt with LLM since the 60's. It does not surprise me that certain SL supporters will start rumors and give 'speed merchants' a bad name.

Here to LLM. I hope they will be around for another 50 years!

[BroadHopper]

Tonight just before 8 PM. A Thurston's Marine rental bowrider cruised right by me as I was heading into the Weirs Channel. The boat at above wake speed traveled down the channel to the marina. Circled around outside the marina cutting off another boat in the channel. Looks like he was supposed to return by eight and didn't make it?

Just because he was late does not give him permission to violate the laws of the State of NH.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Tonight just before 8 PM. A Thurston's Marine rental bowrider cruised right by me as I was heading into the Weirs Channel. The boat at above wake speed traveled down the channel to the marina. Circled around outside the marina cutting off another boat in the channel. Looks like he was supposed to return by eight and didn't make it?

Just because he was late does not give him permission to violate the laws of the State of NH.

Hi BH,
Not bashing you in anyway, but you cannot and I do not think you are, blame the dealership for this person's actions on the lake, i think it was stated before, that this would be like blaming enterprise or Avis or a car rental place for the actions of what their renters are doing, much like them, the boat dealership takes on a huge risk, liability wise, property wise, and obviously name wise, when renting a boat

Now LLM, please tell us that it is not so and the rumor is false about the Formula Franchise

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by AC2717

Hi BH,
Not bashing you in anyway, but you cannot and I do not think you are, blame the dealership for this person's actions on the lake, i think it was stated before, that this would be like blaming enterprise or Avis or a car rental place for the actions of what their renters are doing, much like them, the boat dealership takes on a huge risk, liability wise, property wise, and obviously name wise, when renting a boat

I agree. My point is, Boat Renters should take the full boater's safety course, not grant a temporary one. Does Hertz or Avis grant temporary license to those who rent thier vehicles?????

Why does Brad Thurston thinks it is funny whenever he hears a story about his renters???

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I agree. My point is, Boat Renters should take the full boater's safety course, not grant a temporary one. Does Hertz or Avis grant temporary license to those who rent thier vehicles?????

Why does Brad Thurston thinks it is funny whenever he hears a story about his renters???

I would imagine because he's laughed at some of their boating behavior and it provides entertainment (and $$$) for him. This is the same business that wanted to calm the lake down because it was hurting his rental business?

Personally, I think that the advent of available rentals the last several years is a great thing. However, in the interest of safety for the entire lake, it might be time to think about banning the rentals of boats on the lake.

That may sound harsh, but many people live in fear of the renters, and for good reason. I think it's time to shut down the business for the good of the entire lake.

[AC2717]

While this might be a good idea, and I stress might, and i would like stats and factual data to support this, much like everythign else, I do not think it is a good think to further cut a source of income from local business at this time

Not that I am protecting the renters, but people that have a full boating course under their wings, as well as multiple years of boating expereince are often doing the same things

Saw plenty of it last weekend behing govenors with boats speeding up to pass boats in front of them and as much as waiting to come off plan inbetween the sand bar adn the bridge just to beat others under the bridge.

Besides who is to stop someone from renting a boat somewhere else is bringing it up to the lake

In this case i take it upon my self to be cautious around rental boats, infact having the boat with the advertising on it makes it easier to point them out and stay away, it is that simple, actually makes it easier then the person with their own boats that does the same stuff

Also probably the reason that it is a discussion hear, because the boat is visabily identifiable makes it an easy target, take the ads of the boat, bet you would have a hard time figuring who is who

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by VtSteve

However, in the interest of safety for the entire lake, it might be time to think about banning the rentals of boats on the lake.

I think that is kind of extreme and short-sighted. Just get rid of the "day pass" try-as-much-as-you-like boaters exam. The problem isn't with rental boats, pre-se, it's with people who have no business operating them.

[Formula]

Originally Posted by Lakeport Landing Marina

Definition of rumor - A statement or opinion widely disseminated and alleged to be true though its veracity is unconfirmed.

After reading these posts and several others, we are amazed at how quickly negative hearsay can spread. Forums were originally established to be the modern equivalent of a traditional bulletin board and not a venue for gossip, individual’s opinions or someone’s soap box. It’s a shame how some people in society abuse, misunderstand and misconstrue the meaning behind our first amendment.

So it’s been a few days and the Purchase and Sale Agreement from Irwin Marine to buy Lakeport Landing never showed up. We waited patiently and thought perhaps they changed their minds…or wait…may be it was just a rumor??? At this point I think it’s safe to say Irwin’s “big announcement” may have been their annual tent sale…Surprised???

To anyone who may be curious enough to ask or obtuse enough to believe the “rumors,” let us confirm from the original source that Lakeport Landing Marina is here to stay. We have worked too hard for too long to give up now and our employees and customers mean far too much to us to let these types of rants go unnoticed. We appreciate the continued support of everyone who has worked with us and for us and look forward to many more years of continued service.

To our fellow marina owners on Lake Winnipesaukee who we have known and cared about for many years, we hope that you are having a prosperous and rewarding summer and look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you,
Lakeport Landing Marina

I am glad that you are here to stay on the lake. Are you still the manufacturers rep for formula? I have looked on line with formula and the nearest dealer is in NY??
Please confrim that you are still formula's number one dealer
Thanks