SeaRay and Regal

For what it’s worth, I've purchased two new Regals over the last 4 years, from two different dealers. On the first one, although I was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans I was treated like somebody that they really cared about. They didn't know me from Adam but a knowledgeable sales rep answered all my questions, went over the boats that I was interested in and put together a quote. After about a month of calling back and forth, sea trials, etc., we struck a deal and I couldn't have been happier. I also looked at SeaRay’s at MM and was treated completely different, we didn't even get past first base. I decided on VP power, I do my own service and found that the simple routine things on the Merc are a real pain, mainly the hard to service sea-water pumps, the upside down oil filter and the fuel pump/cooler on the bottom of the engine. I've had 5 Mercs and 2 VP's, the VP''s have been great to work with and are my favorite by far.
 
Unprofessionalism and poor sales skills aren't limited to just a few mfr's or brokers. After boarding 100 or so boats this week, I'm once again left wondering, "how does this industry survive?"

There were a few exceptions, and of course, my impression of those boats was elevated. As we approached the Cabo display, the rep at the podium was rude as she told me that I'd have to complete a form to get past her. Nuh-uh. Not here. Not with this many options. I hope her boss saw us turn around.

5 Minutes later, we received a warm welcome at the Formula podium. Giving information was optional, and our first impression was that Formula "gets it". Is it a co-incidence that some in our party are now seriously considering a brand-new Formula? (NO)

Hatteras, SeaRay, Lazarra, and Marquis split the difference. They required registration, but they kept our information from past visits and omitted the attitude.

One of my more memorable experiences was with an incompetant broker. I boarded a used 48DA, and he asked where I do my boating. When I told him "Great Lakes", his reply was, "oh, the season is too short and there are too many bugs". Ok moron, that was the WRONG answer. The correct answer, whether sincere or not, would've sounded more like, "oh, nice".

Insulting my home? Are you kidding?

I tried to salvage the moment by complimenting him on the condition of the 9 year old boat next to us. He came back with instant defensiveness and said, "NOT ALL BOATS IN FLORIDA LOOK BAD". I started to plan my exit. I also wondered where his boss was.
 
For what its worth, I am finding there are alot of poor salesman out there in all lines and all dealerships. Most dont know the competition and all feel theres is the best. I went to 4 shows in the last 6 weeks trying to buy a used 460 Sundancer and cant even get someone to call me back. Because I have a trade they dont want to bother. I ended up trading my boat for a 4460 IPS Regal. I had been looking for a 460 dancer because SeaRay made so many boats that there is a huge supply on the used market. Because of that, all of those 460 dancers are competing against themselves and prices have dropped like a bomb. SeaRay has bitten themselves in the backside by producing so many. They have one of the highest mark ups in the marine industry and therefor when you go to trade the boat its not worth anything. Dealers are putting new boats in there showrooms that they buy for less than what trades are bringing. So that means you paid to much in the beginning. As far as SeaRay vs. Regal, both are great boats it comes to personal preference and price. I saved 150k by buying a Regal and it has more options than the 44 dancer. I have looked at every model in this class and Regal can match up to any of them. Also there are not many on the used market so they will sell later. Regal is a small family owned bus. They are more interested in building a good quality boat and taking care of their buyers than Searay{Brunswick ) who only care about numbers.
 
I think Regal is really OK, really. Always consider dealer support for any boat, especially new, in warranty etc.
The big Regal dealer in Jacksonville FL just packed up and left! Building taken over by another marine entity entirely. Different people, different brands. I think I'd be unhappy with a boat that was at least locally an orphan.
That said, there are probably SR owners who wish MM WOULD leave!
 
MM will be around for a long time. Brunswick, who builds SeaRay has alot invested in them. Saying that, MM's stock has taken a tumble. They will only survive because of Brunswick reinvesting in them.
There are a few MM dealers in our area and they are no better than anyone else. Some of the sales people I have talked to at the boat shows dont have alot of experience, some dont even know their own product.
 
Van, I agree with you 100% about the quality and competence of the sales forces out there, but I take a different view about supply vs. demand.

I too have been shopping for 460DA's, going on (I hate to admit it) about 6 years now.

True, SeaRay produces a LOT of boats. There was a demand, so SeaRay met it by building and selling boats. I doubt any exec or stockholder would fault them for that. Saying they sold too many boats at a high markup sounds like my favorite Yogism: "No-one goes there anymore because it's too crowded"

:)

A legit scenario of your theory is the Big 3 dumping thousands of mediocre and slow-selling cars into the rental fleets. History has proven that resale value takes an otherwise avoidable hit.

I've been watching prices and sales of big, used SeaRays closely for some time now, and demand and prices are still surprisingly high and proportional to the market supply. (especially considering that real-estate can't be given away right now)

There are some exceptions. I'm not sure what vintage 460 you were looking for, but I have repeatedly seen '99 and '00 examples sit while '01 and newer models get snatched up. Engine choices, hard-top, galley porthole and coring strategy etc. can help explain some of the difference. Not to mention that the newer, more expensive boats generally appeal to a more financially secure buyer.
 
quote:
Originally posted by van lafermine

MM will be around for a long time. Brunswick, who builds SeaRay has alot invested in them.

Click to expand...


Actually, MM has a lot invested in Brunswick. GeeBee has all the details but it involves stock, contract breach and potential bankruptcy.

If MM continues their current trend in all aspects from sales to service to bullshat, the consumer coupled with information from sites like this will see that they go out of business.
 
I have to tell you guys...
I have been in the market for a Sundancer for aboout 4 years. Since then I have enjoyed my Cobalt 263 ( a great boat). I met and formed a relationship with a local (Sommers Point NJ) MM salesman... He has been awsome. Giving me comp tickets for all boat shows in the last 4 years without any attute whatsoever. I actually started to feel bad because im such a picky buyer and wont settle for anything less than a great deal.
I could have bought a boat from anyone. Private or dealer. Earl took my trade and gave me a fair price. Found me a real clean 04 320 Sundancer with 6.2s and loaded... Just what I was looking for and at a price that was better than I expected...Not to mention the 1 year warranty and the piece of mind having them behind you if you need it.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Julian04

I have to tell you guys...
I have been in the market for a Sundancer for aboout 4 years. Since then I have enjoyed my Cobalt 263 ( a great boat). I met and formed a relationship with a local (Sommers Point NJ) MM salesman... He has been awsome. Giving me comp tickets for all boat shows in the last 4 years without any attute whatsoever. I actually started to feel bad because im such a picky buyer and wont settle for anything less than a great deal.
I could have bought a boat from anyone. Private or dealer. Earl took my trade and gave me a fair price. Found me a real clean 04 320 Sundancer with 6.2s and loaded... Just what I was looking for and at a price that was better than I expected...Not to mention the 1 year warranty and the piece of mind having them behind you if you need it.

Click to expand...


Your situation represents the minority.
 
Maybe you should start looking at the glass 1/2 full instead of 1/2 empty..lol
Marine Max has always treated me well and they will get my buisiness until they prove otherwise
 
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