MPLS boat show this weekend

[mamohr686]

I was wondering if anyone made it out the the convention center yet to the boat show, and how was it? Any decent deals on a lund or alumacraft prostyle tiller?

[bassNspear]

it starts tonight. 5 pm

[Bigeye30"]

Heading up tonight with a friend, looking more at big water glass boats and river boats though.

[Central Bassman]

I'll be there sunday looking around and selling what kind of deal i can work

[Shorelunch]

I went to the show last night - here's my thoughts.

Lund did a very nice job on their glass boats. They have three models to counter Ranger (their 1860 Angler, 1850 Reatta, and their 620). They are priced competitively. Both Rapid Sports and Nelson have them.

It's very interesting to see how Crystal Pierz is targeting the market. Their floor space is mostly targeted to the recreational/family boaters as they try and bring the "up north experience" to the convention center. They have pine trees, a walking path, Ron Shara and chirping birds. No Crestliner fishing boats over 17' in their booth. It will be very interesting to see how they sell and market Triton boats in this market.

Looked at the new G3 boats. I wasn't impressed with the fit and finish. There were even a few Yarcrafts at the show. A lot of Merc/Verados on transoms, followed by Yammy, ETec's and Suzy's. I don't think I saw a Honda.

[bassNspear]

 Originally Posted By: Shorelunch

No Crestliner fishing boats over 17' in their booth.

incorrect information. Crystal Pierz is showing a 1800 Superhawk, and a 1850 Sportfish. The 1950 and 2150 sportfishes are still being built and on order to all the stores

[Shorelunch]

 Originally Posted By: Bass N Spear

 Originally Posted By: Shorelunch

No Crestliner fishing boats over 17' in their booth.

incorrect information. Crystal Pierz is showing a 1800 Superhawk, and a 1850 Sportfish. The 1950 and 2150 sportfishes are still being built and on order to all the stores

I was referring to fishing boats - such as the Fish Hawks and Tournament Series. They don't have a TS and nothing over 17' FH.

[polarsusd81]

I went last night after work and had a really hard time walking away from the Triton 177 at the CP display. I don't have enough money for a new boat right now, but in 3-4 years I am going to be in the market for a new, big rig. I still pick up all the literature I can incase I find a used boat I like for a good price, I can look back and read all the specs. That is one thing a lot of boat buyers don't do, and it could really help you out when it comes time to buy.

That Triton 17 eXplorer looks like a good boat for the money, but an upgrade to a 75 or 90 would be key in my opinion.

I also really like the new smaller Pro Guides from Lund. I personally prefer a tiller boat because if I am on the water without a fishing rod, somebody drugged me and is planning some sort of torture when I come to, and you can't beat the fishability of a tiller. The 2010 Predator is one sweet boat too, probably my dream boat.

Ahh, so many choices.

Note: It certainly seemed the pleasure boater market was represented better than the fishing market. Not my cup of tea obviously.

[fishinalot]

I was @ the show on Thursday and was impressed with the Lunds out of all the manufactures (for boats up to 18')

I like the livewells on the sides on the tiller models and Lund seem to be the only boat geared for the fisherman.

I was not to impressed with the Alumacrafts hulls or quality and the Crestliners do have a great boat, but a poor floor plan with alot of wasted space.

I got on the phone today and called around the state.

I've decided to go with a Lund and I'm getting a better deal from a dealer that is not at the show!

[bassNspear]

if anyone is there, stop by and see me. CP booth

[sparkyaber]

Bass, looked for you a little friday night, don't know what you look like, and everone seemed busy with something. (chatting with other salesmen, or texting on the cell phone, or talking with someone on the cell phone). I asked a young lady who approached me about you, she didn't recognize the name "Bass N Spear".

[Hester]

I saw ya there b n s, but i did not have time to chat, my wife was to busy looking at all pontoons for family recreation and such .

Note to self, next time leave the wife and kids at home.

How are the sales going this year with the tough economy?

Hester

[bassNspear]

thanks for stoping hester, makes me feel great LOL!!

Sales were down this years, which i can understand.

[Shorelunch]

 Originally Posted By: sparkyaber

Bass, looked for you a little friday night, don't know what you look like, and everone seemed busy with something. (chatting with other salesmen, or texting on the cell phone, or talking with someone on the cell phone). I asked a young lady who approached me about you, she didn't recognize the name "Bass N Spear".

That's one thing I don't understand. When you walk the show sometimes, it seems half the time salespeople are BSing with other salespeople, reps, pro-staff or checking out the "talent." When you approach them, I feel anyway, that you're bothering them.

With boat sales down and the expense of being at the show, you'd think that sales and customer service would be priority 1 and shooting the breeze should be after hours. It the same thing at the NW Sportshow for most of the tackle guys too. I don't get it.

[Ranckenstuff]

Shorelunch, I agree.

Here's what we encountered MULTIPLE times before we bought 2 boats from an organized, prepared, dealer and salesman:

"Price on this boat with a 75 tiller?"

Salesman: "Let me go get my price book"

No, Sorry, be prepared the first time, have pricing available to the customer, and don't act like its a "Hassle" to get pricing.

[mamohr686]

I went on sunday, and it was a good show. I did get the best prices on a lund pro-v 1800 tiller from nelson marine. They were $2000 under rapid marine. They also carry alumacraft had good prices on them. Since the model hasn't changed in 3 years I hope I can find a good used one before spring or else I'll most likely be going to Nelson. I also enjoyed talking to Frankie, from frankies marine. I can see why they are the number 1 ranger dealer in the world, awesome guys, and I'm starting to re-think my used boat choice might be ranger 618T. I learned a little about the new tiller steering systems, I really like the hydraulic aftermarket no feedback system. I cant think of the manufacturer now but it started with a t. Anyone know what I"m talking about?

[Ranckenstuff]

Titan steering

[LMITOUT]

 Originally Posted By: mamohr686

I also enjoyed talking to Frankie, from frankies marine. I can see why they are the number 1 ranger dealer in the world, awesome guys, and I'm starting to re-think my used boat choice might be ranger 618T.

Thats where I bought my boat, a 618T also. Great group to work with and you're exactly right, #1 dealer for a reason. I experienced the same things as mentioned earlier from another dealer (felt like I was supposed to apologize for just trying to buy a boat) so I took my business to Frankies where they acted like they wanted to sell you a boat and wasn't just another pain in the butt customer.

 Originally Posted By: mamohr686

I learned a little about the new tiller steering systems, I really like the hydraulic aftermarket no feedback system. I cant think of the manufacturer now but it started with a t. Anyone know what I"m talking about?

I'm guessing you're referring to the Merten's tiller steering system? They have a non-powered system now for smaller tillers engines that I have been thinking about putting on the 90HP. It's not bad to drive without, but I can see where it would be nice to have for longer runs in rough water.

[Mille Lacs Guy]

Mertens sold their patent and design to Mercury for the Hydraulic steering system, which is basically power steering. In talking with several people at the boat show it seems that many of the boat manufactures that have larger tiller boats (Yar Craft, Ranger in particular) have bought a stockpile of the Mertens system that they can put on any brand of outboard. Once these are gone Mercury will be the only motor that the hydraulic power steering system is available on. Mercury has invested significant money in their new tiller handle and the hydraulic steering system they purchased from Mertens.

The new system out is the Titan Steering system, which was developed by Tim Merten. It is basically a non-powered hydraulic steering system. I have used it and it works very well. Right now it is rated for motors up to 115 but the speculation is that it will eventually be re-rated for 150 hp. There is no need for a full power system for tiller under 90 HP, the Titan steering system will work.

If anyone has any other questions on either of these systems they can let me know.

[mamohr686]

That's right, it was the titan system. About 4 of the boats had them rigged up. It looks like a great system, I would have one on a 90hp tiller. The price I was quoted was $1500 installed on a boat, or $750 option with the purchase of a new boat from rapid marine. I was told mertens power steering system runs about $2500, and it's an assisted steering so you can run the tiller with 2 fingers if you wanted to.

[LMITOUT]

That would be for the larger tillers.