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Does the pleasure boat industry have it right when it comes to helping boaters with training and education?
Boat Nut Media is in the process of creating new training programs and a web based show by boaters for boaters. Based on the new technology such as fly by wire, joy stick control and much more. The question is do we know were getting it right for the consumer? The only way to know is to receive boaters valuable input. This will let us know who we need to partner with, how much, what information and hands on training you would like to see. Should we be looking for enough sponsorship to try for a partially funded program, or would you pay for a program designed to give you the best theory and practical information available.I have other questions about our industries interaction with boaters. I have been apart of the boating industry in a variety of roles and achieving many industry certifications for the last thirty plus years. Here are some of my issues with the information and services provided to boaters today. I'd like to know, what are your thoughts?
Are these boat reviews we see and read really supposed to educate the consumer?
On the weekend I watched an episode of Power Boat TV, where they completed a review on a used 260 Regal. Well if you want to call it a review, A review of any product must be honest, it doesn't have to be overly harsh unless it is really a failure on all levels ( performance, design, layout etc.). I am fed up with 2 or 3 min commercials telling you to take a look at the product as a real option (what ever that is supposed to mean).I consider myself a gear head, I like anything with a motor if you are the same I am sure you appreciate "Top Gear" one of the worlds most watched programs and they are all around honest. So honest that some manufacturers will no longer give them cars to drive. This is accepted because most of the cars they test are worth over fifty thousand dollars but wait what is your boat worth don't you think you should be able to get the same unbiased information about your next boat purchase, wouldn't that be refreshing?
Do not just review the boats design and layout, throw in a little "Leno's Garage" drive them all. Give us all the facts price range, how many were manufactured, warranty issues on file, changes that were made in the production run, fuel burn, insurance and LOA so dock fees can be calculated. Drive the boat in multiple sea conditions let us access how the boat handles the water, this is what a boat is made to do is it not? We all don't want dock jewelry. Give the consumer a genuine idea of what the boat being reviewed is really about and what and where the flaws are, let the consumer decide if they want this boat to be an option.
Service, oh that word that strikes anger in many boaters and why not. What a range of prices and where are the guarantees. Lets talk about our own type of "Angie's List" created regionally and based on real experiences. Who's good, on time, fair and backs up the work after. Not just that but where to get custom service requirements if not available in your area. In the case of canvas we never think of tapping the boat builder as an option. Particularly if you are just doing a factory replacement. I wonder why?
Marine Surveys another hot topic, do you know what is required to become a surveyor you maybe surprised to learn. Do they have any real obligation if they are way off. Remember the house inspector nonsense from years gone by (does the surveyor have your interest or the broker or sellers interest). Also insurance adjustors are they trained, do they know what they are looking at. Are you at the mercy of the repair facility. Tell us have you had a bad experience, or perhaps you have a great honest surveyor you use. What makes them so great? New boaters really need to know and should never buy any boat without having an expert take a look, I have seen some nightmares for people who are really excited with there first boat only to find out it is a money pit.
This list goes on however the above list is a great place to start. Feel free to contact us at boatnutmedia
