BOAT SHOW HYPE

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              BOAT SHOW HYPE / Another year of Cookie Cutter Boats

Every year at this time I start getting requests for Boat Show Passes, and this year is no exception. I have been involved with several major Boat Shows over the years Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle and Miami. In each case I anticipate seeing something new, something exiting! The last few years I have not been thrilled about my Boat Show experiences at all. The only power boat sector that I have seen go through real engineering and physical changes have been the Wake Board Boat builders. Every one else is playing copy cat right down to the hull side windows. Some were along the line ergonomics and cost cutting have trumped usable design, and since when did boaters all become 5 feet tall. A lot of these new boats have claustrophobic spaces where sea sickness must be included in the price. Boat builders are all following the same trend slightly deeper hulls, flat decks, cramped spaces with more crap than ever crammed into theses areas. You can use the head, take a shower and wash your hands all at the same time on a forty foot yacht. All of this great (NOT REALLY) new design, comes complete with the boat builders all using the same color pallet. I think boat builders have a secrete meeting every year and decide that all the boats will be black (or green or whatever they deem the flavor of the year) so we have no choice as consumers, take the black one. Reminds me of the model A car, you can have any color you want as long as it is black.

I hope this year brings something new but I am not holding my breath. My biggest pet peeve is the Boat Show timing. I mean I get the fact that in certain climates Boat Shows generate off season dollars for dealers, but really they are selling boats! Why not an in the water show in the spring where a boat can be in it's element. A boat at a Boat Show and in the water are two different animals. A 27 foot power boat looks big when you are looking at it on land, however put the same boat at the dock and half of it seems to disappear. Hold it maybe I answered my own question, looking bigger must sell boats! As far as I am concerned the only people who do well at the Boat Show are the people who host the venue.

I know that the idea behind any show like this is to introduce new product to the consumer, however what about the non multi millionaires who are in need of a great used boat why not show some used product, hell quite often the two year old boat is a nicer design than the new one. Why not have a used product show or at least include an area for these boats at the show? Maybe Boat Nut should develop a used boat show  that wont cost the vendors a fortune to be in, what do you think?

Just remember that the boat show prices and deals are available after the show so if you feel you need time to consider the purchase you have it, don't be pressured. I had to laugh a couple of years ago I was with a client at the Toronto show to purchase a davit system. We asked for the Boat Show price (as they advertised a discount) it was hilarious to hear that the discount worked out to fifty cents. No joke a 15 thousand dollar purchase was discounted by fifty cents!! So don't buy into all the hype.

If you are thinking of buying accessories such as bow thrusters shop the boat show and make contacts but you don't have to buy one unless you are familiar with the way the system is rigged into your vessel, or you have been on a boat similar to yours with the same set up on board. Some of these new non tunneled thrusters may show well on a video but may not work in your application. A good vendor will be able to demonstrate one in the water in the spring for you, before you lay out thousands of dollars for a piece of equipment that will not fit your boat on the inside were the wires and relays are to be located.
It is important to remember that you are dealing with sales people and not installers in most cases, if there is an installer talk to them first. The vendors are there for one reason to get your money!

Boat Shows are a great place to go and get ideas and if you are committed to a purchase sometimes to get a great early season deal. However experienced boaters know the best deals are usually END OF SEASON or previous unsold model years not at the Boat Show.

HAPPY HUNTING 

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

Author  RP

CAPTAIN O' CAPTAIN

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                    CAPTAIN O CAPTAIN , HOW DO I KNOW ITS TRUE?

First let me ask why are all the boat experts referred to as captain? Is calling yourself a captain a self appointed arrogant way of saying I know boats, or is it to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling that they are telling you the facts. After all they must know something he/she is a captain. I personally hate being referred to as a captain, I spent over 40 years around boats, and always thought of a captain as someone who was responsible for the safe operation of a vessel. Someone who is an expert at charts and navigation. A captain would be the go to person for maritime laws and rules not necessarily the person to keep the vessel in tip top order, there is a crew for that. So I consider myself crew and not a captain.

SO WHAT MAKES ME SO SMART?

My phone rings everyday with questions about all matter of topics to do with maintenance, repair and opinions of all years makes and models of power boats. This is what I have discover opinions are like ass holes everyone has one! Most of the opinions are founded on self gain and sales, you call a company or expert and they are trying to figure out how to cash in. You are a potential cash cow, do they want to advise you or raid your wallet.............

I started this blog to provide the best information I could with the thought that over 30 years of international power boat repairs, operation and maintenance would be of value to you the boat owner. As there is little quality information and entertainment to do with power boating maybe I could grow this idea into something fun and truth full, not a every boat and boat product is the greatest thing you have ever seen. There are enough of those sites out there
.

So what makes me any different than any other so called expert? I feel I should explain my back ground and how I earned a degree from the Boat Nut University. I received my PHD in power boat repair from putting in Plenty of Hard Days. Making mistakes, learning and listening to the best  people the industry had and has to offer, these are not the advise givers they are the people who build and service boats around the world. Person's that boat builders rely on to fly to some little country where there are no supply stores and fix every issue big or small on any boat at a moments notice. We needed to be experts at every system of any size boat any model year. No fancy titles just able to do anything trouble shooters, providing a written account of why the part or system failed in the field, design a repair procedure for others to follow, and supply engineering with solutions to stop the failure on future models of the same or similar boats.  There where not many of us.

You had to be able to disassemble an entire boat in the field, as well as be a mechanic, upholstery, wood worker, electrician, plumber, fiberglass expert you name it. Back in the 80s and 90s we received certificates for each trade we mastered even receiving US Coast Guard certificates for fuel systems. But that's all gone now, new technicians are parts swappers, the best you can get is a service school diploma.

My client base included plenty of names you will recognize:

• Sea Ray
• Bayliner
• Robalo
• Wahoo
• Boston Whaler
• Trophy
• Meridian
• Maxum
• Baja
• Tiara
• Ranger
• Wellcraft
• Prowler
• Rinker
• Hydra Sport
• Astro/ Procraft
• Campion
• Thundercraft
• Chris Craft
• Trojan
• Glasstron
• Four Winns
• Larson
• Mastercraft
• Lund
• World Cat
• Polar
• Fountain
• Cigerette
• Doral
• and many more custom and private boats

This variety of manufacturers and model years have provided a unique insight into power boats and how they have evolved over the last 35 plus years. I have repaired and operated all of the above boats, in all types of environments. These experiences coupled with the amazingly skilled people that I have had the pleasure of having as colleges and friends have prepared me to sit down and write honest, informative and entertaining information for you the boat owners.

Any feed back or opinions are welcome at boatnutmedia@gmail.com!!!!

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

http://boatnutmagazine.com/

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.           

Digital media in the boating industry

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 Why develop digital media?

Boating TV, Boat Nut TV by Boat Nut Media a you tube channel?

We have been working on this idea for two years now, and finally the topic is getting some press! So what will the Boat Nut TV You Tube channel and mobile application be about and will it work?

We already know that there is a strong interest in boating in Ontario and through out Canada. By utilizing this digital medium we will only capitalize on this interest. According to an article regarding digital  video media in Boating Industry "this idea pours fuel on the fire" in other words, interest goes off the chart. After all we just finished a record setting boat show in Toronto. What better time than now? Our market is growing, and where are boaters going to become informed? The internet, through boating groups and clubs, where feed back is being passed direct from boater to boater? Some of this consumer advice is discriminatory and all together incorrect. The amount of advice that is passed from one boater to another is huge! Large areas of these sites are dedicated to advice on products ranging from boats to accessories. As a matter of fact the boat builders have built and supported many of these sites and have the ability to track and use the data captured.

So what happens if we do educate boaters and they don't like what they find out. This could happen however this should not create any obstacles.  This feedback will lead to an increase in product development, creation of better boater friendly systems and improved service, better for all boaters.

According to the same article ,
Fact* more than 90%of boaters are going on line during the buying process
Fact* by 2017 74%of all internet consumption will be video based according to research from Invodo
Fact* those using video the right way in today's boat selling market are killing it on their market

The viewership numbers are more impressive 539,436 minutes of viewing, this is one salesman, one dealer, spectacular when you look at it this way. More than 24 hours of viewing in a 24 hour period This can be achieved by a dealership running their own ads. What can be done by  Boat Nut Media when we launch an entire online network of programs, with the ability to tailor it to boaters needs and questions. Not just boat sales, but responding to boaters needs covering the whole boat ownership genre. Boat Nut Media will not be a traditional half hour or one hour program giving a splattering of fast moving, half informative segments. It will run 24/7 ( unlimited potential) allowing for detailed information to be delivered and reviewed on demand.

 With technology in the boat industry out pacing us, this format will allow for extended topical discussion. Providing valuable details boaters will truly be able to use. Boat Nut Media will have an unlimited topic pool to choose from so we satisfy all boaters questions and needs. Boat Nut Media will be sure we are meeting these goals by continually monitoring feed back from viewers and industry partners. We want to maintain a point of presence in the boating community. This will be achieved by having our network provided to yacht clubs, marinas or business establishments that cater to boaters we provide the set up and equipment. They receive, dedicated  boating entertainment for their members or patrons. In Ontario there are at least 82 Commercial Ontario Marinas with websites "Ontario Yacht Clubs" and hundred's of established business's such as bars, restaurants, chandlery stores, gas bars etc.


Our you tube channel will not be plugged up with commercials. Boat Nut Media has decide to work with a select group of partners from the industry, companies who demonstrate legitimacy in wanting to educate and connect with their customers. Boat Nut Media and all its partners must maintain integrity in all of the segments that are presented to boaters. Using this digital media will mean thinking outside of the box, and maintaining non bias opinions refusing to base these opinions on advertisers or financial contributors. Boat Nut Media will also be placing and providing live web cams at some of the busiest boating locations and destinations in Toronto for 2015 with plans to expand this to all boating communities in Ontario as soon as possible. Of course we will be providing weather and boating related news. Being a boating based network we will be creating our programs to be as entertaining as they are educational (every boater has a great story to tell). Our first step will be to introduce you to our crew, we all love boating and we are all boat nuts

Boat Nut Media is looking forward to launching this program in April 2015! If you have any input we would be happy to hear from you. Can you see the opportunity?
                            WE   WILL   MAKE   A   BOAT   NUT   OUT   OF   YOU  !!

Thanks to - Boating Industry
How to Generate More Leads and Sell More Boats
Matt Sellhorst   2015
BoatDealerProfits.com

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

http://boatnutmagazine.com/

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.

West Marine is done in Canada!

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Have you heard the news?

West Marine is closing all of its Canadian Stores, they are closing as there leases come due. So what does this mean for Canadian boaters? Well first this has been a source of parts, advise, and nice shoes, available seven days a week in our main boating communities across Ontario. I must say there mechanical parts inventory was not grade A, however they were always there and quite often could get you out of a pinch.

This news was a surprise as we are a growing boat market, Ontario was one of the fastest growing markets particularly when the US economy crashed. This is a typical US managed company that tries to fit there model into our market. The Canadian market is assumed to be the same as the US but we are not! West Marine had a great opportunity to ask there customers, after all we all became members of there discount program, how they could make a change to improve the bottom line. This falls back to what Boat Nut Media has been saying all along ask the boaters what they need, they will tell you, most are frustrated and will be happy to share their opinions. Why bother with a membership if you only are concerned with the bottom line. I digress this will leave us with Canadian Tire as the only chain store to purchase marine products seven days a week all over the province. This could be alright. We all shop Canadian Tire they just need to improve there inventory and product selection. I sure hope they understand the needs of Ontario boaters.

To all you boaters happy hunting for deals on bottom paint winterizing supplies etc. If your in Toronto you will be okay we have other options like Genco Supply. If you are in a market like North Bay lets hope Canadian Tire picks up the slack. Good Bye West Marine it was good while it lasted, but wait were can I use my points?

Lets blame there failure on "duties and taxes, its not worth while" a direct quote from a US supplier of product to Canada, from Ontario and Canadian Boaters to you WE ARE WORTH IT remember 2009 and 2010 when we were still buying boats and accessories come on!

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

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Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.

Boating in Toronto- One Hull of an Adventure

 

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Toronto / One Hull of an Adventure        Regional Boater Access Development Program

So what is there to do when boating in Toronto or surrounding area?

Most of the local boaters in the city of Toronto are of the opinion that boating in the city is sort of boring. I guess if you consider the inner harbor your only boating option. You are right, we can go into the eastern gap, through the inner harbor out the western gap around the back of the island, then back to your slip for a BBQ and drinks. For a real adventure we can go the other way!

You can overnight at Toronto Island if you can find a spot on the wall, what a disappointment when you load up your party get over to the island and find its full. Now your arranging the rest of your trip without a plan, with a restless crew, not at all a fun way to find yourself particularly if its an occasion day. Through the week however you will probably find a nice spot, but on a weekend or on a long weekend you need to take your boat over days early to get a slip. If you have good weather its even more frustrating. On the other hand it is possible to open the throttles for five minutes and drop the anchor at the western end of Toronto Island. You should know it can get rough and very crowded.. Other options include the local big cruise, you can go to Port Credit or around the point to Woodbine Beach. Wow your right kind of boring!

The sad part of all this is there is always something going on in this city. Toronto like every other major city on the water under utilizes this fantastic water front we have. Boat Nut Media has thought about this and why boaters are bored with this region. We have come to a couple of conclusions on why local boaters do not utilize or attend local events or destinations. First they are not informed of when, where and who to go or see, they generally find out by word of mouth or by accident. Any events which are promoted for boater attendance are poorly organized to handle their needs. The second conclusion is the destination stops such as bars or restaurants downtown are confusing to get to (where can you legally tie up and leave the boat for a period of time), or these business's  have terrible docking facilities, docks that will damage a your pleasure boat (these are mainly ship peers they are to high and made of concrete) No security leaving your boat at risk of uninvited boarding and theft.

Toronto has a lot of great places and things to do while boating, they just don't understand the needs of boaters, you can not just assume because the event or business is on the water boaters will show up to enjoy themselves and spend money. Promotion, and consideration of needs will allow boaters to take advantage and enjoy the Toronto boating region completely. The lake the rivers and all that surrounds us. For this reason Boat Nut Media will promote Toronto One Hull of an Adventure. We will contact and work with any and all business's and events which would be of benefit to both parties. If you have any ideas, events or business' you as a boater would like to improve, promote or change please contact Boat Nut Media.

Boat Nut Media will be looking to partner with the province and local municipalities on behalf of boaters needs currently and consideration in future development. We will keep you posted!

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

http://boatnutmagazine.com/

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.

  

    

         

Helping Boaters

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IS THE PLEASURE BOAT INDUSTRY REALLY HELPING THE BOATER?

I have been a trouble shooter and certified technician in the pleasure boat industry for more than thirty years. Earning multiple industry and government certifications both international and here at home (Manufacturers and US Coast Guard). My trade has taken me to every state and province in the US and Canada. Completing projects for companies such as Sea Ray, Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Rinker, Tiara, Four Winns and Ranger to name a few. I have had repair shops in Ontario, Vancouver, Nanaimo and Florida. Working with dealers such as Olympic Boat Center and Marine Max. All these places and companies have given me a unique perspective on the pleasure boat industry and its consumers. There seems to be a disconnect with what information, education and services boaters really require ( as a group boaters are fractured into many groups, usually determined by the boat builder name such as Sea Ray owners Club , which marina or yacht club you belong to), every one has an opinion or free advice. Quite often this advice comes from industry outsiders and people who believe they have the answer. This not only makes things confusing but is often incorrect leaving the most important, accurate information not presented to the boater. In this industry there should be as much information as possible, based on fact. Which should be available to you when making decisions about boat purchases or  boating related services.

Boat Nut Media wants to be your go to location for unbiased boating information, however we NEED your input to be sure we are providing boat owners and potential boaters with the information and training that makes sense to you. Without YOUR input we are just another boat media outlet that no one relies on to become informed, with no trust. It is important that any information or training is put in terms that the boater can easily understand. Our goal is to connect with boaters through social media relationships unlike other boat media outlets. For example, " Power Boat TV" with its 25 years on network television, and only 858 likes on their Facebook page. I was not shocked by this number,  but when you consider that they are unchallenged you would assume they are doing something right, are they that far off the mark of the boaters interest?

Reviews for example,  I have not seen or read one yet that is a true representation of what a review is meant to be. Wouldn't it be great to have a "Top Gear" type of presentation. No fear of telling how it is, good, bad or just crap. When you consider what you the consumer spend on your boat purchase, not to mention what is spent to maintain and enjoy your boat. I would think there would be a market for an honest, fact based format. The question " is there enough interest by boaters"? the industry generally says no.

Topics for this new web based media outlet could be boating safety, regional laws, destinations in your boating region (an example would be on lake Ontario where you can take in a play by boat), international border crossing (how the laws affect you). Real Reviews! We will even come out to your boat if you would like to have us on board (drive and review every boat possible). Hot Topics such as surveys, and service. How To advice that can actually be followed even if its just for you to understand what your paying for. (Which will be available on line for download specific to your boat). The ability to ask a question of your choice (there are no stupid questions) and get  quality answers. Information about planned development( such as what's going to happen at Ontario Place and what will happen to the marina), and much more.

The only way Boat Nut Media will gain traction is if you the boat owner or new boater get involved. We have to prove to the industry that they are not listening or providing the content you need, so please respond with your thoughts to Boat Nut Media at our Email boatnutmedia@gmail.com , Twitter or on Facebook. Just drop us a comment good or bad or ask us a question. Boat Nut Media thanks you for your time.

Director of Education Programs 2015

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

http://boatnutmagazine.com/

Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™. No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided.