Aquapalooza 2016

h_gerry

h_gerry

Well-Known Member
Jun 19, 2013
1,338
Oceanside, NY
Boat Info
400 Express Cruiser - 1994 with
Raymarine RL80C, Northstar 6000i GPS
Kohler 5E
Engines
454 Mercruiser Inboards
Was it just me or was the Aquapalooza event intended to be a Sea Ray event intended to celebrate being on the water and, although open to all makes and models, intended to promote the Sea Ray brand? I just received an email from MarineMax Lindenhurst telling me that this year Aquapalooza will be a "MarineMax Event" for MarineMax customers ONLY! This is the email I received yesterday:


Harold
Thank you for your interest in AquaPalooza.
As you know, this event in the past has been open to all participants via registration.

This year the 2016 AquaPalooza will be for MarineMax customers only.
All MarineMax Marina Customers as well as those who purchased new, pre-owned or brokerage boats from MarineMax will be invited to attend this event.

By keeping this event exclusive, we are able to offer additional value to our customers.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you so much and we hope to see you as a MarineMax customer soon!

Events/Marketing
MarineMax
To view our brands, visit www.marinemax.com
846 S. Wellwood Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Phone: (631) 957-5900 x15176



Ever since I got this email I have been torn about what to think. On the one hand, I can understand that MarineMax has likely been footing a significant part of the costs for this event with staff, boats, fuel, etc. but, on the other hand, as I started saying above, this was originally a Sea Ray event open to all comers.

Does anyone know if Sea Ray Corporate has changed their position on Aquapalooza? Are they, and have they, left this event up to the dealers?

I have been to almost every years event since the inaugural event and have enjoyed every single one of them. I guess I am a little upset about this. What does everyone else think?
 
We can all go and say we are Joe!
PS - Hemstock is the day before
 
the one in Boston was yesterday (sat) and i know several people who went who are not customers.
 
Although I agree is pretty upsetting not to mention rude and obnoxious I think last year was my final year at aquapooloza. The staff got way to bossy and way to many rules including the rule of at 5oclock u must move your boat. Not you can leave your hook down if you'd like but you must move. Last year I didn't plan on leaving till Monday. I was staying in zacks bay overnight so I a handful of drinks. Comes 5 they jump on my boat and say ok capt you have to leave I said I've been drinking and I'm staying the night. I already spoke to the capt to my port and he's comfortable pulling out without me moving . Well he didn't like that to much and basically if I didn't pull my anchor up he would have. And no bbq really drives me nuts. I think it's going to be very interesting watching marine max turn away hundreds of boats in a public are.
I'll b at hemstock all weekend were everybody is welcome and kind.
 
I wonder if it's their way of taking back control of the event? as you guys know I stopped rafting up years ago because of the idiots I had to deal with and they had zero control. Or it's just a corporate decision aimed at sales as I'm sure it will turn into a "show" of some sort.
 
Sea Ray isn't sponsoring the Aquapaloosa events any longer. They are instead, supporting the individual dealers who are hosting them locally. I am pretty sure the liability of having a day long party for 1000's on the water had something to do with their decision to terminate corporate sponsorship.

Most dealers open the Aquapaloosa events to all customers and locals who wish to attend....how better to make someone a customer who wasn't than to show him new product and Sea Ray owners having fun with their boats.
 
My wife signed up for the event, and received the same message as Harold. What is funny (more sad)...is that I bought a new boat, 185 sport from MarineMax in 2004. I've also listed with them when selling my 280 5 years ago.....even with all that, I'm not concider a "customer" and cannot attend the event. (SMH)
 
I really want to know how there going to turn people away..
Sorry guys can't stop your anchor hear it's a private party or maybe hi were from Marine max you don't have enough money to but our boats so you can't party with us or maybe oh hey you have a viking your not cool enough to hang with us. Anyway I can't wait to see what the turn out is. 90% of the people that go are locals and non marinemax customers. Funny part is I've never spent a penny in there stores never bought a boat from them and never put a boat up for sale with them but I'm a customer. They let me sign up for this year's. I've sent people to there women on water program, I get invites to all there "private showings " I dunno whatever everybody come to hemstock forget that corporate bs
 
fwebster said:
Sea Ray isn't sponsoring the Aquapaloosa events any longer. They are instead, supporting the individual dealers who are hosting them locally. I am pretty sure the liability of having a day long party for 1000's on the water had something to do with their decision to terminate corporate sponsorship.

Most dealers open the Aquapaloosa events to all customers and locals who wish to attend....how better to make someone a customer who wasn't than to show him new product and Sea Ray owners having fun with their boats.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info Frank. I had a feeling it was along those lines as to Corporate backing out in favor of dealer control.

I agree, it is a good way to create new customers and spread some "good will" to others by opening (keeping) the event open to all comers.
 
Xplicitlnck said:
I dunno whatever everybody come to hemstock forget that corporate bs
Click to expand...

We may join you in Hemlock Cove, but are only able to come out on Sunday, if at all. Got Cub Scout event and birthday party on Saturday. Also need to pack and stock the boat for the Flotilla!!
 
When SeaRay stopped sponsoring them my dealer stopped doing them. Haven't been to one in years.

Im sure if individual dealers are doing them they will want to restrict the festivities to customers.
 
I guess marine max owns the water. I would never buy a boat from those crook's.
 
As Frank said, Sea Ray has not sponsored Aquapalooza for quite a few years. In speaking to the local MarineMax marketing folks, it was getting out of control so they decided to limit it to MarineMax customers only.
 
Dani-Lu said:
As Frank said, Sea Ray has not sponsored Aquapalooza for quite a few years. In speaking to the local MarineMax marketing folks, it was getting out of control so they decided to limit it to MarineMax customers only.
Click to expand...

So then they should hold it on there property
 
Xplicitlnck said:
Although I agree is pretty upsetting not to mention rude and obnoxious I think last year was my final year at aquapooloza. The staff got way to bossy and way to many rules including the rule of at 5oclock u must move your boat. Not you can leave your hook down if you'd like but you must move. Last year I didn't plan on leaving till Monday. I was staying in zacks bay overnight so I a handful of drinks. Comes 5 they jump on my boat and say ok capt you have to leave I said I've been drinking and I'm staying the night. I already spoke to the capt to my port and he's comfortable pulling out without me moving . Well he didn't like that to much and basically if I didn't pull my anchor up he would have. And no bbq really drives me nuts. I think it's going to be very interesting watching marine max turn away hundreds of boats in a public are.
I'll b at hemstock all weekend were everybody is welcome and kind.
Click to expand...
How can they kick you off public water?
 
Ours was cancelled as well a few years ago when corporate stopped the sponsorship. Was a fun event, made a few new friends


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