NOTICE SEA RAY RE-FIT PROJECT-need input

Hell Rusty, they should put you in the marketing department. Your enthusiasm and knowledge for the brand coupled with your ability to talk straight with the client would put you above the rest. Rusty Higgens, yacht delivery captain/marketing specialist... sounds pretty sweet to me.

Being on the left coast, I am curious how anything such as this could benefit us out here. I did pose this issue to some of my fellow SRBCNC members and it had mixed reviews but the one constant was how could we benefit out here. Trying to get boats from the West coast to Florida would be pretty tough unless it was a huge retrofit which may make the trip worthwhile. Good luck with this Rusty and keep us posted!
 
Rusty,

I would say I may be interested if they would do a hardtop conversion & upgrade my pathetic, dysfunctional systems monitor. As long as transport wasn't ridiculous or as a mobile upgrade, FWIW.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Rusty,

I love my boat. Refitting an entire boat would be a huge undertaking as discussed. I skimmed the thread and if someone else suggested this, I apologize. Why not start on a smaller scale? All boats in this era have tube televisions. I for one, have tried to figure out a way to replace it with a flatscreen AND maintain the factory good looks. A factory matched package manufactured at the factory and either installed by a locally authorized entity or DIY would be a welcome option IMHO.

Teak/Faux teak is getting a lot of buzz these days. Pre-made packages would be easy for the SR team to create and ship.
Lighting upgrade kits to LED
Gauge/Dash panels

These suggestions are a far cry from the major investment of a refit but it is my "to-do" wishlist. I could go my own route but for a couple extra bucks a prepackaged solution may be appealing.

Good luck Rusty. Sea Ray is lucky to have you. Are RN and MB proponents of this?
Todd
 
I think most of the concerns have been brought to light already. I am a "thumbs up" on this one. Mainly because I don't see it needing a huge investment from Sea Ray to get started. Simply put, if you can't get people signed up after the program "goes live", it simply does not happen. I think the "spending more than the boat is worth" concern could be helped by keeping the focus on the larger Yachts/Sport Yachts as you had initially suggested.

You are doing exactly what Sea Ray needs to be doing during these tough times; looking for new, innovative ideas for the company to consider trying. Although I am not sure of this personally, I was told once that Hatteras had a similar program where they would do upfits on a pre-owned model. (This may have been mentioned prior, if so forgive me). If they do, maybe you could give them a ring and see how it has worked out for them since they are (or at least the last time I checked) a "Brunswick Brother".
 
Thumbs up. If you please, I will state why briefly:

- Sea Ray owns a position better than any other high volume pleasure boat producer. The old models remain highly desirable. The main limiting factor in owning/buying one is the condition and getting good work for re-fits.

- The more high-quality older vessels by Sea Ray in the market, the more desirable the brand becomes as a whole.

- I would rather own a 10-30 year old factory re-fit Sea Ray than most other brand new models, and I suspect many agree.

- Modernization of some of SR's classics would be VERY appealing. I think the 90's 450 DA's, 370 EC's and 330 DA's etc., could sell with new boats of today with modern electronics and finishes. Going even part way on one of these older boats would be rewarding.

Good luck.
 
not a Roman...but I am from Carthage :smt017
even though I will probably not be involved directly in the program...
I give it the big :thumbsup: for the idea and execution
I feel sure SR will make it work
 
Thumbs up. Please reserve me a re-fit slot for November 15, 2014. Scope of work to be discussed, but may include: install new watermaker, re-do upholstry in bridge and cockpit, replace wallpaper in master head, replace countertop in galley, change swim platform supports to the new design, replace bridge enclosure and track system to the newer Gioia design, add remote generator panel to flybridge, refinish hardwood in galley, and probably a few other things that I'll think of later. Can't wait!
 
Of course this proposal gets my "thumbs - up" vote. Hell, I want to be involved in it...

Dale
 
rusty higgins said:
“I think there is definitely a good business case to evaluate.”…….left something on your boat sir…R
Click to expand...

Went to check on the boat after squall came through yesterday and found it then read this - much thanks!! and lunch is on me whenever you have time.
 
Thumbs up!

I keeping hearing that the export market is still strong for older SR's. I would not be surprised to see refit as well the ability to get the necessary electrical conversions performed by SR factory to European and South American standards to be very attractive to foreign buyers.

I imagine it has been discussed that the ability for existing SR owners to refurbish their boats will be a down draft on new boat construction as well as existing customers stepping up to larger boats. While refurbishing should provide needed contribution to SR it won't be popular with the dealers.

Good luck, Art
 
Thumbs up Rusty, and I would try to market it heavily to the foreign market and the buyers on the west coast. Someone buying a used boat from afar would in my opinion be a great candidate for this service. As we all know Florida is a huge source for used boats that end up all over the world, and brokers could use your company as a selling point. Good job, Ric
 
You know how I feel Rusty. I like the idea - I had this idea running through my head months ago, right after Sandy. I really think it can work.
 
Rusty,
From a purely emotional standpoint I think this is a solid business plan with upside for all of its stakeholders (including Sea Ray owners). Why not have Sea Ray perform the upgrades and retrofits in a 'factory' environment by 'factory' trained employees. That is why many Sea Ray owners use the marina of purchase for all service work even though there may be more efficient options. I for one would certainly consider the idea for any alterations that I would make to a boat. For example I just sold a 40 DA that I love to buy a 47 DA JUST for the bunks!! This is the type of work I would have gone to you for but would never have a local guy do because is could clearly hurt resale if not a Sea Ray authorized conversion.

From a practical perspective the target audience will not be all Sea Ray Cruiser owners simply do to logistics. As I mentioned earlier I would like Sea Ray to perform my work BUT I am on a lake in NH so its not likely that no matter how much I would like to send my boat down to Sykes Creek, I would. Not anything you haven't heard already. However, that may not be a deal breaker depending on your business model. Only you know how many re fits, and what average dollar per re fit you need to make this work. If its only 10 per year you would probably be ok. If you need 100 per year then I think its a risk.

Finally, it also comes down to the value proposition. For example I had a new boat spec'd out this winter. When it came to adding options such as TV or stereo upgrades the new boat factory pricing was extremely out of touch with what could be done by a reputable home/auto electronics store after market. For example I believe the upgrade for a 2nd stateroom TV/DVD from the factory is $4,333 msrp. For perspective I had a quote from a local high end marine electronics store that included: a bridge tv/dvd, additional bridge speakers, aft cockpit speakers and a set of swim platform speakers for $2,500. I think it would be hard, from an electronics standpoint, to compete with local shops. BUT if you do compete from a pricing standpoint you risk bastardizing the Sea Ray pricing and jeopardizing the mother ship's margin.

Essentially it comes down to your business plan. This is a great idea but only you and your confidants understand the bottom line business model. I wish you the best of luck and will be excited to hear about your decision moving forward!
 
CLOSED FOR COLLECTION…….

Good morning CSR, hope this posting finds you closer to good weather and with an itch to push throttles forward. I am doing just that today and will start by telling you folks that you have overwhelmed me with your responses to a vision and an idea.

It has been one week since we first posted this thread and as stated, will come back in one week’s time and gather your suggestions for presentation to my superiors and that is now. There is literally volumes of information within your words (always is) so much in fact that I believe every department in my organization should find take-always from your input. There is Marketing data galore; Sales would get excited seeing this kind of activity and senior management has to notice the brand loyalty that flourishes here. Even the Engineering and Design folks could fill their innovation cups everyday from this deep, steep well…and ah, so refreshing to do so.

You guys know why we did this project. I know you do because you came to my aid in droves and that shows the connection we have enjoyed as manufacturer and consumer, for many years. I dare to find another corporation that did that…..only one maybe but I am not prepared to tattoo a shovel head on my forehead…..Sundancer on my forearm is another story, LOL!

I want to thank each of you for your input and I do promise, every posting will be read and used as valuable input from a Sea Ray owner. I am humbled.

Capt. Rusty Higgins
Sea Ray Boat Inc.
Sykes Creek, FL.

Post script…..now let’s reopen this thread for continued discussions if you wish, simply because this very well may be the life-line that feeds the tree of success. CSR and all owners have the ability to ensure fresh water continues to pour on that tree and hence we very well may be able to perpetually pick the finest fruit in the industry, right here! Amazing !


OPEN FOR DISCUSSION.....that's how we roll!
 
Here is another aspect that you might look into. There are quite a few incentives that Florida and Brevard County can provide for any business that is innovative to keep employment in the area. You might want to engage your BD folks to take advantage of such.
 
From a bit of a different angle - thumbs up.

I have a 310DA which isn't worth a factory refurb. Boat is still in good shape but starting to require more frequent and time consuming repairs that my use of the boat is less. Time to upgrade to something newer/bigger. I don't want to go bigger from my "era" b/c I don't want to deal with the unknown, multiple owners, past repairs, future failures, etc. At a certain age/hours things just start to wear out.

I found out really quickly that I do NOT like most of what Sea Ray makes any more. Later in the 2000s most of the midsize stuff lost the appeal to me. The boats have less beam, less length for the model designation, more space robbing equipment installed, smaller cockpits in exchange for larger cabins, and more and more is an expensive option vs. standard. Sure the fabrics, fake wood, and other "jewelry" items might be nicer but that isn't what is important to me.

What I want is a mid-2000s 360 - which are damn near impossible to find in the Great Lakes region. Great space, good looking boat, upgraded engines, damn near everything standard, etc. If I don't find one soon - I'm going to start shopping other brands.

If there was such a things as a factory certified refurb - I'd be more willing to look at an older boat for an upgrade. High resale value would be a good selling point as well.
 
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