Interview with Erik Stromberg

[jcurry]

I listened to the interview and was hoping to hear info on the smaller boats, but Erik seemed to dismiss them as a small deal, even when prodded by the interviewer. I understand why the company (and dealers) are not excited about the "return" on each small boat sold vs. the big bucks on the big boats. However, I wonder how many boats they would need to sell to really get excited? I also wonder how many of the small boats (specifically to Sun 2000 and Sun 2500) have been sold and whether the sales have met expectations? My 2006 Sun 2000 is Hull #1252, and I've seen hull #'s up to 1354. That seems like a fair number of boats to me?

[grantgoulding]

As with many of the boat builders I think they see the future in building bigger boats with a far greater margin as well as of course bigger money. I agree with you though I wonder just how many small boats have been made and what their contribution to the overall financial stability of the company have they been. Just how long have the Sun 2000 etc been in production? Maybe that size of boat is no longer viewed as the entry into the Jeanneau range. We all know of more than one owner who's first boat has been in the 40'-50' range so maybe we shouldn't be surprised however I am not the only person who has often felt the bigger the boat the less fun!

[MartyB]

The issue for us in North America for the smaller boats, is the $15-20K us dollars to ship a given boat over her. That in reality screws up the small boat market from a cost standpoint. Along with the very numerous older 21-25' from the 70's that still are very usable. Meanwhile the 40+ foot boats are not as numerous from a quantity and cost standpoint, so if they can be made to a cost effective to purchase/profit standpoint, which do you think will be made and sold? larger boats.

Then while where I live for US purposes, folks in the puget sound region own more boats per capita, most seem to buy used ones, not new ones! There is more new sales in the great lakes, east coast from what I can tell. This is gut talking, I have no hard sales figures to back this up. BUT< being as there are about a dozen SF3200's in the GL and east coast region, 2-3 in S Cal, and NONE in puget sound up to British Columbia..........not sure how many in Europe........gotta wonder how far off my gut is from a sales standpoint!

I listened to the first part. sound is a bit goofy on my laptop, and missing 50% of hearing in left ear, 25% in right, not sure I got all of it. The european accent does not help me either from understanding the words........my issues to deal with more than anything. I'll probably have to listen to it three times to understand ALL of it, normal........

Marty

[jcurry]

Sorry for posting in Equip and Commish - I meant to post in the General Forum.

I think Marty is high on the shipping for a S2K sized boat because JA did this for me in 07 and it was definately not over 5 - 7 K USD in my humble opinion.
I think the main problem is the dealers not wanting to mess with margins on a 30K deal vs. a 150K deal. Can't blame them, but if you move enough of the small deals efficently I would think the $$$ is there.

Plus, the guys buying the small ones will probably move up some day?

I think the entry sized sailboat market in the US is a mess. IF the Beneteau factory in South Carolina would turn out a First 21.7 I would have bought locally.

[MartyB]

jcurry,

It is possible a 2k boat can get here cheaper than prices I quoted. "BUT" those are quotes for 30 somethings from local dealer. A 2K here to the NW US might be half of quoted numbers, or about 2-3K more than you quote to get across the US or equal. Still a number that will screw up the smaller boats like the Jeanneau 2k's from making a mark here in North America. In the mean time, you have hunter, Catalina and one other in Colorado making 20'ish foot boats worth looking at in this market.

I have heard a rumor Jeanneau was going to build the 30, 33, 36 and 39 models on the east coast IIRC S Carolina?!?!?! That would certainly make the 30 and 33 more affordable for those wanting boats in that range. I'd like to see a 3200 built here, that would probably know 10-15K off the price.........then again in this economy.......not affordable for me!

marty

[boltnbrew]

I got a kick out of the interview. I met Eric a few times and he's always been very gracious and as helpful as he possibly could be. Also love the fact his favorite boat is the 43 DS and made sure ipod connectivity was available! Both spot on!

Sent from my iPhone while on my 43 DS!

Boltnbrew