Boat changes due to COVID

[motomandan]

Groupe Beneteau Reveals Strategic Plan

The company said it will move forward with eight brands instead of 12.

www.tradeonlytoday.com

 

[JohnB]

Seems a bit odd when (at least it appears) the yamaha business is going Strong. I'm guessing Yamaha lost 2 (?) ish months of production, so does that equate to 1/6 loss of sales just due to production shortfalls. Seems like Yamaha likes to keep their factory balanced in a slight undersupply scheme where they basically sell out each year. My guess is that while you can't find any boats right now, their overall 220 production numbers will be down just due to the factor shut-downs. I'm curious if the factory was running at normal rates, would there actually be a shortage of boats?

 

[rrmidden]

It could be that Glastron/Scarab are two Brands that would be easier to sell than the other ones, giving the group as a whole more cash to move forward/re-invent the remaining brands, and have nothing to do with their popularity or individual brand profits.

 

[HangOutdoors]

@rrmidden There is really no way to tell right now. Once someone steps up and decides to purchase the Glastron or Scarab line or if either one is sunsetted then it will be evident. Of course there needs to be consumers for any brand of boat. That number is not infinite, it is finite. Determining what percentage of those who either want a boat or are capable of purchasing a new boat after this pandemic and where the economy may or may not be over the next 2-5 years is the trick. Balanced with potential increasing costs. The models will eventually lay bare and if it is profitable or can be profitable then they it will move forward.

 

[Canuckjetboater]

Seems a bit odd when (at least it appears) the yamaha business is going Strong. I'm guessing Yamaha lost 2 (?) ish months of production, so does that equate to 1/6 loss of sales just due to production shortfalls. Seems like Yamaha likes to keep their factory balanced in a slight undersupply scheme where they basically sell out each year. My guess is that while you can't find any boats right now, their overall 220 production numbers will be down just due to the factor shut-downs. I'm curious if the factory was running at normal rates, would there actually be a shortage of boats?

@JohnB .....yes, 100% on the money - Yamaha definitely has a corporate strategy of slight under supply (that from a friend who managed a big Yamaha dealership). Also Yamaha does not let too many dealers flood an area and cannibalize each others' sales (like another brand we know of) and if a Yamaha dealer consistently sells too low below MSRP they are spoken to, then penalized if necessary. IMO this is good for us as it maintains the value of our purchases.

 

[212s]

It's sad to see this happen - hopefully a real boat builder picks up the Scarab line and rejuvenates it. Beneteau is an investment group, not a boat builder, so it's all about profits and minimal investment for them.

 

[zipper]

Did not expect them to close the So. Carolina plant where my sailboat was built.

'I don't want Beneteau to go away'. A Marion plant will close after 3 decades

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect businesses across South Carolina, another business announced it will be closing its doors for good. The Beneteau Boat plant has been a staple in Marion for over 30 years and in two months it will leave a number of people in Marion County out of...

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