T&T: Miami Boat Show

[Scott E. Bulger]

Alan observed how shows have changed and you need an escort to see a boat...


Scott observes:  I can only imagine what a Monday morning sales meeting at
Krogen or Nordhavn looks like now.  Customers that were on the brink of
buying have seen their retirement plans evaporate, customers with orders
have had their cash reserves shrink to the point they can't write the final
check to take possession of their cherished boat they have dreamed about for
years.  I'd imagine the competition for a really qualified, motivated, near
term buyer has never been more fierce.  Perhaps that explains some of what
you experienced.

However, to your point, yesterday I was talking to a great friend while I
was working on my boat in Anacortes.  This guy is someone who could write a
check for a brand new Nordhavn 55 but has hesitated because of the evolving
economy.  Instead of buying a new, larger boat he started a business (a
marine business) so his son could get a jump on a new career.  The business
looks very, very promising.  So, this guy goes to the Seattle boat show, and
he can't get the time of day from most boat brokers.  They see him and
assume he can't possibly be a customer.  Well you can bet your bottom dollar
he won't be buying a new boat from anyone of these brokers.  It's the same
reason I won't buy a Selene in Seattle, I just had a miserable experience
with the broker a few years ago.  I'd buy a used one or go someplace else if
I really wanted one.  Anyway, Alan, it's their loss.

On another note, as I was leaving the boat a guy walked up to me in the
parking lot, he extended his hand and said "Are you Scott Bulger?", I said
"only if your not from the IRS" (actually I made that up, but it seemed like
a clever reply).  He said he followed lots of PUP and Blog postings, like
Ken Williams N68 blog and others, and that he really appreciated the open
and honest communication, so he could make decisions regarding his own
desire to buy a trawler.  Well, over the next few hours I got to meet him
and his wife and we had a delightful time.  Toward the end of the
conversation I asked him why he came all the way from south of Seattle to
Anacortes and he said "to see Alanui".  I was shocked.  This husband and
wife had driven 150 miles to see Alanui and no idea if anyone would be on
the boat to show it to them.  They just wanted something fun to do on a
beautiful PNW day.  Well I was really thrilled to share our experiences and
tell them about our journey.  They are still a few years away from buying a
boat, and maybe Alanui won't end up being the right boat, but that doesn't
matter.  In the long run building good will is much more important than
anything else.  If you are positive and helpful you will reap the benefits
in innumerable ways.  I guess that's part of why I'm so comfortable talking
not just about the good things on Alanui, but the problems as well.
Whomever buys Alanui will be living a dream, and I want them to enjoy it
just as much as we did.  So, call it Karma or whatever you want, I think you
should try to treat everyone like they might be your best friend some day.  

Scott E. Bulger, Alanui N40II, Seattle WA
Slip G2, Anacortes WA