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BroadHopper · 05-03-2012, 12:31 PM

I think you will find a big 'shake up/down' in the industry. Current economic trends and politics will see the marina shifting brands in the hope for more profits. You will notice almost all large marinas are selling pontoon boats. A big shift from hulls as you can carry more passengers for the buck.

Formulas are great boats. At one time you could get a beautiful Formula from 17' to 25'. I don't think they sell a boat under 26'. The market has shift more to boats less than or equal to 25'. A good reason for LL to shift from Formulas to Chris Craft and pontoon boats.

Irwin Marine was the de facto Chris Craft dealer in NE. At one time Chris Craft was sold to a conglomerate and shared hulls with Crownline, quality also was way below standards. Irwin Marine dropped the Chris Craft line.

LL did have a large inventory of Formulas. A good reason not to carry the brand if you can't sell them. Prior to 2008, a dealer has to buy a certain number of boats and put them on inventory in order to sell the brand. This is a huge liability to the marinas. I heard today the manufacturers have put some slack to this requirement.

There is a huge loyalty to LL and LL continues to be loyal to Formula owners.

05-03-2012, 12:31 PM	#15
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,509 Thanks: 3,116 Thanked 1,089 Times in 783 Posts	Marine Trade I think you will find a big 'shake up/down' in the industry. Current economic trends and politics will see the marina shifting brands in the hope for more profits. You will notice almost all large marinas are selling pontoon boats. A big shift from hulls as you can carry more passengers for the buck. Formulas are great boats. At one time you could get a beautiful Formula from 17' to 25'. I don't think they sell a boat under 26'. The market has shift more to boats less than or equal to 25'. A good reason for LL to shift from Formulas to Chris Craft and pontoon boats. Irwin Marine was the de facto Chris Craft dealer in NE. At one time Chris Craft was sold to a conglomerate and shared hulls with Crownline, quality also was way below standards. Irwin Marine dropped the Chris Craft line. LL did have a large inventory of Formulas. A good reason not to carry the brand if you can't sell them. Prior to 2008, a dealer has to buy a certain number of boats and put them on inventory in order to sell the brand. This is a huge liability to the marinas. I heard today the manufacturers have put some slack to this requirement. There is a huge loyalty to LL and LL continues to be loyal to Formula owners. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.