New crownline dealer

[joey2665]

We have been informed by Formula that there is no longer a Formula Dealer in New Hampshire and that they are currently interviewing boat yards for a new dealer for the area.

The former dealer Lakeport is authorized for parts and repairs and is selling their current inventory but the nearest Formula Dealer is in Freeport, New York on Long Island.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by joey2665

We have been informed by Formula that there is no longer a Formula Dealer in New Hampshire and that they are currently interviewing boat yards for a new dealer for the area.

The former dealer Lakeport is authorized for parts and repairs and is selling their current inventory but the nearest Formula Dealer is in Freeport, New York on Long Island.

Freeport, New York is on the south-west end of Long Island, close to the atlantic ocean and not too far from New York City.

For the last two-three months, "Formula - not just a boat, but a life style" has been promo-ed from the Lakeport Landing sign out front on Union Ave in Laconia, and Formula was its' one line of boat business. Believe I recall reading somewhere that Lakeport Landing was among the best selling Formula dealers in the U.S. It just does not seem believable that Lakeport has decided to lose its' longtime winner, Formula, and switch brands. I don't believe it? People with the big money on Lake Winnipesaukee will still want a Formula!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Freeport, New York is on the south-west end of Long Island, close to the atlantic ocean and not too far from New York City.

For the last two-three months, "Formula - not just a boat, but a life style" has been promo-ed from the Lakeport Landing sign out front on Union Ave in Laconia, and Formula was its' one line of boat business. Believe I recall reading somewhere that Lakeport Landing was among the best selling Formula dealers in the U.S. It just does not seem believable that Lakeport has decided to lose its' longtime winner, Formula, and switch brands. I don't believe it? People with the big money on Lake Winnipesaukee will still want a Formula!

Yes I know were Freeport is I lived one town west of it for 30 years and have been boating there for almost 40. I have personally spoken to the Sales Rep (Laurie) at Formula and the information I have provided is directly from Formula. Also check the web site yourself Lakeport has been removed as an authorized dealer.

[cowisl]

I wonder if the speed limit had anything to do with these dealers going out of business?

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by cowisl

I wonder if the speed limit had anything to do with these dealers going out of business?

There are a lot of newer Formula cruisers, sunsports, and SS on the lake and not many newer Formula Fastech's.

Not trying to turn up a hornets nest here, but I would have to wonder if negative publicity and a poor public image from the crash were factors. I dont know who dropped who in the relationship but can imagine from the Formula standpoint I would not be impressed.

[meredith weekender]

I heard the same thing about Channel lst weekend right from their sales department. We have a Crownline that we bought a few years ago and bought specifically from a dealer who was located on the lake. We did not buy a trailer because we did not want to deal with trailering a large boat around. The service has been ridiculous(. The boat has been in for the same things at least three times this year. Now were told that warranty is not covering them. I can see a battle coming on here.

On a better note. Our previous boat was a Four Winns from Winnisquam Marine and they are fabulous to deal with. Alwats straight forward and always come thru with what they promise. The only bad part is that they are not on the Big Lake. Maybe they can buy one the non performing marinas.

[AC2717]

All I have to say is wow:
Thurston's no longer Cobalt Dealer
Lakeprot No longer a Formula Dealer
Channel No longet a Crownline Dealer

This will surely change the lake over the next couple of years

I wonder how this will all end up

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by cowisl

I wonder if the speed limit had anything to do with these dealers going out of business?

Speed Limits have nothing to do with what going on... although this is a humorous interjection at least to some of us

Now as to why some of this shake up is going on, companies are being bought and sold, consolidated and broken apart. This is happening in every industry as this happens at times you end up with Marina's selling boats from to different parent companies and sometimes that doesn't go over well.

The other issue you have going one is what they different boat manufactures are making the marina's carry for a floor plan while a successful marina, like Winnisquam Marine, who has weather this economic storm quite well may have the financial backing to afford the floor plans from multiple boat MFG, other may be struggling to do so.

Now if that isn't enough, the manufactures review there retailers, if they feel a retailer is not representing them well, they warn them, if they don't do anything they don't renew there contract. I will not mention names but I watched this happen, to a marina in the lakes region if left both sides very bitter.

Now a couple of personal notes on a few issues touched in this thread.

First Service from Winnisquam Marine... it is top notch... if you own a crownline they will honor the warranties and work with you to make sure you are satisfied... I bought my Four Winns from them and they have been out standing through the years... even though I don't have the regular maintenance performed at their shop do to convience, they still welcome me with open arms when I go in form Four Winns specific issues.

Now as for LakePort Landing and Formula, this was something that was going to happen, we all know why and I don't think anything more needs to be said about it.

[Kracken]

Couldn't agree more,

Winnisquam Marine it is top notch, Crownline owners will be thrilled with the service and expertise.

[VtSteve]

Just as in the car world, there are some boat dealers that treat people that didn't buy from them poorly. It's a poor business decision IMO, but some are comfortable enough to do it. The long term money and customer relationships are in the service and support areas. In almost every case I've personally experienced, dealers that treat service customers poorly if they didn't sell them the merchandise, are usually not good service ships either. Not always, but many times.

What I've done when I know about dealers like that, is never, ever will I buy anything from them. My original boat dealer was proud of their sales record. Good thing too, they had absolutely nothing else in the world going for them but putting up sales numbers.

When you find a dealer that has been great to you no matter where you bought your boat/car, try as hard as possible to buy from them the next time. Those are the dealers I want to remain in business and support.

[DoTheMath]

Actually, the closest Formula dealer is:

http://boatsofboston.com/
Located in Danvers, Ma (north shore area).

Not sure about Lakeport not being a Formula dealer any longer, BoB picked up Formula about a year ago.

Aside from that, most dealers that stop selling a brand isn't always about the dealer "dropping" the brand for another, or in general. Manufacturers put a lot of pressure on dealers to sell product and worse-yet, make them commit to taking on new model year product regardless of what they are holding for current (new) stock. So it is very possible with the economy the way it is, sales being down, floor plan being outrageous (bank loans that dealers use to carry inventory) that a dealer will forfeit a brand to keep from going under (no pun intended there, btw... ). I have no insight into either L&L or BoB's position, just surmising from knowing how the business works, and knowing several people that own dealerships in the lakes region, and beyond.

[cowisl]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Speed Limits have nothing to do with what going on... although this is a humorous interjection at least to some of us

Now as to why some of this shake up is going on, companies are being bought and sold, consolidated and broken apart. This is happening in every industry as this happens at times you end up with Marina's selling boats from to different parent companies and sometimes that doesn't go over well.

The other issue you have going one is what they different boat manufactures are making the marina's carry for a floor plan while a successful marina, like Winnisquam Marine, who has weather this economic storm quite well may have the financial backing to afford the floor plans from multiple boat MFG, other may be struggling to do so.

Now if that isn't enough, the manufactures review there retailers, if they feel a retailer is not representing them well, they warn them, if they don't do anything they don't renew there contract. I will not mention names but I watched this happen, to a marina in the lakes region if left both sides very bitter.

Now a couple of personal notes on a few issues touched in this thread.

First Service from Winnisquam Marine... it is top notch... if you own a crownline they will honor the warranties and work with you to make sure you are satisfied... I bought my Four Winns from them and they have been out standing through the years... even though I don't have the regular maintenance performed at their shop do to convience, they still welcome me with open arms when I go in form Four Winns specific issues.

Now as for LakePort Landing and Formula, this was something that was going to happen, we all know why and I don't think anything more needs to be said about it.

I think of performance boats when Formula comes to mind. Excuse the speed limit reference but I bet that it didnt help them with sales. I know a few people at Channel who had similar concerns when the SL issue was happening with their Baja line(now defunct).