Real Value of a Boat

[NCangler]

Earlier today I mistakenly deleted an entire thread while meaning to delete one post in that thread. I apologize to those that had posted in that thread. I think that is one of the only mistakes like this I have made in 20 months of running this site, but it was a most inopportune time to do so. I am on vacation right now and shouldn't let this stuff get to me the way it does. I will be writing an editorial piece in the next few days to put many things into context.

Here are the original posts that comprised the thread "Real Value of a Boat". Again my apologies for deleting the original.

Posted by WoodenFish on 6/20/06
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I own a 17Bass and I read a number of these forums. Lately, a number of people, including me, have complained about the extremely poor wiring in Triumphs. However I read one post that seemed out of place in its particular thread from someone who stated that he knew what he was buying before he bought it, didn't expect more, and got what he paid for. That left a number of questions in my mind and specifically; what is the true value of a boat? Not just Triumphs, but any boat.

I paid around $14k for my boat and I like my boat, but is it really worth $14k? No. I can buy one of those new Toyotas or Hondas for that price and would I be happy if they came with shoddy wiring and more? Absolutely not! So why do we tolerate it in a new boat when we wouldn't tolerate it in a new car?

What makes a 26' Grady White walk-around worth $120k? Nothing except the fact that they can get that price for it. Boats are a luxury item just like a Rolex. No wrist watch is worth $20k. It's simply a luxury item. But if you look at a car as transporation and expect them to meet a particular level of quality and reliability, why can't you expect the same of a boat which transports you over the water?

I think we should expect it, and I think we should get it especially when we are paying inflated luxury prices for the product. Yes, I think the boat was overpriced at $14k, and no 26' Grady White is worth anywhere near $120k! It might be worth $40k, but no more. For $40k I can buy a Lexus which has infinitely better quality, engineering, and more in material costs than the Grady White. The same holds true for the Triumph. And if we are going to be satisfied with shoddy work then what is the company's incentive to do better?

Now I realize I'm walking a line here because NCangler has said he doesn't like criticism of vendors and Triumph, but as an owner I think there is a proper place for constructive criticism on an owners network. Am I wrong about that?

If I am wrong about the economies of making and selling a boat then perhaps another owner or two or even a dealer who knows, or maybe even someone from Triumph, if they watch this board, as they should, will fill me in on the details. But amybe, we can help drive some economies of our own like better quality and reliability for a more reasonable price.

woodNfish
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Posted by NCangler on 6/30/06
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Correction WoodNfish I have repeatedly said that I do not want this site to be a place where individuals or companies are bashed. This is not a forum for complainers and whiners. It is a place for owners, dealers and Triumph to network and share ideas on how to make out boats better. The couple of instances that I have edited posts were from members who I believe used the forum to bash Triumph and/or their dealer. If they had presented their concerns in a way that actually asked a question or sought input from other members I would have been okay with it. But they used the site to editorialize. Again some folks think that complaining and bashing folks gets them what they want. This is not the place for that. I believe cooperation and shared information with each party at the table gets better results.

Triumph is still a young company and I for one believe their boats are getting better each year. As others have stated no boat is perfect as none of us are. Can Triumph make their boats better, yes. Can dealers server customers better, yes. Can we behave better, yes. There is always room for improvement. But lets share ideas on how to accomplish that rather than driving folks away with negative rants that get us no where. The key to your post is your statement "as an owner I think there is a proper place for constructive criticism on an owners network." I agree. Keep it constructive and I'm okay.
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Posted by Tommyhoo on 6/30/06
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The value of a boat is what pleasure it brings you. However there is a large difference in quality between different boats. I have lived aboard and worked in the marine industry in Florida for over 23 years now. You are going to pay more for better quality. Having served as a coxswain in the U.S.C.G. and was the test driver at a large repair facility, I have test run most of the brands out there today. In my opinion Triumph offers one of the smoothest rides out there (unless you go to a cat hull which costs much more) The real value and beauty of the Triumph 1) very forgiving boats, run into the dock, good chance your not gonna be visiting the glass guy at 75.00 an hour. 2) Lower maintenance, not going to be out there waxing and buffing. 3) Because roplene flexes it delivers a smooth dry ride
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Posted by OspreyVic on 6/30/06
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Some "West Coast" guys just wish they had Gulf Coast conditions
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Posted by Genelie on 6/30/06
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3) Because roplene flexes it delivers a smooth dry ride

But NOT on a windy and very ruff day........
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Posted by Special K on 6/30/06
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Well according to tommytoo, my boat is priceless. It has been a great source of enjoyment for myself, family and friends. It has made the already strong bond between myself and my beautiful 11 year old daughter that much stronger. Hopefully when she is older and married(much much older), the good times we have spent together on the boat fishing and teaching her about life will stay with her well after I'm gone(hopefully much much older ).
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Posted by Jergofish on 6/30/06
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When I was installing my GPS, radio and other gear I cleaned up some of the wiring on my boat. I could see that if I kept my boat in the salt all the time that I'd be replacing connectors within a couple of years but luckily my boat will spend ten months out of it's yearly cycle in fresh water, much less corrosive. I found the wiring in general on par with other boats in the same price range.

I do know that, looking from manufacturer to manufacturer, it seemed that quality varied but was not directly connected with price. Yes, SOMETIMES you get what you paid for and other times you come out ahead and unfortunately sometimes behind.
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Posted by NCangler on 7/3/06
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Well said Tommytoo.
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Posted by Rockman on 7/6/06
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Woodenfish, Well said. I am with you 100% To those who bash you. Guys Think about it. You paid good money for what you got. Did it deliver as Advertised. Do you Volenteer to rewire your NEW Computer, Car, Big screen. Of course NOT. So why should you on a Luxery Item like a New Boat. Yes other than the Hull Distortions I could FIX everything wrong with my Boat ,No problem. BUT why ?? When I spent MY hard earned money. Cash
To Buy a new Item should I?? The Dealers should not need 3-4 tries and still not get it right. Triumph CAN and SHOULD. Make this the motto.. 100% Quality, Not, Thats Good Enough. An old Ishrishman beat his mule in the head 1 time every morning to get his attension. After that he was the best mule in the county. Maybe Triumph is a mule
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Posted by NCangler on 7/6/06
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You make my point perfectly Rockman. As I've said to you several times before, and even in this thread ("Again some folks think that complaining and bashing folks gets them what they want. This is not the place for that."). If you can constructively offer suggestions on improvements for the boat, fine. Or if you have a question that you'd like input on, fine. Just quit whinning about your used boat problems and hitting us in the head. Please beat your mule elsewhere.

"An old Ishrishman beat his mule in the head 1 time every morning to get his attension. After that he was the best mule in the county. Maybe Triumph is a mule" - Rockman
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Posted by Special K on 7/6/06
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DUH, rockman you just got soooo BURNED
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Posted by Rockman on 7/7/06
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Woodnfish sorry. Bashing me instead of you WILL not SOLVE your problems a QUALITY SERVICE CENTER NEAR YOU MIGHT. Does anyone out their know of one that may help Him??? My 191 was Purchased NEW. not used!!! It stays that way in my backyard Its not a problem any more. Its never used. But this does not help you. Maybe the Moderator knows someone who can cure yourt defects. rockman
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