Any boat dealers/salesman here?

[billh1963]

I'll be experiencing a life changing event next year as my employer will be merging with another company and I will be "made redundant". I'll be getting a nice "golden handshake" so it's not the end of the world, but, I would like to make a career change. <br />I love the ocean and grew up working on my father's shrimpboat. To make a return to my roots I have thought of opening a boat dealership or becoming a boat salesman. I know it's a rough business but has anyone else done this? Any advice (run away, great move, etc.)?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Any boat dealers/salesman here?

if you love it, it's probably something you'll be<br />really good at, regardless of industry.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Any boat dealers/salesman here?

Bill, Way back when I used to be a saleman for Grady White, Craperal, and Grumman. The smaller grumman made up the most of our sales because of the two lakes in the region w/10 horsepower restrictions. I will say this there were a lot of boring days. The Owners owned a a Quarry and concrete business, so the boat sales where a hobby I believe and they got to try out all the new boats then sell them as demos. Make sure you have plenty of working capital the industry is hit the hardest by a down economy and inflationary costs such as fuel. You have to remember that your selling something that no one needs and most everyone wants, But at hard times the needs win.<br /><br />Good Luck.

 

[Link]

Re: Any boat dealers/salesman here?

Bill<br />mellowyellow and jgregory didn't type a lot, but said a lot!<br />From your post I think you need to make a decision as to what you want to do??<br />Forget the dealership at first!<br />Become a salesman first for the product! Let them teach you! Good advice I think....if you want to make a lot of money....<br />Best money... Sell Cars.. or trucks....easy money.. But if you want to have fun and can afford to make less.. sell boats or RV's... the same person who would be approved for a loan on a 20K car would be turned down on a 20k boat... or RV.. Hope this has helped.<br /><br />Link