Actually Beneteau/Jeauneau has the market share now...for better or worseWhen we were in the Bahamas, Island Packet boats were the most common brand that we saw. A lot of serious cruisers sail those boats. I wonder how a company with that big a share of the market would go under? Is the new boat market doing so poorly?
Jim
No...just worldwide...we see that there are lots more blue water type hosts down there but all the big charters now have the aforementioned...cheap easy to replace...we almost bought a 36 islands packet before we bought the Morgan...price wasn't the issue at the time...just liked the classic looks and performance for where we are...sometimes wonder with all the racing we are doing in such a short season here in New England if we should have purchased a C&C or Tartan...more suited for racing while still a civil cruising boat...we always look just never see anything that ticks the boxes...our boat is fun to sail...simple for one or two people...most of the time.John
Not in the Bahamas they didn't.
Jim
Yes. I know. Price was a big factor...a lot of people from other countries just wanted the IKEA boats...style, space, amenities, size, bang for the buck..."preaching to the choir" here. Like I said we almost bought one 8 years ago but decided against it. I guess as we get older things change. My old friend Bill Crealock had a great line I thought..."boats may change but the seas stay the same!" I liked his 37. His favorite too.John
The charter companies love to use the "cocktail" boats in their business. But a lot of people who do serious cruising need more substantial boats. The Island Packets have been filling that bill recently. I'm really surprised to hear that they could no longer compete in that market.
Jim
Well...not quite...I guess that's that!! I guess it has to do with good old boats like ours, with proper care, are lasting much longer than anyone expected when they were built. Who could afford a new boat these days??
Jim