[Rhodes22-list] general boat's dilema

Tue Jul 28 14:27:28 EDT 2009

Excellent addition, in my opinion.  

-----Original Message-----
>From: ALICE WEISZ <amicw5 at msn.com>
>Sent: Jul 28, 2009 2:24 PM
>To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] general boat's dilema
>
>
>Does the GB website have a place for buyer ratings?  I know that when I'm looking at something online, I always look to see what previous buyers (either of product or from site) had to say about their experience.
>
>
>Alice
>
>
> 
>
>> Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:41 -0400
>> From: sloopblueheron at gmail.com
>> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] general boat's dilema
>> 
>> Art,
>> 
>> Using owners at shows sounds like a good idea. Carver has success with that
>> at the Cleveland show, dressing everyone up the same way in blue blazers.
>> 
>> I doubt any mass media advertising would have payback. Since all the major
>> sailing magazines have been pushing for so long the Catalina wave that you
>> start at 22 feet and buy up from there, a GBI ad would be swamped. Maybe
>> direct mail to long-time owners on state and Coast Guard sailboat
>> registration lists, pushing the R22 as a quality downsize option?
>> 
>> Rick
>> 
>> On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 12:18 PM, Arthur H. Czerwonky <
>> czerwonky at earthlink.net> wrote:
>> 
>> > John, Rob,
>> >
>> > You may recall that Stan proposed a stripped down version, call it a racing
>> > model, on the list a few years ago, and although I expressed interest in
>> > this new boat option to him, maybe others too, no further information was
>> > provided to my knowledge. Back at that time Stan expressed his ability to
>> > produce, and now maybe he will further reconsider and tell us more about
>> > what he had in mind. I still am interested, speaking for myself as a
>> > potential buyer. I will watch for any response. Did anyone get detailed
>> > information on this boat?
>> >
>> > I have suggested the value of baseline ad exposure. If nothing else,
>> > targeted reinforcement to the boat show displays that are so important.
>> > Maybe followup visits by experienced skippers. I have been told by one of
>> > our newer skippers that my 'hot dog hospitality' aboard Mary Jane at the '07
>> > show tipped the sale toward his boat purchase with him and his wife. BTW,
>> > no commission provided or requested. The presence of skippers at the show
>> > is valuable - a third party evaluation of their own boat, and with 'no axe
>> > to grind'. Consider it for yourself in support of Stan, as I did twice.
>> > You would have one very positive impression of how GB and a huge number of
>> > other boat makers reach their customers. Our skippers who are so willing to
>> > give demos, whether at shows or not, are such valuable ambassadors for GB.
>> > Having done it a number of times, it is really fun as well as being
>> > productive. Try it, you'll like it! Let's be specific - Can some of you
>> > skipper demos at Annapoli!
>> > s or St Pete or elsewhere?
>> >
>> > Cutting to the chase, who has some real connections to options and selling
>> > /advertising connections that could help get Stan and GB out of this 'black
>> > hole' that the company appears to be in? It could be just a few positive
>> > levers to pull that would enable better results, even in our current puuuny
>> > economy. Who is willing to pen letters of endorsement to prospects/suspects
>> > that could tip the scales, one by one. Time to get the horses out of the
>> > barn, guys.
>> >
>> > Like Mark Twain or someone else once said, let's get the P in our Pot!
>> >
>> > Respectfully,
>> >
>> > Art
>> >
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > >From: John Shulick <jsbudda at verizon.net>
>> > >Sent: Jul 28, 2009 11:02 AM
>> > >To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>> > >Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] general boat's complaint (continued)
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Rob,
>> > >
>> > >Yep that pretty much covers it. Now what would the price point be for such
>> > a
>> > >boat? I have the origional literature that came with my 71 and you should
>> > >see that show package special price!!!
>> > >
>> > >John S.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Rob Lowe wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >> Drop the IMF, ditch the head, the water tank, the fancy motor lift, and
>> > >> re-model the interior? Now you have my 1976 boat! I do have battery
>> > >> though. - rob
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> -----Original Message-----
>> > >> From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
>> > >> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of John Shulick
>> > >> Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 7:52 AM
>> > >> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>> > >> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] general boat's complaint (continued)
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> Rick,
>> > >>
>> > >> I see your point clearly on the subject but I also see Davids idea of
>> > >> options to increase sales. How about dropping the IMF, ditch the head,
>> > >> the
>> > >> on board water tank, the batteries, the fancy motor lift, re-model the
>> > >> interior and selling it as a "sport model" My wife and I live on the
>> > >> boat
>> > >> almost every weekend and find a porta potty and crank lights sufficient.
>> > >> Being a camper before a sailor I have found the R22 to be a first class
>> > >> floating campground without the pain of hiking in. I also have had the
>> > >> perverse pleasure one weekend of sailing rings around a macgregor 26
>> > >> using
>> > >> it like a no wake buoy as the kids pleaded at their father to make the
>> > >> mac
>> > >> go faster. Racer/Cruiser is more fun than Cruiser/Racer. Even if you're
>> > >> not
>> > >> racing its fun to be faster.
>> > >>
>> > >> Respectfully submitted,
>> > >> John Shulick
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> Rick-139 wrote:
>> > >>>
>> > >>> David,
>> > >>>
>> > >>> I hate to be the wet blanket again. But racing sailboats is a whole
>> > >>> 'nother
>> > >>> market. The key to convincing a customer to buy a sailboat for racing
>> > >> is
>> > >>> to
>> > >>> convince him or her that they will have lots of other sailboats to
>> > >> race
>> > >>> against.
>> > >>>
>> > >>> In the one design game, it involves high volume production and a
>> > >>> distribution system that can execute geographically concentrated sales
>> > >> and
>> > >>> support. J Boats has been successful doing that in the Great Lakes
>> > >> with
>> > >>> the
>> > >>> J 22 and other longer models. Plus, J Boats has a respectable history
>> > >> of
>> > >>> maintaining one design integrity.
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Of course, there's always PHRF racing. But how many 20 - 25 foot
>> > >> cruising
>> > >>> sailboat owners are left with an interest in racing?
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Unlike 30 years ago, most people today who buy cruising or day sailing
>> > >>> boats
>> > >>> in the low 20's length are first timers. From there, they either drop
>> > >> out
>> > >>> or they move to larger boats more popular for cruising, racing or
>> > >> both.
>> > >>> Catalina and Hunter have turned the market into that by making cheap
>> > >>> starter
>> > >>> boats people can easily abandon for yachts. Stan's main problem is he
>> > >> now
>> > >>> has a product that goes against the prevailing mindset that has
>> > >> evolved
>> > >>> for
>> > >>> his market.
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Did you read the article "The Little Boat that Could" in August issue
>> > >> of
>> > >>> Sailing? The title itself is a reflection of that mindset. And
>> > >> despite
>> > >>> all
>> > >>> kinds of compliments about the R22, the piece ends with: "More
>> > >> important,
>> > >>> where does one get a new tiller for a Rhodes 22?" That's some insult
>> > >> to a
>> > >>> builder who has admirably supported his product for decades. But
>> > >> again,
>> > >>> that's part of the same mindset.
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Rick
>> > >>>
>> > >>> On Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 1:04 PM, David Culp <dculp at hsbtx.com> wrote:
>> > >>>
>> > >>>> Rick:
>> > >>>> What I am saying is that this boat is unique and I can't go down to
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> local boatyard and get some of the major parts that I might need.
>> > >> Also,
>> > >>>> I
>> > >>>> can't send an email or make a phone call to the guy who built the
>> > >> boat at
>> > >>>> most places and expect a response. That's probably worth something
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> keep
>> > >>>> the operation rolling as long as Stan does his part. I don't think
>> > >> you
>> > >>>> ought to pay royalty/loyalty if you don't get anything for it. If
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> group
>> > >>>> feels we are getting something worth paying for, then I'm just
>> > >> suggesting
>> > >>>> a
>> > >>>> small stipend annually to Stan which if everyone participates might
>> > >> be a
>> > >>>> better solution then a percentage up front facing new owners for
>> > >>>> loyalty/royalty. The 5% on the seller side will figure into the
>> > >> price
>> > >>>> and
>> > >>>> it gets the new owner out of any obligation to pay a royalty/loyalty
>> > >> up
>> > >>>> front for two years. Then, continued association membership will
>> > >> require
>> > >>>> the annual dues.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Imagine if you bought a Ford or Chevy used and then were asked to
>> > >> send a
>> > >>>> 5%
>> > >>>> fee to the factory. Nobody would... but this is not a Ford or Chevy.
>> > >> I
>> > >>>> figure some type of ongoing support is probably reasonable as long as
>> > >> we
>> > >>>> get
>> > >>>> good owner support and parts availability. For example, if someone
>> > >> comes
>> > >>>> along and hits my rudder in the slip and I need a new one, there
>> > >> ought to
>> > >>>> be
>> > >>>> a spare waiting at the factory to ship out. If someone blows a sail
>> > >>>> out,
>> > >>>> there should be one ready to ship and the right color too. I don't
>> > >> know
>> > >>>> if
>> > >>>> this is the case at GBI because spare parts mean overhead and I don't
>> > >>>> know
>> > >>>> how much overhead Stan is willing to carry. Maybe parts for
>> > >> non-members
>> > >>>> ought to carry a premium that members don't have to pay-so another
>> > >> added
>> > >>>> incentive to be one of the family.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> I hear what you are saying about the market. Long term, owners are
>> > >> not
>> > >>>> going to be the ones to keep GBI afloat. You have got to get new
>> > >>>> customers
>> > >>>> through the door. There have been a lot of good suggestions given by
>> > >> a
>> > >>>> lot
>> > >>>> of experienced people on the list. My experiences with family run
>> > >>>> businesses are that we are very happy to take your money but you can
>> > >> keep
>> > >>>> your advice to yourself. However, Stan seems open to some
>> > >> suggestions.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Stan has an excellent product, more people need to know about it as
>> > >>>> someone
>> > >>>> has mentioned. A new boat is becoming cost prohibitive for most,
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> recycling is a good second market but I think you need a "less
>> > >> frills"
>> > >>>> model
>> > >>>> to get younger couples through the doors. You would have to be able
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> build it with the same quality, using the same molds at an attractive
>> > >>>> price
>> > >>>> point and I don't know if that is possible. I thought maybe a
>> > >> stripped
>> > >>>> down
>> > >>>> racing version might be a solution. Racers don't need much down
>> > >> below
>> > >>>> and
>> > >>>> will pay for quality above. The Rhodes is faster then a Catalina to
>> > >>>> being
>> > >>>> with and that would appeal to a lot of people.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Just my thoughts,
>> > >>>> David
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:28:36 -0400
>> > >>>> From: Rick <sloopblueheron at gmail.com>
>> > >>>> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] general boat's complaint (continued)
>> > >>>> To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> > >>>> Message-ID:
>> > >>>> <52e9a140907261428v6feebf53l4e923711b987ec30 at mail.gmail.com>
>> > >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> David,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> When I was considering buying my R22, the PO said, "I can give you
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> home
>> > >>>> phone number of the guy who makes the boat and he will talk to you at
>> > >> any
>> > >>>> time." Of course, that tilted me to buy his boat and subsequently
>> > >> buy
>> > >>>> many
>> > >>>> things from Stan.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Are you suggesting Stan discontinues this attractive offering in the
>> > >>>> shrunken marketplace for pocket cruiser sailboats? I think it will
>> > >> just
>> > >>>> turn customers toward high volume boats where technical information
>> > >> and
>> > >>>> spare parts are readily available.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Rick
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 4:49 PM, David Culp <dculp at hsbtx.com> wrote:
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> > Stan:
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Thank you for your insight into the business. I dare say that most
>> > >>>> > sailboat
>> > >>>> > owners don't get the inside track on happenings at the factory; if
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> > factory is even still in business that is.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > I want to comment on the loyalty/royalty program concerning the
>> > >> Rhodes.
>> > >>>> My
>> > >>>> > experience in boat ownership over the years is that a used boat
>> > >>>> purchaser
>> > >>>> > always spends the maximum funds set aside for the purchase. Either
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> > purchase price and the taxes consume the entire amount or the new
>> > >> owner
>> > >>>> > takes any funds left and applies them to things the boat needs.
>> > >> And we
>> > >>>> all
>> > >>>> > know that used boats need something all the time.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > It is a bit of a sticky wicket let's say, to request from a new
>> > >> owner 5
>> > >>>> %
>> > >>>> > of
>> > >>>> > the purchase price be paid to GBI when they have probably spent
>> > >> more
>> > >>>> money
>> > >>>> > then they intended to begin with. The Rhodes 22 is the top of the
>> > >>>> scale
>> > >>>> in
>> > >>>> > 22' boats and used prices are not cheap. We see it all the time on
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> > list... Folks are interested in the Rhodes but they are trying to
>> > >>>> purchase
>> > >>>> > it on a "Catalina" budget; so they "lurk" on the list either saving
>> > >> up
>> > >>>> > their
>> > >>>> > cash or hoping to see a cheap boat come up for sale whereby they
>> > >>>> promptly
>> > >>>> > go
>> > >>>> > off-list and complete the transaction.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > You will remember in my case, that I sent GBI a check for $ 200.00
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> cover
>> > >>>> > the promotional materials you sent me-but that was not 5% of the
>> > >> price
>> > >>>> I
>> > >>>> > paid. In the meantime, I have enjoyed the technical support that I
>> > >>>> have
>> > >>>> > received as a member of the list from the owners and from yourself.
>> > >>
>> > >>>> That
>> > >>>> > is
>> > >>>> > worth something, even though I didn't realize it in the beginning.
>> > >>
>> > >>>> This
>> > >>>> > boat and this list are pretty unique to the boating world.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > I propose and this will make some people on this list unhappy, in
>> > >> fact,
>> > >>>> > very
>> > >>>> > unhappy.... An Owner's association with an annual fee. For that
>> > >> annual
>> > >>>> > fee,
>> > >>>> > you have got to provide something however. Which is another
>> > >> problem
>> > >>>> with
>> > >>>> a
>> > >>>> > royalty fee upfront; people always need to feel that they are
>> > >> getting
>> > >>>> > something for their money. In this case, for the annual
>> > >> association
>> > >>>> fee:
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Admission to the list
>> > >>>> > Technical support either from members or the factory
>> > >>>> > Availability and a price list of parts, sails, etc. that is kept up
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> date
>> > >>>> > so I can purchase it from you if I need something.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Except for the parts and prices, this is pretty much what we are
>> > >> doing
>> > >>>> > already. Maybe you could come up with some member specials on
>> > >> pricing
>> > >>>> from
>> > >>>> > time to time for sails or parts or write an occasional article that
>> > >>>> only
>> > >>>> > members would get. I don't want to burden you with a bunch of
>> > >> extra
>> > >>>> work,
>> > >>>> > but there needs to be something unique about membership. In this
>> > >> way,
>> > >>>> the
>> > >>>> > new owner would feel they are getting something and it would
>> > >> generate
>> > >>>> > revenue for you over the longer term. As part of the membership,
>> > >> if we
>> > >>>> > agree to give you 5% of the selling price when we sell, then I
>> > >> don't
>> > >>>> have
>> > >>>> a
>> > >>>> > problem with it; especially if the list helps my estate sell the
>> > >> boat.
>> > >>>> > I'll
>> > >>>> > even stipulate it in my will. I figure if I owe a "loyalty fee",
>> > >> it is
>> > >>>> > probably to the list members who have taken their time and been so
>> > >>>> helpful
>> > >>>> > over the years. If paying you a "royalty" fee helps keep GBI in
>> > >>>> business
>> > >>>> > then that helps them and you. As a seller, if I pay 5% then it
>> > >> gets my
>> > >>>> > buyer on the list free for two years. Then he/she can do the
>> > >>>> responsible
>> > >>>> > thing and start paying their own royalty/loyalty dues.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > The other situation which started the discussion in the beginning
>> > >> has
>> > >>>> to
>> > >>>> do
>> > >>>> > with after-market products or other parts unique to the Rhodes. If
>> > >> a
>> > >>>> > member
>> > >>>> > has an after-market item to sell to the list which is unique to the
>> > >>>> Rhodes
>> > >>>> > and/or would normally be available from GBI for sale, then he/she
>> > >> goes
>> > >>>> > through you. They can advertise it and discuss it; but I buy it
>> > >> from
>> > >>>> you
>> > >>>> > after you have added your mark up or it cannot be advertised on the
>> > >>>> > member's
>> > >>>> > list by another member or by a third party. Simple as that. They
>> > >> are
>> > >>>> a
>> > >>>> > supplier of General Boats and you are the distributor to me.
>> > >>>> Obviously,
>> > >>>> > the
>> > >>>> > list membership information is kept proprietary to prevent direct
>> > >>>> marketing
>> > >>>> > by a third party. If a member tries to go behind your back... we
>> > >> can
>> > >>>> take
>> > >>>> > care of that. If something comes up for sale on the open-market
>> > >> that
>> > >>>> is
>> > >>>> > unique to the Rhodes 22 and there are legal issues, then that is a
>> > >>>> > discussion for lawyers and not for this forum.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Right now MJM is administering the list. I think he or whomever
>> > >> takes
>> > >>>> on
>> > >>>> > those duties gets their membership free.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > I hope you will take these suggestions under advisement and if it
>> > >> is of
>> > >>>> > interest, let us know what you think the annual membership fee
>> > >> should
>> > >>>> be.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > For everyone else, let the flaming begin.... But just keep in mind
>> > >>>> what
>> > >>>> > the
>> > >>>> > purpose is here. Trying to come up with something palatable to
>> > >> help
>> > >>>> GBI
>> > >>>> > now
>> > >>>> > and us in the long run.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > David
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > PS:
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Other thoughts: The Rhodes 22 website is "technically" one of the
>> > >> best
>> > >>>> I
>> > >>>> > have ever seen as far as the boat information goes. However, it
>> > >> needs
>> > >>>> some
>> > >>>> > polish to be a more effective marketing tool. More timely
>> > >> information
>> > >>>> and
>> > >>>> > more emphasis on the recycle program and availability of used boats
>> > >>>> comes
>> > >>>> > to
>> > >>>> > mind since new boat sales are down. Also, have you ever considered
>> > >> a
>> > >>>> new
>> > >>>> > "entry level" boat without all the bells and whistles which
>> > >> someone
>> > >>>> could
>> > >>>> > purchase at a bit lower price? You've talked about a racer before.
>> > >>>> Could
>> > >>>> > you come up with something without having to have new
>> > >> molds-marketed as
>> > >>>> a
>> > >>>> > "Sport" Rhodes 22? Lower the interior weight, put a standard mast
>> > >> and
>> > >>>> > racing sails on it and a spinaker. Catalina has a "sport model"
>> > >> and it
>> > >>>> > does
>> > >>>> > pretty well I think. Just some ideas I have batted around. dc
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:46:52 -0400
>> > >>>> > From: "stan" <stan at rhodes22.com>
>> > >>>> > Subject: [Rhodes22-list] general boat's complaint (continued)
>> > >>>> > To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> > >>>> > Message-ID: <038FA83D95464CCFB609CA722206B2D8 at rhodes>
>> > >>>> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Rose and I want to thank you all for indulging GB in the use of
>> > >> your
>> > >>>> forum
>> > >>>> > on an issue that is so basic to GB.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > We want to thank those that take issue with our position but
>> > >> attempt to
>> > >>>> be
>> > >>>> > evenhanded. (If academically interested, we can provide exhibits
>> > >> and
>> > >>>> > witnesses that prove the accuracy of our facts.)
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > We are empathetic with those who chafe at this sort of thing and
>> > >> remain
>> > >>>> > silent - in our younger days we probably would have done the same.
>> > >> It
>> > >>>> was
>> > >>>> > not until 50 that we adopted our tribe's slogan of "never again"
>> > >> and
>> > >>>> took
>> > >>>> > on anyone who wronged us: A policeman. A lawyer. a station wagon
>> > >>>> full
>> > >>>> of
>> > >>>> > nuns (just kidding about the station wagon), a giant corporation to
>> > >>>> > docketing at the US Supreme Court. We prevailed in all these pro
>> > >> se
>> > >>>> > actions simply because we do not complain unless the facts and
>> > >> logic
>> > >>>> are
>> > >>>> > solidly on our side - but we digress.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > And, in particular, we want to thank those who understand the
>> > >> logical
>> > >>>> side
>> > >>>> > of our position and offered suggestions.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Re the issue of the Loyalty/Royalty program: Its reasoning seems
>> > >> so
>> > >>>> > correct that it is hard to comprehend dissent. Those thinking us
>> > >> crazy
>> > >>>> for
>> > >>>> > such radical thinking have to sit in this chair for just one day.
>> > >>>> > Interestingly, dissenters enjoy products from many segments of
>> > >> industry
>> > >>>> who
>> > >>>> > have already worked out such support programs, yet these dissenters
>> > >>>> seem
>> > >>>> to
>> > >>>> > be drawing their own grandfather clause line as to which industries
>> > >>>> should
>> > >>>> > not be entitled to residuals on their efforts. Those in this
>> > >> group
>> > >>>> have
>> > >>>> > but to request and we will expand on the good sense of this
>> > >> program.
>> > >>>> It
>> > >>>> > has been emotionally gratifying seeing former members of the "You
>> > >> must
>> > >>>> be
>> > >>>> > crazy" society, when, becoming members of the "List" family, seeing
>> > >> the
>> > >>>> > light and converting.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > Re the issue of the 50 years creating a unique product now having
>> > >>>> others
>> > >>>> > take bites of its parts for their unilateral gain, if not resolved,
>> > >>>> will
>> > >>>> > come home to bite us all. ( When I walked out of the hallowed
>> > >> halls
>> > >>>> of
>> > >>>> > ole
>> > >>>> > PU I vowed not to go into business because I could not stand the
>> > >> ethics
>> > >>>> I
>> > >>>> > saw, and assumed, had to go with that territory. But it was
>> > >>>> pre-ordained;
>> > >>>> > I
>> > >>>> > ended up spending most of my life a driving capitalist. And it
>> > >> has
>> > >>>> been
>> > >>>> a
>> > >>>> > blast, for me and my partner of 60 years - because we made the
>> > >> making
>> > >>>> of
>> > >>>> > money our secondary goal. (The effects of that kind of religious
>> > >>>> fervor
>> > >>>> > has surprisingly turned out to be rough on our opponents.) There
>> > >> are
>> > >>>> ways
>> > >>>> > we can go to stop the taking of free bites of the profitable parts
>> > >> side
>> > >>>> of
>> > >>>> > GB's business::
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > When we sold Venture Sailboats (Macgregor), dealers could buy sails
>> > >>>> > elsewhere and make an additional profit on Roger's creation at
>> > >> Roger's
>> > >>>> > expense. Roger, who graduated at the top of his class at Stamford,
>> > >>>> simply
>> > >>>> > raised the price of his boat and included sails. Being the tough
>> > >>>> business
>> > >>>> > man he is, he did it without notice and dealers had to eat their
>> > >> sail
>> > >>>> > inventories they bought elsewhere. We are slow learners but could
>> > >>>> price
>> > >>>> > Rhodes sales to include a part an outside seller has latched onto.
>> > >>
>> > >>>> Or,
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > We could simply be unresponsive to boat owners who purchase parts,
>> > >>>> unique
>> > >>>> > to
>> > >>>> > the Rhodes design, from others in competition with GB or who fail
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> honor
>> > >>>> > agreements with GB. We inherently do not like this retaliatory
>> > >> type
>> > >>>> of
>> > >>>> > solution, but it is a solution. Or
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > We could simply close shop and that would close the market for
>> > >>>> unauthorized
>> > >>>> > parts vendors. This "cutting off ones nose" solution is not our
>> > >>>> choice.
>> > >>>> > However, not taking on rogue suppliers, eating away at the life
>> > >> cash
>> > >>>> flow
>> > >>>> > of the company, makes it an inevitable solution.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > In an effort to avoid any of the above solutions, based on the
>> > >> thinking
>> > >>>> of
>> > >>>> > List members in this particular complaint of GB vs. Art C, we have
>> > >> some
>> > >>>> > proposals that we will present to the List next week for your
>> > >>>> appreciated
>> > >>>> > feedback. The pro bono time we are having to devote to the
>> > >> problems
>> > >>>> and
>> > >>>> > questions of private sale Rhodes is becoming so overwhelming (and
>> > >> we
>> > >>>> hate
>> > >>>> > to
>> > >>>> > be mean spirited enough to tell them where to go) that we just
>> > >> can't
>> > >>>> seem
>> > >>>> > to
>> > >>>> > manage all of this issue in one sitting.
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> > ss
>> > >>>> > __________________________________________________
>> > >>>> > To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> > http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > >>>> > __________________________________________________
>> > >>>> >
>> > >>>> __________________________________________________
>> > >>>> To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go
>> > >> to
>> > >>>> http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > >>>> __________________________________________________
>> > >>>>
>> > >>> __________________________________________________
>> > >>> To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to
>> > >>> http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > >>> __________________________________________________
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>
>> > >> --
>> > >> View this message in context:
>> > >>
>> > http://www.nabble.com/general-boat%27s-complaint-%28continued%29-tp24660
>> > >> 048p24697834.html
>> > >> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> > >>
>> > >> __________________________________________________
>> > >> To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to
>> > >> http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > >> __________________________________________________
>> > >>
>> > >> __________________________________________________
>> > >> To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to
>> > >> http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > >> __________________________________________________
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >
>> > >--
>> > >View this message in context:
>> > http://www.nabble.com/general-boat%27s-complaint-%28continued%29-tp24660048p24700483.html
>> > >Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> > >
>> > >__________________________________________________
>> > >To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to
>> > http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > >__________________________________________________
>> >
>> >
>> > __________________________________________________
>> > To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to
>> > http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> > __________________________________________________
>> >
>> __________________________________________________
>> To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>> __________________________________________________
>__________________________________________________
>To subscribe/unsubscribe or for help with using the mailing list go to http://www.rhodes22.org/list
>__________________________________________________