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The corporate profiles of the top ten boat dealers for 1993 are presented. A description of the facilities, personnel complement and product lines of each company is provided. In addition, sales figure each company are broekn down into component to indicate the market specialization of each firm. The companies' sales and management strategies are also discussed.

Marine dealerships talked about their history, market conditions and successful business strategies. The dealerships are Orlando, FL's Boat Tree, Fishers Landing, NY's H. Chalk and Son, Charleston, SC's Duncan's Boat Harbour, Charlestown, RI's Ocean House Marina, Lapeer, MI's Chapman's Sports Center, Mt. Vernon, WA's Master Marine Services and New Jersey's South Jersey Yacht Sales and Canyon Club Marina.

National Marine Safety Center (NMSC) president Dan Ingalls believes that people will have more confidence in driving boats if they are taught the proper way to do so. The NMSC offers such instruction in a program called Helmwatch. The program teaches powerboat skills such as maneuvering away from docks and moving in and out of slips. Participants are then given a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Economic indicators in California are finally pointing upwards as the state begins its slow climb out of recession. Although unemployment still remains relatively high at 8.9%, consumer confidence has started to return and spending is on the increase. Boat dealers forecast strong overall activity for 1995, and this is being reflected in increased number of orders. One segment of the industry still in the doldrums are the marinas, which are having to contend with increased regulations imposed by the EPA.

H&S Yacht Sales owner Michael Birk reports that his company has not suffered from the effects of the economic recession in California, and is actually enjoying excellent sales. Birk expects revenues to reach $20 million for 1994, and credits his application of good management principles for the success of his business. The company has four dealerships in San Diego and Newport Beach, CA with a total staff of 47.

Australian Paul Koch purchased Corsair Marine Inc. from John Walton in Mar. 1994 for an undisclosed amount. The move is expected to consolidate the relationship between the multihull boatbuilders who are recognized for trimaran sailboats with specially designed folding systems which make them easy to transport and store. Koch stopped production of the F31 model at Corsair facilities and also downsized the Corsair administrative staff.

Kettenburg Marine Corp., the oldest boatyard and marine hardware distributor in San Diego, CA, closed down Feb. 1, 1994 after 76 years of operation. Thompson Fetter, owner and president of Kettenburg, cited poor sales revenues as the reason for the closure. The company's gross sales revenues in 1993 fell to $12 million from $29 million in 1989. To avoid going into bankruptcy, Kettenburg was placed under the trusteeship of the San Diego Wholesale Credit Assn.

Bayliner Marine Corp has emphasized the need for enhancing customer satisfaction by implementing Total Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction Index programs. Bayliner, the world's top manufacturer of pleasure boats expects an increase in 1993 sales, especially with the launch of its Jazz model. Bayliner has also improved the designs of its Capri, Ciera and other luxury motoryacht lines.

Profiles Kailua, Hawaii-based boat dealership Windward Boats. Company background; Company's facilities; Employees; Product lines offered by the company; Sales data.

Reports on Bayliner's dealer meeting at the Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego, California from August 5-8, 1994. Need for dealers to increase orders according to president Bob Steinway; Bayliner's computer aided engineering program; Efforts to increase market share; Prospects in the European market.

Reports that marine companies Interlux Yacht Finishes and Bayliner are among the sponsors of the America's Cup yacht race. Commercial potential of the race; Composition of the America team; Non-marine sponsors.