Marine Max acquires Cruisers Yachts

Oh my. I've long been surprised they didn't do this on Sea Ray when they had the chance. But the strategy is common and not limited to boats. As the retailer, you become 50% or more of the wholesaler or manufacturer's business. Then you can force any price structure you want or get them to sell to you. Suddenly, you have more control of the company than they themselves have.

The purchase of Skipper Bud's is what pushed them over the 50% threshold of Cruisers' business. Now what impact might this have on other brands they carry, like Galeon? Will you see more Cruiser Boats and fewer Galeon on their lots in a short time? Right now you'll see no impact, but when the market weakens which builder will they be loyal to?

I was surprised at the price. Obviously Cruisers doing far more business than I realized as that seems like a premium price to me. May reflect some fear over imports.

Interesting in the Boat test email write up it stated they acquired the IP from Carver/Marquis along with the factory. Does this mean Product or Manufacturing IP or both? Also, have to wonder why Brunswick couldn't dispose of their line without mothballing it. Timing no doubt plays a role. Lastly, is this a good or bad thing for US based product given MM's rep and background as there seems to be a void where SeaRay was (Mid Priced/Quality/Value).

https://boattest.com/article/marine...Xvg&utm_content=125094470&utm_source=hs_email

https://info.boattest.com/marinemax...xdg&utm_content=125094470&utm_source=hs_email

Well, first Larson/Carver/Marquis apparently had a sale to Polaris and then somehow the facility and the IP went to Cruisers, so I'm not sure how it all ended up. It does appear clear that Jacobs has done it again, taken another business out of business.

I got the impression that Cruisers was primarily interested in the manufacturing facility and the ability to expand their production. This certainly makes sense with the Marine Max acquisition.

Sorry for dragging this post back.

I've been looking at Cruisers Cantius and have developed the feeling they have low resale value. Seems like in a few years they lose 30 to 40 percent.. ( is that normal? )

I assumed they sold a lot of boats and there where lots on the market.

The article indicates Cruisers had sales of $75mm last year. That seemed much smaller than I had assumed. Is that maybe 50 hulls per year ?

Does anyone have a Cruisers or any experience? They seem to have a Sea Ray type reputation. Seem to have a bit deeper deadrise than Riviera.

Actually Cruisers has a very decent reputation as a small volume builder. As to low resale value, not a lot different from others but may be slightly lower in areas they aren't well known. They've traditionally catered to the Great Lakes so not been as visible in areas like South Florida. Did compete with Sea Ray and were a reasonable alternative in the 30-50' range.

Thanks.. yes I said Sea Ray type reputation as a compliment.. also noticed how many used where in fresh water.

I've taken a hard look in 2019 at Searay L550 and Cruisers Cantius 60 , the Cantius is not put together very well, build quality is low, lower quality components, vinyl, cabinets, helm, my wife commented about the quality as she was opening cabinets, heads and seating. The Searay L550 was built better and build quality was much higher. Both were new boat's and just from traffic of lookers the Cruisers had several items loose or broken with trim, cabinets and counter tops. Their designed for the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan is where we boat) no way would I take the Cruisers out in 8ft or more waves not sure how it would handle them with out interior breaking apart. I put them with Prestige. All boats that I have been on and look them over very well. They'll find in just nicely with the crap Marine Max sells. I'm sure there is a large margin and thus is what makes them appealing to MM.

You do realize that Marine Max is by far the largest seller of Sea Ray, I hope.

Yes I do know that, but Sea Ray is no longer making anything over 40ft.

Thanks for the opinion on Cruisers. I haven't seen one in person.