"The two happiest days for a boater
are Saturday and Sunday!"
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September 7, 2007
Editor
Press Journal
P.O. Box 1268
Vero Beach, FL 32961-1268
Letter to the Editor:
Wow! What a wonderful Labor Day weekend to be on the water! Never have I seen more people enjoying boating. Contrary to the negative news media, folks are truly using their boats and having a ball.
Marinas from here to Fort Lauderdale were sold out – waiting list only for slips. Unbelievable crowds (and I might add well-behaved) were at Sebastian Inlet flats, Fort Pierce “Redneck Riviera”, and St. Lucie Inlet sand bars. Upon entering Lake Worth Inlet, boat traffic was so heavy there was a “back up” between Peanut Island and Singer Island. News media hovered overhead in helicopters to capture the wonderful world of boating!
All reports from the Bahamas indicated heavy boating – so much so they sold out of their precious $5 per gallon liquid gold. Incidentally, despite inaccurate indicators from the news media, fuel prices were the same as last year. At Vero Beach Municipal Marina, gas prices have COME DOWN over 52 cents per gallon since May. Forecasters of doom and gloom forecasted fuel prices to be jacked up for the holidays – just not so.
Take a look at any launch ramp on any good weekend. They are filled to capacity and overflowing. Yes, folks are enjoying all that our local boating waters offer. Boating is very much alive and well. Ask anyone who spent time on the water over Labor Day. “A good time was had by all.” And most importantly it was safe boating at its best! Stay healthy, go boating!
Bruce MacIntyre
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From the Deck of Vero Marine Center
How’s business? Wonderful! This question is directed to me numerous times each day. Whether it’s at lunch, a business meeting, an evening social, or from a prospect or customer coming through the doors at the marina. Folks of every age and all financial levels seem to ask this great searching question. No wonder people ask - the forecasters of doom and gloom are trying to sell bad news.
I want to address this question from my heart. It’s simple! The boat business is fun. (The day it isn’t, I’ll get out!) There is no other business that focuses so strongly on providing fun, and I include family fun. Boating is something that appeals to all ages, levels of physical activity, and financial capabilities. It’s one of the few hobbies you can do all your life. Nothing pleases me more than to have a satisfied happy customer describe his latest boating experience followed by “Thank you all for making it so much fun.” I watch young families out on the river, kids being towed on a tube, or having a picnic on their own secret island. I hear the bragging of the sailfish that didn’t get away. I watch the faces of guests onboard discover our lovely river and exclaim “I had no idea the river and islands are so lovely.” A group outing going to lunch is fun too! Recently 38 folks cruised to Manatee Pocket dining at a great waterfront restaurant. “Thank you for giving us such a great day.” And yes, the great stories of cruising to far away ports always tells a happy time by enthusiastic boaters. Sour pusses don’t last in boating! Good guys and gals go boating!
So how’s business? Terrific! For well over 10 years we’ve enjoyed record-breaking sales results each year. Most importantly, we introduced more new (young and old) people to boating each and every year. I’m sure it will always continue because boating is “a great quality way of life.” Quality always brings satisfaction and enthusiasm. Satisfaction always brings referrals and new folks wanting to test the waters plus repeat business. Will we set another new high sales achievement this year? Maybe, maybe not, but one thing I can assure you, each and every purchase of a new or used boat should be a fun experience. Shame if it isn’t. If it isn’t, we’ve failed!
Happy boat owners tell it the way it is! One of our senior citizens sold his boat a year and a half ago due to health considerations. When asked the other day whether he missed his boat he said, “every single day.” If you believe the second happiest day theory, you bought the wrong boat to begin with! Every personal boat I sold was like selling a part of the family.
The vast majority of our crew are either present or prior boat owners. They have personally experienced what boating is all about. (If you don’t enjoy boating, you’d better be in another job!) They understand your boating needs and desires and they talk your language.
I felt compelled to write this newsletter to just explain how I personally feel about the future of boating. Notice I did not mention brand names or attempt to merchandise. I just want to emphasis the fun of boating, whether big or small, expensive or cheap, whether you’re old or young, or whether you are a homebody or like to cruise. Boating is fun. Boating is here to stay. Hop aboard – the future is bright!
The Indian River is one of our great blessings. It offers all who wish some quiet solitude as well as family excitement. Treat our Indian River with TLC – our grandchildren deserve the same enjoyment as we have.
So how’s business? “Finest kind.” What a promising future. No other type of business is blessed with folks just relaxing and “doing their thing.” How lucky can we get!
Get out and enjoy!
Bruce MacIntyre
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