Build-a-Boat [Archive]

MakeMineaS&S

07-14-2010, 04:57 PM

I love playing with the Build-a-Boat part of the website, but why doesn't it have prices for anything?

Like when I play on Ford's, (or any manufacturer's) website and build a car or truck, it has the base price, then any packages or options I add, changes the price. I really like that, since as I'm spec'ing out a vehicle, I might say, "Yeah, I'd like to have the bigger wheels", but then I see the price and I might go, "Yeah, I don't want 'em THAT bad."

I think it would be nice to see that on the website, so that as I start optioning out a boat, I can see the cost of each option and decide if I REALLY need it or not.

GregS

07-14-2010, 09:17 PM

Great idea...just post the MSRP. That's what most manufactures do anyways.

H20BOY

07-14-2010, 10:12 PM

I fully agree.

Willski

07-19-2010, 02:51 PM

I was thinking the same thing. How much are dealers coming off of MSRP? Does anyone know?

joecarew3

07-19-2010, 03:01 PM

I look at it both ways, I can understand why they have to have someone quote it out for you, the personal relationship, the building of value and what not. I get that. But, from the other side of the fence, why can't they just show the price, it's almost like they are ashamed they have to charge so much. Like they're product doesn't speak for itself, or sell itself. If thats the case, maybe a lower price should be in the works :rolleyes: I know they have to make a profit, I don't remember reading anywhere that Mastercraft posted record breaking profit margins or anything like that, so I am to assume that they're prices are right in line with what they should be. Oh well though, I probably won't be buying a new one anytime soon.

MakeMineaS&S

07-19-2010, 06:19 PM

I look at it both ways, I can understand why they have to have someone quote it out for you, the personal relationship, the building of value and what not. I get that. But, from the other side of the fence, why can't they just show the price, [SNIP]

I know a dealer might be able to work something, or sell it for less than MSRP, but at least showing the MSRP of the boat, plus the MSRP of the options would give a nice "ballpark" for the total price.

Also, I haven't shopped new boats, but is it like a car, where there's MSRP, then there's what you ACTUALLY pay, which is usually below MSRP?

Or is it like a motorcycle or ATV, where they charge MSRP and that's that, no dealing, no haggling, you pay MSRP, (plus a slew of other nickel and dime crap like "setup fees"), or "there's the door"?

And if you order a bespoke MC from the online Build-A-Boat, do you pay full price, with no possibility of a deal, versus buying one that's been sitting "on the lot" and the dealer wants to move?

Willski

07-22-2010, 10:32 AM

I would imagine, there is a little wiggle room even if you order, but buying one off the lot that has been in inventory would be cheaper I imagine.

absolutezero

06-16-2011, 07:45 PM

I would definitely appreciate the MSRP.

Would also like to see a "random" button that would give me a random or preset color scheme. I get stuck looking at the same old colors I like, but would like to get some new ideas. A random or previously created option would be cool to see.

MasterKraftS&S

06-16-2011, 08:22 PM

They should list some prices but I guess they figure - If you have to ask how much, You proly can't afford it!

JLowder

09-16-2011, 11:59 PM

MIskier

09-18-2011, 10:51 PM

How about updating your build a boat with boats you actually sell. You don't sell Indmar, X-1's, X-80's anymore. Make a website that reflects that it. If you spent half the time improving the website as you do updating the MC Facebook status, the site would be done already.

The site is always updated in the late fall with the 2012 boats and options as somethings change between July and the end of the year as far as options and even new models being released late.

JLowder

09-19-2011, 11:44 PM

The site is always updated in the late fall with the 2012 boats and options as somethings change between July and the end of the year as far as options and even new mode. ls being released late.

Just because that's the way its been done in past years doesn't make it right. If my dealer can order a 2012 today and select options, then so should I. It can't be that difficult to update to the 2012 since they have already done it on the dealer side. If more options come out later, than update it then. Case in point: The X-25 flip down cup holder which once was standard became an option, but the website was never updated. For that matter, from what I heard, was that most dealers weren't updated. I know there was a few on this board that ordered boats thinking they were getting the flip down holders and then they became option after the order and therefore didn't get built with them. The dealers insisted it was just stuck closed. My point is BETTER COMMUNICATION =a better product which = less warranty claims = happy customers, and higher profit. Win win.

MIskier

09-19-2011, 11:50 PM

Except when the site is controlled by an outside source which the build a boat is, and it is just easier and less time consuming and cheaper for the company to do it all in one shot.

I will agree that the flip down arm rest was a fail on everybody's part to inform customers as to what was going on.

JLowder

11-22-2011, 12:16 AM

We are now just shy of 6 months into the annual production. Might as well just scrap the 2012 update and start working on 2013's at this point. Come on, update the website already.

X2 ED

11-22-2011, 03:01 PM

I just bought à 2012 X25 and I must say it is hell to pick color and options.
Here in europe there are no 2012 boats and I had to drive up to the dealer to pick the color scheme, even the dealer does not know exact changes and options.

The web site is way out of date and it almost made me say just dont buy à boat if you do not know what your buying.

Update THE site and ad prices just like the car industry it makes people BUY à boat and fill it with options.

vision

11-22-2011, 09:09 PM

Yeah, I made this same complaint a few years ago. Their marketing folks, or should I say whoever controls their marketing group, is horrendous.

I was ready to buy a new MC about 2 months ago. But, I became tired of waiting and lost the itch.

Maybe by the boat shows they will have something and I will reconsider. But my current MC is looking better each day.

Eric2010MCX2

12-05-2011, 01:48 PM

How bout we update the design a boat to the current model year...seeing how you have been able to order 2012's for at least damn near 4 months now... I know... dealers have inventory.. blah blah blah... Car dealers still have inventory too but you dont see them waiting until halfway through the model year to change their "build" sections on their websites. I wanted a 2012 3 months ago, but like Vision, have lost the itch.

Quinten

12-05-2011, 02:26 PM

Completly agree wich eric2010MCX2

We have bought a new x2 last month and it was hell to pick options and collors etc.. because some collors where new and some where out. Luckly there are a few pics on the internet with the new collors. Even if the boat was order the dealer mailed us with updates like the bts windshield and what boat cover we wanted, one coverers the tower to or not. This is with the zft5p.
It would be easier for every one if the build your own 2012 is only!!!!!!

Edit: I forgot to mentioned the outside colers is ok to pick, but the interior is hard and anoying for the dealer I think. It was like this: can you change that to this and than that piece in an other coler. For about 20 min on interour.
IF it's only you can do this at home :)

thatsmrmastercraft

12-05-2011, 02:28 PM

Same old complaint, new model year.:confused:

scott023

12-05-2011, 02:44 PM

Same old complaint, new model year.:confused:

Seems like they could fix this issue quite easily, if they wanted to.

thatsmrmastercraft

12-05-2011, 04:21 PM

Seems like they could fix this issue quite easily, if they wanted to.

Funny how one little word can have such a big effect.

Jet

12-06-2011, 09:19 AM

What does late fall mean anyway on uploading the 2012 build a boat site ? December 6th and still no signs, but we can see videos and comments on the 2012 on Vimeo !

Is the company in good financial position or are they trying to save costs ?

Not a good sign to me.

-V-

12-06-2011, 09:48 AM

scott023

12-06-2011, 10:08 AM

Funny how one little word can have such a big effect.

No doubt about that. :rolleyes:

Jet

12-06-2011, 01:15 PM

Careful what you say..........big brother is watching.....:D

I hope that Big brother is watching reading and acting actually. I am in the market to change my boat, but I find this situation strange.

JLowder

12-09-2011, 01:39 PM

Careful what you say..........big brother is watching.....:D

I hope/think they are watching, but it's obvious they aren't doing anything about it. I sold my stern drive boat in preparation to order a new MC this winter. I no longer want to hear about how MC is the industry leader in innovation and other marketing BS. Please also save the 3rd party blame, as the dealers build a boat site is up and running, and has been for months. It would seem that the MC marketing department is more interested in building it's Facebook friend list, than customer list.

FIX THE WEBSITE!!!!

-V-

12-09-2011, 02:14 PM

:woohoo::shocked::eek3::headbang::toast::friday:I hope/think they are watching, but it's obvious they aren't doing anything about it. I sold my stern drive boat in preparation to order a new MC this winter. I no longer want to hear about how MC is the industry leader in innovation and other marketing BS. Please also save the 3rd party blame, as the dealers build a boat site is up and running, and has been for months. It would seem that the MC marketing department is more interested in building it's Facebook friend list, than customer list.

FIX THE WEBSITE!!!!

FourFourty

12-23-2011, 11:37 AM

Seems like they could fix this issue quite easily, if they wanted to.

They really should..... I was very annoyed at how many trips I had to take to the dealer (2 hours away), to do what I could have done at home.

Another big fail IMO, is that MC doesnt send vinyl or Gel samples to their dealers, so that a buyer can see the colors in real life.

As you know, I changed my mind on my colors a couple times for the 2012 that I just ordered. Ultimately, I had to travel 300 miles to 3 other dealers, to see blue flake and red flake in real life. I also needed to go to those dealers to see the actual difference between Viper red upholstry and Pro-Tour red.... Talk about aggrevating.

When I was shopping for a new boat last year, Both the Malibu and Nautique dealers had color palletes for interior and exterior. I looked at boats at three MC dealers, and none of them could provide that. Not to mention that MC was the only company that didnt have 2011 DAB up yet.

If it was not for the extremely helpful and friendly crew at Castaway Marina, I would not have purchased my 2011 X25. I would have ended up with a SAN 230. I hope that MC recognizes that my Marina sold me two new boats, not MasterCraft.

scott023

12-23-2011, 11:48 AM

They really should..... I was very annoyed at how many trips I had to take to the dealer (2 hours away), to do what I could have done at home.

Another big fail IMO, is that MC doesnt send vinyl or Gel samples to their dealers, so that a buyer can see the colors in real life.
As you know, I changed my mind on my colors a couple times for the 2012 that I just ordered. Ultimately, I had to travel 300 miles to 3 other dealers, to see blue flake and red flake in real life. I also needed to go to those dealers to see the actual difference between Viper red upholstry and Pro-Tour red.... Talk about aggrevating.

When I was shopping for a new boat last year, Both the Malibu and Nautique dealers had color palletes for interior and exterior. I looked at boats at three MC dealers, and none of them could provide that. Not to mention that MC was the only company that didnt have 2011 DAB up yet.

If it was not for the extremely helpful and friendly crew at Castaway Marina, I would not have purchased my 2011 X25. I would have ended up with a SAN 230. I hope that MC recognizes that my Marina sold me two new boats, not MasterCraft.

Great point. That should be a must.

CantRepeat

12-23-2011, 12:41 PM

I hope/think they are watching, but it's obvious they aren't doing anything about it. I sold my stern drive boat in preparation to order a new MC this winter. I no longer want to hear about how MC is the industry leader in innovation and other marketing BS. Please also save the 3rd party blame, as the dealers build a boat site is up and running, and has been for months. It would seem that the MC marketing department is more interested in building it's Facebook friend list, than customer list.

FIX THE WEBSITE!!!!

Seems like it's winter already, shouldn't you be at a dealer using their build a boat and ordering up? Which model are you going to order?

CantRepeat

12-23-2011, 12:42 PM

Great point. That should be a must.

Yeah, colors would be pretty nice to see in person.

scott023

12-23-2011, 01:19 PM

Yeah, colors would be pretty nice to see in person.

The color quality on line is terrible. Not even remotely close to the real color when it's in front of you.

Jerseydave

12-23-2011, 07:04 PM

All good points that you guys make.
Gelcoat samples and interior samples would be great for every dealer to have on hand.

If I see a rep (or John Dorton) at the NY boat show I will mention this. I will also mention that the site needs attention.

JLowder

12-26-2011, 05:00 PM

Seems like it's winter already, shouldn't you be at a dealer using their build a boat and ordering up? Which model are you going to order?

I totally should be, but I refuse to spend 100k on something that I can't fully research EVERY option prior to placing my order. My dealer either sucks, or isn't getting all the information I have requested from the factory. I have the money saved up, and hopefully MC will get it together before I get frustrated and I settle for a different make.

mgorczak1

12-26-2011, 05:19 PM

Frustrated and buy something else....yipes... didn't know the the economy has rebounded so much that any dealer or manufacturer could ignore any transaction at this ticket price....Can you still go to NAPA and get parts for the Ilmor??? :D

scott023

12-26-2011, 10:59 PM

I totally should be, but I refuse to spend 100k on something that I can't fully research EVERY option prior to placing my order. My dealer either sucks, or isn't getting all the information I have requested from the factory. I have the money saved up, and hopefully MC will get it together before I get frustrated and I settle for a different make.

This happens more than we know, I sure of it....

mgorczak1

12-27-2011, 12:07 AM

I was anal when I was spending 10K - I would be unbearable spending 10 times that amount - and then the wonderful contribution to our local taxing bodies - I couldn't even imagine the tax on an MC in the great white north.

CantRepeat

12-27-2011, 08:31 AM