JANUARY 2017
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MID-AMERICA BOATING
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34
Protect your investment
By Megan Meisler Co-owner, Loadmaster Trailer Co., Ltd. This winter, while you venture out to the boat shows to scope out the new boats, product innovations and marine gear, be sure to keep an open mind for items and luxuries that may seem different or unique. Being in the marine industry we are always searching for new ways to provide value added options to our customers to help ensure they are safe and secure while towing and using their trailer. Similarly, many boat manufacturers, marinas and dealers are trying to do the same. For today’s hard-working class, everyone seems to be busier, with less time to enjoy
specifications and to match their customers’ needs. This ensures a trailer built to their specific needs as possible, while always making sure the safety of use is the highest priority. Custom trailer manufacturers build trailers for boats ranging from 17’ in length to 52’, with boat values ranging from $15,000 to $3M, so every trailer is truly unique and has to be customized accordingly. They are finding more often than not that customers, no matter the dollar value of their boat, after having faulty trailers with issues will request that the manufacturer customize their trailer exactly to their needs providing them peace of mind while on the road. The true value of a boat is not what a book tells you it is, it is what it means to you! Occasionally, manufacturers will get the shocking customer that just spent $300,000 on a new boat, but wants a cheap used trailer. However, those customers are
fortunately becoming less and less frequent. It is so imperative that we all protect our investments. Now a days it seems there is an insurance for everything, and a similar concept is to ensure the items we hold most dear, that we work so hard to afford are properly taken care of. Keep an eye open, take a look around and really look at what products are being offered of value with the purchase. Is a dealer trying to sell you a gorgeous, new, expensive boat with a cheap, unsafe trailer? Do they provide the proper warranties and do you trust their customer service? Are they willing to listen to your unique needs and work hard to find an offering that fits them perfectly? At times, it can be a struggle to really understand the value you are getting but with due diligence you should walk away with a smile on your face and excitement in your heart. Happy boat shopping!
their hobbies and luxuries making free time far more valuable than saving extra money, which is forcing manufacturers and retailers to incorporate the fast paced lifestyle into the products and offerings they sell. Consumers want the assurance that when they go boating, sailing, jet skiing etc. they will not have to deal with any issues or maintenance failures because their time out on the water is their most highly anticipated form of relaxation they have for six months out of the year. The security aspects customers are seeking when purchasing a product are trust and safety. In today’s market, custom boat trailer manufacturers do not have stock units. Each trailer is manufactured to order and built to the boat’s
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BOOTH 106 &107