I have some great “local” shops-but composite sea kayaks are a VERY hard sell. 2 shops easily stock 100’s boats (I would be hard pressed to count them at one shop, the other shop has 3-4 locations plus a large internet distribution center). Of that the biggest had 1 composite sup, the smaller has maybe 20 composites, but most of those are the owners personal boats. Which left 4 ultra light canoes and maybe 6 sea kayaks-I don’t think any sea kayaks have been added to inventory this decade (in all fairness the canoes and surf skis probably do have some turnover)
He jokes that people come from 1000 miles just because of the ultralite canoes. I recognize I will have to drive further than that if I want to test paddle a new sea kayak if I want one.
Fwiw, he sells Wenonna Canoes, so has no issues selling its subsidiaries kayaks (QCC and CD)-but I think he understands that they simply are terrible to floorplan-as the ones he has have been there for years.
When I talked to Wenonah they said they didn’t intend to make any more CD British or Greenland composites and if there was a model I was particularly interested in, I should call all the local CD dealers.
But last week I was in South Carolina and had a chat with a dealer there. He said he “thought” that Wenonah would consider making a one off if somebody ordered one.
I don’t see why they would not still offer them it’s all glass on the wall, gel coat, and parts used to make their other line. Seaward is much smaller but offers an huge array of kayaks all composite. Just roll the mold in and lay it up. If it took an extra week or three most people would not care.
I can’t imagine what they pay for them made in china. GM pays about 5 per hour in China and it’s considered a top job. People want light and some will pay if they can handle it. Have to look and see what it compares to in Eddyline.
https://eddyline.com/kayak-model/rio I think it will be a tough sell for them. Most people buying a rec kayak won’t care if it is hybrid CD layup. The Eddyline will be shinier and 600 less. Four pounds less not worth 600 to most people.
@PaddleDog52 said: https://eddyline.com/kayak-model/rio I think it will be a tough sell for them. Most people buying a rec kayak won’t care if it is hybrid CD layup. The Eddyline will be shinier and 600 less. Four pounds less not worth 600 to most people.
I rather employ people here by my purchases. Not stuffing money to china who we will confront one day our with US military. Also a country who in gauges in one way trade and steals billions in patent infringements from the world. So if there is a choice it’s USA or a lesser evil. Everyone has a choice where to spend there money.
China but when I have a choice I exercise it. Hope Trump puts an end to one-way trade with many countries. I don’t need cheap products made under horrible conditions. Trade is good but let’s have FAIR TRADE. yes the CHOTA BOOTS I bought were also made on china. In the early 60’s 95 or 90 percent of what people consumed was made here in the USA. GM wanted to sell 500 or
1000 Cadillacs in china 10 or 15 years ago. China said no build them here if you want to sell them here. Guess what they now build them their. China is also reported to have over 50,000 industrial spies in the USA.
My former company went to China only after our competitors did. We we’re told by our customers to move or lose their business because they were manufacturing there( electronics).
Our plants had American management and manufactured to American standards.
The factories are modern , clean, and pay a good wage by Chinese standards.
You don’t provide junk to IBM, APPLE, and HP.