No Limits

Published: Thursday, June 21, 2012 7:00 am
By: Megan Straw, Loadmaster Trailer Company

Every year, all of us count down the days until the warmer weather comes and our boats get pulled out of storage. We anticipate the start of Spring boating and all that it symbolizes. To many, boating is their favorite pastime and the typical boating season on the Great Lakes is so limited, people are always looking for ways to cut their boating costs.

Many people ask us why we are so busy. We like to think, as a small family-owned business, that it’s largely because of the high quality product we build, and our exceptional customer service, but we know there are other reasons. We are not trying to make marinas upset with this statement, but a lot of marinas and storage yards raise their rates every year. More and more customers are considering the purchase of a trailer to eliminate their yearly costs just to have someone store their boat and/or put it in and take it out of the water.

We spoke with a gentleman in the Chicago area who pays close to $4,000.00 per year for storage of his 29’ boat. The $4,000.00 did not include the fees incurred any time they needed their boat pulled for service or cleaning. When we priced the customer $5,400.00 for a new, custom built to order trailer, he was easily sold. Luckily, this gentleman has space on his personal property to store his boat in the off season, eliminating his yearly fixed cost. Another customer in Massachusetts pays $7,000.00 per year! They could both save hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer by fueling up on land, rather than on the water – not to mention, the ability to clean and work on their boats at their leisure. Similarly, owning a boat trailer can provide you the freedom to venture out of your normal boating territory and explore new waters.

The most important thing is that we all band together to keep the marine industry strong! On the water is where we belong! If you read my articles, you know I usually end each article with a piece of advice or a challenge. My challenge to you is this: find a new place to explore, do your research, and attack it from all angles. Ask locals their favorite hot spots, ask tourists their “must do” activities, and branch out. Because my family works so many hours, it is very difficult for us to get away for more than an evening of boating at a time; however, I do plan to challenge myself to this same adventure! Enjoy the water and your family. Most importantly, enjoy boating!!

Meg Straw
Sales & Marketing Director of Loadmaster Trailer Co.
[email protected]
www.loadmastertrailerco.com; 800-258-6115