Here's an article from the Knoxville <i>News-Sentinel's</i> business section today. I thought the sales growth in a sluggish economy a few years ago was interesting, as well as the breakdown in sales by some market segments. <BR> <BR>"East Tennessee-based MasterCraft Boat Co. for the sixth straight year had record gains in revenue and boats sold. In fiscal year 2007, the company had $199.2 million in sales and sold 3,639 boats, said company spokesman Jason Boertje. In the fiscal year ended June 30, the company saw a 9 percent increase in boats sold and a 12 percent increase in revenue. When the company began in Maryville in 1968, it sold 12 boats the first year. <BR> <BR>"MasterCraft, now based in Vonore south of Knoxville, attributed the gains in part to a strong showing at boat shows and 'aggressive' introductions of new models. 'New products and hands-on dealer development led to a 218 percent increase in our saltwater business, a 10 percent increase in our international business, and a 9 percent increase in our domestic freshwater business,' John Dorton, president and CEO of MasterCraft, said in a press release. <BR> <BR>"MasterCraft has nearly 600 employees. On its Web site, MasterCraft said it is the world’s largest producer of ski, waterboard and luxury performance powerboats. It sells boats in 25 different countries and has more than 100 domestic and international dealers."

Nice.....others??? Bu? CC? SC? or even EPIC?

interesting article Jeff' <BR>it's good to see american based companies gaining in international sales! <BR> <BR>hey Jeff <BR>we are headed out your way friday! <BR>gunna stay in a cabin on lake Norris <BR> <BR>have you guys gotten any rain yet? <BR>have you been out to Norris lately?..if so....how's the lake?! <BR> <BR>thanks

Wow with those #'s it equates to $54,740 a boat.

Very little rain, Cliff. We're really in drought conditions; this is the second driest season in 118 years. <BR> <BR>I like Norris, but I don't get there much because my boat's in a slip on Ft. Loudon. I haven't heard of any problems at Norris due to low water. Other lakes -- yes, but not Norris. In fact, Norris was at its target elevation as of June 1. Have a great time!

Hope to increase there number by one more next year.

The huge increase in saltwater business is interesting. I am an 07 X45 Saltwater Series owner. I didn't even consider any other true wakeboard boat manufacturers when buying since I ride in Miami and the Keys. I wonder if the other manufacturers will start making saltwater boats due to MC's huge growth numbers. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by dubsac on July 16, 2007)

thanks Jeff <BR>we are excited about the trip! <BR> <BR>the rain has finally let up here <BR> <BR>but it will be awhile before all of the closed lakes and rivers are open again

Will(dubsac), I'm sure someone will copy MC's SS version. The norm is let MC test the market with new innovative products and if successful copy them. Like MB and Tige did with the picklefork. I know Cobalt had the pickle first but it wasnt a success and they dont build it anymore. MC has had great success with it. Spinning board racks, Tower mirrors, fuel injected since '94 are just a few others. Hell even CC copies MC's advertising. I think Malibu, CC is or has already some sort of Salt version. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by woreout on July 16, 2007)

I also heard MC is ahead of Bu in total sales so far this year, putting them in the #1 spot.

^^^^^ Think again. I know Bu's numbers and they are above MC.

Kia sells more cars than Bentley....So?

haha gotta love the MC salespeople in this post

Not a sales guy just a fan. <BR>It could have been this quarter, but what do I know, all I talk to is a bunch of burnt out riders.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/biggrin.gif" border=0>

BTW Rich, what are the numbers?

just a fan eh? <BR> <BR>(Message edited by timmy on July 16, 2007)

Not gonna say until they are released officially but bu beat them by a few 100 (give or take).