MasterCraft CEO - Questions?

(wakeworld) · (wakeworld) **Join Date: Jan 1997** 01-07-2005, 12:31 AM

I'm going to be interviewing John Dorton, President and CEO of MasterCraft, next week. I'm curious as to what kinds of questions you'd be interested in hearing him answer. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 01-07-2005, 6:06 AM

What are the current trends? It appears that the wakeboarding segment has matured and the huges rush for boats may be leveling off. Will cross over boats that perform both waterskiing and wakeboarding tasks be part of the future?

Is there any work to develop a continiously variable transmission to allow for good performance from smaller motors?

Is there any development with diesel applications?

Is there any development with a "Z" drive application?

Is there any potential of a gel coat replacement?

bambamski 01-07-2005, 7:46 AM

I want to know if there is going to be a redesign on the X-2 for 06?

(antbug) · (antbug) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 01-07-2005, 8:50 AM

Pat I heard it was 08, but yes Dave find out when the new X2 is comming out.

(west) · (west) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 01-07-2005, 8:58 AM

Are the prices going to DECREASE????haha

(troyl) · (troyl) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 01-07-2005, 10:46 AM

When will a Drive by wire option for all motors be available?

(mossy44) · (mossy44) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 01-07-2005, 11:19 AM

what is a "Z" drive application?

(ripr) · (ripr) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 01-07-2005, 1:27 PM

I too would like to know if MC is working with Indmar (or someone eles) on some type of alternative fuel source. And if so, how far off is it?

(Message edited by ripr on January 07, 2005)

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 01-07-2005, 2:04 PM

What about entry level v-drive boats? Similar to Malibu I-ride series?

(supraman) · (supraman) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 01-07-2005, 2:09 PM

Dave,

Are there any wakeboarding implications for Volvo's revolutionary new IPS drives (310hp or 370hp diesel engine + forward facing prop drives)?

A new approach

(greatdane) · (greatdane) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 01-07-2005, 2:29 PM

With gas prices climbing, will MC be doing anything towards making a more EFFICIENT wake boat? Perhaps a narrow boat built for 4 to 6 people with an efficient motor/transmission?

I have always been fond of the idea of a 20' forward-cab closed bow v-drive -- a lean and mean wakeboarding machine.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 01-07-2005, 2:50 PM

GD (greatdane), "I have always been fond of the idea of a 20' forward-cab closed bow v-drive -- a lean and mean wakeboarding machine" .kinda like the Nautique Excel Barefoot boat?

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 01-07-2005, 5:58 PM

The IPS drive is a Z drive derivitive. Z drives allow 360 steering and are used extensively in tractor tugs and other commercial boats. The advantage is manuverability and solid tracking.

(w4k3b04rd3r19)

Can you give me a boat to test out for a couple years

(mango) · (mango) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 01-08-2005, 8:06 AM

Have they ever attempted a built in tower like the blade tower on the malibu boats?

I wish M/C boats weren't so expensive. Why do they cost as much as they do to make especially the X-star? Does he ever see them coming down in price in the future?

There's a lot of good wakeboarders out their but don't have enough money to buy a wakeboard boat. Just my opinion.

ag4ever 01-08-2005, 10:14 AM

Mango,

Have you seen MC's recent ad campaign?

One quote is,"Because steak costs more than hamburger."

I would ask the million dollar question, "What is the immediate and long term future of the ownership of MC?"

That would potentially stop the continuous questions about who really owns it.

(cdm) · (cdm) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 01-08-2005, 11:51 AM

It will be interesting to see if Dorton will SPILL the Beans... biting tongue... :-(

(thane_dogg) · (thane_dogg) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 01-08-2005, 12:37 PM

Robert - I'm sure that you're fine with your "hamburger" Super Air.

(rson) · (rson) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 01-08-2005, 5:01 PM

If Brunswick does own MC, can I get a free foosball table and bowling ball for buying on of your overpriced boats?

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 01-08-2005, 5:08 PM

It is only overpriced if you pay more than the market will bear.

(dallas141) · (dallas141) **Join Date: Jun 2004** 01-08-2005, 9:34 PM

Price DECREASES, or a more affordable line of boats

alanp 01-09-2005, 8:20 AM

drop the prices make these affordable to more people.
would they ever consider selling a kit of somesort for a do it yourselfer.

(toyotafreak) · (toyotafreak) **Join Date: Sep 2003** 01-09-2005, 9:56 AM

Is there a way for a boat manufacturer to offer factory ballast WAY in excess of the rated capacity, without opening themselves up to more liability?

(smokedog2) · (smokedog2) **Join Date: Dec 2004** 01-09-2005, 12:28 PM

$50k+ for a boat and you worry about gas milage?

That's wrong.

SD2

ag4ever 01-09-2005, 4:29 PM

Thane,

Yup, I guess I am a Hamburger type of guy.

I do have to admit that MC has some clever advertising. They (IMO) lead CC on that front.

(big_ed_x2) · (big_ed_x2) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 01-09-2005, 7:20 PM

steak is my favorite but eat Big Mac almost everyday.

(mango) · (mango) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 01-10-2005, 10:49 AM

I prefer the NEW Angus Bacon Ranch Steakeburger at BK!

So I'm assuming Mastercraft is the Porterhouse Steak, The Malibu is the Filet Mignon and the Nautiques are the Prime Rib.

(uga33) · (uga33) **Join Date: Jul 2003** 01-10-2005, 11:53 AM

David definetly ask the question regarding alternative fuel. I have been hearing a buzz about Hybrid boats and would like to know if there is some truth to it and if so. When?

(wallyworld) · (wallyworld) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 01-10-2005, 12:57 PM

please ask if he feels at all guilty that their boats have inferior parts but they charge a premium and lie to everyone by marketing them as the best

jzwake 01-10-2005, 12:59 PM

I'd like to know, what it the point of The Perfectwake.com website??

(big_ed_x2) · (big_ed_x2) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 01-10-2005, 3:49 PM

Mango ~ Mastercraft would be the filet mignon!!

(wakezone) · (wakezone) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 01-10-2005, 6:35 PM

drop the beefsteak crap~ seriously!! if u want gas mileage buy a honda! ~ lower pricing... yeah its goin down!

lol yeah gimme more sh-t for less skrillz

when $50k+ boats sell faster than they can make um... great advice for the CEO! c'mon ask a serious question like, hey CEO " Does MC plan on assuming any of the WakeSurfing market share by investing into wakesurf technology, or building wakesurf specific, or crossover wake/surf boats? " now that would be a sik crossover boat!!! i know some 'unnamed' manufactures that will soon be bringing that angle to market...

(wakezone) · (wakezone) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 01-10-2005, 6:39 PM

Dave, also i agree with the hybrid question! all the auto manufactures are doin it now! why not an electric boat? the batteries would be ballast enough for any pro... and who wouldnt pay more for a boat that only had to be filled with gas once a month...

(Message edited by wakezone on January 10, 2005)

ag4ever 01-10-2005, 7:18 PM

How much extra would it cost to tow that electric boat to the river?

I know that I tow mine an hour and a half to our home lake one way, and three hours to our secondary lake. I am not sure if I would want all that fixed weight in batteries during the tow. Just would stress the hull and trailer on the to the lake, but if I was on the lake with no trailer, the hybrid would be great.

I spend way more on fuel just getting to the lake than I do on the lake.

(wakezone) · (wakezone) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 01-11-2005, 11:47 PM

i wonder if u could fill and empty the batteries like ballast tanks.... haha how sik would that be!!!?the water could go thru a system that charged and decharged the water so u could fill and empty it into that lake without harming the inviornment,,, i am down with innovation! ill dream it and MC can make it!