Annapolis Sailboat Show

[jpian0923]

Late model, delco distributor with points, original manifold, missing some studs, direct drive, exhausting on cylinder #1, intake on cylinder #2, #3 is about to fire, #4 just fired. I might be wrong, but I don't feel like thinking. What else?

[sastanley]

Nice analysis Jim, except I think you got #1 & #2 backwards..if #4 is about to fire, #1 has to be the intake open (larger valve) & on #2, the exhaust is open (smaller valve). - you did say you weren't ready to think tho..me either.

I wonder what's so interesting at the flywheel end?

[ndutton]

I wonder what's so interesting at the flywheel end?

No doubt they're looking for the elusive forward oil seal.

[ILikeRust]

Late model, delco distributor with points, original manifold, missing some studs, direct drive, exhausting on cylinder #1, intake on cylinder #2, #3 is about to fire, #4 just fired. I might be wrong, but I don't feel like thinking. What else?

You might need to get out more...

[jpian0923]

You're right Shawn.

+1 for Bill.

[edwardc]

... I wonder if I can get Don to go there next year. ...

He could set up a booth right next to I.Y.R.S.

[Administrator]

I had a brief, but energetic, conversation with Don and Brenda this evening about getting a booth at next year's show.

What do you guys think?

Bill

[ndutton]

It's all about parts sales and usually show space isn't cheap. I think it boils down to how much you have to sell to justify the expense and time invested in moving displays to and from as well as hours invested in manning the booth. Breaking even shouldn't be the goal.

On the other hand, I worked the Long Beach SCMA sailboat show when I worked for the manufacturers. Our expenses were through the roof because besides floor space we had to truck the boats to and from the show and we usually had three or four models displayed. This included masts up, booms in place and sails bent on. The difference was if we didn't make a showing the industry rumors of our pending demise would result. Our absence would say more than our presence.

[Administrator]

Not knowing what the space actually costs, this could be quite naive, but I was trying to convince him to bring a rebuilt engine and a new block, and focus primarily on pressing the flesh.

Bill

[ndutton]

Often times that pays immeasurable dividends in the future.

[TomG]

Bill,

I think MMI having a booth at the Annapolis (or any other) show is largely a business decision that must meet a benefit for the costs. How you all define that is a matter of choice and advertising budget. Do you want to sell manuals and parts? Do you want to expose the market to the Moyer Marine brand? Do you want sell complete engines?

Given the very nebulous world of "marketing" expenses, you could easily justify a booth. If the booth needs to "pay for itself" with a return of direct sales dollars, it might be a wash. I do think the marketing aspect has tremendous promise for Moyer in unexpected and indirect ways. For example, one of the primary reasons I bought my latest boat was because it had a Moyer rebuilt A-4, with all the bells and whistles. If a buyer without $250,000 to spend on a new boat can find a way to own a classic with a NEW engine (without the hassle and expense of converting to diesel) for less than a tenth of that, you might actually move a few complete assemblies because of the booth. You would also undoubtedly make many, many contacts within the industry both locally and nationally.

I'm sure a booth is expensive and MMI might be as busy as it wants to be, but it is an intriguing idea. If MMI decides to get a booth next year, as a small token of my appreciation of your products and this forum, I'll volunteer to help you do anything you need done to set up and break down, transport, run for food, etc. I think it would be a hoot to help out!

[jhwelch]

You might want to bring some common parts, too: water and fuel pumps, etc.

[edwardc]

Tom,

I couldn't have said it better. +1

You might want to bring some common parts, too: water and fuel pumps, etc.

Gaskets! Light, cheap, and not cost effective to ship by themselves.

[sastanley]

I'd say get a booth right next to the Beta Marine guys!! They very prominently display their "Atomic 4" replacement engine on a stand in their booth. It is also in pretty close proximity to the "Good Old Boat" booth, which is not tucked into the large claustrophobic tents, but separate booths on the north end of the large tents, which I personally prefer. More room, brighter & airy.

Finally, an affordable alternative to the $10,000 Beta "solution"..give your old A-4 new life and save some money with a new block. Cast locally by MMI specifically for the venerable Atomic 4 engine. Now there is a choice when compared to installing a replacement diesel auxiliary! Keep your A4 running for another 30 years!

You could have your catalog of parts and & order form available to give Stephen something to do after the show, , but I also like the idea of common, easy to transport maintenance items as Ed noted like gaskets, etc.

[edwardc]

I'd say get a booth right next to the Beta Marine guys!! They very prominently display their "Atomic 4" replacement engine on a stand in their booth.

I don't know if the show organizer would allow it. I was looking through the vendor's forms at the show's site, trying to find costs (which I didn't find). Anyway, I saw a restriction on banners (on the fences) that did not allow banners from competitors to be placed in close proximity to each other.

Guess they're afraid of a fist fight breaking out among drunken sailors.