This topic is one that’s been well covered here.
The distance between the seats varies on the older boats and there are several step box sizes. To tool those boxes in varied sizes (5) would require staff that we simply don’t have and can’t get enough return on those parts. There are other complications in colors, flake styles and general labor restrictions that we have trouble meeting. This center console seat part is only available as a replacement part for a boat which had one.
This staff is also the R&D staff that is very limited and would take time from tooling new boat products and reduce their focus on new design work. We have so many limitations on this topic that some existing owners simply do not understand why we can’t build their box for ‘them’. They have moved to build one box style that is in tooling presently. It will be weeks before it’s available. If we meet the anticipated sales level on that one box in limited colors, the returns are meager and it’s a labor sensitive part. Just building this one set of molds will require appx. 200 man hours to prepare.
The actual returns are very low vs. cost and the sales opportunities are limited in numbers by the number of boats built as well as limited demand, which most wanting this part don’t realize. Still, they have developed and initiative to move forwards and the initiative involves building other small parts in a separate lineup to get a consistent work schedule. They are placing an initiative on a small parts program for fiberglass parts.
Ask yourselves this, would Chevrolet, Ford or any other manufacturer address a new center console part. One that must be designed, tooled, molded, and built to replace the existing center console on you F-150 Silverado Laramie truck that was bought in 2012.
It’s simply a new design made for new boats.
BCB
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