Mainship is back

[JD]

For all of the folks that didn't think it would happen, here is a post from the Mainship Group.

"Anyone see this month's Passagemaker? David Marlow is describing the new model as follows:

"One might imagine a Grand Banks 32 with softer lines and a bit more modern technology and significantly greater fuel economy" "I want to do a boat for mom and pop, who don't require the world of luxury or speed but like a salty, capable boat with phenomenal fuel economy" I have a want list that makes it an old sailors speedboat - 9 knots top and 3gph or 2gph at 8 knots on a 28' waterline and volume that begs the question of how"

Didn't I mention a few months back that small trawlers are hot sellers these days and that Mainship should have capitalized on that? Looks like Marlow is going to make it happen.

Look for the new model in February - will be built in the USA!"

Great news.

 

[ColonyCove]

Great news! Glad to see the brand survive; I've been quite happy with mine.

 

[JD]

Great news! Glad to see the brand survive; I've been quite happy with mine.

I said this before, it can do nothing but help those of us that have them. With a class outfit like Marlow doing it the image will improve. Three years from now no one will even remember it went belly up.

 

[Moonstruck]

I said this before, it can do nothing but help those of us that have them. With a class outfit like Marlow doing it the image will improve. Three years from now no one will even remember it went belly up.

Right JD. David Marlow knows boats. He usually goes at things from a little different angle. I can't wait to see the new models. Wonder if he will revive the St. Augustine factory. It makes sense since both his yards would be near each end of I-4.

 

[Earl34Mainship]

Great news for all of us Mainshippers... maybe there'll be some factory tech support and replacment items for MS if we need them... the factory may even be in Florida.. even better....

Vinny... when will you be in NSB?

 

[Flatsflyer]

Don't think we see the St. Augustine Plant come back online, For Sale Signs still up on both US # 1 and San Sebastian River. My guess is that the new models will be made at the Hunter Factory near Gainesville.

I think all of the Marlow lines are made in yards in the far east.

 

[Earl34Mainship]

I'm hoping for a Florida factory and Gainesville is close enough... would make sense to locate with an existing facility....

 

[Moonstruck]

I think all of the Marlow lines are made in yards in the far east.

I think you are right about that, but Marlow does have a facility on Sneed Island near Palmetto. It is right across from the Bradenton YC, and David Marlow lives on Sneed Island. At least he did a couple of years ago.

 

[Flatsflyer]

I was at the Sneed Island facility several years ago and it was a commissioning and service facility not a manufacturing facility. They have their sales and administrative offices there also.

 

[Earl34Mainship]

IMO anything Mainship in Palmetto, FL is a great start - with all the Mainship owners in FL, expansion might be warranted... beats opening anything in Taiwan... might result in a viable owners' association...

 

[Sharkey]

I have spoken with many Marlow owners over the last two years. I hope the after the sale service is better for Mainship than what most Marlow owners spoke of.....

 

[RickB]

I have spoken with many Marlow owners over the last two years. I hope the after the sale service is better for Mainship than what most Marlow owners spoke of.....

 

[JD]

After sale is a function of the Dealer not the builder in a lot of cases. Boat dealers seem to be reliant on someone else's yard for their work a lot of the time. It isn't a lot different with cars and they have their own service department. Chevy builds the car the same way every day. But two different dealers may give two different owner experiences for the exact same problem.

I'm not defending Marlow, I don't know the folks at all. But sometime folks that buy the high line just expect way more than what can really be done.

Over a couple of beverages one night on a friends SeaRay I heard a story from a CEO of a large yacht builder that resulted in the buy back of a $4 mil boat. The second owner never had a problem with the same boat. So you can't please some folks no matter what.

I'm just glad that someone is continuing the line even if in name only.

 

[Earl34Mainship]

Concur... speaking to someone at Mainship will be much better than getting the "no longer in service" recording. May not get the problem solved, but worth a try...

 

[Moonstruck]

If Marlowe has a network of dealers, I am not aware of them. All the ones I have known were sold new by Marlowe, and commissioned/serviced at their yard on Sneed Island. They must occasionally use other yards for commisioning. Many of the owners when the boats were near ready would have them moved over the Bradenton YC for awhile.

 

[Sharkey]

I live on Snead Island, four or five blocks from Marlow's yard. I don't think there is any manufacturing going on there, not a big yard. I see the boats tied up at Bradenton Yacht Club often, where I chat up the owners. I have captained a Fleming for the last 2 years and the boats are similar. I love the Marlow Explorer and have tried for captain jobs with no luck.

I am currently looking for a looper boar as my Fleming job is ending, yacht is selling. Thinking about a MS 40, and looking at a Prima 52......

 

[cstanton]

Sharkely,

We currently own a 78' OA, looking to start a new build. We are torn between a Fleming 78' and a Marlow 80' any insight?

 

[sunchaser]

There is an active thread on yacht Forums regarding Fleming vs Marlow comparison. Some hands on thoughts are expressed over there.

That said, contact Tony Fleming direct - if you are a serious buyer. I'm sure he'd will show you his personal Fleming, "Venture." It is a good first step before going to the Fleming brokers direct.