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Author Topic:   Whaler Cuts More jobs

320OR posted 03-01-2009 05:18 PM ET (US)
Did anyone hear that whaler laid off about 50 more full time employees this past week. Not a good sign, considering they cut their full time workforce in half in the last year. Could they tank? Will Boston Whaler be non existant in a year from now? What will happen to the Whaler name? Could they be bought out by someone? Can anybody buy them out and revive the brand?
jimh posted 03-01-2009 05:21 PM ET (US)
I did not hear any news of this. Is this published somewhere?
jamesmylesmcp posted 03-01-2009 05:57 PM ET (US)
Last Thursday a friend of mine was at the factory for a meeting as the layoffs took place.
Yiddil posted 03-01-2009 06:38 PM ET (US)
How sad to hear of more layoffs....seems thats all you hear about these days:)
I can't imagine BW not surviving but anything is possible in this economic situation...
Does that mean every Boston whaler ever built would be a collectors item?
I hope they make it but Ive seen weirder things happen to a brand logo...
Kingsteven18 posted 03-01-2009 10:08 PM ET (US)
Collector's items? Everybody that wants one, has one. That's why they're not selling any.
elaelap posted 03-01-2009 10:33 PM ET (US)
I think a dozen or so of us CW types should form a partnership, take Boston Whaler off Brunswick's corporate hands for a song, dump most of the current molds, especially any over 19 feet, splash some new molds from our classic hulls, and bring the company back to a small, hands-on business model. I'll bet we would do just fine, and we all know that financing would be easy since venture capitalists are just crying out right now for something to do with all their liquidity ;-)
Tuco
elaelap posted 03-01-2009 10:34 PM ET (US)
...can you just picture the partnership meetings. I for one would bring a couple of bodyguards.
Tuco
Draftmanswife posted 03-05-2009 06:55 PM ET (US)
lol, you probably should elaelap! Most of those folks are friends of ours.
Janis
TRAFFICLAWYER posted 03-05-2009 08:05 PM ET (US)
"I think a dozen or so of us CW types should form a partnership, take Boston Whaler off Brunswick's corporate hands for a song, dump most of the current molds, especially any over 19 feet, splash some new molds from our classic hulls, and bring the company back to a small, hands-on business model. I'll bet we would do just fine, and we all know that financing would be easy since venture capitalists are just crying out right now for something to do with all their liquidity ;-)
Tuco"
Now that's some brilliant thinking.
elaelap posted 03-05-2009 08:08 PM ET (US)
Well, Janis, you know that the partnership wouldn't even begin to get off the ground unless you--hopefully as a partner--were doing all the graphics on the neo-classic Whalers. That's probably the only thing my fantasy CW partnership would agree upon without leaving blood and teeth on the board meeting floor ;-)
Tony
elaelap posted 03-05-2009 08:12 PM ET (US)
And as for you, TRAFFICLAWYER, since it's MY fantasy, I assure you that you would not be invited to join the partnership. Stick with them vastly overcharged DUIs, pal...lots of bucks and not a whole lot of heavy lifting, if you get my drift.
Tony
lizard posted 03-06-2009 12:14 AM ET (US)
Well, this is unfortunate news, even if a new Whaler is not my next rig (and its not).
Tony, under your new proposal, I will cover the back door, you will slink along the wall while bottles are being thrown and sneak down the staircase.....
We'll meet at the pre-arranged spot for a lovely vino tinto....I may let you smoke.
Let's draft the "Dirty Dozen" ownership list. It should consider:
1) Whaler experience
2) Problem solving skills
3) Proximity to the water for the annual board meeting
4) Ability to ignore naysayers
5) Anal retentive qualities {that gets JimH a seat :) }
6) Ability to argue an indefensible point {that brings in many members}
7) An affinity for sandpaper and teak oil
8) Someone along the lines of Tom Clark, in personality and knowledge
draftsman posted 03-07-2009 11:19 AM ET (US)
Saw my buddy from there at lunch yesterday, he confirmed the news. Head of marketing Kim Heigel is gone also. Went to the plant after lunch, preety quiet out there, very sad....
SJUAE posted 03-07-2009 02:05 PM ET (US)
If it did go to the wall probably an Indian tycoon that hates Mercs will buy it and the ask for a government bailout package to build them in China, let’s hope not.
Whalerdog posted 03-07-2009 08:57 PM ET (US)
Sad but they will survive if any boat companies do.
bluewaterpirate posted 03-07-2009 09:08 PM ET (US)
The Grady White plant is about 3 miles from my house ...... they've furloughed folks and are working a two day workweek.
Tom
Chuck Tribolet posted 03-07-2009 09:16 PM ET (US)
Whaler doesn't need to be run by a committee, it needs to be
run by a person of vision. Vision for what whaler's market
niche wants and needs, and the vision for how build a WHALER
for that niche.

Chuck
fourdfish posted 03-08-2009 07:53 AM ET (US)
You got that right Chuck! But Tony could do that!
The name Boston Whaler will never die! However, Brunswick
might!
17 bodega posted 03-08-2009 10:20 PM ET (US)
There would have to be clear separation of powers among the comittee, which I suspect would devote a great deal of R&D resources to testing the features such as built in Amber Pale Ale taps right next to the bait tank, and special hookah systems for divers and connoisseurs of fine Dutch coffee house truffles.
I'm in man. I got no money to bring to the operation, but I'm in!
elaelap posted 03-09-2009 01:31 AM ET (US)
There you go, Steve! That's exactly the kind of innovative thinking needed for 21st century, neo-classic BWs. Now how do we work in sails or parafoil kites, solar panels, and bio-diesel outboards?
Tuco
Chuck Tribolet posted 03-09-2009 07:54 AM ET (US)
Tony's vision to drop the big boats is right, though I'd
draw the line around 25', not 20'.
But the devil is in the details. Wood or plastic? I know
you guys like your wood, but I'm damn glad I don't have any.
My whaler works for a living, every weekend, and I'd rather
be diving than working on teak.
elaelap posted 03-09-2009 12:03 PM ET (US)
Chuck's on the partnership track for sure, as our expert in dive-related and anchoring matters, anchor locker and bow cleat R&D, as well as computer design and management. Wood trim and hatch covers to be strickly optional equipment on the utilitarian neo-classics, but available for sure for them as wants 'em. Hardwoods must not come from endangered rain forests, of course, and must be harvested using 'Fair Trade' pay scale and working condition guidelines. Ditto the ingrediants--cocoa beans and whatever--for Steve's "fine Dutch coffee house truffles." ;-)
Tuco
17 bodega posted 03-09-2009 09:23 PM ET (US)
I love it! Tony arguing aesthetics while Chuck demanding pragmatics! I think we've found the winning combo, arrived at during many brainstorming sessions fully stocked with fine Hennepin ale glasses served at the ideal temperature. We're on to somthing here. Whalers designed by hard core boaters, not suits!
Knot at Work posted 03-09-2009 09:59 PM ET (US)
I say we arm the smaller whalers... oh yea and add snakes for anti-theft.
chopbuster posted 03-09-2009 10:20 PM ET (US)
fourdfish;

quote:
The name Boston Whaler will never die.
"I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder."
"I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel."
Capt. Edward J. Smith; former Titanic skipper.
In the ever expanding recession, Never say Never.
Ritzyrags posted 03-09-2009 11:17 PM ET (US)
Well;
I am willing and able to take care of the publicity aspect of this new board of ownership.
And very importantly;
Of getting the message across to all levels;
And to promote the renewed boating interest that would come with financial successes.
And to quote a very famous saying just heard lately;
To put lipstick on a Whaler..
Well you still got a Whaler..
I will in my humble ways;
Promote and produce the sustained amount of enthusiasm needed to get the hull of the mud;
Seemingly; to have managed to get itself lately and to bring back the old ways of tradition.
And my goal being ;
"A Whaler for every family that enjoys boating in the Americas"
My drink will either be;
On Famous Victory Nights; Icy rich and potent Stouts
And on work days; A nice Cabernet will be the thing.
Stated in good Faith
And I will swear to that If I have to.
elaelap posted 03-09-2009 11:40 PM ET (US)
Jeff/knots--back safe and sound and still full of piss and vinegar--in charge of the military/commercial side, and of course Ritz as partnership Poet Laureate. Hey, this thing is shaping up.
fourdfish posted 03-10-2009 12:13 PM ET (US)
Chop-- I said "name" not boat!!

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Author	Topic: Whaler Cuts More jobs
320OR	posted 03-01-2009 05:18 PM ET (US) Did anyone hear that whaler laid off about 50 more full time employees this past week. Not a good sign, considering they cut their full time workforce in half in the last year. Could they tank? Will Boston Whaler be non existant in a year from now? What will happen to the Whaler name? Could they be bought out by someone? Can anybody buy them out and revive the brand?
jimh	posted 03-01-2009 05:21 PM ET (US) I did not hear any news of this. Is this published somewhere?
jamesmylesmcp	posted 03-01-2009 05:57 PM ET (US) Last Thursday a friend of mine was at the factory for a meeting as the layoffs took place.
Yiddil	posted 03-01-2009 06:38 PM ET (US) How sad to hear of more layoffs....seems thats all you hear about these days:) I can't imagine BW not surviving but anything is possible in this economic situation... Does that mean every Boston whaler ever built would be a collectors item? I hope they make it but Ive seen weirder things happen to a brand logo...
Kingsteven18	posted 03-01-2009 10:08 PM ET (US) Collector's items? Everybody that wants one, has one. That's why they're not selling any.
elaelap	posted 03-01-2009 10:33 PM ET (US) I think a dozen or so of us CW types should form a partnership, take Boston Whaler off Brunswick's corporate hands for a song, dump most of the current molds, especially any over 19 feet, splash some new molds from our classic hulls, and bring the company back to a small, hands-on business model. I'll bet we would do just fine, and we all know that financing would be easy since venture capitalists are just crying out right now for something to do with all their liquidity ;-) Tuco
elaelap	posted 03-01-2009 10:34 PM ET (US) ...can you just picture the partnership meetings. I for one would bring a couple of bodyguards. Tuco
Draftmanswife	posted 03-05-2009 06:55 PM ET (US) lol, you probably should elaelap! Most of those folks are friends of ours. Janis
TRAFFICLAWYER	posted 03-05-2009 08:05 PM ET (US) "I think a dozen or so of us CW types should form a partnership, take Boston Whaler off Brunswick's corporate hands for a song, dump most of the current molds, especially any over 19 feet, splash some new molds from our classic hulls, and bring the company back to a small, hands-on business model. I'll bet we would do just fine, and we all know that financing would be easy since venture capitalists are just crying out right now for something to do with all their liquidity ;-) Tuco" Now that's some brilliant thinking.
elaelap	posted 03-05-2009 08:08 PM ET (US) Well, Janis, you know that the partnership wouldn't even begin to get off the ground unless you--hopefully as a partner--were doing all the graphics on the neo-classic Whalers. That's probably the only thing my fantasy CW partnership would agree upon without leaving blood and teeth on the board meeting floor ;-) Tony
elaelap	posted 03-05-2009 08:12 PM ET (US) And as for you, TRAFFICLAWYER, since it's MY fantasy, I assure you that you would not be invited to join the partnership. Stick with them vastly overcharged DUIs, pal...lots of bucks and not a whole lot of heavy lifting, if you get my drift. Tony
lizard	posted 03-06-2009 12:14 AM ET (US) Well, this is unfortunate news, even if a new Whaler is not my next rig (and its not). Tony, under your new proposal, I will cover the back door, you will slink along the wall while bottles are being thrown and sneak down the staircase..... We'll meet at the pre-arranged spot for a lovely vino tinto....I may let you smoke. Let's draft the "Dirty Dozen" ownership list. It should consider: 1) Whaler experience 2) Problem solving skills 3) Proximity to the water for the annual board meeting 4) Ability to ignore naysayers 5) Anal retentive qualities {that gets JimH a seat :) } 6) Ability to argue an indefensible point {that brings in many members} 7) An affinity for sandpaper and teak oil 8) Someone along the lines of Tom Clark, in personality and knowledge
draftsman	posted 03-07-2009 11:19 AM ET (US) Saw my buddy from there at lunch yesterday, he confirmed the news. Head of marketing Kim Heigel is gone also. Went to the plant after lunch, preety quiet out there, very sad....
SJUAE	posted 03-07-2009 02:05 PM ET (US) If it did go to the wall probably an Indian tycoon that hates Mercs will buy it and the ask for a government bailout package to build them in China, let’s hope not.
Whalerdog	posted 03-07-2009 08:57 PM ET (US) Sad but they will survive if any boat companies do.
bluewaterpirate	posted 03-07-2009 09:08 PM ET (US) The Grady White plant is about 3 miles from my house ...... they've furloughed folks and are working a two day workweek. Tom
Chuck Tribolet	posted 03-07-2009 09:16 PM ET (US) Whaler doesn't need to be run by a committee, it needs to be run by a person of vision. Vision for what whaler's market niche wants and needs, and the vision for how build a WHALER for that niche. Chuck
fourdfish	posted 03-08-2009 07:53 AM ET (US) You got that right Chuck! But Tony could do that! The name Boston Whaler will never die! However, Brunswick might!
17 bodega	posted 03-08-2009 10:20 PM ET (US) There would have to be clear separation of powers among the comittee, which I suspect would devote a great deal of R&D resources to testing the features such as built in Amber Pale Ale taps right next to the bait tank, and special hookah systems for divers and connoisseurs of fine Dutch coffee house truffles. I'm in man. I got no money to bring to the operation, but I'm in!
elaelap	posted 03-09-2009 01:31 AM ET (US) There you go, Steve! That's exactly the kind of innovative thinking needed for 21st century, neo-classic BWs. Now how do we work in sails or parafoil kites, solar panels, and bio-diesel outboards? Tuco
Chuck Tribolet	posted 03-09-2009 07:54 AM ET (US) Tony's vision to drop the big boats is right, though I'd draw the line around 25', not 20'. But the devil is in the details. Wood or plastic? I know you guys like your wood, but I'm damn glad I don't have any. My whaler works for a living, every weekend, and I'd rather be diving than working on teak.
elaelap	posted 03-09-2009 12:03 PM ET (US) Chuck's on the partnership track for sure, as our expert in dive-related and anchoring matters, anchor locker and bow cleat R&D, as well as computer design and management. Wood trim and hatch covers to be strickly optional equipment on the utilitarian neo-classics, but available for sure for them as wants 'em. Hardwoods must not come from endangered rain forests, of course, and must be harvested using 'Fair Trade' pay scale and working condition guidelines. Ditto the ingrediants--cocoa beans and whatever--for Steve's "fine Dutch coffee house truffles." ;-) Tuco
17 bodega	posted 03-09-2009 09:23 PM ET (US) I love it! Tony arguing aesthetics while Chuck demanding pragmatics! I think we've found the winning combo, arrived at during many brainstorming sessions fully stocked with fine Hennepin ale glasses served at the ideal temperature. We're on to somthing here. Whalers designed by hard core boaters, not suits!
Knot at Work	posted 03-09-2009 09:59 PM ET (US) I say we arm the smaller whalers... oh yea and add snakes for anti-theft.
chopbuster	posted 03-09-2009 10:20 PM ET (US) fourdfish; quote: The name Boston Whaler will never die. "I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder." "I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel." Capt. Edward J. Smith; former Titanic skipper. In the ever expanding recession, Never say Never.
Ritzyrags	posted 03-09-2009 11:17 PM ET (US) Well; I am willing and able to take care of the publicity aspect of this new board of ownership. And very importantly; Of getting the message across to all levels; And to promote the renewed boating interest that would come with financial successes. And to quote a very famous saying just heard lately; To put lipstick on a Whaler.. Well you still got a Whaler.. I will in my humble ways; Promote and produce the sustained amount of enthusiasm needed to get the hull of the mud; Seemingly; to have managed to get itself lately and to bring back the old ways of tradition. And my goal being ; "A Whaler for every family that enjoys boating in the Americas" My drink will either be; On Famous Victory Nights; Icy rich and potent Stouts And on work days; A nice Cabernet will be the thing. Stated in good Faith And I will swear to that If I have to.
elaelap	posted 03-09-2009 11:40 PM ET (US) Jeff/knots--back safe and sound and still full of piss and vinegar--in charge of the military/commercial side, and of course Ritz as partnership Poet Laureate. Hey, this thing is shaping up.
fourdfish	posted 03-10-2009 12:13 PM ET (US) Chop-- I said "name" not boat!!