Wishing Lavey Craft best of luck

[guest hs]

I don’t see the fascination with true tunnel boats. The ones I have seen have no cockpit depth to them unless it’s a really big one. 30 foot and down I feel is a waste with a true tunnel.

 

[guest hs]

Same here. I honestly don't see how people do business in this state. Hopefully just moving to Havasu like everyone else. I'd think Vegas would be a good place as well with Lake Mead nearby.

Now that’s funny. Lake Mead and Vegas have no place for a Custom boat builder. It’s unfortunate but true. I lived in Vegas since 1982 and have been involved with the marine industry there since 1989. There’s a reason for it. One word Casinos I will let you figure it out from there.

 

[G. Faulk]

Maybe here in Cali, but in Florida and nearing states boat sales are through the roof. If I ordered my new Nor-tech 39 CC yesterday I'd be lucky too have it by Next august because there's 40 boats ahead of me. Same with invincible, Sea Hunter, SeaVee, Blackfin, etc.. hell even if I step down to a 35 Sportsman its first to mid summer. I know of one low to mid tier boat company back east and unless he's full of shit they have close to 250 boat orders.

With the FT Lauderdale show newt week they'll be more boat orders. It will be ingesting to see when I'm there the action that will be going on.

I for sure think shits going to hit the fan here shortly with whoever is President but for now boat sales are through the roof.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Now that’s funny. Lake Mead and Vegas have no place for a Custom boat builder. It’s unfortunate but true. I lived in Vegas since 1982 and have been involved with the marine industry there since 1989. There’s a reason for it. One word Casinos I will let you figure it out from there.

Interesting....so the only business they want there is Casinos or Casino related. Crazy. NV seems pretty business friendly too.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

I don’t see the fascination with true tunnel boats. The ones I have seen have no cockpit depth to them unless it’s a really big one. 30 foot and down I feel is a waste with a true tunnel.

Go for a ride in a silverwing tunnel of you ever get the chance. You'll get it....

 

[guest hs]

Interesting....so the only business they want there is Casinos or Casino related. Crazy. NV seems pretty business friendly too.

Boating in Vegas, Lake mead is an up hill battle for boat dealers and manufacturers. They are always competing against the casinos for entertainment dollars.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Lavey is number one on my list for a new build as soon as I can afford it. Their work is some of the best in the industry. I hope you guys come back stronger than ever.

Ditto. Hell if my current hull goes tits up I'd get a Lavey and move everything over to it. Should be cheaper to afford if all the components to move are still good too.

 

[Bullet28]

How is that possible? Boat sales are best they’ve ever been? I heard Howard has a 2 year waiting list to get a boat built. My buddy is building an Eliminator he commissioned this summer and I don’t think he gets it until next year. So many other MFGs are cranking out boats. Used boat sales is off the charts. What am I missing?

Correct on Howard, I had a long conversation with Gene. Booked until September 2022.

 

[hallett21]

Boating in Vegas, Lake mead is an up hill battle for boat dealers and manufacturers. They are always competing against the casinos for entertainment dollars.

In your experience is that across the board for locals and out of towners?


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[lbhsbz]

Lavey always reminded me of a mid 90’s sports car. Not sure why.

I think the build quality is top shelf...who else has keyed molds to bond the deck and hull in the mold?

When I do things, I typically go above and beyond to make it extra super stout...seems Lavey shares the same principles....they just need some new material. Aside from the RPM deal...when is the last time they built a new mold?

 

[Andy B.]

In your experience is that across the board for locals and out of towners?


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Yep but there is a lot of new boaters with wake boats I've noticed.

 

[EmpirE231]

Their building is pretty large, in a busy part of corona. IF they own that building, now is a good time to sell for top dollar and get out of CA with prop 15 on the ballot.

 

[Wheeler]

I think the build quality is top shelf...

That might be an understatement.

They repaired this and it looked like it never happened.

 

[pixrthis]

My wife and I bought a new 21 Laveycraft in 97 and became friends with the Camires. A couple years later I raced against them in Factory 1 and became better friends with them, they are really good people who build great boats. I hope they can continue doing so for years to come.

 

[lbhsbz]

That might be an understatement.

They repaired this and it looked like it never happened.

View attachment 935031 View attachment 935032

I have seen the gelcoat repair section of their website...I’m not understanding how stuff like that is possible, but evidently they do it. They are Gods.

 

[petie6464]

I couldn't imagine having the building they did in CA. with only a couple of employees trying to build boats and make a profit.

Hopefully they can restart at some date but that market is ever shrinking

 

[WhatExit?]

Just thinking out loud...don't they have another business focus besides boats (SxS)? Maybe trying to do more than the core business of building boats is an issue especially if that business took a lot of investment.

 

[Voodoo GT350]

That might be an understatement.

They repaired this and it looked like it never happened.

View attachment 935031 View attachment 935032

Story???

 

[Wheeler]

Story???

Yikes!

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[Havasu blue label]

Ask Dave

 

[Lavey 29]

The fact of the matter is there is no decent money to be made in custom new boats sales and on the west coast who really is knocking it dead ? the current market is Pontoon boats the number one boat in sales - next is wake boats and then center consoles with 2 to 6 outboards installed.. Nothing else comes close to that. For the record mailbu wake boats who also make their own engine packages in house sold about 8 K in new boats for the year and that figure was as of Sept 2020. What westcost builder even made 25 brand new boats for the year so far let alone 8000 like Mailibu wake boats did and sold about 8500 new engine packages of theirs. I know what people are going to say. Sportboats are too expensive - well wake boats all of them start at 6 figures to about 300 K. Then we have outboards --- a new Mercury Verado sells for 30 to 46 K per outboard depending on which one. So that price adds up quickly as well, they are flying off the shelf.

The top name sportboats for the years - Baja - Fountain - donzi do not even have 20 - I/O boats sold combine for this year. For boat sales this is not a covid issue its the sportboat owner moved on to pontoon boats with outboards or their kids want a wake boat or they got out of sportboats for good.. Many no longer support the sport boat market./ industry period. Actually how many people do you personally know who bought a brand new 2020 or a 2021 new I/O sportboats this year ? I personally can not name more than a couple and I have been in the marine industry for 31 years. Sportboat people 99 percent of them do not buy new, they buy 12 to 25 year old sportboats or new pontoon boats or new CC boats with verados currentlly. Hate to say it but they are no longer supporting the industry like the past from the 80s thru out till about 2006.

I feel bad for Lavey Craft as they build super nice boats and are really good people. They always go the extra mile for everyone that is a Lavey customer. I totally get the halt of their business and the over price of operating expenses especially in greedy over priced CA. Why make Landlords and the state rich from your own hard work as at the end of day you basically do not get that much of your slice of the pie.

 

[B. Rainey]

CRAZY to hear Chris shut the doors. I'm sure their business choices are made with the best intentions. The latest 2750 is our forever boat. They also built us a 24. In my opinion they are the most solid boats I've been in which is why we chose them again the 2nd time. The build threads for both are posted on RDP. Yes, the build process took longer than estimated (both times) but the craftmanship is tough to match. I hope they are able to continue in the industry and make themselves available for all of their new & past customers to bring them the ongoing service and repair when the shop is moved. Since Lavey had always taken care of our boating needs and it's now not an option, we are looking for a solid shop in the Havasu area, any suggestions?

 

[Looking Glass]

Boating in Vegas, Lake mead is an up hill battle for boat dealers and manufacturers. They are always competing against the casinos for entertainment dollars.

I won't beleive that large of the population there is so obsessed with Casino =Everything, to hurt the Marine Business.

 

[FreeBird236]

CRAZY to hear Chris shut the doors. I'm sure their business choices are made with the best intentions. The latest 2750 is our forever boat. They also built us a 24. In my opinion they are the most solid boats I've been in which is why we chose them again the 2nd time. The build threads for both are posted on RDP. Yes, the build process took longer than estimated (both times) but the craftmanship is tough to match. I hope they are able to continue in the industry and make themselves available for all of their new & past customers to bring them the ongoing service and repair when the shop is moved. Since Lavey had always taken care of our boating needs and it's now not an option, we are looking for a solid shop in the Havasu area, any suggestions?

I had been with the same shop for quite a while because of the mechanic, even though the owner is a dick, finally cut ties this year and went to JC Marine and they did a great job. There a quite a few good shops around, people seem to be good with Barrett's and Iguana. If you have some exotic engines that might have an effect on your choice. I agree with your thoughts on the quality of Lavey BTW.

You might get more response if you start a thread about service.

 

[Performance Grips]

CRAZY to hear Chris shut the doors. I'm sure their business choices are made with the best intentions. The latest 2750 is our forever boat. They also built us a 24. In my opinion they are the most solid boats I've been in which is why we chose them again the 2nd time. The build threads for both are posted on RDP. Yes, the build process took longer than estimated (both times) but the craftmanship is tough to match. I hope they are able to continue in the industry and make themselves available for all of their new & past customers to bring them the ongoing service and repair when the shop is moved. Since Lavey had always taken care of our boating needs and it's now not an option, we are looking for a solid shop in the Havasu area, any suggestions?

Barrett custom marine is awsome

 

[wzuber]

If I read the info. Correctly they are shuttering the new hull/boat building division but retaining the service and repair division in a smaller more economical facility. Is that accurate? What state?

 

[Andy B.]

If I read the info. Correctly they are shuttering the new hull/boat building division but retaining the service and repair division in a smaller more economical facility. Is that accurate? What state?

I thought Havasu someone will chime in.

 

[guest hs]

I won't beleive that large of the population there is so obsessed with Casino =Everything, to hurt the Marine Business.

Well believe it I lived in Vegas since 82 and was in the boat business for 30 years there. Trust me when I tell you that.

 

[Looking Glass]

Well believe it I lived in Vegas since 82 and was in the boat business for 30 years there. Trust me when I tell you that.

🏳

 

[lavey jr]

If I read the info. Correctly they are shuttering the new hull/boat building division but retaining the service and repair division in a smaller more economical facility. Is that accurate? What state?

Yes, that is accurate and it will be in California in the area of Corona-Temecula (not 100% on location yet, still searching and figuring that out). Chris has stopped taking in orders for new boat builds for the time being. He will continue to do service and other types of work. Once he gets back on his feet and settled in to his new location he will open the doors back up to new orders. All models will still be available from 21’-39’
If you or anyone needs help or work done on your boat you can reach out to me and I can give you contact information if needed.

 

[wzuber]

Yes, that is accurate and it will be in California in the area of Corona-Temecula (not 100% on location yet, still searching and figuring that out). Chris has stopped taking in orders for new boat builds for the time being. He will continue to do service and other types of work. Once he gets back on his feet and settled in to his new location he will open the doors back up to new orders. All models will still be available from 21’-39’
If you or anyone needs help or work done on your boat you can reach out to me and I can give you contact information if needed.

Good to hear and to know I read it correctly. Hopefully the peeps in here that posted looking for referrals to other service providers will continue with Chris and Co. in his new location as they seemed to be quite pleased with their business relationship. I hope the Lavey brand and family will continue long into the future.

 

[Lavey 29]

CRAZY to hear Chris shut the doors. I'm sure their business choices are made with the best intentions. The latest 2750 is our forever boat. They also built us a 24. In my opinion they are the most solid boats I've been in which is why we chose them again the 2nd time. The build threads for both are posted on RDP. Yes, the build process took longer than estimated (both times) but the craftmanship is tough to match. I hope they are able to continue in the industry and make themselves available for all of their new & past customers to bring them the ongoing service and repair when the shop is moved. Since Lavey had always taken care of our boating needs and it's now not an option, we are looking for a solid shop in the Havasu area, any suggestions?

If you need someone to work on your boat engine side / maintenance side in Havasu - I can refer you to a person that I know personally and is Master Cert for Merc outboards and Mercruiser and Yamaha. Promise this is not some hack nor NON oem trained craigslist marine tech. As mentioned he is Master cert on 3 engine brands and still current with all that. We know each other personally just saying.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Yes, that is accurate and it will be in California in the area of Corona-Temecula (not 100% on location yet, still searching and figuring that out). Chris has stopped taking in orders for new boat builds for the time being. He will continue to do service and other types of work. Once he gets back on his feet and settled in to his new location he will open the doors back up to new orders. All models will still be available from 21’-39’
If you or anyone needs help or work done on your boat you can reach out to me and I can give you contact information if needed.

I think this would be a great opportunity to bring back the Seabring with a modern 300 on it.

Good luck and everybody wish you and your dad well. We all know you guys will come out just fine. Way too good of a reputation to not.

 

[Christopher Lucero]

I think this would be a great opportunity to bring back the Seabring with a modern 300 on it.

Good luck and everybody wish you and your dad well. We all know you guys will come out just fine. Way too good of a reputation to not.

RE: Sebring with a 300...

That is wild....Last summer when I was there chatting with Chris about the resto he is doing for me, I asked him if he would consider shooting a mold of my boat...I told him to think about it... hope he takes me up on the offer.

ANYWAY...here is the '87 hull with the 300R we are restoring:

https://www.facebook.com/laveymotorsports/posts/2532172333769861

 

[Cole Trickle]

RE: Sebring with a 300...

That is wild....Last summer when I was there chatting with Chris about the resto he is doing for me, I asked him if he would consider shooting a mold of my boat...I told him to think about it... hope he takes me up on the offer.

ANYWAY...here is the '87 hull with the 300R we are restoring:

https://www.facebook.com/laveymotorsports/posts/2532172333769861

I think i heard the sebring mold is in long beach. Met a super nice guy that i believe used to work at lavey and ended up starting his own company building government boats. I know he told me he has one of the small lavey molds and i believe it was the sebring (tunnel right?)

 

[Christopher Lucero]

I think i heard the sebring mold is in long beach. Met a super nice guy that i believe used to work at lavey and ended up starting his own company building government boats. I know he told me he has one of the small lavey molds and i believe it was the sebring (tunnel right?)

OH, wow. Uh, any idea how to get more definitive info?

 

[lbhsbz]

RE: Sebring with a 300...

That is wild....Last summer when I was there chatting with Chris about the resto he is doing for me, I asked him if he would consider shooting a mold of my boat...I told him to think about it... hope he takes me up on the offer.

ANYWAY...here is the '87 hull with the 300R we are restoring:

https://www.facebook.com/laveymotorsports/posts/2532172333769861

Are you getting a new windshield made? If you are, I need one 2. They're pretty spendy at $800 or so. If they have the windshield guy make 2...I wonder if the price would come down significantly, saving us both money. Let me know if that's in the cards.

 

[Cole Trickle]

OH, wow. Uh, any idea how to get more definitive info?

ill send you a pm.

 

[Christopher Lucero]

Are you getting a new windshield made? If you are, I need one 2. They're pretty spendy at $800 or so. If they have the windshield guy make 2...I wonder if the price would come down significantly, saving us both money. Let me know if that's in the cards.

Oh. Hmmm. Let's do it...but first I gotta be sure Chris restarts the biz (I haven't heard from him since they moved...actually since last summer (yikes!).

I _CAN_ get by without a new one. Mine had only one small 8 inch spot where my daughter slipped and nerfed her behind on it, ...kind of crazed (windshield, not daughter, or maybe she is???)
She was like 11 at the time. (shes 43 now!)

 

[schweeng]

Just read this.... way late to the party..... This just saddens me! I love their boats.... owned many of them. I hope Chris and his family get through this and will be ok doing what ever it is. I need another 29 one day!

 

[Flying_Lavey]

RE: Sebring with a 300...

That is wild....Last summer when I was there chatting with Chris about the resto he is doing for me, I asked him if he would consider shooting a mold of my boat...I told him to think about it... hope he takes me up on the offer.

ANYWAY...here is the '87 hull with the 300R we are restoring:

https://www.facebook.com/laveymotorsports/posts/2532172333769861

Unfortunately I can't see the video. I have a huge soft spot for the 20.2 Sebring. My Uncle has the 1st Sebring made. And it was also the one Chris raced in the '85 Parker 9 hour.

I said something to Chris Jr about doing a new Sebring and he said they didn't have the molds but could get and use them if they wanted?

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