So now that Ospreys are in production in China, the Hawaiian made ones - once they start making them again - will be $4600!!! I really hope the other builders dont keep continuing this type of rate increase. The good news is that solved my dilemma on wether to get a Pueo or an Osprey. 6 more weeks!
Submitted by jpi92109 on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 5:28pm
The market determines price. If too high, nobody buys. The economy is bad now, and plenty people having a rough time making ends meet. So let's see what's going to happen? Some of us had to make the decision recently to forget buying a new canoe and go pay for private school tuition. I think most of us going stick to paddling our old canoe if we also got to pay big bucks for college tuition. Talk about inflation, go check out how much cost for go college now a days. I think so canoe prices going hold the line or come down somewhat due to the economy?
#1 Wed, 07/29/2009 - 6:36pm
True, the market does determine the price. Its just tough to watch prices climb so high for something that is much more than a "possession" for so many people. But business is business I guess.
#2 Wed, 07/29/2009 - 6:43pm
If it makes you feel any better theres not a lot of profit in the $4600. Builders build for love and lifestyle as much or more than the money. Considering all that goes into a canoe they should be $6000
#3 Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:15pm
I need some parts for my trusty rusty Subaru and thought / wished for a parts car for it ... The very next day it presented itself with the owner asking 700... Same color even ...
Got me thinking ... A WHOLE CAR for 700.
Bean counters and Marketing types have told me to charge what you can sell it for and if you are too busy, raise the price some more ... I don't agree with that.
aloha,
pog
EDIT ... Maybe thats why I am still driving my old car : )
#4 Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:35pm
Actually, the whole point of raising the price of the hawaiian made osprey wasn't to make money. I was recently by the shop and talking to both the brothers and they told me that they deliberately did that because they wanted to stop production on it at the shop because they were so busy with other things such as repairs and mirages and such.
However, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't think about even just trying an outrigger connection boat. Just because it was made in china, doesn't mean its unreliable. All the materials that go into making the boat is the same that comes from here. Process is the same, only thing thats different is that its going to have kevlar in it which'll give say one or two pounds. But does that really make a difference? Downside is its a little bit heavier. But the boat is also very small and lightweight to begin with. I'd say it would be no heavier than say a peggy or a hawaiian fuze. Upside is the kevlar will add more strength to the boat so that say maybe you "happen" to forget it out in the sun, your china osprey isnt going to warp and deflate. Plus, by the time it gets back from china, it'll be all cured and ready to go.
Just giving some thought. The price inflation was totally dillerberate and not for total money making purposes.
Aloha,
Kcchee11
#5 Thu, 07/30/2009 - 4:46pm
It's the same concept they've done with the Zephyr since they began production in China and isn't new so shouldn't be shocking. From what I remember, that custom double carbon red and black Zehpyr made here last year that Manny K. borrowed, had cost around $4,500+ to be made.
http://www.ocpaddler.com/files/Custom%20Zephyr%204_0.jpg
#6 Thu, 07/30/2009 - 11:32pm
so KAi Waa Custom Pegasus/Scorpius and Pueo light layups are a deal at $3800- $4000! Good job guys! It is true there is not a lot of money in it for these guys. Keep up the good work.
#7 Fri, 07/31/2009 - 7:38pm
In order for me to buy a new canoe, it means I got to earn $6,000 before taxes to net the $4,000 price. Maybe more?
#8 Fri, 07/31/2009 - 8:26pm