Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18 - (Page 16)

replacement cost and diminishing deductibles are new examples of insurers taking on additional risk for little or no money. Most insurance companies have made a bucket full of money in the past four years. As the marine insurance market continues to soften up, insurers will have to work harder to hold onto market shares in the most profitable marine insurance segments. HBA: What has surprised you the most about the houseboating industry? SH: The size and quality of the boats being built in the past few years, especially at Sumerset, Skipperliner and Sharpe. They are definitely not alone. Several of the manufacturers can build to higher standards than ever before. The customer’s now demand it. HBA: What is the biggest challenge houseboating will face in the next decade? SH: Without a doubt, water and the lack of it. I am obviously a big believer that over population has affected our climate and our climate will continue to change until more people do more things to improve the global ecology. Drought conditions and shrinking water supplies have already affected houseboat manufacturers. Lakes are low everywhere. It will probably get worst before it gets any better. HBA: What is the very best thing about houseboating for you and Wendy, Stan? SH: Our houseboat is a place for all of our family members to rendezvous, and not necessarily all at once. They come from all over the world. They come from England, Australia and all over the U.S. Like I said it's an adventure out there and a great place to make memories. Also, it's not so bad looking at my wife in a bikini all day. HBA: What percentages of your customers get information or begin their buying process with you online? SH: Today, everyone goes online for everything. It's quick and easy to go online to our website to get a quote. Our marketing approach includes a variety of resources. HBA: What is the average age of your customers? Has this trend gotten younger or older over the past four years? SH: Our customers average in age from there mid forties to there mid sixties. If anything, I would say that a younger crowd has been able to buy more expensive houseboats in the past four or five years. HBA: What trends in marine insurance do you see taking place over the next decade? SH: Because our competitive edge comes from innovation, we are going to have to become more generous in terms of giving additional value for the premium dollar spent by our customers. New forms of coverage like )6B@" A05("%C&5AB9&@ END>

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18

Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18 Editor's Desk Desert Ritual River Dream Boatel 2007 Top Houseboating Accessories 2007 Impact Design of the Year 2007 Comeback Company of the Year Florida A-Z The Perfect Florida Houseboat Under Thirty Feet? Adventure Guide

Houseboating Adventures - Issue 18

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