Houseboating Adventures - Issue 19 - (Page 17) The Gibson 44’ Classic at rest where it belongs - at the in-the-water showroom like at Polestar Marina, near St. Charles, Missouri. The 44 Classic is easily one of the most popular boats in the Gibson line especially given its diesel fuel efficiency capabilities. step toward fuel economy? SB: No need, Gibson has already been using the most efficient hull design for many, many years. HBA: What other trends in cruising style houseboats like the Gibson do you see taking place over the next decade? SB: There are many things on the horizon at Gibson, some are just around the corner and others are 5 to 10 years out. Gibson has always been a leader in the houseboat market with a houseboat that you can take anywhere. HBA: What is the most unusual new item you have heard requested by your customers? SB: We don’t see any request as unusual; our houseboats become part of our customer’s family and a extension of them and their lifestyle. We have specialized in custom orders and custom requests, so nothing is unusual to us. HBA: What percentages of your customers get information or begin their buying process with you online? SB: 90%. Most customers have the power to research information like never before. I think it is very powerful and it definitely makes for a more educated consumer. HBA: What is the average age of your customers? )6B@" A05("%C&5AB9&@ Has this trend gotten younger or older over the past four years? SB: 46, and the trend have been toward the younger families. Where else can you have everything you need for your family and still cruise to your favorite destination and never unpack? HBA: What has surprised you the most about the houseboating industry? SB: The warmth that we get from our customers. It is just astounding that we can have a pivotal role in helping someone change his or her life for the better. We maximize our customer’s time off and extend their family time with the best products and service that exceeds the industry standards. HBA: What is the biggest challenge houseboating will face in the next decade? SB: I don’t really see any challenges in the future. Partnering with a fine company like Gibson Boats that has an unrivaled history of 40 years of constant refinement. I don’t see challenges, I see opportunities. END>
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.