Phil Popham, new CEO at Sunseeker

[rafiki_]

I note today that Phil is leaving Jaguar LandRover for Sunseeker, as the new CEO. Phil has been Board Member for Sales and Marketing for a few years, and I don't believe anyone can criticise the rise in sales there. Not sure how much he knows about the Mobo industry, but he has had plenty of dealings with the Chinese at Chery, so this should help him with his new shareholder.

Phil is a really nice guy, and I think a great appointment by Sunny. I look forward to seeing him at LIBS.

 

[Jurgen]

Has good knowledge of dealing with China and Luxury Brands so should be a good appointment.

Just hope that Sunseeker start offering a broader range of boats in the 200k to 400k range

 

[Whitelighter]

There's no money in small £200k-£400k plus it doesn't fit with the brand image.

In short, I'd be surprised if there is any sub £500k Sunseeker in the next few years

 

[rafiki_]

There is cash flow in small boats, but little margin. I agree Sunny will be focussing on the larger higher margin boats.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

In short, I'd be surprised if there is any sub £500k Sunseeker in the next few years

Is there one now? The way JRL have been ramping up prices recently, there might not be a sub £1m Sunseeker in a few years

 

[rbcoomer]

There's no money in small £200k-£400k plus it doesn't fit with the brand image.

In short, I'd be surprised if there is any sub £500k Sunseeker in the next few years

There is perhaps a limited market if a sector is crowded, but Sunseeker were very successful in that sector once. There's a market (and money) if you make a product that appeals and many of us don't have deep enough pockets for £500K boats, but still aspire to the brand Perhaps SS will make smaller variants in China where cost is less significant? They made a success of the smaller sector once and I don't see why they can't have both?

 

[Whitelighter]

Thought the portofino 40 was sub £400k (if only nominally)

 

[Whitelighter]

There is perhaps a limited market if a sector is crowded, but Sunseeker were very successful in that sector once. There's a market (and money) if you make a product that appeals and many of us don't have deep enough pockets for £500K boats, but still aspire to the brand Perhaps SS will make smaller variants in China where cost is less significant? They made a success of the smaller sector once and I don't see why they can't have both?

Simply because the market is radically different from the time they were knocking out 24ft mexico's and 35ft portofino's. They were a smaller operation with lower overheads and the market for motor boats was for smaller craft. Sunseeker are primarily an exporter and are going for new mega bucks in China and beyond.

Look at the companies who used to be great at small boats and have failed. What you are doing is harking back to a time that has gone. 30 years ago maybe, but not today.

 

[rbcoomer]

Simply because the market is radically different from the time they were knocking out 24ft mexico's and 35ft portofino's. They were a smaller operation with lower overheads and the market for motor boats was for smaller craft. Sunseeker are primarily an exporter and are going for new mega bucks in China and beyond.

Look at the companies who used to be great at small boats and have failed. What you are doing is harking back to a time that has gone. 30 years ago maybe, but not today.

Maybe in part, but Brunswick still make small stuff and although there's a lot in the market (new and used), it must still be a bigger market <50' than over? Most overheads are there regardless, so why not do both?

 

[PCUK]

I wonder if he was part of the decision to scrap the most iconic vehicle ever built?

 

[rafiki_]

Maybe in part, but Brunswick still make small stuff and although there's a lot in the market (new and used), it must still be a bigger market <50' than over? Most overheads are there regardless, so why not do both?

Brunswick's key market is the US, where volumes of 20-30 ft boats is many times that of the UK. Economies of scales are a different order, and petrol engines make sense with fuel at £2 a gallon.

 

[rbcoomer]

Brunswick's key market is the US, where volumes of 20-30 ft boats is many times that of the UK. Economies of scales are a different order, and petrol engines make sense with fuel at £2 a gallon.

Very true, but I was thinking more of emerging Asian markets than UK - i.e. designed here and made in China...

 

[rafiki_]

Very true, but I was thinking more of emerging Asian markets than UK - i.e. designed here and made in China...

They ark et in China is for high end, crewed boats. Once a Chinese has made serious money, they want people to know that they have staff to look after them.

 

[Neil_Y]

Interesting, I just want to know if they will now want to offer rope cutters on all their boats factory fitted? like a few other gigh end boats.

 

[jrudge]

The forum is a bit fickle!


Fairline - we can't believe it does not build bigger boats - this is the solution to all known problems

Sunseeker - I hope it will start building smaller boats

So every manufacturer should build in every size?

The split logic is "interesting",

 

[Whitelighter]

I can believe Fairline don't build bigger boats.

Their inland location and a certain bridge are the reason. That and they don't have nearly enough capital or financing to build a new factory ala princess or sunseeker

 

[Kittycarter]

I still believe there is a place for a 30-32' british built boat. I hope with the modern construction methods, it would be possible to produce a smaller boat in the uk and still make money. It may be wishful thinking but I think it could be something special

 

[Whitelighter]

I still believe there is a place for a 30-32' british built boat. I hope with the modern construction methods, it would be possible to produce a smaller boat in the uk and still make money. It may be wishful thinking but I think it could be something special

Of course it's possible abd it's already happening, just not from the big 3. People buying £1m plus yachts don't want to be associated with cheapo 30ft boats - and if you make a 30ft boat to the same standard as your big stuff to keep your brand image you either won't sell any because they will be very expensive or you'll have to sell at a loss.

Yes the yanks build small boats but those manufacturers stop at 35ft. Bayliner tried IT and had to split the yachts into a seperate brand Meridian. Searay persevere but how many really big searays do you see outside the U.S.? And even then 50-60ft is the max.

If you want a quality small british boat you can buy it - look at English Harbour Yachts, great little 27ft boat with a 32ft and 36ft boats planned.

 

[matm]

Of course it's possible abd it's already happening, just not from the big 3. People buying £1m plus yachts don't want to be associated with cheapo 30ft boats - and if you make a 30ft boat to the same standard as your big stuff to keep your brand image you either won't sell any because they will be very expensive or you'll have to sell at a loss.

Yes the yanks build small boats but those manufacturers stop at 35ft. Bayliner tried IT and had to split the yachts into a seperate brand Meridian. Searay persevere but how many really big searays do you see outside the U.S.? And even then 50-60ft is the max.

If you want a quality small british boat you can buy it - look at English Harbour Yachts, great little 27ft boat with a 32ft and 36ft boats planned.

Good point and the reverse is true. I'm quite happily in one of FL's smaller boats and love the fact that the brand has the 78 custom in the stable. Completely irrelevant w/regard to economies of scale etc.

 

[rafiki_]

I'm struggling with the Fred Rift here chaps. Phil has been one of the keyele at JLR pushing the brand and margin skywards. I doubt he has been engaged to do any different at Sunseeker.