What's happening in retail... and... CCK has a "Knarrly" problem....

I read posts asking "when is the best time to buy a fishing kayak?" It might be now if you have any money left...  
 
CCK is 50 years old come October; I've been involved 40 of those 50. I don't have to tell you things are weird. During the pandemic fishing and rec kayaks were impossible to keep in stock. This year sales are off 30-40% nationwide, not necessarily a bad thing. It's good people are traveling again and enjoying the outdoors socially. Problem is with inflation prices keep rising while sales are falling. Hobie had its 1st Sale ever over Labor Day through the following weekend. Did it work? We sold 7 Hobies because of the Sale and an additional 11 Hobies which were not on sale. Most dealers and the factory are still overstocked. So why are prices rising? Primarily because of material cost increases, continual supply chain issues and labor. For example, Hobie kayaks are molded in Oceanside CA. If they want they can mold hulls 24/7. No problem keeping the ovens turning if you have the people. The real problem is most assembly parts and accessories are sourced overseas. Add to that the artificial 5-8 fold increase in container shipping costs (because they can) and there you have it: price increase. So, don't shoot the messenger: Hobie 2023 prices are increasing 3-10% depending on the model, most likely effective January 1st. In the past Hobie prices changed 1 September so for once there is plenty of time. This is a direct reflection of the current market.

Which leads me to my "Knarrly" problem. The Knarr Flex Drive is Jackson's big fishing kayak, suitable for open water and their competition to Hobie's PA 14 180. It is 1" longer, 1" narrower, 4 lbs lighter and at $4199 it is $250 less than the PA 14 180. (But does it catch fish? No, you have to do that.) Effective September 1st Jackson announced a 15% off retail "Factory" Sale on kayaks. You can find them all over the web now for $3569. I am always thrilled by these announcements because the very 1st thing they do is credit their dealers back 15% of what they paid wholesale for boats still in stock. If ya believe this I got a fish story for ya. "Factory" Sales screw dealers. But I digress...

For NCKA members I am going one cast further: $3449 for my remaining 2022 Jackson Knarr FDs. That's the same price as a 2022 Hobie Outback. Can't beat that with a stick. You can see, try and buy them in Rancho Cordova, Oakland and Redwood City. (Bite Anglers and Staxx are also on sale 15% off.) It's still a chunk of change; don't "borrow to save". 2023 may be tough...

Cheers - Keith

Thanks
Honestly is Hard to come by these days

Thanks
Honestly is Hard to come by these days

That's straighter shooting than we are used to, and straighter than some folks realize.  We live in weird times.

The Knarr is tempting.  No dough here and no 2015 kraken trade-ins I suspect, mojo is free...thanks for posting...