Hi Bill
I am Chip Zenke of East Coast Sports, Taipan 4.9 importer and authorized Performance Catamaran Dealer. We currently have a new 2003 Taipan 4.9 in stock with Kevlar Skin, Carbon Rudder Stocks, and blades. We also carry spare rudder blades, dagger boards, hull cradles and EO snuffer Systems in stock. Jim Boyer recently visited our local area for two weeks and we had plenty of time to discuss the stocking of Taipan 4.9 parts. In the past, dealers did not stock that many parts because the dealer profit margins from AHPC did not make much sense. However, past AHPC dealers did not sell many boats either. Since dealers did not carry parts, AHPC customers became accustomed to buying direct from the Factory and not dealers. (by the way, selling boats is very time consuming from arranging shipping, pick up, dumping boxes, checking for damage, assembly, finding a buyer, and customer service once boat is sold, profits are in the parts that can be easily mailed and thus less time consuming.) New percentages have not been formalized, but are in the works since Jim’s visit here in the USA. Currently in comparison, U.S. boat margins are good enough to make profits on parts and we do stock a lot. Performance Catamarans also has a policy to not allow buyers to purchase directly from the factory. The only way I am able to sell the Taipan 4.9 is because of my profits from Performance Catamaran Sailboats. Since I already have a dealership set up, it’s not difficult to include the Taipan 4.9. We keep a Taipan 4.9 fully rigged and ready to sail at Podickory Yacht Club in Annapolis, MD for anyone who wants a free test ride!
My specialty has been creating the largest catamaran fleets in the country, and our local area is well on its way. We are the Annapolis Taipan Fleet 1, in less than a year we currently have 4 Taipan 4.9’s actively racing, Lee Mullins, myself (Chip Zenke), Chris, and Constantine. Looks like we have another used one on its way soon. We have also been in contact with AHPC about another shipment of new Taipan 4.9’s into the USA. We are also very Pro F-16!!!
How much effort have we put into getting the Taipan off the ground besides our own local Annapolis fleet? We have gone as far as Michigan from the East Coast to deliver one Taipan 4.9 to Gulfport, FL (Mike Hegan’s)! We spent the entire day rigging Mike’s boat and hanging out to give as much dealer support as possible. This one Taipan 4.9 helped the Gulfport Florida area get critical mass to create a Taipan Fleet, and soon after a used Taipan 4.9 was purchased directly from AHPC.
Again, AHPC is taking notice of dealers that have the ability to create fleets, and is making adjustments to reward them for positive results. I think the future looks great for Taipan 4.9 sailors, if you need a new boat or part give us a try,
East Coast Sports
Chip Zenke
www.sailfastusa.com410-257-5425
