It is the full intention of VectorWorks Marine to directly compete with the most financially attractive designs available in the double handed and single handed market segments. In every sense.
Here's a little food for thought.
With the rise of the $US versus the $Aus will the Blade continue to be competitive price wise in the near future? After 10 minutes of web searching and a little spreadsheet work I have found the following information.
On Feb 17th the $Aus hit the high value mark for 2004 (so far). It was set at 1 $Aus = $US 0.797900 and has been on the way down since.
On May 18th the $Aus hit the low value mark for 2004 (so far). It was set at 1 $Aus = $US 0.686601
Today, June 2nd the $Aus = $US 0.697000 which is a result of the fall of the $Aus on 5 of the last 7 trading days.
Now cosider this.....
Lets assume that a Taipan 4.9 cost "about" $Aus 17,000
On Feb 17th it would have cost $US 13,546.30
On May 18th it would have cost $US 11,672.22
Today, June 2nd it would cost $US 11,849.00
With the upcoming world events and a increase of the prime interest rate (due in a few weeks) and other things that will cause the $US value to rise against the $Aus, it seems as thought the $Aus will soon get to the value of $US 0.630000 which will make the Taipan 4.9 cost $US 10,710.00!
Can the US made Blade compete with this drop in $Aus?
But of course shipping needs to be calculated into the final "boat in hand" cost!
What do you think?
