How could we let this happen?

[Tuscany]

It's ALL about economics today. Tradition is out the window, as well as the dependent community.

It is 2024.
Times are different, and the old days are long gone and never coming back, and rightly so.
None of this should surprise anyone after the sale of Cobalt.

If I were CEO, and my job performance was judged regarding profit, stock share prices, taxes/workforce age and availability/logistics (Neodesha is in the middle of nowhere), you bet I would relocate for a better future. That is a CEO's job, and that is how business in the 21 century remains profitable.
Sucks for Neodesha, but change is inevitable. I am sure those who worked at the KS. factory were the first in line for jobs at the new plant.

[MnLakeBum]

This is the first time I’ve heard that they have moved production out of Kansas. An end of an era for sure. I’ll be keeping my 2018 R5 Surf for decades to come. I was in an R6 Surf recently and it’s not my style.

[billk2632]

I don't think they moved manufacturing completely to TN, this is a second plant where they will build both Cobalt and Malibu. At least how I understand it.

[CobaltDeadHead]

I think Malibalt needs to be very careful regarding their reputation and what it can mean for new boat sales.

When your number one objective is pleasing the shareholders more than your customers, it can impact sales. Just look at what's going on with Vail in the ski industry.

Just seems to me that Cobalt is now in the same quality discussion as Chaparral or Searay. Still decent boats, but no longer in the discussion of being the best of the best like the reputation Formula has maintained. I suppose the surfers would disagree with me.

[DeadOn04]

FormulaChat.com?

There is a Formula Boats forum and I've visited it on occasion as I do love their boats as much as Cobalt. Very little activity in that forum though.

Long time since I have posted, but have been lingering here since we bought our Formula, can attest the Formula forum not anywhere near as lively. I have gotten some very helpful replies when I have posted mechanical/systems questions though.

Sad to hear about the Cobalt move as well, will be hard to replicate culture especially in a mixed product facility. Hope everyone is having a great boating summer!