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poncho
12-02-2010, 09:12 PM
I let my subscription run out after I moved. Have bought issue's and have noticed their quality has gone down hill big time. Cheap paper and not gloss nice. At least the news stand variety. Thinking of renewing but don't want if the subscription version is a recession cut back version. Is it?

Donskihp
12-02-2010, 09:29 PM
Got my lattest issue of Powerboat the other day. Yea it's not what it use to be,the news stands issures are the same. I really really miss the pre/recession days of PB. If you'll notice there arn't near as many advertisers as there use to be. The mag. lost many of there adds before they shrank. If we suscribers get fustrated and cancel or not renew there will be no Pb at all. I'd rather have a bimonthly skimpy mag (flyer) than none at all. Its still not a bad deal for the price. Don

endeavor1
12-02-2010, 10:21 PM
Got my lattest issue of Powerboat the other day. Yea it's not what it use to be,the news stands issures are the same. I really really miss the pre/recession days of PB. If you'll notice there arn't near as many advertisers as there use to be. The mag. lost many of there adds before they shrank. If we suscribers get fustrated and cancel or not renew there will be no Pb at all. I'd rather have a bimonthly skimpy mag (flyer) than none at all. Its still not a bad deal for the price. Don

:iagree:

raceboatrus
12-02-2010, 10:48 PM
was it the Dec ishue ? they were going to mention the Toys for Tots Tour there

Buoy
12-03-2010, 12:01 AM
I picked up a copy at the newstand a few months ago for the first time in about three yrs that I let my subscript go.
It was maybe 65-75 pages.
I was always used to getting 110-130 pages. Even if many were ads, I liked looking at them while taking care of morning business. I always liked looking at the listings of used stuff from the dealers ads, but I don't imagine the dealers are spending a lot of money on adverts right now either. It's all a big circle - Everybody selling, nobody buying, no income to dealers - no money for adverts - no magazine ads - no magazines generating interest and excitement - a slow down in events - less articles for magazines - everybody selling...etc
Oh. and this pesky internet thing that is really cutting into the print world. Although, Myself, I appreciate some good to read on paper in the morning.

poncho
12-03-2010, 12:33 AM
I'll subscribe--just looking through my old magazine collection to put some in my bathroom/library reading rotation. Some Extreme and Hotboat, that are missed now and don't want to see Powerboat go down the same road. Just looking at my old issue's with last months issue. Had me going wow--are they worth spending money on! Decided yes and have mailed in the form and also decided to add Performance Boat too!!!! :cool:

osur866
12-03-2010, 03:07 AM
:iagree:

X2

BillR
12-03-2010, 08:41 AM
was it the Dec ishue ? they were going to mention the Toys for Tots Tour there

It is in there.

Dirty Pearl
12-03-2010, 12:49 PM
We race and I can't believe how poor the race coverage is. It's always the same 3 boats.

Offshore Ginger
12-03-2010, 12:55 PM
I got the mag for over 15 years and let it slip thru the cracks last year just because i felt it just was not worth the money and for all of the same reasons stated above .

JaJo
12-03-2010, 03:45 PM
While I completely understand everyone's frustration with the smaller magazine, please realize that the magazine is doing what it can to sustain and be around for the long run so we can produce 100- to 130-page issues again. I've been on staff for six years, and was here when we produced our largest issue ever — 140 pages in March 2007. Times have changed in this business (obviously, as there aren't a lot of "booming" performance boat builders), and the magazine has been through ups and downs like this throughout its 40-plus years.

And, as with any business, our company doesn't produce magazines in the powersports/recreation market to lose money, so cutbacks were inevitable as the economy worsened. No one likes it, but it's the reality.

Obviously our staff still strives to provide the best go-fast boat coverage possible with what we have to work with, and I firmly believe no one does it better than us. In fact, you'll notice in the latest issue that we've redesigned some things to get more information and event coverage into the magazine. You'll also see an increase in pages for 2011 starting with our March/April issue, it's not a lot, but it's a step in the right direction. And hopefully by 2012, we'll be able to increase our frequency again ... it might not be back up to 11 issues like it was in 2008, but I foresee producing at least 8 or 9 issues.

I'd also like to suggest checking out www.powerboatmag.com as we've got steady news coverage, online videos and photo galleries, and the best blogs in the business with writers such as Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane racer Steve David, Miss GEICO driver Marc Granet, offshore enthusiast Tank Sears, longtime Powerboat contributor Dick DeBartolo, tunnel boat racer Shaun Torrente, and our newest contributor Lucas Oil offshore racer Nigel Hook. Check out his new blog:
http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/ (http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/)

In regard to the poor race coverage comment, I think you'll notice our coverage in the last couple of issues has been much stronger. And I don't agree that it's always the same boats. In fact, our coverage from Orange Beach, Ala., was solid, and our upcoming feature on the Key West Worlds will be the same. Unfortunately we don't have a budget to cover races too frequently, but we'll be trying to track down more via interviews and local photographers in 2011.

Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm regarding Powerboat — especially yours Don, we appreciate the support, we need it from subscribers :) You guys are the ones who we produce this magazine for and you're also the reason advertisers value our publication as much as they do. Please feel free to e-mail anytime with concerns, suggestions, etc.

-Jason Johnson
jason@powerboatmag.com

rschap1
12-03-2010, 03:53 PM
I REALLY miss the old Hot Boat. Flyntt style!! The near death versions really pi$$ed me off. I didn't get f'd out of my sub $$ or t-shirts like alot of folks. But seeing my favorite head down the toilet like that was sad. I couldn't believe when they had some dumb bi+cH writing about dockside footwear, who wore what watch, and elementary digital camera basics. That might not have been too slow, but it was a painful death to watch happen.:)
RIP (flyntt version) Burn in he__ later rag!!

poncho
12-03-2010, 04:16 PM
I REALLY miss the old Hot Boat. Flyntt style!! The near death versions really pi$$ed me off. I didn't get f'd out of my sub $$ or t-shirts like alot of folks. But seeing my favorite head down the toilet like that was sad. I couldn't believe when they had some dumb bi+cH writing about dockside footwear, who wore what watch, and elementary digital camera basics. That might not have been too slow, but it was a painful death to watch happen.:)
RIP (flyntt version) Burn in he__ later rag!!

:iagree:

I'm also into jets and v-drives, and Flynt version was the best! I remember reading that chicks first column after the change and going oh no this is bad!!!!!!!

endeavor1
12-03-2010, 06:06 PM
While I completely understand everyone's frustration with the smaller magazine, please realize that the magazine is doing what it can to sustain and be around for the long run so we can produce 100- to 130-page issues again. I've been on staff for six years, and was here when we produced our largest issue ever — 140 pages in March 2007. Times have changed in this business (obviously, as there aren't a lot of "booming" performance boat builders), and the magazine has been through ups and downs like this throughout its 40-plus years.

And, as with any business, our company doesn't produce magazines in the powersports/recreation market to lose money, so cutbacks were inevitable as the economy worsened. No one likes it, but it's the reality.

Obviously our staff still strives to provide the best go-fast boat coverage possible with what we have to work with, and I firmly believe no one does it better than us. In fact, you'll notice in the latest issue that we've redesigned some things to get more information and event coverage into the magazine. You'll also see an increase in pages for 2011 starting with our March/April issue, it's not a lot, but it's a step in the right direction. And hopefully by 2012, we'll be able to increase our frequency again ... it might not be back up to 11 issues like it was in 2008, but I foresee producing at least 8 or 9 issues.

I'd also like to suggest checking out www.powerboatmag.com as we've got steady news coverage, online videos and photo galleries, and the best blogs in the business with writers such as Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane racer Steve David, Miss GEICO driver Marc Granet, offshore enthusiast Tank Sears, longtime Powerboat contributor Dick DeBartolo, tunnel boat racer Shaun Torrente, and our newest contributor Lucas Oil offshore racer Nigel Hook. Check out his new blog:
http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/ (http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/)

In regard to the poor race coverage comment, I think you'll notice our coverage in the last couple of issues has been much stronger. And I don't agree that it's always the same boats. In fact, our coverage from Orange Beach, Ala., was solid, and our upcoming feature on the Key West Worlds will be the same. Unfortunately we don't have a budget to cover races too frequently, but we'll be trying to track down more via interviews and local photographers in 2011.

Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm regarding Powerboat — especially yours Don, we appreciate the support, we need it from subscribers :) You guys are the ones who we produce this magazine for and you're also the reason advertisers value our publication as much as they do. Please feel free to e-mail anytime with concerns, suggestions, etc.

-Jason Johnson
jason@powerboatmag.com



Maybe put some stuff in there more geared to the do it yourself boater and cover some smaller events also that. Just a thought

Ron P
12-03-2010, 06:12 PM
Jason, I'm still waiting for my mag to arrive this month but I've gotten a few calls saying what a great job you did of covering the OPA Worlds in Orange Beach. Of course Jamie takes great photos and that always helps.

It was a pleasure spending time with Matt at the races, thanks for sending him.

I look forward to my 20th year as a Powerboat Subscriber.

Ron

McGary911
12-04-2010, 10:30 AM
I used to pick up most issues at Penn station in NY when I used to do that commute. I moved to FL and kind of lost track of the magazine. Somehow, I ended up with a free subscription a few months back, and although the pages are fewer, I still really enjoy reading it. When this freebie dries up, I'll pony up to keep it going.

Just glad they're still around. Can't say that about a lot of boating mags.

rschap1
12-04-2010, 04:17 PM
Anyone ever read Family and Performace boating...?
Or something like that...
That seemed like it was a pretty cool read, but I have not seen or hear of it in a while.
I know it was part of a big publishing conglomeration, I am guessing the whole "family" went under.

Slandrew
12-04-2010, 06:08 PM
Power boat still a good read still subscribe:D

Ratickle
12-04-2010, 06:22 PM
Jason, I'm still waiting for my mag to arrive this month but I've gotten a few calls saying what a great job you did of covering the OPA Worlds in Orange Beach. Of course Jamie takes great photos and that always helps.

It was a pleasure spending time with Matt at the races, thanks for sending him.

I look forward to my 20th year as a Powerboat Subscriber.

Ron

I've already read mine twice. :D

It is a nice article with good pics. Terri is in one of them (barely).....

Of course I'm prejudiced, but Matt did an outstanding job on the SVL coverage.

And, I think I have you beat for number of years as a subcriber:03::03::03:. I always look forward to mine coming. I can't imagine letting the subscription lapse. I'll have to dig in my boxes and see what the oldest issue I've kept is. I know it will be a West Coast performance boat test issue being an Oregon boy......



How bout those Ducks???????:party:

Ryan8886
12-05-2010, 02:57 AM
While I completely understand everyone's frustration with the smaller magazine, please realize that the magazine is doing what it can to sustain and be around for the long run so we can produce 100- to 130-page issues again. I've been on staff for six years, and was here when we produced our largest issue ever — 140 pages in March 2007. Times have changed in this business (obviously, as there aren't a lot of "booming" performance boat builders), and the magazine has been through ups and downs like this throughout its 40-plus years.

And, as with any business, our company doesn't produce magazines in the powersports/recreation market to lose money, so cutbacks were inevitable as the economy worsened. No one likes it, but it's the reality.

Obviously our staff still strives to provide the best go-fast boat coverage possible with what we have to work with, and I firmly believe no one does it better than us. In fact, you'll notice in the latest issue that we've redesigned some things to get more information and event coverage into the magazine. You'll also see an increase in pages for 2011 starting with our March/April issue, it's not a lot, but it's a step in the right direction. And hopefully by 2012, we'll be able to increase our frequency again ... it might not be back up to 11 issues like it was in 2008, but I foresee producing at least 8 or 9 issues.

I'd also like to suggest checking out www.powerboatmag.com as we've got steady news coverage, online videos and photo galleries, and the best blogs in the business with writers such as Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane racer Steve David, Miss GEICO driver Marc Granet, offshore enthusiast Tank Sears, longtime Powerboat contributor Dick DeBartolo, tunnel boat racer Shaun Torrente, and our newest contributor Lucas Oil offshore racer Nigel Hook. Check out his new blog:
http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/ (http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/)

In regard to the poor race coverage comment, I think you'll notice our coverage in the last couple of issues has been much stronger. And I don't agree that it's always the same boats. In fact, our coverage from Orange Beach, Ala., was solid, and our upcoming feature on the Key West Worlds will be the same. Unfortunately we don't have a budget to cover races too frequently, but we'll be trying to track down more via interviews and local photographers in 2011.

Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm regarding Powerboat — especially yours Don, we appreciate the support, we need it from subscribers :) You guys are the ones who we produce this magazine for and you're also the reason advertisers value our publication as much as they do. Please feel free to e-mail anytime with concerns, suggestions, etc.

-Jason Johnson
jason@powerboatmag.com

New boat market may be on life support still.....bust what about used? Some articles on refurbing/updating older boats would be interesting....or maybe even a then and now type thing....how does a boat at it's peak technologically 15 years ago stand up to newer competition on a bang for buck scale?

T2x
12-06-2010, 10:21 AM
Back in the 60's before Bob Nordskog bought the magazine, Powerboat was known as "Hot Boat". It was and is the best magazine available for the American Performance boater. While it is not perfect (nothing is), Powerboat has always set the standard by which all others are measured.

I've been reading it since it started back in the Hot Boat days...and I hope that it continues for at least as many years into the future. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that the performance boating industry does not have the bright future it once had....nor the wide span of products from 10 feet on up that formed the foundation it rests on today.

One more things...... Great job on the OFF piece in this month's issue....but the picture of our wing was little small........ and his name is Sammy James...not Sammy Jones.

T2x

AugiePensa
12-06-2010, 05:46 PM
Got mine last Friday. 12/3

SKATER40
12-10-2010, 08:15 PM
The coverage of the catalina ski race and LOTO was pretty lame.

heater63
12-12-2010, 11:51 PM
I anticipate my subscription coming every month and will keep renewing for years to come.Great job on the Orange Beach coverage and I look forward to next month when you show a picture of a p-class boat.

Dirty Pearl
12-13-2010, 10:41 AM
My latest issue was much better. I would love to see some shots of the pitts and the venues. We go to some great cities and have some outragous equipment in the pitts.

Pete B
12-13-2010, 11:12 AM
Back in the 70's all forms of boat racing were covered, Due in part to Bob Nordskog running offshore boats a s well as KT, and enduro type racing. I know I enjoy seeing all the different coverage. As well as shooting it, Tunnel boat racing is great racing, and some of the names race Offshore now, as well as had there start in kneeldown outboards. Todays youth running a a class outboard maybe tomorrows, Unlimited champion or offshore throttleman. There are only so many Gazillion dollar offshore boats to cover.

would like to see a broader range of racing in short!

old377guy
12-13-2010, 12:27 PM
I've already read mine twice. :D

It is a nice article with good pics. Terri is in one of them (barely).....

Of course I'm prejudiced, but Matt did an outstanding job on the SVL coverage.

And, I think I have you beat for number of years as a subcriber:03::03::03:. I always look forward to mine coming. I can't imagine letting the subscription lapse. I'll have to dig in my boxes and see what the oldest issue I've kept is. I know it will be a West Coast performance boat test issue being an Oregon boy......



How bout those Ducks???????:party:

Paul, my daughter's been at Oregon these past 3 years (with season's tickets) so duckmania rules at the house. You can just feel the electricity from Portland all the way down the Willamette Valley!

XT-Innovator
12-13-2010, 05:05 PM
While I completely understand everyone's frustration with the smaller magazine, please realize that the magazine is doing what it can to sustain and be around for the long run so we can produce 100- to 130-page issues again. I've been on staff for six years, and was here when we produced our largest issue ever — 140 pages in March 2007. Times have changed in this business (obviously, as there aren't a lot of "booming" performance boat builders), and the magazine has been through ups and downs like this throughout its 40-plus years.

And, as with any business, our company doesn't produce magazines in the powersports/recreation market to lose money, so cutbacks were inevitable as the economy worsened. No one likes it, but it's the reality.

Obviously our staff still strives to provide the best go-fast boat coverage possible with what we have to work with, and I firmly believe no one does it better than us. In fact, you'll notice in the latest issue that we've redesigned some things to get more information and event coverage into the magazine. You'll also see an increase in pages for 2011 starting with our March/April issue, it's not a lot, but it's a step in the right direction. And hopefully by 2012, we'll be able to increase our frequency again ... it might not be back up to 11 issues like it was in 2008, but I foresee producing at least 8 or 9 issues.

I'd also like to suggest checking out www.powerboatmag.com as we've got steady news coverage, online videos and photo galleries, and the best blogs in the business with writers such as Oh Boy! Oberto hydroplane racer Steve David, Miss GEICO driver Marc Granet, offshore enthusiast Tank Sears, longtime Powerboat contributor Dick DeBartolo, tunnel boat racer Shaun Torrente, and our newest contributor Lucas Oil offshore racer Nigel Hook. Check out his new blog:
http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/ (http://www.powerboatmag.com/nigel-hook-s-blog/)

In regard to the poor race coverage comment, I think you'll notice our coverage in the last couple of issues has been much stronger. And I don't agree that it's always the same boats. In fact, our coverage from Orange Beach, Ala., was solid, and our upcoming feature on the Key West Worlds will be the same. Unfortunately we don't have a budget to cover races too frequently, but we'll be trying to track down more via interviews and local photographers in 2011.

Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm regarding Powerboat — especially yours Don, we appreciate the support, we need it from subscribers :) You guys are the ones who we produce this magazine for and you're also the reason advertisers value our publication as much as they do. Please feel free to e-mail anytime with concerns, suggestions, etc.

-Jason Johnson
jason@powerboatmag.com

Jason,

I made the comment just last week how few pages/ads were in the recent magazines.

We are a start-up company with over 20 years each from Baja Marine if your looking for more "real life" stories, instead of billionaire's race boats most of the time. Seriously, we might be able to afford a smaller ad in Powerboat to help gain some business! A new customer (hopefully) rising from the ashes.

XT

www.xt-innovations.com
xt@xt-innovations.com

Blue Oval
12-13-2010, 05:18 PM
Maybe put some stuff in there more geared to the do it yourself boater and cover some smaller events also that. Just a thought

I believe it was 2005 when they did a nice peace on Boyne Thunder.

Donskihp
12-13-2010, 08:31 PM
I would love to see more tec articles, and interviews with the racers. I'm not a racer(wish I were,and hope to soon be),but when I'm at the races I enjoy talking to the racers in the dry pits every bit as much as the race itself. Everyone wants more of this or more of that in the Magazine. You Know logic would say Powerboat has to publish what the majority of its readers want, not what a few outspoken people would want

Dude! Sweet!
12-14-2010, 03:21 PM
I REALLY miss the old Hot Boat. Flyntt style!! The near death versions really pi$$ed me off. I didn't get f'd out of my sub $$ or t-shirts like alot of folks. But seeing my favorite head down the toilet like that was sad. I couldn't believe when they had some dumb bi+cH writing about dockside footwear, who wore what watch, and elementary digital camera basics. That might not have been too slow, but it was a painful death to watch happen.:)
RIP (flyntt version) Burn in he__ later rag!!

Wait a minute... you're saying Hot Boat had a magazine!? :sifone:

rschap1
12-14-2010, 03:58 PM
THE magazine!!

Dude! Sweet!
12-14-2010, 05:21 PM
THE magazine!!

Joke from the old Hot Boat forums...