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34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 6:55 pm
by AjAlley
Hello

New to the forum and have been learning a lot so far. My wife and I are currently looking for a 32 sedan and ran across a 1991 34'. Does anyone have any information regarding the 34' Marquis?

Thanks

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 10:24 pm
by Rockit
Never seen one, but they look sharp in the pictures.

Like any boat, if you're seriously considering it, get a survey. The surveyor who did my boat did a great job and was familiar with BigMs--he's from Northeast Ohio if that is close to where the boat is.

If you pass on it, send me a PM because I'd like to have a look. We've become infected with the four foot disease so what's two more?

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 8:55 pm
by captpaddwheel
Hey Guys,
Been trying to track all the Marinette 34's out there for years. I have a 1992 34' Aft Cabin on the Chesapeake Bay. I've never seen another one or heard of another one. I've only heard of and seen (2) 34' Sedans. (1) in Michigan and (1) in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. If this is another, please let me know where it is. Would be cool to keep in touch with the current owner or a new one.
Thanks, Capt. Paddwheel

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 11:04 pm
by jralbert
The reason for the scarcity of 34 footers is no doubt tied to the fact that Marinette as a company was sinking in the early 90's. They were auctioned off in 94. The 34's were probably an effort to try something that might increase sales. It obviously was not enough. We were in a recession in 90-91, interest rates were relatively high so who could afford boats?

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:55 pm
by GB49
I may be mistaken but I think the 34's and the 41 "Convertible" models were made by Harbor Master?? I think they attempted to build the Marinette line but ultimately gave it up.

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 7:10 pm
by AjAlley
Does anyone have information regarding the hull, were there any changes? I will post pictures and more information after we look at it on Sunday

Thanks

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:22 pm
by Rockit
The way I heard if from John Althouse was Garcia sold Marinette to a houseboat company and production was moved from Louisville to Tennessee. (Undoubtedly an attempt at cost saving.) Of course the crew that knew how to build BigM s efficiently was left behind in Louisville. One of John's friends later bought Marinette and tried to restart production in Louisville and brought John in as a partner. John got the specs, plans, records, and some jigs for struts etc when he bought his partner out some time later.

And it's likely the recession in the early 90s played a part in Marinette's demise--though Captain Garcia survived more than a few of those.

Anyone want to start a boat company? With Genmar popping 40' hulls in only 8 man hours, it would be very tough to compete with plastic.

I don't know too much about the 34s except they look cool. So do the 41s, but I doubt I'd sell the Admiral on one of those.

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:11 am
by barkleydave
I am sorry to see it but the day of the larger recreational aluminum boats has passed. Reason: Cost, labor, and just lack of talent to hand build them.

But... notice... the commercial work boat industry is dominated by sturdy well made aluminum work boats! Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE STRONG AND LAST A VERY LONG TIME!

Dave

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 2:02 pm
by jtalberts
People only care about how new something is anymore. No one makes a boat with the classy lines anymore. The look of my seacrest is so different than any other houseboat out there.

Re: 34' Marquis Sedan

Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 10:02 pm
by balthaus
Speaking to the demise of Marinette....
The economy was in the toilet, luxury tax was in effect, home mortgage interest was double digits, most importantly though, the city of Louisville was actively courting UPS, which meant that they needed more land.
There were a couple of other companies that got pushed out as well...International Harvester, although from what I remember, their Louisville operation was mostly relocated by then, and Bremner Biscuit, and I am not sure about their strength, company wise, in Louisville versus other, if any, production locations.
Mr.Garcia had endured numerous business up's and down's prior to even forming Aluminum Cruisers Inc.. Could he have weathered the early 90's? Hard to say given the economy and the city of Louisville actively expanding the airport.