Association Forum - Function of this Association?

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Function of this Association?

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/02/2006 : 09:28:27

I am very interested in reading the views of others on this subject, especially those that are not voluminous forum posters and those that feel that this association is wanting.

Here is my take on the function of the Catalina 25/250 and Capri International Association, as well as the function of Eagle Limited’s Mainsheet Magazine:

Genesis and function at formation:

As near as I can tell from my research, class associations were established for the Catalina 22, 25 and 30 sometime during the early 1970s. The formation of the associations appears to have been facilitated and sponsored by Catalina Yachts, as was the formation and sponsorship of Eagle Limited and the Mainsheet Magazine. The sponsorship appears to have come in the form of seed moneys, as well as the payment of the first year’s membership dues on behalf of the buyers of new boats. Catalina Yachts’ purpose appears to have been entirely marketing-oriented in nature, as one would expect. The original function of this association appears to have been to promote Catalina Yachts and one-design-class-like racing, again for the promotion of Catalina Yachts. It’s a great marketing scheme, precursor to today’s explosion of e-newsletters, wherein you establish an association of members that actually funds through membership dues and magazine subscription fees the publishing of a magazine that is one of your primary marketing tools. Brilliant!

This was during the period when these boats were still relatively new and garnered top dollar sales figures. The membership constituency of the Catalina 25, at the time, would have been made up exclusively of those people fortunate enough to be able to afford a new $15,000 sailboat, and probably fortunate enough to be able to afford the travel, transportation and other expenses inherent in sailboat racing and regatta participation. Additionally, this was a period in time when sailing and, more particularly, sailboat racing enjoyed a great deal of national enthusiasm. So, the Catalina 22 was designed and marketed to the racing-oriented market segment and the Catalina 30 was designed and marketed to the cruising-oriented market segment, whereas the Catalina 25 was designed and marketed to those that desired to experience a little of both and many people, myself included, think that Catalina hit on the perfect balance. However, times change and so did this association and its constituency.

Transition period and function today:

Until this past year, the Constitution and By-Laws of this association (which I believe to have been the formation document) stipulated that meetings, voting and elections would be held at the annual regatta; indicative of a racing-oriented sailing club. However, the time value of money and changes in national demographics have significantly changed the realities of this association and its constituency over the past thirty years. The time value of money has reduced the mean value of Catalina 25s by around $8,000, and subsequently increased the price of new Catalina 250s by about the same amount. Additionally, sailing and sailboat racing no longer enjoy the same national enthusiasm as they did in the 1960s and 1970s. More importantly, however, the majority of the constituency of this association has transitioned over the past thirty years from those people owning expensive new boats to those owning more moderately priced used boats. Furthermore, the majority of the constituency of this association has transitioned from primarily racing-oriented owners to primarily cruising-oriented owners, as evidenced by postings on this forum and the relatively lackluster participation in recent annual regattas.

Therefore, the function of this association has also been required to change in order to better meet the needs of its constituency. In the beginning, this association collected membership dues which were only required to fund each member’s Mainsheet Magazine subscription and sponsorship of the annual regatta. In light of the current cash reserves of this association, there appears to have been a fair amount of surplus funding in the past. Today, however, membership dues must fund increased Mainsheet Magazine subscription rates, a membership database management firm, and the hosting and maintenance of a website in addition to sponsorship of an annual regatta; as you may have noticed, the addition of and increases in these variable costs have recently required an increase in membership dues in order for this association to simply remain at a break-even position.

With all that said, the function of this association remains the promotion of Catalina Yachts and the sponsorship of an annual regatta, but has been expanded to include the hosting and maintenance of this website and a Ships Store that offers class-specific merchandise oriented toward meeting the needs of the more cruising-oriented segment of the constituency. However, as has been pointed out in the financial report and on the forum, approximately ninety percent (90%) of the current annual membership dues rate of $22 goes toward the costs associated with offering just these services. Therefore, the institution of any additional services, whatever they might be, would require an additional increase in the annual membership dues rate; and, of course, volunteers willing to sacrifice of their time to facilitate the additions.

Anyway, those are the perceptions and opinions of one person. As stated above, I am interested in reading the perceptions and opinions of others. So, what say ye?

J.B. Manley s/v Sea Trac Allied Seawind II #65
DPO s/v Antares Catalina 25 #4849
Association Treasurer 2002 - 2006
Association Bookkeeper 2002 - 2008
Association Quartermaster 2004 - 2008

Edited by - on

ed_spengeman
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
98 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 11:29:02

Sitting here as a "user"-not member- of the system, I guess I have a view also. I have read this site at least daily and have receved invaluable insight as to how my boat works and how to fix it. I will be racing it on a regular basis at our local lake. I will trailer it to Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. The odds of attending a National are slim unless I can pick up Cleveland.

As a "user" I definitely want this site to continue. You can't exist as a Catilina owner without a site like this. The knowledge base is invaluable.

Is money the problem? How many viewers are Paid members? Can we change this site to members only with a sample for newbies. I'd be willing to pay my way and think others would too.

How big a part is the racing. Is the tail wagging the dog. Let the guys that know what's happening set up the "association".

We need to quantify what needs to be done to keep this ball rolling and then split it up and get it done. I don't think anyone wants to give this up.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 11:44:25

Catalina Yachts unquestionably created this association to promote the sales of it's boats, but that has never been the purpose of this association. This association's purpose has always been to serve owners of Catalinas.

The annual meeting and election of officers was not held at the national regatta because we were "racing oriented." When the association was formed, the national regatta was the only occasion when a number of members actually got together and met. The only way we had of communincating with the members was through the Mainsheet. There was no practical way people could "campaign" for an office, and no practical way people could vote. By having the annual meeting and election at the national regatta, we could decide issues simply, with a raising of hands. With the advent of the internet, and our website, we can now campaign and vote on-line. By using the internet, we are capable of involving more people in the voting.

The association has never been racing oriented in any respect. But we have to serve both racers and cruisers. The national regatta has almost always been financed by donations of food and beverages and door prizes, and by entry fees. It is not necessary to use a significant amount of your dues to fund the national regatta, and that's as it should be. Our cruising members shouldn't have any reason to believe that their dues are being use to finance a big, elaborate party for a few racers. If a national regatta requires a significant contribution of funds from the national association, the event was poorly planned. Likewise, if the event isn't being significantly funded by association funds, then the cruisers have no legitimate right to complain about it.

I've attended national regattas, off-and-on, back to 1983, and I don't see any difference between the enthusiasm for the event then and now. Moreover, as long as the event doesn't burden the association's finances, I don't see that it matters to anyone but the racers.

Participation in the National Regatta is hardly lackluster. The largest number of C25s I ever saw at a national regatta was 29, in 1985, but we have had some very good turnouts in recent years. It takes a lot of effort and expense to haul a C25 to a distant place just to race for 2 days, and you won't find many other classes of yachts of similar size and design that can persuade that many owners to do it year-after-year. Some friends of mine recently went to a J24 regional regatta, and only a handful of boats showed up.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 13:52:24

JB's analysis is well done. I came into the association in '96 which coincided with an attempted 50% raise in dues for the purpose of continuing the practice of sponsoring officers expenses to the nationals. Some officers were also paid for their efforts.

A revolt occurred over basically two issues, sponsoring racing and that only racers could be elected because the elections happened at the regatta. I think that was an inevitable outcome of internet communication and the dues were voted to be held in check and officers ceased to get a stipen or have regatta travel cost covered.

IMHO, the Association has for the last ten years offered a fairly reasonable balance to various interest. Probably the largest interest area has been the interchange of ideas and experiences and by far almost all funds beyond maintenance have been spent for those.

The internet was timely in meeting the needs of both an aging C25 and the new C250 design. The C25 was experiencing maintenance issues and the C250 needed debugging and forum has been a great tool for both. Both of these boats found a percentage of newer sailors who found the Association assistance invaluable.

Mainsheet viabilty has been questioned in recent years. In my opinion, its once dominant ability to serve an Association has been outstripped by the internet and that its lasting appeal is that it serves to hold the general Catalina family together, not a bad thing that perhaps helps slightly Catalina Yachts in promoting upsizing within the family.

Most interesting is the C22 Association, which bailed out of Mainsheet a few years ago because the big boys demanded equal print for all associations. Some of the larger boats had Associations of less than fifty and the C22 had a huge Association of thousands and felt they were subsidizing the big boys. Our own association was almost caught up in some attempts by the big boys to enjoy the support of larger sized associations but voted to stay aloof, I think wisely so.

We've had great officers and staff who haven't suffered thinking too highly of themselves, who have done a great job of keeping the rigging chores of the association cared for. My sincere appreciation to each.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 13:59:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> “It is not necessary to use a significant amount of your dues to fund the national regatta, and that's as it should be. Our cruising members shouldn't have any reason to believe that their dues are being use to finance a big, elaborate party for a few racers. If a national regatta requires a significant contribution of funds from the national association, the event was poorly planned.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

And just as a side note, I plan on submitting a full Balance sheet showing that this years national regatta was a break even affair (or darn near close) this year using only donations and registration fees.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 14:25:45

What an intersting thread.

Paying $22 a year (and more no doubt as life gets more expensive) for a magazine (that's cheap) and to have access to the forum (which is probably the best value I have ever found on the web) is a no brainer!

I'm sure if the association did not exist and there was no Mainsheet magazine, and we were asked $25 per year for forum membership, it would be very acceptable. (of course you would get some that would complain about 'oh no, not another thread about banging keels' and demand their money back.)

So then it comes down to the hidden value of the association. Do we have the ears of Catalina? Do we provide the membership any value that might not be available to individuals?

It's pretty obvious that a huge amount of effort is put into the annual regatta (the Nationals) and that is probably done by one or two people each year, certainly Duane has really done a great job so far this year.

Does the Association demand a lot of other 'work' by the officers?

FWIW, the membership management would be easy to handle via a web interface.

I would like to think that the folks that volunteer their time to help all of us get the most out of our 'Association' get some value out of it too. But would be happier knowing they were out sailing!

Paul

Edited by - on

takokichi
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
321 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 17:28:23

Did I miss the answer to: Now that I no longer have a 25' Catalina, can I still be some form of member of this association?

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 17:40:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by takokichi
 Did I miss the answer to: Now that I no longer have a 25' Catalina, can I still be some form of member of this association?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes, you would be considered an Honorary Member.

From the Association bylaws...

A) Regular Member: A Regular Member shall be defined as the owner or part owner of a Catalina 25, Catalina 250 or Capri 25 sloop that joins the Association, is a Corinthian (i.e., amateur of high integrity), and whose membership dues are paid current. Regular Member status shall be extended to those ownership-partners (financial, marital or otherwise) that are also Corinthians, as designated on the membership application at the time of registration. Regular Members, in good standing, may vote in elections per Article VIII, hold office per Article IV, and skipper a Catalina 25, Catalina 250 or Capri 25 sloop in sanctioned races in accordance with the By-Laws and Design Class Rules. Voting for revisions to Design Class Rules (Article VIIII, Section A.) may only be cast by Regular Members within the Design Class to which the Regular Member belongs.

B) Honorary Member: An Honorary Member shall be defined as any other person that joins the Association and whose membership dues are paid current. Honorary Members may not vote, may not hold office and may not skipper a Catalina 25, Catalina 250 or Capri 25 sloop in sanctioned races unless approved by a vote of the Officers (Article VIII, Section B).

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

1608 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 17:48:20

I lurked on this site prior to buying my C25. I bought it, instead of a Hunter, primarily because of this site.
As a former lurker, I paid my dues to strengthen the association.
I believe that some method of limiting access should be adopted to limit access for non-dues paying types. Such as read only with access to current topics only. I suggest this only, with the expectation that it would aid the assoc.
I've looked at lots of other boat owner sites and none is as good as this one. I am not yet knowledable enough to vie for a high hat position, but I will, when I feel I have enough experience to share.
Again, I'm impressed with the quality of thought expressed in this thread and throughout the forum.
There seems to be a mood of late, that foretells of dire times in the Forum's near future. Is it because of the price of gas? or because there are elections coming up again in the fall?
I'll do what I can to help this forum continue.
I rec'd a lot of help as a newbie and I want to pass it along with the same good natured responses I rec'd. Even though, I chuckle everytime I see the same questions repeated. I believe that in turn, its my responsibility to pass along the accumulated knowledge.
This site is the best opportunity there is, to educate oneself about these boats. If the price doubles again, I'm still in.
I hope someone in my time zone will host a regatta. I'll drive 10 hours one way, but not 25.(25 hours for me to drive to Lake Erie, one way)
All you lurkers out there... Stop embarrasing yourself

and send in your cheque.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 18:02:47

STampeder. you make a good point. It would take a good deal of maintenance and development to do what you ask. And that isn't even the biggest problem - which I will get to in a minute

First and Foremost - your lurking was one of the reasons you came here and joined the association. Others, myself included from back in the trailer sailer board days can say the same. It is a draw, not on the tie sense of the word but in that it draws folks in.

Second - we see it that everybody's opinon is valid and they just might have the answer we need to rebuild the head or replace the d'brickashaw line.

Third - it would be a maintenance nightmare. We use a third party free forum. With some development we could build into the database the ability to set members. We could also build in an automated password retrieval system like you see at the banks etc. That would cost money, about 3 times what we paid for the last development job. It also brings up the question of support for the forum, support for our users, portability to other servers and portability to upgrades, updates and general upkeep.
I work in the IT world - specifically as an analyst for systems management. The number one help desk call by far is a password reset due to lockout, forgotten usernames etc. currently if someone forgets they just get a new one on our board, it is self maintaining. We don't have the staff to sit there and do this. Plus someone would continually need to update the roster in this specific database. Creating a one of a kind from a free interface can give us nightmares down the road.

It would be true that we could combine the members area with the same password, but the would drive from two different locations. So there is additional maintenance.

Once our members area is really built up - and we have made great strides - there will be enough value to want to join for that...if not for reasons already mentioned.

dw

Edited by - Champipple on 05/02/2006 18:07:02

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

1608 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 22:15:43

I agree with you Duane, and your explanation follows my philosophy of sailing a C25, simplicity. Let them lurkers lurk. Kind of like those kids that sneak in under the back corner of the circus tent to see what all the excitement is.
I did want to qualify my rationalizations a little more but the dinner bell rang and I'm not the kind of sailor that misses a meal.

The point I want to make, here on a soap box in a corner of the big top, is in response to what I understand the question or statement to be...'function of this association'.
The obvious point (to me) would be that it is a gathering point for knowledge. However, the secondary points probably have a more weighted contribution to the longevity of the association thru 'transition' and 'revolt', specifically: Bargaining power with suppliers, continuity of supply of C25-250-Capri specific parts,value of our boats, percieved or understood value of a large group of like minded invididuals with purchasing and voting power and a constant reminder to the folks back at Catalina that we not only exist, but that we thrive.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 22:43:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by stampeder
 However, the secondary points probably have a more weighted contribution to the longevity of the association thru 'transition' and 'revolt', specifically: Bargaining power with suppliers, continuity of supply of C25-250-Capri specific parts,value of our boats, percieved or understood value of a large group of like minded invididuals with purchasing and voting power and a constant reminder to the folks back at Catalina that we not only exist, but that we thrive.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
And begin to define the potential agenda of new business for the future groups of officers that will lead this association from this point forward. For the future officers to meet the needs of the constituency, the needs of the constituency must be identified.

Thank you, Mike, for beginning that process.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 23:12:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by takokichi
 Did I miss the answer to: Now that I no longer have a 25' Catalina, can I still be some form of member of this association?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Don Lucier provided the technical answer to your question, Justin, but I would like to add the following addendum.

If I am not mistaken, Steve Milby is a former officer of this association. I am finishing my third term as an officer. Being an officer in this association is not a sit-at-the-head-table, special treatment, fringe benefits sort of affair...it is unpaid, conflicts-with-other-priorities work that does admittedly have its own intrinsic benefits. Personally, I have put in an average of approximately three hours per week for the past three years; equivalent to three months of forty-hour work weeks. The only other organization that gets that much of my time for free is the Internal Revenue Service.

Anyway, it should come as no surprise then, and certainly shouldn't be a problem, that we continue to be interested, involved and passionate regarding the issues that concern this association long after we have transitioned to Honorary Member status.

Perhaps more importantly, though, our money is as green as anyone else's and goes toward supporting this association, in which some of us have also invested sweat equity. As a matter of fact, I may be the only member of either category that has ever cancelled their Mainsheet Magazine subscription in order for my entire annual membership dues to be put toward the support of the association's services, sans Mainsheet.

If there is some association-related problem that we are unaware of, then please feel free to elaborate.

If there is some individual problem, then please take it up directly with that person via email.

[Next time you see Bruce, please tell him that J.B. Manley in Tulsa, Oklahoma says hello and that I continue to press my employers for sponsorship dollars; unfortunately, without success up to this point.]

Edited by - on

gnorgan
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
563 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2006 : 23:23:40

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">to rebuild the head or replace the d'brickashaw line.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Okay, Duane. There's a newly drafted rookie pro football player named D'Brickashaw (we could only think of "Daniel" when we named OUR son) but you used that name for some line....what the heck is that?

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 07:09:18

We actually don’t have one anymore, that line was traded for an anchor rode and a sheet to be named later. The point was that we routinely all field a question or two about a WHAT THE HECK DOES THIS DO item.

It is odd though, after sailing with the crew of Tsunami for the better part of 9 years we had lines on the boat that no-one else had. They had lines doing the same function, but they didn’t call them the same thing. Now that I think about it, every boat has them. The O’day had a looserator. The Evelyn has a Richard Nixon and a Jesus, Tweakers instead of Twings and a defraculator. Stuff seems to develop and you build your own language to suit your needs. Cunningham was boring when he named the setup after himself.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 11:44:49

I am late in responding to this - Got interrutpted a number of times. So here goes - My impressions on having come onto this Forum in the September-October 05 time period after buying a 1989 Catalina.

1) There are all different types of Forums and Boards on the Internet and many do not have any costs associated at all. they sometimes get hooked up/sponsored by a commerical entity that basically keeps hands off but provides what is needed to keep the Board running. But this Forum is also an Association and as such, there are costs. Also, not all Boards have or sesire a commercial entity sponsoring them as they prefer to keep any biases out of the Board.

2) Even though posting and reviewing Board items does not entail any charge, I decided to join the Association because a) I wanted access to what was only viewable to members and...also felt I was part of this community. $20 - $25 is not going to break me.

3) I was somewhat disappointed with viewing the member only Sections of the Board and also the Mainsheet Magazine. I applaud all those that contribute and run these things but ...not sure what I expected but a lot of info is regarding only specific areas such as the West Coast and well a lot does not really of that much interest for me. Also, the mainsheet magazine, etc info as limited info on the catalina 25 since it covers all catalina Associations. So...a lot of info is for boat sizes that are not ever going to be in my future. My disappointment is not a real big deal but it is relative to the wealth of info that is found on the Board. The Technical Tips Section on the Board is great ! I have to add some myself ! I guess what I am saying is that when one reviews the wealth of info in the tech Tips and then reviews the small amount of info that pertains to each person's catalina 25 in the member only area or the mainsheet magazine, the Board has it beat like night and day.

In some ways I see this as a balancing act. If the $20-$25 was to access the Board, then having paid the membership cost, I would say the benefit derived is great ! But if the fee was to go to Board access, then you may see a fall off of activity on the Board and that would wind up hurting the overall Association and promoting of the catalina 25, 250 and Capri 25.

So...in conclusion...I don't mind paying the Association fee. I find that 99% of my benefit derived has to do with the Board Forums and not the membership areas including the Mainsheet Magazine. I greatly appreciate all connected with servicing the Forum and the Association and articles added to the Mainsheet magazine specific to the Catalina 25.

Edited by - on

wmeinert@kconline.com
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
353 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 14:43:59

Ok, there is alot to digest with the views of those who have posted on this subject. But what concerns me is a feeling that this forum was developed to the bennifit of Catalina and keeping sales up. Why then does't Catalina support us? I mean, since the conception of the 250, there has been very little if any support from catalina to keep our boats servicable. Other associations have asked for and recieved upgrades to improve racing and cruising.(Catalina after much intense pressure from the C-22 racers reestablished the new 22 for the racing community) I am a racer first and a cruiser second, I would love to see modifications allowed to my boat for inprovements in racing, but our by laws tend to stick with the basic cruising design. I quess because we are not a true "one design" trying to keep everyone happy causes a few rifts. If our forum is supporting Catalina, why can't we get them to start building a new model that can accomindate the new technology that has develope in the last 10 years. I'd love to see a retractable keel like the new Columbia 30 has as a refit for our boats from Catalina. Most of us own C-25's because of our geographic locations and small lakes, and face it the C-25 is a great boat. I would much rather spend 10-30K refitting my boat than spend a 120k for a new 30 footer.

As for those who think the Nationals rule the associations actions and money tree, talk to me or any of the other 3 national regatta chairmen and see how much of their own personal money was spent to put on the race. One thing about ameture racers, we pay our own way, and never complain, We only complian when there is no race for us to travel too.

Bill meinert

Edited by - on

raulpou
Navigator

Members Avatar

144 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 15:27:24

This forum and Frog0911 were incredibly influential in choosing the C250 over the Hunter. This forum is an excellent resource and I brag often to my father who owns a Hunter, how much better this board makes Catalina look. I have an incredibly busy schedule but would volunteer on an as needed basis to help the forum. I unfortunately cannot dedicate a set number of hours per week but will volunteer for any "projects" or tasks that may help the officers or the association!

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 16:04:20

Larry, the membership fees are to support all the activities of the national association, and not just the price of admission to the members only areas. I agree that the forum is by far the most valuable function of the national association. You can get a well-informed answer to almost any question about how to repair or maintain almost anything on our boats, ideas for modifications, and all kinds of tips on how to sail them. There's no charge for logging onto the website and obtaining all that information, but most people who do eventually become dues paying members, because the dues aren't very much, they realize how much value the site gives them, and because they understand that someone has to pay the expenses. Thanks for joining.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 17:43:28

Steve, (anyone) we have 668 dues paying members, almost 250 forum members have posted in the last 30 days, figure a reasonable percentage of those are not association members. If the forum is the big bang for the buck, why don't the other members visit and more to the point, why do they belong at all? Do you think we have two distinct populations? One that is active on the forum for obvious reasons and one that simply likes to get the Mainsheet Magazine? If the people who are only interested in the magazine were to run for office would there be any reason to vote for them?

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 21:03:36

I really don't care for racing myself. With that said, I'm really glad we have racers in our association, and that the association supports racing. It seems that in this association, as well as the sailing club I belong to, most of the work gets done by the racers, and they are the most active members. They are also usually the first ones to help you out on a technical issue too.

I just wrote out my 22 dollar check for another year's dues, and when I was doing this I was thinking "shouldn't our dues be 25 or 30 bucks instead? This is really too cheap"

I don't see how the association really affords to pay my salary as the Grand Poobah of fleet 89, and sponsor my yearly trips to the keys too. How do these guys do it?

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 22:08:00

Frank - Thanks for liking us racers too...We've worked really hard to keep the costs down. But that means buying some of your stuff online too so we can reap the benefits of our affiliate programs.

Since your salary is negative 22 dollars a year it sort of breaks even when you make your dues payment.

Larry - I'm sorry you don't see a lot of benefit in the members area. If you only saw what it used to be like you 'd have seen the strides we've made. Once we get the treasurer in place with some networking responsibility we can work to build the area up even more.

dw

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2006 : 12:05:57

Duane,

My comments are only constructive comments/impressions because...well that was what was asked for. I'm happy. This is a great Association. It is an additional reason to buy a Catalina.

it's also interesting how perceptions can change. For example, the Forums are great and everyone having access keeps the activity up. But...consider if the technical tips Section was moved to the Members Only area and then advertise on the free areas of the Board (ie using one or two examples from the tech tips) what access to the members only area offers. I bet a lot more will pay the dough just to see the Tech Tips. Also, if the free Board area provided updates every so often how many addl tech tips, etc were added, i think that is one more draw to paying the dough.

When you are dealing with a large population out there, I would think that people join the Association for many reasons. Some will actively participate, some just want to support the Association and others will pay because of the incentives accessing tech Tips there.

This was only a hypothetical example. But, my thought is that it would definitely improve and offer a lot to others (newbies) if when they paid, they then had access to Tech Tips. of course, all those that have enjoyed reviewing it for free probably would not appreciate it moving to the other side.

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2006 : 07:02:08

Given the importance of this thread and the small no. of respondants, hopefully many, if not most, members are largely in agreement that the association and its goals are meeting expectations and needs. As has been already noted, the sharing of knowledge is perhaps the major value of this association. Again, to all those responsible thank you.

There is no question that the internet and this forum has given members (and lurkers) the opportunity to communicate and actively participate. I would like to see that interaction extended, for example, by having a formal "suggestion box" opened on the forum focused on improving the association or its workings. The opportunity is inherent in the forum but I would like to see it made explicit. I note that the intent would not be to make a work list for our volunteer officers but as an aid in prioritizing efforts, communicating expectations, and possibly identifying new protocols, such as distributing selected tasks back to the association members. FWIW

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.