How Our Boats Improve Through Owner Feedback

At Sportsman Boats, we never stop searching for smarter and better ways to build our products. That process begins and ends with owner feedback. Every customer who purchases one of our boats receives a survey after delivery, giving them a direct opportunity to share what they love about their boat and where they believe we can improve.

Listening First, Then Building Better

One of the most effective tools we use is something we call the 70% rule. If 70% of our customers purchase a particular option, we make that feature standard on the following model year. This approach simplifies the buying experience while strengthening long-term value for our owners.

When popular features become standard rather than optional, owners typically see a higher return when it comes time to sell. A boat that leaves the factory well equipped holds value better than one that relies heavily on aftermarket upgrades.

Why Standard Equipment Matters for Resale Value

Making equipment standard plays a major role in resale value, especially when it comes to blue book pricing. Standard equipment adds more consistent value than optional add-ons, which don’t always translate dollar-for-dollar at resale.

A good comparison is the automotive world. Buying a stock truck and adding lift kits, premium wheels, or oversized tires rarely results in getting that full investment back when selling. In contrast, factory-installed standard equipment holds measurable value.

On a boat, items like integrated Garmin MFDs, VHF radios, Seakeeper Ride, and other core systems raise the baseline value of the vessel. When these features are standard, they increase the boat’s starting price in valuation guides, which directly improves resale value.

This philosophy is the opposite of much of the competition. By standardizing what owners actually want, we create stronger resale values, a better ownership experience, and often a lower cost at purchase. Higher take rates from our distributors allow us to manage pricing more efficiently while still delivering a premium product.

Fewer Add-Ons, More Confidence

The 70% rule also allows us to deliver a premium boat without relying on excessive add-ons. By including the most requested features from the start, your boat arrives ready for the water.

• Less second guessing during the buying process
• Fewer aftermarket installations
• A more complete boat from day one

This results in a cleaner build, simpler ownership, and better long-term value.

Real Feedback, Real Changes

Surveys aren’t just about adding features. They help us refine existing designs as well. We place tremendous value on what our customers say, and the numbers back it up. With one in four buyers returning for another Sportsman, continuous improvement directly benefits a loyal community of owners.

A perfect example is the redesigned helm footrest. Owners consistently noted that the original position was too low for comfortable use. We listened, adjusted the design, and raised the footrest to better accommodate a wider range of heights. Small changes like this make a big difference on the water.

Built With Owners in Mind

In the spirit of constant progress, we encourage every Sportsman owner to complete their surveys and share honest feedback. Your input helps us build better boats, improve resale value, and deliver a stronger life of ownership from day one through resale.

To better boating days!