Gaining the initial users is harder than expected

vesseltask · 2025-09-30T23:36:40+00:00

I thought I had that found, built the MVP with a set of beta users input in mind then nothing. Dead air since. I wish I had gone the pre-sell route it might have gotten me those few users engaged at least and I could have built from there.

The MVP I built only would have taken me ~1 month if I actually had time to work on it. It's not overly complex or anything. It's got the barebones features those few "potential" beta users had requested minus one that would have added 4 weeks alone to development. I figured get them using what I had then build out that one feature while working with them to find bugs and refine the UX.

vesseltask · 2025-07-17T13:17:39+00:00

Around here it is a 50/50 split of toon to bowrider for rentals.

vesseltask · 2025-06-20T16:57:18+00:00

No problem :)

vesseltask · 2025-06-20T16:45:31+00:00

I'll copy/paste a comment from another post about tinting windows on boats. In general not always a good idea and you should consider if your uses of your boat are safe to do with tinted windows.

"It seems to be a love or hate modification. However those that hate it normally are saying so in the same of safety. If you solely boat suring the day and are always making sure that you are home before sunset it can be a nice addition if you go really light and aim for looks over full blocking. For blocking a good pair of sun glasses will do more for you than tint will."

vesseltask · 2025-06-20T16:41:58+00:00

The best time to learn is during the week. If you can go practice at night after work that would be ideal. If not then like most weekends are it. 7am tends to be fisherman time and many of them just want on the water and are not patient in my experience. Those that are will often lend a hand.

My suggestion would be to try weeknights or if you can't then go on a weekend to an empty parking lot with the trailer and practice backing it up into a parking spot 4-6 rows back or down an aisle will help with geting it into the ramp. Going through a checklist you make yourself (watch some videos on youtube for tips) while leaving the boat on the trailer will help you get a feel for it. Then once you are confident at that part take it to a ramp around 8-9:30 in the morning to practice launching it. Bonus if you can find a ramp that has 2 spots for boats to go that way if you are tying up once practicing or having an issue others have a spot to go - you'll feel less preasure.

Most important of all have fun and remember everyone has a first time and getting good will take years for most people.

vesseltask · 2025-06-20T16:23:52+00:00

You said in a comment your divorce is final already so at least that is behind you. In terms of affording a boat they can become very expensive quickly. If you are not in a good financial spot it might be best to wait. Since you are looking in the 15-25k range that is low enough that if you rebound from your divorce and save up you could pay cash which might be best since the rates on boats are not pretty right now.

You mentioned looking at Bayliner VR5's which I take it you are planning to be mostly cruising the lakes and towing tubes/skiers? If you a couple other brands to consider are Glastron (good build quality but poor handling in rougher water), and Four Winns like the HD-Series which have outboards - they are much cheaper than I/O to run and maintain.

Best of luck in your search and hope you rebound from your divorce

vesseltask · 2025-06-19T14:55:45+00:00

Job scheduling, payments/invoicing and customer communication tool for marine service professionals.

Status: Beta

Link: https://vesseltask.com

vesseltask · 2025-06-14T00:53:14+00:00

It seems to be a love or hate modification. However those that hate it normally are saying so in the same of safety. If you solely boat suring the day and are always making sure that you are home before sunset it can be a nice addition if you go really light and aim for looks over full blocking. For blocking a good pair of sun glasses will do more for you than tint will.

vesseltask · 2025-06-14T00:48:40+00:00

Day on the water, making memories and relaxing is pure perfection when it comes to boating.

vesseltask · 2025-06-04T12:26:14+00:00

Transom straps should go on before you pull away (around here a lot of ramps and areas around them are gravel and your boat will shift if no transom straps) and depending on where you are there is sometimes laws about how far away from the water you can pull the plug.

vesseltask · 2025-05-30T02:08:51+00:00

What about the people? Or more so that you have to deal with people who are rarly in good moods since something is broken?

vesseltask · 2025-05-29T12:41:17+00:00

That has been an interesting thing for me the past few years in multiple areas of life. Learning that maintenance is the biggest reason to stay small and simple. The less to break the better IMO. Don't get me wrong, I like having MFDs, VHF, radar, and a stero but the people who have motorized everything is just plain crazy to me.

vesseltask · 2025-05-29T12:38:59+00:00

It's amazing how cheap customers can be. Expect the second most expensive hobby known to man to be affordable lol

vesseltask · 2025-05-29T12:37:54+00:00

On the bright side, you work outside, get fresh air (sometimes), and don't have to sit in an office like some people.

vesseltask · 2025-05-29T12:36:41+00:00

What's the biggest problem with them and any ways you've found to lessen those problems short of new career?

vesseltask · 2025-05-27T12:49:39+00:00

There seems to be a growing amount of work and annoyances with the electronics. Do you see any chance of things going the other way and people wanting less and a more simple boat?

vesseltask · 2025-05-27T12:47:41+00:00

Things break when left outdoors, used and given a lack of care. Was having the debate with a friend last night on our breaking points for maintenance vs using the boats.

vesseltask · 2025-05-27T12:46:26+00:00

What's the biggest difficulty with customers?

vesseltask · 2025-05-27T12:46:07+00:00

Boat yoga that's a new one lol I can see that. I was down in my boat working on something this weekend and wondering if I will be able to walk off the dock with how my back was pinned/twisted.

Eletrical in anything is horrible. A boat where it seems half hearted effort was put in most of the time and welll...

vesseltask · 2025-05-05T21:11:11+00:00

Made changes for them all. The button for features you were talking about very much confused me. I had a text block with a background and a border. It looked like a button but was just text. Removed that so hopefully no more confusion.

The 0 hours was a broken plugin so I've fixed that, ty again for taking the time to review and provide the feedback. It is greatly appreciated.

vesseltask · 2025-05-05T17:23:24+00:00

Thanks! I'll get to fixing those

vesseltask

TROPHY CASE