The Scarab is Back!…..as a Jet Boat???

Rec Boat Holdings enters jet boat market

May 2, 2013 
 

Scarab® brand is re-launched with jet power; Glastron® adds jet models to 2014 line

Cadillac, Michigan, May 2, 2013 – Rec Boat Holdings, maker of Four Winns, Glastron and Wellcraft brands, today announces their entry into the jet boat segment, re-launching the Scarab brand as a jet boat line, as well as two new jet models in the Glastron line. The new boats are scheduled to roll out as soon as this summer. A long-term supply agreement with BRP’s Marine Propulsion Systems division enables the company to power the new boats with its quality Rotax 4-TEC 1503 jet propulsion system.

“The Scarab launch and entrance into the jet segment is the next evolution for the company and is part of the overall business plan of expansion and investment in the marine segment,” stated Roch Lambert, Group President, Rec Boat Holdings.

Since the acquisition by Platinum Equity three years ago, Rec Boat Holdings has invested heavily in new product development to bring the boat companies back to today’s market with all new designs from bow to stern. At their dealer meeting last August, the company introduced all-new product lines for Four Winns and Glastron displaying more than 40 new models. The company has recently introduced new interior packages on many Wellcraft models as the brand begins the same return to the marketplace.

“The Scarab name carries a tremendous amount of brand equity,” continued Lambert. “A segment of the marine market that has been previously occupied by a limited number of jet boat makers will now open up with a high-profile brand from a builder with expertise in boat manufacturing and jet propulsion.”

The new line of Scarab jet powered boats will be a strong competitor in the fiberglass runabout category. Designed to capture the performance heritage of the Scarab brand with the edginess of a jet boat, the new line promises to turn heads on and off the water. Each model will appeal to the motorsports-minded boater with comfort and functionality for the family throughout. The company plans to recruit high- performing dealers in key markets around the world that will grow the business with a new brand product in the segment.

In addition to the new line of Scarab models, the company will introduce two new jet boats for Glastron. The new Glastron models will be powered by the Rotax marine engines as well, and are designed to fit within the all-new GT series of boats.

Lambert added, “Not only are we coming out with more exciting new products, we are opening up even larger opportunities for our dealers. The jet products strategically complement our current offering which in turn provides our networks with a tremendous opportunity to grow their businesses.”

The company plans to push the advantages of the Rotax jet propulsion system over others in the market today. Rotax is a quality system with decades of proven reliability in the marketplace. Consumer confidence will be a key factor with the jet products the company will offer and the Rotax power plays an important role in that objective.

“We’ve only recently announced our new in-board jet propulsion system business and are pleased that Rec Boat Holdings has chosen this technology for their Scarab line,” stated Alain Villemure, vice president and general manager, BRP Marine Propulsion System division. “We are confident that our collaboration will yield an impressive line-up of boats for consumers.”

The new Scarab jet line will be a stand-alone brand. The fishing models of the Wellcraft Scarab line (30 Sport, 30 Tournament, 35 Sport, and 35 Tournament) will be re-branded ‘Scarab Offshore’, under the Wellcraft brand.

That’s Just Ducky!

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck Arrives in Hong Kong

The Worlds Largest Rubber Duck Arrives in Hong Kong sculpture Hong Kong ducks

The Worlds Largest Rubber Duck Arrives in Hong Kong sculpture Hong Kong ducks

The Worlds Largest Rubber Duck Arrives in Hong Kong sculpture Hong Kong ducks

 

This week conceptual artist Florentijin Hofman brought his gargantuan Rubber Duck artwork to Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. The huge inflatable duck measures nearly 46 feet tall and 55 feet long and is shown above being pulled by a tug boat only a fraction of its size. Hofman is well known for his grandiose and whimsical sculptures that seem born with the primary goal of inducing as many smiles possible. Via the artist’s website:

Is Bigger Really Better?

   I've read over the past couple of days about an ongoing boat test by a boating magazine. I am not going to name the magazine or the boat brand and model that they are currently testing even though what I am writing about really doesn't cast a bad light on either one of them but just to be on the safe side……here we go.

   The boat is being marketed as “The World's Largest _________” but when I looked at the pictures some questions came to mind that sort of tie in with another post I wrote. How big is too big? Can you have too much boat? and more importantly should a boat manufacturer be able to tout that their boat is the “largest”, “biggest”, “widest”, “roomiest”, etc. just because they have added on an additional part to increase the length or beam?

   Shouldn't a  more accurate indicator of how ‘big” a boat is by attributed to how much living space it has? Should an extended swim platform or an extra long bow pulpit count? Does it even matter?

   Personally I think it does. I think manufacturers do a disservice not only to their brand but also to their customers by adding on these parts just for marketing purposes. Everyone wants to wear the crown and seems to be willing to do whatever they can to lay claim to a title.

  In this current economic climate aren't we well past the “I've got to have the biggest, newest, shiniest, fastest, most expensive” new gizmo? Haven't most of learned the hard economic reality of either living within or slightly below our means?

   How much boat is too much? How much is just enough? Is bigger really better?

                                                                                                                                                       Capt. Patrick