Dec. 27, 2010 – PWC Digest
BRP wins manufacturer of the year award
BRP, makers of Sea-Doo watercraft, was named the manufacturer of the year by the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA).
The award, presented during the MRAA’s Marine Dealers Conference & Expo in Orlando, is presented to the “marine manufacturer or supplier who best exemplifies outstanding support of its dealers through expert business practices, programs and products.”
Selection is made by a committee of MRAA board members.
On hand to accept the award was Steve Laham, vice president of sales, marketing and after-sales service for Evinrude. Yves Leduc, vice president and general manager, North America division, issued a statement that BRP was “delighted to receive this honor. Along with consistent brand-building initiatives, we have striven to provide our dealers with effective wholesale and retail programs despite the recent industry downturn. This award validates that these programs were well received and have helped our network gain strength due to our efforts.”
Yamaha VXR Waverunner On Production Line
Yamaha has announced its initial production of the much-awaited VXR WaveRunner has begun, and that full-scale production will begin next month so that boats will be available in time for the 2011 boat show season.
Demand for the craft, which uses the VX hull combined with a powerful 1.8-liter engine to produce a reasonably priced hot rod, is expected to be high among performance enthusiasts. Currently, it’s producing numbers comparable to boats costing upward of $2,000 more, reaching near 68 mph in several online and magazine tests. Thanks to the boat’s lightweight and strong engine, it doesn’t have a need for a supercharger.
Cobra Releases Jumpstarter/ Powerpack Combo
Electronics manufacturer Cobra has released a portable jumpstarter/powerpack combo that should appeal to the PWC market.
Packing 1,200 watts of jump start power, 110V AC portable power (100 watts), a 260PSI air compressor, LED trouble light, and a USB power jack into a slim, handy 10-pound case with carrying handle that’s easy to lug around, the unit promises to jump start the battery of your PWC or tow vehicles, power tools, radios or any other electronics when a convenient electrical source isn’t handy, inflatable towables or tires when necessary, and even shine a light when working in the dark. The unit charges off of a standard electrical plug, and a battery power indicator reveals the condition of the internal battery. The Cobra CJIC 250 retails for $89.95. PSB
