From Cadillacnews.com
Rec Boat Holdings innovation lauded at Miami Boat ShowBy Jeff Broddle
CADILLAC — The Miami Boat Show was a hit for Cadillac-based Rec Boat Holdings, as hard-working employees enjoyed the warm weather and Four Winns won an industry award for its innovative Horizon 440.
The company sent about 10 people from Cadillac to Miami for the Feb. 12-16 show, said Director of Marketing Julie Johnson. Several individuals from the international team also attended.
The Miami show and the Toronto International Boat Show in January are the company's biggest shows, Johnson said.
The boat maker received recognition for its luxurious Four Winns Horizon 440, which received the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Innovation Award.
With the H440, Rec Boat Holdings built the largest bow rider in the industry. Passengers can take their pick of either a massive bow seating area, which can seat eight or more, or a spacious below-deck cabin.
“The design, engineering and functionality of the H440 marry the elegance of a cruiser with the functionality and fun of an open bow,” said RBH President Roch Lambert.
The Innovation Award recognizes technologically innovative and desirable products in the consumer market that make significant contributions to marine technology.
The boat show also saw the launch of the new Four Winns TS222 tow boat. The TS222 is touted as the perfect alternative to the traditional tow boat, thanks to its all-new Volvo Penta Forward Drive propulsion system. The design provides a better ride than a traditional tow boat, as well as improved slow-speed maneuverability, and more usable cockpit space.
At a beamy 8 feet, 6 inches, and 22 feet, 7 inches in length overall, the TS222 features a large, open bow area in addition to storage for gear and room for passengers. Unlike most tow boats, it lacks the massive engine housing in the middle of the cockpit but has a ballast system and trim tabs.
Johnson noted Rec Boat Holdings collaborated with engine manufacturer Volva Penta to create a front-facing propeller that is under the boat, another selling point for waterskiers and wakeboarders getting in and out of the water.
Rec Boat Holdings had about 25 boats on display at Miami.
“It was a very good show for all of our brands,” said Johnson, who noted they sold a number of boats and probably doubled their retail sales for Scarab over last year's show.
Right now, the company is working on the 2016 model year and is gearing up for spring sales.
Look for the company to launch some new models in the Wellcraft line in the coming year, Johnson said.
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