Bayliner goes wakesurfing with HeyDay

Although a dabbler in the tow-sports market, via its wake and ski packages and towers for its popular family bowriders, Bayliner has announced it's getting in deep with the acquisition of Heyday's Inboard boat models — namely the WT-1 and WT-2 — which even look akin to its existing Element platform.

Parent company Brunswick Marine says the move allows its Bayliner brand to better serve the recreational wake surfing market, and it's doing this by offering a pre-tooled and ready-to-roll solution through the acquisition of another brand.

The HeyDay WT-1 is built as an affordable wakesurfing solution in the US, which fits with the Bayliner market positioning, using 350hp 5.7L V8 engine, 'centre console' layout with seating for eight, tablet dash, switchable wake shape, Bluetooth sync and youthful finish.

"The wake/surf category is an attractive and growing portion of the recreational day-boat segment, and particularly for those seeking a more affordable way to enjoy these popular watersports," explained Bayliner President Keith Yunger.

"This action affords Bayliner speed-to-market with wake/surf models that were specifically designed to meet the performance expectations of wake and surf enthusiasts, but will retail at a more affordable price point, further contributing to the growth of this boating category."

Both the WT-1 and WT-2 models were designed by the father-son team, John and Ben Dorton at Bryant Boats. John is said to be a well-respected and accomplished marine industry veteran, while son Ben is credited with being a gifted wake surfer who has brought a rider's perspective to the rigs.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed but, as part of the deal, we understand Ben will join the Bayliner team as manager of business development, while John will consult with the Bayliner team.

"John is among the pioneers in this category and that experience resonates in these boats' design and performance. Further, these boats were engineered — as with Bayliner — with value and performance in mind, and are a great fit for our Bayliner brand. We will work closely with the dealer network to integrate these models into our product offering," Yunger said.

"By effectively combining John's knowledge and these models' innovation with the inherent strengths of Bayliner, we have the team, product, focus and energy to be very successful in this category," he added said.

Bayliner is integrating production of the WT-1 and WT-2 into its boat production facilities and will introduce these models at huge Surf Expo in Orlando this September 8, 2016.

We certainly expect the new wake-surfing models to filter down into local markets, perhaps in time for the coming summer. More at bayliner.com.au.