BRP to exit sport boat market
Production of Sea-Doo jet boats to stopCanadian-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has announced it will exit the sport boat business over the coming months, citing the continued global sales decline in the marine industry, particularly the drop in sales of its Sea-Doo branded sport boats since the financial crisis.
"This is a difficult but necessary decision for BRP," said José Boisjoli, president and CEO. "We worked hard to grow our sport boat business through a serious sales decline that began in 2007.
"But now, we must focus our research and development resources and capital investments in areas of our business that offer greater growth potential," Boisjoli said.
BRP entered the boat-manufacturing business in 1994 and purchased the assets of Celebrity Boats in 1995, at which time it moved its facility to Benton, Illinois. The company was building 10 different Sea-Doo sports boats from 15-23ft in length, including dedicated tow boats with towers.
All the Sea-Doo sports boats, in Challenger, Speedster and Sport ranges are jet powered.
"We looked for a buyer for our sport boat business, but that effort proved unsuccessful," Boisjoli added.
"Consequently, we decided not to resume production of the upcoming model year due to seasonal production planning requirements."
BRP will continue to provide parts and honour warranties for its customers.
BRPs jet skis (PWCs) are not affected by the decision.
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