Whaler and Sea Ray get bigger

In 2014, Boston Whaler broke ground on a new era in its history, introducing its largest model ever with the new 420 Outrage.

On Jan. 13, 2015, Whaler celebrated the significant expansion to its facility that makes production of the 420 Outrage possible: the addition of nearly 5500 square metres of under-roof manufacturing space. At an exclusive event held on site in Edgewater, Boston Whaler President Huw Bower led a ribbon-cutting ceremony before a crowd of local and state politicians, executives from parent company Brunswick Corporation including President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Schwabero, members of the press and the entire Boston Whaler staff.

"This expansion gives us the capability to continue to grow our portfolio," Bower said. "We are proud to have introduced more than a dozen new boats in less than three years' time, including our remarkable new 420 Outrage, and we look forward to continuing this trajectory of innovation. Expanding our facility underscores our commitment to continued growth and enables us to meet the high demand we have already seen for the 420."

The facilities' expansion comes as part of a $10 million investment by the company into new products, technologies and capabilities. Additionally, Whaler has created more than 120 jobs in the past 12 months. "We're committed to the Edgewater community and thrilled to be in a position to create employment opportunities," said Bower.

Following the ceremony and opening presentations, guests at the event were treated to tours of the new facility as well as test rides of popular Boston Whaler models.

"For nearly 60 years, Boston Whaler has been at the forefront of the boating industry, committed to progress in terms of how we can improve the boating experience," said Jeff Vaughn, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. "Versatility, reliability and simplicity: these are the core strengths of every Boston Whaler, and these are the areas in which we will continue to push the envelope. The Edgewater facilities' expansion further demonstrates our dedication to helping our customers enjoy the very best that boating has to offer."

Meanwhile, due to the overwhelming market reception and solid retail demand for its new L-Class yachts, Sea Ray will increase production capacity by reactivating its Sykes Creek manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida. The expanded production will commence in the summer of 2015. Hiring will begin immediately, and the company expects to create up to 100 new jobs over the next 12 months.

"We're very pleased with the great success of the new L-Class and look forward to adding jobs back to the Sykes Creek community," said Sea Ray President Tim Schiek.  "We are more committed than ever to delivering industry leading products and ensuring that our customers have the most enjoyable boat ownership experience possible."