Rec Boat Holdings’ employees celebrated their first production Scarab jet boat with the Scarab 195 HO model rolling off the line earlier today at the company’s headquarters in Cadillac, Michigan. Rec Boat Holdings LLC, parent to Four Winns®, Glastron, Scarab and Wellcraft® brands, announced May 2, 2013 their entry into the jet-propelled runabout segment. The company announced the rebirth of the legendary Scarab brand as well as new jet models in the 18-20′ range for Glastron, which was introduced last month at the company’s Leadership Conference. The first Glastron jet, a GT 187 model, will complete later this week. The new boats are powered by BRP’s Rotax 4-TEC 1503 jet propulsion system.
“This new business is very exciting for us,” stated Roch Lambert, Group President, Rec Boat Holdings. “Our employees responded quite well to the challenge of bringing these new boats to production in a rapid and efficient manner.” Lambert added, “This new line of jet boats complements our core business very well and provides additional growth and profit opportunities for our current networks as well as future retailers for our brands.”
The new line of Scarab jet powered boats will be a strong competitor in the fiberglass runabout category with plans to expand the line in additional size ranges. Designed to capture the performance heritage of the Scarab brand with the edginess of a jet boat, the new line promises to turn heads on and off the water. With three models to choose from for the 19-foot platform, the company has strategically built a series of boats that will appeal to a broad audience of enthusiasts. The standard model is a runabout with rich interior appointments designed to attract the new jet buyer. The Scarab HO provides a higher horsepower engine from the standard model and delivers on the well-known Scarab performance heritage with ease. And, for the real performance-minded Scarab die-hard, the Impulse tugs at the inner youth of every boating enthusiast. Exciting graphics and exclusive design elements unmatched in the category provide the Scarab Impulse the ability to capture attention anywhere. The proven Rotax power provides first class performance with horsepower ranging from 150-250 hp.
The jet propulsion application allows for greater flexibility in the design of the aft portion and cockpit of the boat. With a key objective to differentiate the new jets from the competition, the Scarab line maximizes this opportunity very well. One example is the exclusive design of the rear transom with one-touch convertible seating – including comfort-cushioning. Sunbathing and water sports makeready are made easier and with increased comfort on a Scarab. The open and roomy cockpit and bow are designed for full comfort while cruising or putting the Scarab through the test of jet performance.
And, the jet allows for easy maneuverability and shallow water accessibility in order to reach the sandbar before everyone else. Consumers will marvel at the many innovative features designed throughout the Scarab line. A broad and integrated marketing campaign will kick off in early December, aligned with the kick-off of the boat show season. The company is currently recruiting new dealers to carry the Scarab boat line. A global dealer meeting is planned for mid-October where the entire line up will be rolled out to dealers and media. Social media platforms are launching today where consumers can learn more about Scarab and the activities surrounding the new line.