Rec Boat Holdings, maker of Four Winns, Glastron and Wellcraft brands, today announces their entry into the jet boat segment, re-launching the Scarab brand as a jet boat line, as well as two new jet models in the Glastron line. The new boats are scheduled to roll out as soon as this summer. A long-term supply agreement with BRP’s Marine Propulsion Systems division enables the company to power the new boats with its quality Rotax 4-TEC 1503 jet propulsion system.
“The Scarab launch and entrance into the jet segment is the next evolution for the company and is part of the overall business plan of expansion and investment in the marine segment,” stated Roch Lambert, Group President, Rec Boat Holdings.
Since the acquisition by Platinum Equity three years ago, Rec Boat Holdings has invested heavily in new product development to bring the boat companies back to today’s market with all new designs from bow to stern. At their dealer meeting last August, the company introduced all-new product lines for Four Winns and Glastron displaying more than 40 new models. The company has recently introduced new interior packages on many Wellcraft models as the brand begins the same return to the marketplace.
“The Scarab name carries a tremendous amount of brand equity,” continued Lambert. “A segment of the marine market that has been previously occupied by a limited number of jet boat makers will now open up with a high-profile brand from a builder with expertise in boat manufacturing and jet propulsion.” The new line of Scarab jet powered boats will be a strong competitor in the fiberglass runabout category. 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. Each model will appeal to the motorsports-minded boater with comfort and functionality for the family throughout. The company plans to recruit highperforming dealers in key markets around the world that will grow the business with a new brand product in the segment.
In addition to the new line of Scarab models, the company will introduce two new jet boats for Glastron.The new Glastron models will be powered by the Rotax marine engines as well, and are designed to fit within the all-new GT series of boats.
Lambert added, “Not only are we coming out with more exciting new products, we are opening up even larger opportunities for our dealers. The jet products strategically complement our current offering which in turn provides our networks with a tremendous opportunity to grow their businesses.”
The company plans to push the advantages of the Rotax jet propulsion system over others in the market today. Rotax is a quality system with decades of proven reliability in the marketplace. Consumer confidence will be a key factor with the jet products the company will offer and the Rotax power plays an important role in that objective.
“We’ve only recently announced our new in-board jet propulsion system business and are pleased that Rec Boat Holdings has chosen this technology for their Scarab line,” stated Alain Villemure, vice president and general manager, BRP Marine Propulsion System division. “We are confident that our
collaboration will yield an impressive line-up of boats for consumers.”
The new Scarab jet line will be a stand-alone brand. The fishing models of the Wellcraft Scarab line (30 Sport, 30 Tournament, 35 Sport, and 35 Tournament) will be re-branded ‘Scarab Offshore’, under the Wellcraft brand.