Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/147181
launch a lot of brand equity." As for Glastron, jets fit well into the brand's recent restyling, which emphasizes "fast and performance," Lambert said. Chaparral's jet boats will be introduced during the 2014 model year, as part of the company's efforts to draw more people into boating, much like the 2011 launch of the H20 line, said Chaparral President Jim Lane. "I think it's a good alternative for some people that like the jet product that they've experienced as they've owned other personal watercraft," he said. "Our goal is to take those people and move them into our product line." Lambert, who worked at BRP for several years, said he sees a great opportunity to leverage the network of former Sea-Doo dealers, as well as existing Four Winns, Glastron and Wellcraft dealers. "We're going to pick what we believe to be the best combination of dealers in each market," he said. Both Lane and Lambert said they aren't worried about the other's company entering the market, feeling that it just adds more credibility to the segment. "Back in the very beginning, it was our understanding that BRP was going to talk to more than one manufacturer," Lane said. "It doesn't bother us a bit that they're in the market." Sea Ray announced last year that they would also be producing jet boats, even before BRP's formal exit from the market. Sea Ray introduced the first model, the 21 Jet, at boat shows earlier this year, but boats aren't yet available for order. Sea Ray's jet boat offering is powered by a Weber engine. KPIs Benchmark your performance against these five marine dealer key performance indicators, offered through Boating Industry's partnership with Spader Business Management, to stay focused on what's important to your success. Sales Volume 3.6% $1,772,613 through March 2012 $1,836,727 through March 2013 Net Profit -112.8% -$44,401 through March 2012 -$94,499 through March 2013 industry news Super Bowl, Boat Show Won't Conflict After All Fears of over-booked hotels and jam-packed streets in downtown Miami won't be a problem after all, as the city lost out on landing the Super Bowl in 2016 or 2017. The NFL awarded the 2016 Super Bowl to Santa Clara, Calif., and the 2017 event to Houston, avoiding the potential of an overcrowded Miami Boat Show. Miami Boat Show organizers had expressed concern about attendees competing with the game for hotel rooms, event space and more. Ibex Announces Tampa Stop New Schedule , The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced a new rotating show schedule to increase accessibility for attendees and exhibitors across the U.S. and internationally. The show will be held in Louisville, Ken. in 2013; Tampa, Fla. in 2014; Louisville in 2015; and Tampa in 2016. "Rotating between these two cities is ideal for our dedicated IBEX attendees, and for all www.BoatingIndustry.com P08x10-BI13JUL-Launch.indd 9 those marine professionals who have been unable to attend," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. % of Gross Margin 60% 55.1% 50% 40% Mercury Marine Hosts Media Event 29.6% 30% 19.4% 20% 10% 0% 8.8% 4.2% -10% With a fleet of boats powered by Mercury engines, the company held its first media gathering since 2007 in Barataria, La. Many of its products, including its 60 and 150 FourStroke outboards, Verado Six-Cylinder, second-generation 8.2L gasoline sterndrive, joystick control systems and the new Volkswagen-sourced TDI diesel power plants, had not been previously demonstrated to the marine industry as a whole. The company used the event to speak about its future. Of note, it has added significant engineering positions and square footage at its Fond du Lac, Wis. headquarters, where it will be hosting multiple events for its upcoming 75th anniversary in 2014. President Mark Schwabero suggested the new engineering staff is a sign that the company will be introducing new products in the coming years in all segments with the goal of increasing market share. -20% -30% -16.9% Total personnel Total advertising Total floorplan interest Total semi-fixed Total fixed Total net operating profit New Boat Inventory 14.4% $2,628,352 through March 2012 $3,006,678 through March 2013 Used Boat Inventory 16.2% $342,647 through March 2012 $398,196 through March 2013 July 2013 | Boating Industry | 9 6/5/13 9:27 AM