Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/274927
PWC Personal watercraft showed year-over-year sales gains of just more than 10 percent in January, which is a slight increase from Decem- ber's sales gains, according to the latest figures released from Info-Link Technologies. PWC sales growth most recently peaked in September 2013 after dipping into negative territory in the first half of 2013. The category has been in positive territory since July of 2013. Maintaining a trend that's been in place since the summer of 2011, powerboat sales have continued posting year-over-year sales gains. For the month of January, 15-foot-plus powerboat sales exceeded the previous Janu- ary's sales by just more than 5 percent. Ski boat sales growth has consistently been at or above the 10-percent mark for much of the last two years. The latest data shows Janu- ary 2014 sales approximately 15 percent higher than January 2013. Recently the strongest segment within the marine market, sales growth of 15-foot-plus outboards dropped below 10 percent in Janu- ary, after previously exceeding 20 percent in early autumn of 2013. The data is based on new U.S. boat regis- trations. Bellwether states are geographically dispersed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (which varies by market segment and time of year). PSB PWC sales show 10 percent gain in January 30 • March 17, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Boat show a perfect spot for Spark sales A Spark dealer attending the Min- neapolis Boat Show in Febru- ary brought plenty of reason for optimism about sales of Sea-Doo's newest PWC model. "We will sell out of our allot- ment before this boat show is over," is how he described the initial popularity of the $4,999 MSRP unit. "We've pre-sold a bunch. People are interested in them because of the price point. It brings a whole new clientele into the industry, so that's awesome. Everybody's been impressed with it. They're most impressed with how light it is. Personal watercraft had put on weight, getting to 700-800 pounds. The Spark is around 410 pounds." — Dave McMahon JAMAICA BANS PWC USE THROUGH OCTOBER Jamaica has temporarily banned the use of all personal watercraft, as it works to imple- ment new regulations for PWC use, reported Travel Weekly. The island country is requiring the reg- istration of all PWC and has extended an importation ban through Oct. 15. Its origi- nal ban on PWC imports took effect Oct. 15, 2013. The changes are the result of the death of an American tourist who was killed after being struck by a PWC while swimming off the beach in Negril. Other PWC accidents were also reported in 2013. Specific resort areas will receive an exemption to the ban if it is determined that their operators are compliant with new regulations that require registration and decals to distinguish between private and commercial watercraft. SEA-DOO RXP-X 260 WINS AWARD BRP's Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 watercraft claimed the 2013 "Best Watercraft of the Year" award from Jet Ski Magazine. It is the second year in a row that readers of the pub- lication around the world have honored the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 with this award. "The Sea-Doo RXP-X is simply amazing for its performance, ergonomics and han- dling," said Karim Nemouchi, chief editor of Jet Ski Magazine. "Its innovative design is futuristic and aggressive and is appreciated by riders around the world." BRP's Sea-Doo RXP-X has redefined the performance segment with a distinctive new Ergolock system and tight-turning T3 hull, as well as an ominous visual appeal from its flowing facet design, ram air intake and large side grills. "BRP continues developing groundbreak- ing innovations that enhance the riding experi- ence for our consumers around the world," said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager, International division. "The Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 provides customers with advanced technologies that better connect the rider to the watercraft giving them better performance and confidence while out on the water." This latest honor adds to a long list of industry awards already received by BRP for the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 since its launch in 2012, including a prestigious Red Dot award, a National Marine Manufacturers Associa- tion (NMMA) Innovation award, as well as the "Ski of the Year" from watercraft industry forum PWCToday.com. The Sea-Doo RXP-X also dominated the 2013 IJSBA World Finals claiming more podiums than any other water- craft including the competitive Pro Open and Pro GP classes. "BRP focuses on elevating the consumer experience for every product we build. The Sea-Doo RXP-X redefines the high- performance watercraft category and con- tinues to be the industry benchmark for race riding that offers power, nimble handling and innovative design," said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, North America division. PSB DIGEST The Sea-Doo Spark attracted heavy interest at the Minneapolis Boat Show. The Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 won top honors from Jet Ski Magazine for the second year in a row. P30-PSB4-PWC.indd 30 3/5/14 11:48 AM