Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/303681
PWC Watercraft designed with added stability, buoyancy BY DAVE McMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF BRP has added a utility vehicle to its Sea-Doo line-up with the SAR model, a Search and Rescue watercraft designed for emergency response operations. It was unveiled in April during the Fire Department Instructors Con- ference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. "We are pleased to introduce a utility vehi- cle dedicated to professionals whose job is to save lives," Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager for BRP's North America divi- sion. "Our engineers worked closely with end users to make sure the SAR watercraft answer their needs. Each and every group who tested it are eager to add it to their water rescue fleet." The Sea-Doo SAR watercraft combines the features rescue professionals need to respond to life-threatening situations. It is designed for everything from surf and white water to flood and other emergency situations, accord- ing to BRP. The sponsons and running boards add the stability and buoy- ancy needed in surf and white water; the heavy- duty front bumper and elastomer hull coating are adapted to navigation along rocky coasts; and features such as the anti- debris water intake grate, the stainless steel wear ring and the internal heat exchanger with shock-protected cooling system improve shallow-water capabilities. "At the Chambly Fire Department [in Que- bec], we wanted to minimize the risk of injury to our water rescue team while improving the performance of our watercraft. We worked with BRP engineers at devel- oping a safe, robust yet powerful and nimble SAR watercraft, one tailored to our needs," Nico- las Drapeau, deputy fire chief, said in a press release. PSB 42 • May 5, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com YVES LEDUC WC WC W The Sea-Doo SAR watercraft combines the features rescue professionals need to respond to life-threatening situations. It is designed for everything from surf and white water to flood and other emergency situations, accord- ing to BRP. The sponsons and running boards add the stability and buoy- ancy needed in surf and white water; the heavy- duty front bumper and elastomer hull coating are adapted to navigation along rocky coasts; and features such as the anti- debris water intake grate, the stainless steel wear ring and the internal heat exchanger with shock-protected cooling system improve shallow-water capabilities. "At the Chambly Fire Department [in Que- bec], we wanted to minimize the risk of injury to our water rescue team while improving the performance of our watercraft. We worked with BRP engineers at devel- oping a safe, robust yet powerful and nimble SAR watercraft, one tailored to our needs," Nico- las Drapeau, deputy fire chief, said in a press release. PSB BRP unveils emergency response Sea-Doo BRP added a utility vehicle to its Sea-Doo lineup with the Search and Rescue model. Analyst: PWC unit sales on the rise for 2014 Retail unit sales of PWC in the U.S. during the month of March rose 16.2 percent compared to March 2013, according to a research note provided to Powersports Business by Wells Fargo Securities analyst Tim Conder. The U.S. boat industry retail unit sales declined 0.5 percent in March, compared to March 2013, Conder reported. Regarding the strong PWC sales, Conder writes that Wells Fargo Securities estimates full-year 2014 boating industry unit sales will increase 8-9 percent, while "non-traditional segments of ski/wake and PWC will enjoy low-double-digit growth. BRP's entry-level Spark should help revive PWC sales which have been declining in recent years." PWC unit sales have risen 14.6 percent year-to-date, compared to Q1 2013, according to Conder. SPARKING FUN IN MIAMI Electronic music producer deadmau5 towed his Sea-Doo Spark behind his Ferrari on his way to a day on the water during BRP's #SPARKSOMEFUN promotional effort in Miami. The on-land and on-water event in Miami culminated with a concert by perfor- mance innovators David Garibaldi and dead- mau5. The promo exposed the boating lifestyle greatly, with a measured 32 million impres- sions geared to the fun created by the Sea-Doo Spark and its $4,999 pricetag. PWIA LAUNCHES 2ND ANNUAL PWC SAFE RIDER PROGRAM The Personal Watercraft Industry Asso- ciation (PWIA) announced that it is again promoting the responsible use of personal watercraft by encouraging safety and education. Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, PWIA will launch its second annual Safe Rider pro- gram, educating PWC users on safety and asking them to sign a pledge committing to safe and responsible operation of their vessels. "Our mission is to advocate for a safe and enjoyable experience on any personal watercraft," said David Dickerson, executive director of PWIA. "Bringing the Safe Rider campaign to PWC users for a second year in a row will help us to continue to reach a larger audience with the message that PWC fun and safety go hand in hand." PWIA first launched the Safe Rider pro- gram in 2013 with an inaugural on-water event on Lake Lanier, Ga., in partnership with state legislators and local businesses. Follow- ing the local event, a nationwide call to action was initiated. Safe Rider's pledge form asks that all PWC riders agree to the take the following steps towards safety and fun on the water: Scan the water for hazards and other boats Avoid aggressive maneuvers Follow local boating laws, including rules to prevent the transfer of invasive species Examine your equipment React to conditions Insist on a safe distance from other boats, swimmers and fixed objects Drive sober Evaluate weather and waterways Respect the environment by avoiding fuel spills and operating close to marine life The pledge form can be accessed at www.pwia.org, along with more information about the Safe Rider campaign. Information on instructional courses and downloadable safety materials, including a brief handbook titled Riding Rules for Personal Watercraft and PWC Orientation Checklist can also be found at www.pwia.org. "Responsible riding isn't just about per- sonal safety. Our pledge encompasses PWC etiquette for riders of every skill level in multiple locations or scenarios," Dickerson added. "It includes being considerate of those around you. Being mindful of other vessels in your vicinity and how your rate of speed or wake affects them. And don't forget about marine life, be sure to respect ecologically sensitive areas. Sign the pledge today, commit to its recommendations and start having fun on the water!" HYDRO-TURF RETURNS AS TITLE SPONSOR OF 2014 PRO WATERCROSS TOUR The Pro Watercross Tour welcomes back Hydro-Turf as title sponsor of the Pro Water- cross Tour in 2014. The Pro Watercross Tour and Hydro-Turf have enjoyed a successful relationship over the past few seasons. This is the second consecutive season Hydro-Turf will serve as title sponsor for the tour and its TV shows. The season will kick off on Moth- er's Day weekend in Pensacola Beach, Fla. "We are excited to have Hydro-Turf return as the title sponsor for 2014" stated Nick Handler, marketing director for the Pro Watercross Tour. "Hydro-Turf is a big supporter of the tour and their brand adds to our program and we are proud to have Hydro- Turf as part of our watercross team." Hydro-Turf has been connected with the PWC world for more than 20 years, where it found its niche in traction mats and has since expanded to seat covers and more. The Hydro-Turf Pro Watercross Tour is the largest watercross tour in the world and travels throughout the U.S. It attracts world- class racers and athletes from across the globe who will be competing for more than $150,000 in prize money and awards. PSB DIGEST PWC unit sales in the U.S. are expected to grow in the low-double-digits for 2014, according to Wells Fargo Securities analyst Tim Conder. Electronic music producer deadmau5 towed his Sea-Doo Spark behind his Ferrari during BRP's Miami promotional event. May 10-11 Pensacola Beach, FL May 17-18 Panama City Beach, FL July 5-6 TBA June 28-29 Sparks, NV July 19-20 Colonial Beach, VA August 9-10 Lake Hartwell, GA/SC August 16-17 Charleston, WV Pro Watercross National Championships TOUR DATES P42-PSB6-PWC.indd 42 4/23/14 10:24 AM