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PWC 2014 models include larger sponsons and hood-mounted air scoops The Gibbs Quadski, the world's first high- speed sports amphibian, gets a new front-end appearance and a Quadski XL model added to its lineup for 2014. Compared to the standard Quadski, the new Quadski XL, unveiled in June, offers seating for two, has 11.8 inches of additional wheelbase, is nearly a foot longer and offers increased storage capacity as well. The Quadski XL's longer wheelbase deliv- ers a smoother, more comfortable ride on land and greater stability on water, according to Gibbs Sports Amphibians. Under-seat storage includes additional space for a second helmet and safety gear, supplementing the storage bin and glove box already available on the single- seat Quadski. "The new Quadski XL expands the enve- lope of go-anywhere recreation with an even greater capacity for freedom, flexibility and fun," noted Noel Lane, president and CEO of Gibbs Sports Amphibians. "Our dealers are excited about the addition of the XL to their high-speed amphibian lineup." He points out that both 2014 Quadski models have larger sponsons (stationary rud- ders) integrated into their hulls to provide added stability and help improve overall marine handling. In addition, the 2014 Quadski and Quad- ski XL each feature larger hood-mounted air scoops that boost engine cooling and overall performance, along with new, more resilient front bumper systems. 5-SECOND TRANSITION Both models have durable, lightweight com- posite hulls, utilize patented water-jet technol- ogy and are equipped with a 1.3-liter BMW Motorrad engine and transmission. The four- cylinder, water-cooled engine is considered the lightest power plant in its segment and features electronic fuel injection, dual overhead cam- shafts and dry-sump lubrication. Producing 140 horsepower, the engine enables Quadski and Quadski XL to reach speeds of 45 mph on both land and water. "Our high-speed amphibians feature a unique retractable suspension system that provides a superb ride and nimble handling on land, and retracts in seconds after entering water," Lane added. "It's a patented design that allows Quadski to transition between the two environments in less than five seconds. "Quadski attracted crowds at auto, boat and powersports shows throughout the U.S. last year. We expect to build on that success with the addition of our new Quadski XL — a two- seater that research indicates will be popular with an even greater number of prospective buyers. Our newest high-speed sports amphib- ians will go on sale at dealerships [in June]." The Gibbs Quadski currently is available at dealerships throughout the U.S., including in Florida, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Mas- sachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylva- nia, Maine, Minnesota, Washington, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Built at a 54,000-square-foot assembly plant in Auburn Hills, Mich., the Quadski is available in four colors — red, yellow, silver and blue — and will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $41,125 for standard models and $47,650 for the all-new XL. The Quadski XL has an overall length of 140.2 inches, compared to 128.3 inches for a standard Quadski. Its curb weight of 1,437 pounds is about 100 pounds heavier and its wheelbase of 82.3 inches is nearly a foot longer. "The Quadski is the result of millions of research dollars and years of development work in the U.S., the U.K. and New Zealand," said Alan Gibbs, founder of Gibbs Technolo- gies and Gibbs Sports Amphibians. "Quadski represents an entirely new form of transporta- tion. It is the only sports amphibian of its kind in the world." Gibbs notes that his companies have more than 300 patents and patents pending on Gibbs technology and have invested more than $220 million in product and technology development. "Bringing the Quadski to market in the U.S. over the past 18 months has been a long, uphill battle, but clearly worth the effort," Gibbs adds. "We expect the Quadski to pave the way for a host of other Gibbs amphibians that are in our pipeline and designed for consumers, sports enthusiasts, law enforcement agencies and first responders in the years to come." PSB Gibbs adds two-passenger Quadski XL to lineup 30 • August 11, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com DIGEST "Our dealers are excited about the addition of the XL to their high-speed amphibian lineup." Noel Lane, president and CEO, Gibbs Sports Amphibians PWC sales were up nearly 30 percent year- over-year in June, showing strong growth for the third month in a row, according to the lat- est Info-Link bellwether report, which tracks boat sales across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations. Bellwether states are geographically dis- persed states representing roughly half of the U.S. boat market (varies by market segment and time of year). BRP ISSUES VOLUNTARY RECALL ON SPARK BRP has sent notice of a voluntary safety recall to Sea-Doo Spark owners. The recall is due to steering columns and handlebars that may have been incorrectly manufac- tured by a BRP supplier. The letter states that the notice is being sent in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada and is sent in accordance with the requirements of the Fed- eral Boat Safety and other applicable laws. The steering column/handlebar may have been incorrectly manufactured by the sup- plier, and it may break under rough riding conditions. This could cause the operator to lose his or her balance and hit the personal watercraft, resulting in serious injuries or even death. Authorized BRP Sea-Doo dealers will per- form the repair work at no charge. PSB PWC sales up 30 percent in June Gibbs' new Quadski XL has room for two passen- gers, has an increased wheelbase and is longer than the standard Quadski model. Gibbs expects the Quadski XL to pull in a broader base of customers than it has seen with its standard Quadski. The 2-Up Quadski XL, which became available in dealerships in late June, has an MSRP of $47,650.