Boatbuilding News 18.10.24 Feat. Navan, X Shore, Rooster & Sunseeker International

📰 This weeks Boatbuilding News 📰

🇺🇸 Navan, a brand under Brunswick Corporation, will formally debut in the North American market at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Navan will present its C30 and S30 models, which were previously introduced in Europe at Cannes 2023 and have also been launched in Australia. Founding Navan dealers in the US include B&E Marine, Colony Marine, InterMarine, and Walstrom Marine, with more dealer locations expected to follow.

 “We are excited to introduce Navan to North America. Navan has made its mark in the EMEA market, and we are eager for North American consumers to experience this innovative category of outboard-powered boats.”

 says Ritch Ragle, vice president of North American sales & customer service. 

Both the S30 and C30 feature a patented T-Step Hull design, aimed at enhancing performance by reducing drag for quicker planing and improved handling. The forward cabins include a double berth, large skylight, ample storage, and an enclosed head. Both the C30 and S30 are equipped with Simrad digital displays and can be fitted with various Mercury outboard engines, including the 400hp V10, twin 225hp V6, or twin 300hp V8 Verados with joystick piloting. 

Additional features available in these models include an ergonomic helm with a standard 12” Simrad NSX multifunction display, Mercury SmartCraft Connect, and CZone digital switching.

Both the C30 and S30 models will be available for viewing at the in-water display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which runs from 30 October to 4 November 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 🇬🇧 Rooster, a manufacturer of technical clothing and parts for the marine industry, has announced a strategic consolidation of its European warehousing into the UK.

The UK-based firm says this move is aimed at improving logistics, stock availability and delivery efficiency for its European partners.

 “Since 2021, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with a trusted company in Germany to support our warehouse fulfilment during the Brexit transition. As couriers and freight forwarders have significantly advanced their processes, now is the perfect time to consolidate operations back to the UK. This consolidation isn’t just about streamlining – it’s an expansion of Rooster’s capacity to meet growing demands across Europe. While we anticipate some initial teething problems, we are focused on quickly establishing a seamless system to ensure our partners receive their goods promptly, allowing them to better serve their customers.”

 says Luke Morrison, CEO of Rooster.

By moving fulfilment operations to its expanded UK warehouse and factory, Rooster aims to improve delivery reliability and stock availability for European customers. Bulk winter orders will still be shipped directly from the factory to maintain efficiency and ensure timely deliveries.

The consolidation is part of Rooster’s broader commitment to supporting small boat dinghy sailing and expanding its presence in the keelboat market. In 2025, the company plans to introduce new products under its SB2 and SB3 ranges, further strengthening its position in the market for dinghy and keelboat sailing equipment. Rooster, which marked its 25th anniversary at the RYA show in February 2024, says it remains dedicated to meeting the needs of watersports enthusiasts across various disciplines.

 🇸🇪 Swedish high-performance electric boat maker X Shore has signed its largest order to date with M Yachts, a Germany-based yacht agency offering dealership, charter and advisory services.

This agreement involves the delivery of 32 boats to the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), with completion expected by the end of 2024.

The boats, incorporating a range of X Shore’s designs, will be displayed in M Yachts’ showrooms across these markets. X Shore says this will allow customers in the region to view, test, and service X Shore boats locally, streamlining the customer experience from purchase through after-sales support.

According to research by management consulting firm Arthur D. Little, commissioned by X Shore, the German boating market is projected to reach an electrification rate of around 12 per cent by 2027. Factors contributing to this growth include bans on internal combustion engines (ICE) on several lakes, environmental awareness, and the country’s rapid adoption of electric vehicles. Similarly, demand for sustainable alternatives is rising in Switzerland and Austria due to ICE bans on lakes.

“The DACH region is a crucial market for X Shore, sharing our deep connection to the water and commitment to sustainable boating. This deal with M Yachts to deliver 32 boats reflects our shared vision of making boating one with nature through sustainable performance, seamless technology, and modular minimalistic design. It’s a key part of our long-term commercial strategy and we’re excited for the future growth that will come with the partnership with M Yachts. This landmark deal with M Yachts not only highlights the growing demand for sustainable boating solutions but also strengthens X Shore’s strategic foothold in a region at the forefront of electric mobility.”

says X Shore CEO René Hansen.

Last year, X Shore raised around 300 million SEK (£23m) in a round of fundraising.

🇦🇪 Sunseeker International, a UK-based motor yacht manufacturer, has opened a new Sunseeker Gulf showroom in Dubai.

The showroom, located at D-Marin Marsa Al Arab, will serve as Sunseeker’s flagship location in the Middle East and operate exclusively for the brand. It’s one of five D-Marin facilities now in Dubai, with the marina operator conducting a strategic expansion in the region.

The new Sunseeker Gulf showroom offers a permanent display of Sunseeker yachts for viewing and purchase, providing a base for luxury yacht exploration in the region. In addition to its role as a distributor, the firm hopes the showroom will elevate Sunseeker’s profile in the Gulf.

 “Sunseeker Gulf remains at the forefront of yachting excellence in the Middle East. Opening this new bespoke facility in the heart of the GCC cements our presence in the region and will be the perfect base for all our operations, to elevate the brand profile across the Gulf region, and to provide an unparalleled expertise and passion to every client interaction. We look forward to welcoming our customers to the new showroom soon.”

 says Spencer Brown, sales director with over two decades of experience with Sunseeker, who will lead the Dubai showroom.

The news comes after an entity affiliated with Sunseeker’s Chinese owner Dalian Wanda Group agreed to sell the boatbuilder Sunseeker International to US firm Lionheart Capital. It’s understood the deal will close this month, although this has not yet been confirmed.

To coincide with the opening, Sunseeker Gulf is introducing the Sunseeker Platinum Service Package, offering comprehensive support and bespoke services to enhance the yacht ownership experience. The package is backed by a state-of-the-art service centre in Dubai Maritime City, staffed by Sunseeker-trained technicians.

 “Sunseeker Gulf will make a difference in the Gulf, standing out as one of our exceptional distributors, offering unparalleled local expertise and deep regional knowledge across the Middle East. This ensures not only a seamless ownership experience but also a truly bespoke service for our customers as they explore various destinations. We are thrilled to see Sunseeker Gulf’s presence in the region further solidified with the opening of their impressive new showroom, a testament to their ongoing commitment to excellence.”

Says Joanne Smith, territory manager for the Middle East 

Sunseeker Gulf will also represent the brand at the Qatar Boat Show, taking place from 6-9 November 2024, and at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show from 21-24 November 2024. Featured yachts will include the 88 Yacht and 55 SuperHawk.

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