Hans Roulants: a special year
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the year has been turbulent for many companies. Lockdowns, bans on public events, border closures… The yachting industry was also affected, although there were reasons for optimism as well. How will the outgoing year be remembered for Sea Ray?
The year was certainly unique—a year of pandemic and isolation. That said, Sea Ray has been building boats for 61 years, and we have weathered many different economic and social upheavals. This year, many people were hesitant to travel far from home for vacation, as a positive coronavirus test could leave them stranded in isolation in a foreign country. People have become more mindful of their health and, as a result, have begun to favor time in nature—alone, with family, or in a small group—over noisy parties and crowded beaches. In these circumstances, the safest way to gain new experiences and enjoy a wonderful отдых without the risk of infection is on your own “desert island.” That is why in 2020 we saw explosive sales growth across all types of boats produced by Sea Ray, one of the oldest and most popular brands in the world. The Sea Ray brand was also preparing for the global premiere of a new model. It will take place in 2021. It is too early to disclose the series and specifications, but I can assure you that it will be a magnificent boat, both technically and in terms of design.
Which models were in the highest demand?
A huge number of people decided this year to try themselves as captains of their own boats for the first time, so the most popular models were those that are easiest to handle—around 6 meters in length. The SPX 190 proved especially popular. It is available in two versions: with an inboard MerCruiser 4.5L MPI engine or a Mercury F150 outboard. Let me tell you more about this boat. It has a maximum beam of 2.54 m, meaning it can be transported on public roads without a special permit. It is also perfect for a group of friends. Up to six people can gather around a round teak table, seated on a spacious convertible sofa. A friendly lunch, dinner, or cocktail in such a setting is simply fantastic. For fans of watersports, an optional arch allows you to tow a water-skier or wakeboarder. On top of that, the boat is easy to operate and can reach speeds exceeding 80 km/h.
How did customers respond to the new models for the coming year?
In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, we introduced the Sundancer 320 Outboard. Our customers had been eagerly awaiting it and asked us to make it more accessible, and we are delighted to fulfill their wishes. It will now be produced in Europe. We are proud of this undisputed global leader in the cruiser class. Thanks to its innovative layout and bow design, this model combines all the advantages of cruisers and bowriders. The single-level passageway to the bow lounge, which seats three, is completely safe even for small children. Four guests can spend the night in a spacious cabin with headroom exceeding 190 cm. In 2020, our European plant began producing this bestseller in a coupe version with an enclosed cockpit, and in 2021 we will launch production of the Outboard version with twin 350 hp outboard engines, controlled by joystick. This configuration frees up additional cockpit space and reduces noise levels underway. In addition, we are transferring production of the Sea Ray SPX 230 Outboard from the U.S. to Europe. We plan to present this model at boot Düsseldorf 2021.
For those who appreciate onboard comfort, the company offers three series: SLX, SDX, and Sun Sport. All boats in these ranges are equipped with a separate head compartment with a toilet. The SLX series is better suited to fans of active recreation. For example, the new SLX-R 350, powered by twin 450 hp engines, can exceed 100 km/h and features a separate head and a fully equipped cabin to port.
Which new technologies used in Sea Ray boats were received most enthusiastically?
I would like to highlight the tremendous success of the shipyard, which in 2020 received an Innovation Award from the U.S. National Marine Manufacturers Association. The award recognized the Fathom e-Power electrification system, implemented in the 12-meter Sea Ray SLX-R 400e Outboard bowrider. This system manages the boat’s auxiliary systems, including gyro stabilizers, air conditioning with cockpit heating, and a compressor for inflatable watersports equipment. While underway, the boat stores electricity in powerful batteries, and at anchor it can use this energy for 6–8 hours. To recharge, you simply run the engines briefly. Developed in cooperation with our sister company Mastervolt, this technology will be introduced in other larger models in the future. Another notable feature of the SLX-R 400e OB is the fold-down starboard side, which transforms the integrated swim platform, cockpit, and hull side into a spacious beach club.
Does the company maintain inventory, and are there dealers managing the current situation particularly effectively?
Sea Ray does not maintain inventory as such. We work with different dealers across various markets. In Russia, for example, our partner is AG Marine, which orders Sea Ray boats and displays them in its showrooms for clients. Typically, business slows down in winter, but during the Covid-19 crisis, people are already looking for boats they will use next summer. We can talk at length about our outstanding boats, but I would like to emphasize what they all have in common: close attention to quality and to the needs of the future owner. Every Sea Ray boat undergoes factory testing before being shipped to a dealer. We will certainly continue this practice in 2021, even though demand has risen sharply and we have received 30% more orders than during the same period last year. Production slots for many models for 2021 are already fully booked. Thanks to close cooperation within the Brunswick Corporation—which owns, in addition to Sea Ray, engine manufacturer Mercury, marine hardware brands Ancor, Attwood, Mastervolt, and Whale—and to the work of a unified design bureau, Sea Ray can quickly turn ideas into production models. Moreover, Sea Ray operates its own production facility in Europe, significantly reducing logistics costs and delivery times for European customers.
What plans does the shipyard have for 2021?
We can already see that time on the water is becoming increasingly popular. In 2021, we will need to work even harder to meet the sharply growing demand. Undoubtedly, the entire industry has even greater potential for development in the future, as more and more people have discovered—and will likely continue to discover—this wonderful way to spend their leisure time.
