In Brief: Riviera, Evinrude, Pow’rTran, Johnson Outdoors Inc., Minneapolis Boat Show, RBFF

Riviera, an Australian boat builder, reported that its expectations were exceeded at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it said its 2010 models were embraced, including two new models that sold sight unseen. The company’s 2010 models haven’t had their official release in the U.S., but the company said they would begin to arrive in early- to mid-2010. The company has recently given some added attention to its U.S. presence — just prior to the boat show, Riviera relocated its U.S. operations to a dedicated new facility in Stuart, Fla.

Consumers who purchase the new Sylvan RPT pontoon powered with a 200 H.O. Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine will have the opportunity to take advantage of a $1,000 consumer rebate offered by Sylvan Boats, according to a release from Evinrude. The promotion is offered by participating Sylvan dealers and runs through Jan. 31. The offer is in addition to Evinrude’s “Best Deal on the Water” promotion, which launched Sept. 15 and ends Dec. 22. With that promotion, consumers are eligible for a five-year BRP factory-backed limited warranty (a three-year factory warranty and an additional two-years of the company’s B.E.S.T. coverage).

Pow’rTran, which manufactures power steering, jack plates, power tilt and power trim and tilts for small outboard motors, has chosen Woodard and Company Ltd. to represent the company’s product line in Canada. Founded in 1970, Woodard and Company represents manufacturers of OEM and aftermarket products, including steering and controls, electronics, engine instrumentation, fresh water systems, voltage converters and inverters, electric winches and small engine parts. Four sales offices serve the Canadian marketplace in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver, with the head office and a warehouse in Toronto.

Johnson Outdoors Inc.’s (Nasdaq: JOUT) consolidation of U.S. operations for its watercraft brands in Old Town, Maine has been completed ahead of schedule. As a result of the consolidation, the company’s Ocean Kayak and Necky kayaks brands are now being produced in Old Town, according to the company. The newly converted facility also serves as the U.S. warehouse and distribution center for all the company’s paddle boat and accessory brands, which include Extrasport personal flotation devices (PFD) and Carlisle paddles, and is the hub for all related watercraft support services and functions. The former distribution center has been redesigned for maximum production efficiency, while reducing energy use by 50 percent. An estimated additional 48 jobs will be created in Old Town as a result of the consolidation, Johnson Outdoors stated.

The 38th annual Minneapolis Boat Show has joined the boat show trend with its implementation of online pre-shopping opportunities at MinneapolisBoatShow.com. Show goers can plan ahead and search boats by brand and model, schedule private appointments with exhibitors and get a first-hand look at some of the boats that will be at the 2010 show, according to organizers. This year’s event will take place Jan. 20-24, 2010 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Other new features include: the Pirates of Colonial America interactive exhibit, a Wakeboard Rail Jam in which wakeboard and water-ski pros demo extreme water sports skills, tricks and gear, and the Taste of Lakes Opening Night Experience, featuring live music, drink specials and samples from the area’s lake restaurants.

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) will exhibit for the first time at this year’s Marine Dealer Conference & Expo (MDCE) being held Nov. 16 – 18 in Orlando, Fla. RBFF staff will be available to discuss the organization’s efforts to increase participation in boating. RBFF staff will provide information about the Take Me Fishing campaign and how it impacts the boating industry. They will also be available to discuss ongoing research to identify opportunities for boat ownership and renewal and a database project to increase public awareness of water access. For more information about RBFF’s programs and resources, visit RBFF.org.