Brig Boats entering U.S. market for 2016

Ukraine-based Brig Boats will be making its debut in the U.S. market at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show.

The nearly 25-year-old company says it is Europe’s largest manufacturer of recreational RIBs and claims a 70 percent share of the RIB market in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

The company’s Annapolis-based distributor will host the show’s fifth largest display. Located in Hall C, the 4,000-square-foot booth will feature more than 25 boats.

Founded by aeronautical engineer Slava Rodionov nearly 25 years ago, Brig Boats are now sold in more than 60 countries through an exclusive distributor network.

“We participate in more than 100 boat shows a year internationally,” said Neil Webster, chief executive officer for Brig USA and co-owner of award-winning Australia-based distributor Sirocco Marine. “We’re excited to introduce our boats at this year’s Miami show, and at several other shows around the country in 2016.”

Brig USA also has announced the grand opening of its two founding U.S. dealerships: Sirocco Marine Fort Lauderdale, owned by Boyd Tomkies, opened this month; and Sirocco Marine Annapolis, owned by Vince Palmeri, is scheduled to open in February. Both gentlemen are marine industry veterans and RIB specialists, and their stores will carry a full inventory of Brig Boats, as well as Sealegs Amphibious Boats from New Zealand.

“These Sirocco dealerships are essentially Brig USA franchisees, which makes our relationship with them different from that of a typical wholesaler and retailer,” Webster explained. “They work closely with us to ensure that customers receive a first-class experience and have the opportunity to build a rewarding, long-term relationship.”

Honda Marine is providing outboards and valuable ongoing support, and Webster said he envisions that Brig USA will have a total of five Sirocco Marine dealerships within the next 12 months.

“We’re not after 100 dealers around the United States,” Webster said. “Our hope is to have five to 10, each of which will have a close relationship with Brig USA.”

As an added benefit, Brig owners participating in the popular “Borrow a Brig” program now can add Fort Lauderdale and Annapolis to their itineraries. This program allows Brig owners to use other Brig models when visiting locations supported by a dealership.

Brig Boats’ model lineup includes the Eagle Series; the Navigator Series, designed to go anywhere in a broad range of sea and weather conditions; and the Falcon Series, intended for the discerning boater who is looking for added value at an entry-level price.

“Altogether, we have 20 different models, from 10 feet to more than 30 feet in length,” Webster said. “They’re stable, lightweight and low-maintenance; they offer a smooth, dry, fast ride; they’re virtually unsinkable due to the enormous buoyancy in the tubes; and they’re affordable.”

Webster and his team received Brig Boats’ International Dealer of the Year award at the company’s annual conference, which was attended by representatives from 60 dealerships around the world. Sirocco Marine earned the recognition due to its commitment to the Brig brand and its steadfast dedication to customer service — both of which Webster intends to bring to Brig USA.

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