From blueprint to bow
Sea Ray is tapping into a new market with the SDX lineup , an “ activity-based boat ,” which is offered in a surf variant .
“ Water surfing has become a huge sport ,” Yunger said . “ It ’ s what I call a generation bridge because you ’ ll see grandparents out there surfing , all the way to grandkids , and in between … It ’ s something we didn ’ t participate in before , so having that new product series come out , it gives use a broader audience .”
Larry Teeling , VP of marketing and strategy at Bennington Pontoons , shared , “ We ’ re cautiously optimistic about the retail side . We just have to manage the pipeline with our dealers as much as possible .”
Consumers want technology at the helm , and Bennington has met this need . “ Customers on the high end wanted technology , so we have bigger screens , multiple screens and touch screens integrated , and it ’ s really a software designed for the pontoon user ,” Teeling said . “ Entry level also wanted technology on their boats , so we found a way to platform that technology and deliver it full portfolio from the small end , entry level , all the way up to the high end .”
Mercury VP and Executive VP John Buelow presented the company ’ s first Joystick Piloting for single-engine outboards and the new Altitude Propeller line , engineered for top-end speed .
Elsewhere on the show floor , Stingray introduced its new 259DC and 172DC models , and the new white gel coat color for 2025 . The 259DC blends the deck boat line with the center console line , designed for fishing and cruising .
Daniel Sherlock , director of Honda Marine Division , shared that on January 1 of 2024 , Honda announced its Honda Marine division . In 2024 , the company
Sea Ray President Keith Yunger shared his excitement for the company ' s SDX lineup .
almost tripled the size of its organization to improve customer service , technical support , operational efficiencies and marketing and communication .
“ In 2024 , the market was down about 18 points , and we have grown our sales significantly . We have also gained significant market share in a very difficult and down market ,” Sherlock said . “ In 2025 , we will continue with the same strategic principals – new product , customer service , strategic partnerships .”
www . boatingindustry . com march / april 2025
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