// INDUSTRY NEWS
a central location . The models are both popular platforms for their respective brands , giving the engineering teams the opportunity to explore and validate the capability of electric propulsion , while allowing dealers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the testing and learning that is taking place within Polaris Marine . With a 150-hp outboard electric motor from Forza X1 , the Bennington and Godfrey demonstrators reached a top speed of 25 mph and 28 mph , respectively . With this power , the cruising range of the Bennington was gauged to be 25 miles at 15 mph or 15 miles at 20 mph , while the Godfrey clocked in at 15 mph for an estimated range of 29 miles or 20 mph for 17 miles . The systems were controlled by a custom interface , Garmin touch screen display , and equipped with 4G connectivity for monitoring the system remotely via an app .
“ Building off the introduction of last year ’ s Mighty G , where customers who ended up selecting an electric vs . gas-powered motor option were more than double our expectations , we recognize the future potential of this technology and pontoons offerings that have been optimized for electric propulsion ,” continued Duke . “ Our dealer network will be a critical partner in defining this future and we ’ re pleased that they have been so receptive to these higher horse-powered demonstrators .”
Suzuki Marine names new executive VP
Suzuki Marine USA has appointed boating industry veteran Daiki Sugiura to the newly established position of Executive Vice President , Sales and Marketing . In this key new position , Sugiura will report directly to new Suzuki Marine USA President Nobuo Suyama .
Sugiura brings with him 21 years of leadership experience with Suzuki Marine and the global boating business . His recent background includes three years based in Germany , where he was responsible for German and East European outboard motor markets , and another three years in Belgium , where Sugiura was charged with setting up Suzuki Marine ’ s European Liaison Office .
This appointment is one of many promotions and new position hires Suzuki Marine USA has undertaken over the past year to meet growing market demand and strategically prepare itself for continued growth in the future . Since the company relocated its headquarters from California to Florida in late 2020 , Suzuki Marine USA has hired dozens of people to staff its Tampa headquarters and Panama City U . S . Technical Center .
“ Suzuki Marine is growing and will continue to grow as we stake our claim in the U . S . outboard market ,” said George “ Gus ” Blakely , Executive Vice President Sales & Service . “ We have aggressive plans to expand the power of the Suzuki brand and capture even greater market share in the coming years . We will need bold leadership to guide us on this journey , and Mr . Sugiura will play a pivotal role in positioning Suzuki Marine for success .”
Yamaha purchases saltwater testing facility
Yamaha Motor Corporation , U . S . A . has purchased Fort George Island Marina in Duval County , Florida , with the intention of converting the existing facility into the Yamaha Offshore Endurance Center ( YOEC ), which will serve as a testing center for Yamaha Marine products including outboards , sport boats and WaveRunners . The new YOEC includes a 36,500-squarefoot warehouse and marina building as well as a 7,200-square-foot office and event space .
“ The YOEC compliments our test centers in Alabama and Kennesaw while adding greater capacity and capability . It also supports Yamaha Marine global testing plans by expanding opportunities to develop products ,” said Ben Speciale , President , Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit . “ The environment provided by this location will allow us to focus on durability and reliability testing for larger engines , systems and boat hull designs in an offshore environment . It will also include an immersive team center designed to inspire future engineering talent .”
Earlier this year , Yamaha completed the expansion of its freshwater test facility in Bridgeport , Alabama , adding 5,900 square feet of office space and 8,000 square feet of labs and storage . In addition , Yamaha recently finalized the construction of a new Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw , Georgia , a 75,280-square-foot facility which now houses the Yamaha Marine Connected Division as well as Yamaha U . S . Marine Development , Yamaha Marine Product Management and Yamaha Marine Technical Marketing .
Yamaha plans to begin renovations on the saltwater test facility in Duval County in the third quarter of 2023 .
Sea Pro names new director of marketing , dealer relations
Sea Pro Boats , manufacturer of inshore and offshore fishing and family boats based in Whitmire , S . C ., has announced the hiring of Kirsten Corssen for the newly established position of director of marketing and dealer relations .
Sea Pro president Jimmy Hancock made this announcement
Kirsten and introduced
Corssen
Corssen to Sea Pro dealers and business partners from around the country during the Model Year 2024 Sea Pro National Dealer Meeting , taking place recently at the company ’ s South Carolina manufacturing facility and headquarters .
In her new position , Corssen will be responsible for all aspects of Sea Pro ’ s marketing efforts , including branding , dealer marketing , events and boat shows , internal and external communications , marketing materials and programs , social media activities , press relations , and more . Corssen is well known across the boating industry , having worked for more than seven years at a specialized digital marketing agency where she managed top brands such as Suzuki Marine USA , Bennett Marine and Uflex Steering .
“ We have exciting plans for the future of the Sea Pro brand , and Kirsten will play a pivotal role in getting us where we want to go ,” said Hancock . “ We ’ re fortunate to have her on our team , and the timing couldn ’ t have been better with our dealer meeting taking place . This gave her a chance to become immersed in the Sea Pro experience ― and she has already hit the ground running as we prepare for the busy Fall boat show season ,” added Hancock .
8 october 2023 www . boatingindustry . com