www. PowersportsBusiness. com

Powersports Business • August 2025 • 15

BRP Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Manitou pontoon boat operations in Lansing, Michigan to members of the Marcott family, known for their ownership of Bentley Pontoons. The sale marks another step in BRP’ s strategic exit from the marine segment as the company sharpens its focus on core powersports offerings.

The company says this process excludes all activities related to its Sea-Doo personal watercraft, Sea-Doo Switch pontoons and jet propulsion systems.

BRP President and CEO José Boisjoli called the move a pivotal moment in the company’ s transition.

“ Today marks another key step in our process to sell our marine businesses,” he says.“ I am proud of the strong foundation we have built for Manitou and I sincerely thank all employees and dealers for their commitment and resilience over the years. I wish them the very best in this next journey.”

The Marcott family, owners of Bentley Pontoons, has signed an agreement to purchase Manitou’ s operations in Lansing, Michigan, for an undisclosed amount.( Photo: Manitou)

For powersports dealers, this transition signals BRP’ s increased commitment to its off-road, on-road, and snowmobile segments, along with related parts, accessories, and services. The shift is likely to lead to increased

investments in product innovation and dealer support within the core powersports space.

The Marcott family, bringing decades of industry experience through their Bentley Pontoons brand, expressed confidence in preserving and growing the Manitou name.

“ We are committed to ensuring the continuity of the Manitou brand and we intend to further its reputation for performance, quality, and service within the industry, while continuing to support dealers’ needs and success,” says Dennis Marcott, who’ s a managing member of the Marcott family.“ We will keep building Manitou boats in the existing Lansing facility and are looking forward to welcoming talented employees as part of the team.”

The transaction is expected to close during BRP’ s third quarter of Fiscal 2026. In the meantime, both parties will work together to ensure a seamless transition for dealers, employees, and customers.

This latest move follows BRP’ s recent sale of Alumacraft, completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, and the pending sale of Telwater, which remains subject to customary closing conditions.

NMMA’ s latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report, covering the rolling period from May 2024 through April 2025, shows new powerboat retail unit sales down 9 % from January to April compared to the same period last year. A total of 64,883 new boats were sold through April, down from 71,321 in 2024.

In April, there were year-over-year declines in sales of new pontoons( down 19.5 %), jet boats( down 19.9 %), and wake sport boats( down 14.3 %). Freshwater fishing boats and yachts remained relatively flat year-over-year, down 0.4 % and 0.7 %, respectively.

NMMA has shared that macroeconomic indicators for April painted a mixed picture. While inflation moderated to 2.3 % and fuel prices stabilized($ 3.17 / gallon), the Consumer Confidence Index( CCI) sat at 85.7, well below the 100−point baseline that typically indicates economic optimism. By June, CCI dropped further to 100.4 from 101.3 in May, with the Expectations Index falling to 73, well under the 80−mark associated with weakening outlooks.

While economic fundamentals remain relatively intact, shifting consumer psychology is weighing on durable goods like boats. Higher interest rates, tighter credit and perceptions of economic uncertainty are converging to create a more hesitant buyer.

Despite softer sales, outdoor recreation demand remains structurally resilient. As the industry looks ahead, key opportunities lie in aligning marketing, product offerings and retail partnerships with evolving consumer preferences.

A total of 64,883 new boats were sold through April, down from 71,321 in 2024.( Chart: NMMA / Boating Industry)

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