Powersports Business January 2024 | Page 12

12 • January 2024 • Powersports Business

PWC www . PowersportsBusiness . com

BRP is riding a wave of recognition as it sees two of its watercraft receive coveted awards from Good Design Awards contests . The personal watercraft Sea-Doo Explorer Pro and the Quintrex Freestyler X have received this prestigious award , a testimonial to BRP ’ s ingenuity and excellence in its designs . These latest honors bring BRP ’ s trophy collection to more than 165 design awards .
“ Our design teams in Canada , the United States and Europe are inspired by nature and motivated by a desire to enable exploration and discovery ,” says Denys Lapointe , BRP ’ s
The Quintrex Freestyler X employs a revolutionary design with the Rotax S engine tucked in the back out of sight , adding extra space . chief design officer , who was in Tokyo to accept the Good Design Awards Japan . “ In the past few years , we have been driven to design crafts that democratize access to recreational activities , allowing a wider range of people to discover or rediscover nature near and far , maximizing their time and enjoyment with family and friends .”
SEA-DOO EXPLORER PRO : WINNER OF THE GOOD DESIGN AWARDS JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA
The is an adventure-ready , out-of-the-box
PWC . Sea-Doo ’ s design team focused on ergonomics , protection from the elements , storage and efficiency on board . The PWC ’ s traditional look and functionality have been updated and the padded seat , knee pads and adjustable handlebars allow adventurers unparalleled comfort and a pleasant ride in a variety of positions . Also , adventure seekers can ride as a multi-day , self-contained exploration package with its massive storage capabilities , fuel-efficient load-hauling power , and unmatched stability .
QUINTREX FREESTYLER X : WINNER OF THE GOOD DESIGN AWARDS AUSTRALIA
The Quintrex Freestyler X was designed for boaters at a more accessible price . Its holistic design , derived from BRP ’ s proprietary stretch forming aluminum transformation process , provides a distinctive look and feel . Ergonomics were improved from bow to stern with special attention paid to the helm .
The personal watercraft Sea-Doo Explorer Pro and the Quintrex Freestyler X have receive design awards from the Good
Design Awards contest . Photo courtesy of BRP / Sea-Doo .
With its revolutionary design , the Rotax S engine is positioned horizontally , tucked away out-of-sight of boaters , opening the stern and giving boaters an additional 120 cm of usable recreation space on deck and a 360−degree line of sight around the boat . The Freestyler X ’ s safety and environmental pedigrees give families peace-of-mind , while allowing them to adventure together .
Good Design Awards Japan is Japan ' s only comprehensive design evaluation and promotion mechanism . Together with G Mark , it has been recognized by design experts and the general public in Japan for more than 60 years .
The Good Design Awards Australia showcases the very best in design and innovation to a worldwide audience . Originally established in 1958 under the banner of the Industrial Design Council of Australia , the Awards have been setting the international standard for good design for more than six decades .
More than 1,500 marine industry professionals attended the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas ( MRAA ) 2023 Dealer Week Conference and Expo , held Dec . 4−7 in Tampa , establishing records for total registration , dealership attendance , number of exhibitors and expo hall floor space coverage .
Dealership attendance set a new highwater mark at 721 dealership personnel , while total attendance improved by 15 percent , surpassing 1,500 total attendees for the first time in the event ’ s history . The 150 Expo Hall booths and 18 dock slips sold out , contributing to the largest show floor in the event ’ s history . More than 40 first-time exhibitors showcased booths at the Tampa Convention Center and 45−plus boat brands were represented .
“ Our team is proud that their passion and hard work in serving the marine industry inspired the continued growth of Dealer Week 2023 — the most engaging , most powerful educational conference we have ever produced ,” says Matt Gruhn , president of the MRAA . “ And while the numbers suggest
our reach continues to expand , the connections , the business opportunities , and the take-home value of the educational programming matter most to us and our attendees . This year ’ s Dealer Week was packed with ideas , insights and inspiration to help dealers remain strong as they enter and navigate the year ahead .”
For the first time in history , two manufacturers – Centurion & Supreme , and Skier ’ s Choice – held annual dealer meetings in conjunction with Dealer Week .

Arkansas hosts Outdoor Economy Summit

Last week , NMMA participated in the Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit to discuss the state ’ s investment in and growth of outdoor recreation . NMMA also joined a panel discussion to highlight manufacturing in Arkansas and recreational boating ’ s economic impact throughout the state .
Arkansas ’ Office of Outdoor Recreation hosted a summit featuring contributors from all segments of the outdoor economy , including
the recreational boating industry . The event quickly follows the most recent release of U . S . Department of Commerce ’ s Bureau of Economic Analysis ( BEA ) economic data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account , which highlights outdoor recreation ’ s $ 1 trillion contribution to the U . S . economy .
In Arkansas , recreational boating and fishing remain the number one activity in the state , contributing over $ 450 million to the
state in 2022 . The event featured speakers and attendees from across the outdoor community , Governor ’ s office , and congressional staff to discuss Arkansas ’ s focus on outdoor recreation as well as hear from businesses and manufacturers to discuss the growing outdoor economy .
NMMA director of federal government relations , Clay Crabtree , participated in a panel discussion , highlighting NMMA
members and recreational marine manufacturing , noting workforce challenges for the industry .