BOSTON WHALER ENJOYS RECORD YEAR AT FORT LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW
Nov 13, 2018
Boston Whaler has announced that the company had a record year at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, with 22 models on display across two locations, including three boats making their Fort Lauderdale debut.
The company also announced a new Internet of Things (IoT) technology partner and demonstrated how smart products provide a remote view on the boat to improve the boating experience.
Over the course of the event, Whaler’s presence captured the interest of boaters and industry professionals from all around the world, and resulted in record sales spanning consumers in 15 countries. The successful show was a fitting conclusion to Boston Whaler’s 60th anniversary year, as well as a sign of all the exciting things to come from The Unsinkable Legend™.
“The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show draws attendees from all over, making it the perfect stage for sharing our latest developments with the global Whaler community,” said Whaler President Nick Stickler. “This year was a smashing success, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with visitors and introduce them to the future of this brand.”
Whaler’s massive showing on-water at the Bahia Mar Marina included a full range of large-boat models: the award-winning flagship 420 Outrage; the Innovation Award-winning 345 Conquest, 350 Realm and 320 Vantage; and the 380 Realm, making its first appearance in Fort Lauderdale. Like the 350 Realm before it, the 380 combines the best attributes of a cabin cruiser and a center console to form something truly unique. “The 380 Realm has expanded the notion of an ‘all-day boat’ into something that encompasses cruising, fishing, entertaining, overnighting, long-distance travel and more,” said Jeff Vaughn, Boston Whaler’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. “It defines ‘Expedition Grade’ quality, performance, enjoyment and ease of use.”
Meanwhile, Whaler hosted a display indoors at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, where the all-new 130 Super Sport and 160 Super Sport also made their FLIBS debut. Redesigned from the keel up for model year 2019, the Super Sports are available with a variety of seating configurations, an abundance of features and options, and a remarkable amount of onboard space. “The Super Sport models’ new features bring these popular models even more in line with consumer preferences,” said Vaughn.
Another can’t-miss aspect of the show: a new wave of outboard technology from Mercury Marine. Boston Whaler is proud to feature Mercury engines on every boat model. More than ever, this year’s offerings reflected Mercury’s advanced engineering and commitment to providing the highest quality propulsion on the water.
Further, Boston Whaler announced a new partnership with NAUTIC-ON™, whose breakthrough remote-monitoring capabilities provide boaters with a remote view of their boat and its key systems, providing a new level of awareness that will improve the overall boating experience. Whaler offered demonstrations of the NAUTIC-ON mobile app and discussed the coming applications of NAUTIC-ON technology across the lineup.
Guests also had the opportunity to meet with Boston Whaler’s designers, engineers and executives, and to try out Whaler’s innovative Augmented Reality program. Wearing a special AR headset, users were able to view and configure a virtual Whaler model.
“Boston Whaler’s commitment to pushing the envelope has been a defining trait since the very beginning,” Stickler said. “It’s a joy to see how this spirit of innovation has resulted in boundary-breaking new models, increased sales and a deeper relationship with our customers.”
