|

WEBASTO DEBUTS INDUSTRY FIRST A/C & HEATING SOLUTION FOR OPEN COCKPIT BOATS

Webasto at the Dock

 

Oct 2nd, 2018

The Webasto Breeze-equipped Four Winns HD 270 at Sarasota.

At the recent Groupe Beneteau Cadillac dealer meeting in Sarasota, John Armstrong and I were introduced to the industry’s first A/C and heating system for open cockpit boats. The Webasto Breeze system was inspired by Christophe Lavigne, Groupe Beneteau VP of Engineering and Customer Service.

He told the anecdote of driving along the highway on a sunny day in his Mini convertible with the air conditioning running. Why not have A/C in boats?

About three to four years ago, Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America and Volvo Penta of the Americas teamed up to develop a solution. At the Sarasota meeting, we drove a Four Winns HD 270, the company’s largest bow rider equipped with a Volvo Penta 350 V8 stern drive. Not only did the system deliver an impressive stream of cool air for the driver and passengers, this system can also generate heat for those who have just come from skiing or swimming, of for those cool nights on the water.

Webasto PanelThe Webasto Breeze is a new fully integrated engine-driven air conditioner and optional heating system designed specifically for open-cockpit sterndrive boats.

Developed as a collaborative effort, Webasto Breeze will be marketed to builders as an OEM-installed option and through dealers as an add-on.

Silver coloured compressor and higher output alternator are installed on the engine.

The modular system is designed for easy turnkey installation into new boats. Volvo Penta supplies an upsized alternator and mounting bracket, and Webasto provides the belt-driven compressor, evaporator, condenser, seawater pump and dash-mounted controls. The entire system is 12VDC, eliminating the need for an auxiliary generator.

Specifically designed for the marine industry, Webasto Breeze provides ambient cooling and heating for many scenarios. Webasto Breeze puts out 7,000 BTU of ambient comfort at idle or slow speeds and up to 30,000 BTU at higher engine rpms. It is controlled by a simple dash-mounted unit with three fan speeds and a mode switch.

Webasto LayoutThe first US boatbuilder to offer Webasto Breeze is Four Winns, which is introducing it as an option on the HD270 model. “We were totally blown away by this new product,” said Andy Lindsay, Four Winns Vice President of Sales. “Our dealers love it. We were so impressed that we presented our first-ever Suppliers Innovation Award jointly to Webasto and Volvo Penta at our dealer meeting this month.”

“We value the creativity of our customers and appreciate the trust they place in us for providing solutions to problems they face,” said David Wollard, Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America senior director of leisure markets. “Webasto Breeze is a perfect example of how user-driven requests can ignite innovation, especially when collaborating with other forward-thinking companies like Volvo Penta.”

Simple controls and vents can be installed where convenient.

“Volvo Penta has a long and storied history of innovations in the boating industry, and this collaborative development program with Webasto has produced yet another industry first,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas.

“Our innovations are driven by our Easy Boating strategy, which aims to make it easier for more families to enjoy the boating experience. With Webasto Breeze, boat builders can offer their customers the convenience of automotive air conditioning for the first time in an open cockpit boat.”

Related Articles





Canada’s Marine Retailers Band Together to Form New Canadian Marine Retailers Association

CMRA

The provincial marine associations from across the country, collectively representing over 80,000 jobs and $9.2B in national annual economic impact, announced the formation of a new national association whose mandate will be to represent the interests of recreational boating including recreational boat retailing and brokering, boat and engine & trailer sales, accessories, slip rentals, service, storage, fuel sales and more. Headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, the newly formed Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) will focus on national issues facing the sector.

“The formation of a national voice to address the many aspects of our sector that affect the jobs and lives of Canadians from coast to coast is something many of our provincial associations have been calling for, for years,” says Brett Ramsey, President of Boating Ontario. “This is a positive step to ensuring issues facing our sector are represented to decisionmakers in the federal government.” READ MORE




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Just Launched

No posts


Five Impressive Features of the New Marex 440 Cruiser

The Marex 440 Cruiser is a beacon of innovation, representing the newest generation of cruisers embellished with modern design lines and groundbreaking innovations. Spanning a length of 13.70 metres and flaunting a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this elegant vessel is destined to become the jewel of the Marex brand. Here, we explore five key aspects of the Marex 440 that redefine the cruising experience.

1. Diverse Modifications: The Marex 440 is available in two distinctive modifications: the 440 Gourmet Cruiser, boasting a vast U-shaped kitchen layout, and the 440 Scandinavia Version, featuring an additional enclosed salon for dining. These modifications are meticulously designed to offer a versatile cruising experience, whether you prefer an expansive kitchen or an additional dining space, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyle needs. READ MORE


Stainless steel outlet covers built for harsh weather

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Stainless steel combines long-lasting corrosion resistance with an attractive, classic appearance to enhance any deck. That’s why Hubbell Marine uses it in its premium Stainless Steel Flip Covers to protect electrical terminals from impacts, weather, even curious children and pets.

Both styles of Hubbell Marine Stainless Steel Flip Covers, and associated hinge pins, springs and mounting hardware, are built from heavy-duty polished 316 stainless steel. The easy-to-clean covers are enhanced by durable elastomer base gaskets and EVA back gaskets for weatherproof reliability. READ MORE