Platinum Equity Portfolio Brand Glastron Boats Launches 2011 Models from New Facility

Boat builder hosts dealers at Open House event in new facility

Cadillac, Michigan, August 18, 2010 – Rec Boat Holdings announces the launch of its 2011 model year line up for Glastron Boats, with an Open House event conducted at the new manufacturing facility in Cadillac, Michigan. Dealers from all over North America and International markets attended the series of business meetings with opportunities to meet with the new management team, new plant familiarization tours and introductions to new sales and marketing programs.

Along with the transition of production to the new Cadillac, MI manufacturing facility, Glastron’s 2011 runabout and Ski & Fish models up through 22-feet, have an all new hull construction delivering a new look and feel with a completely finished inner liner and floor construction. These new hulls provide a cleaner, finished look in storage compartments and other interior openings.

Brand new for model year 2011 is the MX 180 BR, a superb entry into the bowrider outboard package market. Designed to offer an affordable boat, motor and trailer package to new owners, the MX 180 BR sports sharp new gelcoat colors including the trademarked Glastron sphere design. Plenty of amenities are standard on board with an AM/FM stereo with two speakers and MP3 adapter, finished ski locker with mat and hinged lid, molded under seat storage with latch and integrated molded swim platform. An XL package is also available for the MX 180 BR, providing additional options such as full, side glass wraparound windshield, 3-step boarding ladder, convenience package, flip-up bucket seat (1), ski pylon, snap-in carpet and stainless steel rubrail insert and drink holders. The “Base Real Deal Retail Price” for the MX 180 BR, powered with a 90-hp outboard engine plus a standard custom-matched trailer, will be $16,998 (US). Outboard power options are available up to 150 horsepower.

“New emission regulations from the EPA are forcing a significant increase in the cost of stern drive engines which will affect offerings in the smaller boat segment,” stated Roch Lambert, Group President, Rec Boat Holdings. “Outboard engines offer a clean, lightweight power alternative with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The new outboard powered MX 180 BR brings the affordability to boating back in line with consumer demand and we’re excited to be ahead of the game by offering a boat, motor and trailer package to a broader base of consumers,” Lambert concluded.

Since the purchase of Glastron by Platinum Equity earlier this year, the manufacturing was moved from the Little Falls, MN factory to the Cadillac, MI facility, introducing 22 boat models with new processes, features and colors to a brand new production facility. The new operation is now 100% functional with improved engineering resources and administrative operations.

“In a very short amount of time and solid commitment from Platinum, we’ve accomplished a major transition of production and resources; all without disruption to our selling networks,” Lambert stated. “The dealers and distributors in attendance this week are very pleased with what they saw. Their confidence is secure, which will result in a very exciting and successful 2011 model year for Glastron,” Lambert added. 

New Glastron models will be displayed throughout major boat shows in the coming season as well as available for more information and detail specifications at www.glastron.com.

The Recreational Boat Group, a division of Platinum Equity affiliate PBH Marine Group, LLC, is engaged in the manufacturing, design, distribution and marketing of world-class boat brands Four Winns, Glastron and Wellcraft. The Fishing Boat Group division of PBH Marine Group, LLC includes the Champion, Ranger, Stratos and Triton brands.

For More Information:
Leone Chirhart
877.811.1628
lchirhart@glastron.com