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Canadian
Pride (22-4)
Part II
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Power Boating Canada presents the second installment
of Canadian boat builders that continue to push the
envelope in design and performance.
CAMPION
MARINE, KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Lying in the heart of a region that's touted as one
of Canada's most favourable recreational hot spots is
Campion Marine of Kelowna, British Columbia. Established
in the early 1970s by the Elliot and Jardine families,
Campion has grown into one of the largest independent
builders in Canada with dealerships located around the
world in 30¨Cplus countries.
To meet this high demand of volume, Campion's five-acre
site boasts a manufacturing and R&D facility, staffing
approximately 200 skilled employees who produce more
than 1,200 models annually.
Pass by Campion headquarters at any given time and it's
not uncommon to see a handful of models roll off the
line for delivery. In fact, users have a choice from
37 boats (in 48 variations) ranging from 16-30 feet
in three lines that include the Allante series of family
runabouts and sport cruisers, Explorer Sport utility
boats, along with its Chase performance boats.
 (Campion
Allante 925)
What's even more impressive is Campion's feat of utilizing
the latest in marine technology. For instance, on the
outside of every model is its exclusive APEX hull design
that expands the hull's high-pressure zones, which in
turn creates solid, stable rides at higher speeds, and
quick planning. On the inside, the use of VISTECH provides
the ultimate in gelcoat finishing to both sides of several
appointments including floor hatches, glove box lids
and swim ladder covers. These fibreglass components
are claimed to be 40 percent lighter and 60 percent
stronger than traditional methods, providing a lighter,
cleaner styling boat.
Be sure not to miss Campion's latest offerings for the
2008 season as the company is currently finishing off
the final touches of several new models for next year's
boating season.
For more information about Campion contact: Campion
Marine, Kelowna, British Columbia (250) 765.7795 www.campionboats.com
PRINCECRAFT BOATS, PRINCEVILLE,
QUEBEC
While Princecraft Boats has changed hands a few times
since its launch in 1954, one thing has always stayed
the same ¨C the companyˇ' use of solid materials and
providing structural integrity in every model. Whether
it's the series of their extensive fishing boats, long
line on pontoons, or its family of deck boats, users
can expect to see (and experience) the benefits of tough
H36 aluminum. Twenty-five percent tougher than other
aluminum alloys, H36 is deigned to provide uniform strength,
a truer hull shape, optimum planning, improved fuel
efficiency, and even easier trailering.
 (Princecraft
Vision 21L)
Among its extensive family of models is the company's
line of aluminum fishing boats. Tough and sturdy to
take on the sometimes-demanding fishing environment,
the series caters to both professional and recreational
anglers with a long line of user-friendly amenities.
The series consists of eight individual lines, with
a lot of variations in every segment.
For cottage boaters or those who appreciate the peacefulness
of smaller, quieter lakes, Princecraft's line of Pontoons
will certainly fit the bill. Whether it's the Versailles,
Vantage, Sportfisher, Vectra or the new Vision models,
users are offered an array of features in every pontoon
to meet their niche. For more demanding on water duties,
the company also builds a line of Utility pontoons.
Rounding out its offerings is its line of deck boats,
ranging from 19 to 25 feet.
Today, Princecraft flies under the Brunswick banner
and continues to push the envelope in design in its
founding community of Princeville, Quebec.
For more information contact: Princecraft Boats, Princecville,
Quebec
(819) 364-1903 www.princecraft.com
BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL
PRODUCTS (BRP)
When Joseph-Armand Bombardier obtained his first patent
in the late 1930s for the development of a tracked vehicle
that could easily travel over snow, little did he realize
his concept would eventually evolve into a diversified
conglomerate that would provide joy to countless outdoor
enthusiasts around the world.
Less than a decade later, Joseph-Armand launched L'Auto-Neige
Bombardier Limitee in Valcourt, Quebec; with a 1,000-unit
mass production plant building the B12 and C18 tracked
vehicles. Following several designs including the SW
Snow Groomer and Muskeg utility vehicles, it was in
1959, when he introduced the mass-produced Ski-Doo snowmobile,
launching a new phenomenon in recreational snow sports.
In 1968, four years following his passing, Joseph-Armand's
son-in-law, Laurent Beaudoin, became president and along
with the expertise of designer Anselme "Sam"
LaPointe, the first Sea-Doo personal watercraft was
created and ready for the water. Sharing a strong passion
for the project, Laurent and Sam incorporated many attributes
as today's watercraft such as a sit-down design, handle
bar steering, fibreglass construction, and water jet
drive. The craft was titled the 320, touting an air-cooled
320cc engine capable of topping speeds of 25 to 30 mph.
A year later, further refinements led to the creation
of the 372, sporting even more power with a 368cc twin
cylinder engine that could achieve speeds close to 35
mph.
While the performance and reliability vastly improved,
designing corrosion-resistant engines and parts proved
difficult. In addition to facing an unknown market for
such a unique model at the time, the concept was shelved.
It wasn't until 15 years later, in the mid-1980s, when
Sea-Doo was conceived by the next generation of the
Beaudoin and Lapointe families. Laurent's son, Pierre
was head of the Sea-Doo project while Sam's 26-year
old son, Denys, was the chief designer. Both men shared
the same dedication for the Sea-Doo watercraft as their
fathers, and after a re-evaluation of the marine industry
and the sit-down watercraft, Sea-Doo was successfully
re-launched, creating a new sport and recreational pastime
in the marine industry.
To date, the division has reached entirely new heights
with several innovations such as the XP high-performance
watercraft and D-Sea-Bel technology in 1991, the Sea-Doo
HX (the first PWC to feature high-performance suspension)
in 1995, the versatile 3D and most recently, the Sea-Doo
GTi, which was honoured with the Watercraft of the Year
award in 2006.
Bombardier Recreational Products also entered into the
runabout market in 1994 with the launch of the Sea-Doo
Speedster model, a four-passenger, twin-engine jet drive
sportboat. Another popular line to its credit, the series
quickly expanded and the line currently offers more
than eight models ranging from 15 to 23 feet in four
model series; the Utopia, Challenger, Speedster and
Wake.
Utilizing its Austrian affiliate Rotax and its four-stroke
engine technology, 4-TEC, the current Sea-Doo family
of Watercraft and Sportboats are considered to be one
of the most environmentally friendly products in the
industry, offering users outstanding performance and
handling, while adhering to strict noise levels and
emission standards.
 (Evinrude
E-TEC 250 HP)
At the turn of 2001, following the fall of Outboard
Marine Corporation (OMC), Bombardier purchased the assets
of the Johnson and Evinrude engine brands. With new
plans and a vision on the future, the acquisition was
not a simple one. But the engines were officially launched
in late 2001 as Johnson outboards and Evinrude. While
select models in the Johnson line were eventually discontinued
from 40 hp to 225 hp (only two-stroke carbureted engines
ranging from 9.9 hp to 25 hp remain), it was at the
end of 2003 when the Evinrude E-TEC line up was introduced.
The E-TEC series currently entails a full line of outboards
ranging from 40 hp to 250 hp.
Built in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, all models in the E-TEC
family are available in salt or fresh water versions
and designed to be cleaner, quieter, and require less
maintenance than other engines in its class. Another
huge benefit is the first three years or 300 hours of
use is essentially maintenance-free.
Additionally, all models also eliminate the use of belts,
chains, powerhead gears, cams or mechanical oil pumps,
allowing boaters to worry less about high-friction problems.
The E-TEC systems also don't require a break-in period
¨C users can hit full throttle right out of the box
¨C and automatically winterize. Additionally, they use
50 percent less oil than other direct-injection engines,
75 percent less oil over two-stroke carbureted engines,
30 percent less oil compared to four-stroke engines
and comply with the EPA, the European Union standards
plus the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission
standards. In fact, in 2005, E-TEC was awarded the Clean
Air Excellence Technology Award from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency in Washington, D.C, the first-ever
award presented to a marine engine manufacturer.
Today, following a purchase of Bombardier's recreational
division by Bain Capital, the Caisse de depot et placement
du Quebec and members of the Bombardier family in 2003,
the company's recreational division now operates as
its own corporate entity, Bombardier Recreational Products
Inc. (BRP). With the expertise of BRP's leaders, Laurent
Beaudoin, chairman of the board, and Jose Boisjoli,
president and chief executive officer, the company currently
continues to break new ground and create exciting innovations
for the recreational marine industry.
For more information contact www.sea-doo.com or www.brp.com
MISTY RIVER, WINNIPEG,
MANITOBA
Misty River is no stranger to the marine industry and
following an amalgamation with Odysea Marine Ltd. that
formed the Internautic Marine Group in 2004, expect
to see a lot of more them.
Since Misty River's amalgamation, marketing initiatives
to add more muscle to its model line was successfully
achieved and the end result was a series of tough utility
boats plus a line of versatile aluminum fishing models,
ranging from 16 to just under 18 feet.
 (1794
WT Avocet)
The company also captured the attention of the Canadian
marine industry during the 2005 Toronto International
Boat Show with the showcasing of a high-end concept
fishing boat named the Arrowhead. A real head-turner,
the stylish 21-footer featured many unique concepts
that included a unique wrap-around centre console with
front-to-back seating, a versatile deck arrangement
that easily converts to an obstruction-free fishing
platform plus a full array of electronic devices.
To ensure structural integrity, Misty River utilizes
three different CAD systems for a precise design, fit
and finish, and solid performance. Structural integrity
is further enhanced by incorporating composite flooring
instead of wood to eliminate rot and moisture content,
and to provide durability for seasons of use. Other
highlights in the design phases include gas-resistant
floatation foam below the deck to provide a quieter
ride, increase hull strength and stability; plus wood-free
transoms and wide textured gunwales to offer slip-free
surfaces for easier and safe onboard access.
In addition to offering its popular Avocet and Talon
fishing models, the latest contenders from Misty River
is found in its new Phoenix series, which consists of
two models, the 1793 and 1693. While the 1693 has a
length of 16 feet with beam of 93 inches, the 1793 offers
a length of 17 feet, four inches, with a beam of 93
inches. Like all the Misty River platforms, the Phoenix
models are available with a single or dual console or
a walk-thru design.
For more information contact: Misty River Boats, Winnipeg,
Manitoba,
(204) 633.4808 www.mistyriverboats.com
STANLEY BOATS, PARRY SOUND,
ONTARIO
Stanley Boats of Parry Sound, Ontario, has been designing
a series of tough, aluminum boats since 1982 and shows
no sign of slowing down. They offer more than 30 models
in six different series, ranging from 16 to 40 feet.
No matter what your game is on the water - Crecreational
or commercial - there's a Stanley available that will
fit the bill.
All models undergo a state-of-the-art construction process
that includes master gas metal arc processes to create
a strong bond and the use of high-tech pulse welders
for proper, strong and lasting welds. All hulls are
created using the computer-aided design (CAD) programs
while the hull material is heavy-duty 5083 aluminum,
which is claimed to provide better welding characteristics,
good forming properties, excellent resistance to corrosion
and greater design efficiency.
What's more is this heavy-gauge aluminum will certainly
stand the test of time as aluminum does not leak, soak
up water, delaminate, and deform under heat. Add the
many other characteristics such as wide beams, deep
flared bows and users are offered solid performance,
stability and smooth running characteristics.
Stanley's line starts off with the Camp Tiller models,
a tough and reliable series ranging from 16 to just
under 20 feet. While the Camp Tiller 14 and 16 both
share a deadrise of eight degrees, the 14 has a power
rating of 30 hp, and the 16 has a rating of 40 hp. There's
also a Camp Tiller 18, Camp Tiller 18 Floor, as well
as a Camp Tiller 20 and Camp Tiller 20 Floor.
Other models in the Stanley family include the Mink
Pleasure series that ranges from 16 to 18 feet and are
available in dual or center console configurations.
There's also the Island Runabout series, which range
from 19 to a little more than 23 feet. They are also
offered in dual console or centre console configurations.
Other lines include the heavy-duty Penetrator series,
which can handle any arduous task or activity, as well
as the Pulsecraft series of utility boats, which range
from 20 to 26 feet.
Rounding out Stanley's offerings is its Cruiser series,
a line of hefty, aluminum cottage boats ranging from
23 to 27 feet and are available in hard top or sport
versions.
For more information contact: Stanley Boats, Parry Sound,
Ontario
(705) 746-5875 www.stanleyboats.ca
GREW, OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO
Few recreational boat builders in the North American
boating industry have a 125-year heritage. Grew Boats
of Owen Sound, Ontario, is one them.
Founded in 1882 as Gidley Boat Works, the models were
built using only the finest materials available and
handcrafted to the ultimate in fit and finish. By the
turn of the century, Gidley moved to the southern shores
of Georgian Bay in Penetanguishene, Ontario, and after
achieving the exclusive rights to the advanced Ford
Marine engine in 1904, they became one of the most popular
names on the water. In fact, to this day, the models
are still widely respected among antique boat collectors
across North America.
In the 1920s Gidley Boat Works was sold to Arthur Grew
and the name officially changed to Grew Boats. With
Arthur's expertise and extensive knowledge, the models
were taken to even a higher standard and Grew became
one of the top three wooden boat manufacturers in Canada.
They greatly outpaced its Canadian competition and were
building three times the volume than any other boat
builder in the country.
By the late 1960s, Grew began manufacturing fiberglass
models and a little more than a decade later, following
a merge with Chris Craft, they were one of the top manufacturers
of fiberglass and wooden boats in Canada.
Fast forward to 2007, and Grew still shines along the
shores of Georgian Bay. Owned and operated by David
Cameron, a former racer for Mercury Marine with such
bragging rights as the High Points Champion for Canada
and North America, Grew currently manufacturers more
than 30 boats in five model lines that include fiberglass
runabouts, cuddies, bowriders, center consoles, walkarounds
and even offshore performance boats.
At the top of its class is its flagship fleet, Grew
Boats, with 26 models ranging from 14 to 24 feet offering
an entry for nearly every activity on the water.
Starting with its Outboard series, models range from
16 to 20 feet and are the ideal platform for small lake
cruising. Fish, ski, or just simply cruise, power options
are from 90 to 150 hp and all entries boast contoured
seating layouts, ample storage space and clean fit and
finish throughout. To add even more versatility to this
series, Grew offers the 200 GR Fun Deck, a 20-foot deck
boat designed with styling, practicality and space for
the entire family.
 (The
194 GR Grandsport)
Another line shining in the Grew spotlight is its popular
Grandsport series, featuring several models to include
the 184 GR, 194 GR, 204 GR and 224 GR. Functional with
good looks and comfort, all Grandsport models feature
plush sunpads, spacious floor plans, handy integrated
swim platforms, and plenty of power to boot. If wakeboarding
or watersports are your thing, the Grandsport's 204
GR boasts all the necessary attributes for unlimited
fun. A wake tower, expansive sunpad and maximum horsepower
rating of 250 are just a few of its highlights.
The Cuddy series is another line to consider. Easily
trailerable with plenty of comfort, the line ranges
from 19 to 24 feet and sport stylish interiors, entertainment
centers with stainless steel sinks, spacious floor plans,
and smooth, sleek lines. Rounding out the Grew line
is the SS series, a collection of go fast boats ranging
from 16 to more than 20 feet, plus the LE series, available
in outboard or I/O versions from 15 to 17 feet.
Other model lines in the Grew family include the Cutter
series of functional runabouts; the Navigator Series
of center console and walkarounds; the Challenger series,
a line of offshore performance boats; and the Delta
Jet Series, a sporty line of jet boats destined for
excitement all season.
For more information contact: Grew Boats, Owen Sound,
Ontario
(519) 371-6540 www.grew.ca (Page
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