Irish Beneteau dealer BJ Marine is back on the water early in 2018 after a strong run of boat sales brought 2017 to a buoyant close for the County Wicklow firm.
As Afloat.ie reported earlier, last Autumn's Cannes and Southampton events were strong shows for the Irish boat sales firm in both power and sail craft divisions and it appears that the new year is looking that way too with BJ Marine preparing for both the London (10-14 January) and Dusselfdorf Boat Shows (20-28 of January).
James Kirwan onboard the Oceanis 51.1 on show at Beneteau's stand at last September's Southampton Boat Show
Oceanis 51.1
“The launch of the Oceanis 51.1 has meant a lot of travel for the BJ Marine team with clients travelling to both Cannes and Southampton to view her last Autumn,” says James Kirwan, BJ Marine group sales manager.“The hull design is stunning and the increase of interior volume has to be seen to be believed. This, combined with the option of having the boat rigged as a performance cruiser with carbon rig and deep keel, means that this model can be whatever our clients wants it to be. There are numerous configurations.“It truly is a landmark launch for Beneteau and after 30 years representing the brand, it is as exciting a launch as we can recall.”
The Oceanis 51.1 launch continues this month at the Dusseldorf Boat Show.
New Beneteau Power Boats
The big winter power launches for BJ Marine, with its three offices across the Irish Sea at Greystones Marina, Bangor in County Down and Pwllheli in North Wales, as well as Cardiff and Malta is the Antares 9 (launched at the Paris Show in December), the Barracuda 9 to be launched this Spring and the continued launch of the Swift Trawler 35 and, of course, the Beneteau GT50.
James Kirwan with one of the new Beneteau Barracuda 6 Sport fishing boats fitted with a 115hp Suzuki outobard engine now in stock at its Greystones Harbour Marina base. (Below) the new six–metre Barracuda model, with its distinctive redesigned pilot house, underway in a coastal setting Photo: Afloat.ie
Move to Outboards
As the move away from inboard diesel engines intensifies, new small powerboat stock is now almost exclusively fitted with petrol outboard engines. This is the certainly the case at Beneteau. Each BJ Marine office now carries outboard stock given the increase in that market segment. For example, the Antares 7 and 8, launched last winter, have already sold over 200 units internationally for Beneteau. In Ireland, Beneteau powerboats supplied by BJ Marine arrive fitted with the Suzuki outboard range.
Barracuda 9
Coming next, Beneteau say its new Barracuda 9, will be the 'outboard sensation' of Spring 2018! This complements the already established Barracuda 6, 7 and 8, each of which has sold successfully in Ireland. Embodying Beneteau’s expertise in sport fishing, the new Barracuda 9 promises to be the robust true sport thoroughbred on which this legendary range is based. Extremely functional fittings and impeccable finishes make her the ideal boat for safe and pleasant smart commuting.It has an 'Airstep' hull and two engines delivering up to 500 hp, the new Barracuda 9 comes with a choice of 400 or 600 litre fuel tanks. Together with generous space on board, it can take up to 10 people on board.
Beneteau's new Swift Trawler 35 got a world launch in Southampton last September that continues this month in London and Dusseldorf
Swift Trawler 35
In bigger powercraft, the Swift Trawler 35, with its world launch in Southampton last September still has availability for 2018, but only just, according to Kirwan. As Afloat.ie previously reported, the Swift Trawler 35 is taking over from the extremely successful Swift Trawler 34, which sold over 400 boats in her tenure. Not an easy task but this completely new boat with a redesigned hull takes on this challenge and not only succeeds but brings a trawler style boat bang up to date! Designed for comfortable cruising whether for long periods or short hops, the Swift Trawler 35 will certainly tick the boxes for owners and guests alike. Its harmonious lines and light-filled wheelhouse with 360 degree view will make this one for show visitors’ wish lists at London and Dusseldorf.
You'll find the BJ Marine team on the Beneteau stands throughout the two shows. Other product launches like Swift Trawler 35 and the huge Beneteau outboard line-up make it well worth the trip for Irish customers.
Call James Kirwan for appointments and viewings at either show on +353 87 7712223
Confirmed display for London below:
Beneteau Oceanis 35.1
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
Beneteau Oceanis 41.1
Beneteau Gran Turismo 46
Beneteau Gran Turismo 40
Beneteau Swift Trawler 35
Beneteau Barracuda 6
Beneteau Barracuda 7
Beneteau Antares 7
Beneteau Antares 8
Beneteau Flyer 7.7
Beneteau Flyer 8.8
