According to the terms of the new agreement, H2O Sports Manufacturing will produce a full new lineup of Trophy skiffs to be powered by Honda Marine engines. The all-new Trophy boat models will be manufactured with 100-percent new tooling and will incorporate the latest boat-building technology. Initially, the Trophy lineup will consist of four V-bottom skiffs: the 1800SVK, 2000SKV, 2200SVK and 2400SVK. Production of these models is projected to begin summer 2016 at the H2O Sports Manufacturing facility in Americus, Georgia. In tandem, Honda Marine will supply H2O with selected outboard engine models from its Mid-Range BF Series (BF40, BF50, BF60, BF75, BF90 and BF100) and High Power BF Series (BF115, BF135, BF150, BF200, BF225 and BF250) as original equipment for these new Trophy models.
“We are excited to launch our partnership with H2O Sports Manufacturing, providing customers and dealers great value and outstanding quality in the skiff segment of the recreational boating market,” said Mark DiPietro, senior manager, Honda Marine. “With class-leading performance, outstanding fuel efficiency and the reliability that boat owners value, Honda Marine engines will be power-matched for optimal performance for the new Trophy line of boats.”
Founded in 2014, H2O Sports Manufacturing has a solid network of more than 30 dealers in the southeast, with plans to double the size of its network within the next year. In addition, the company is expanding its manufacturing and employee footprint in Americus. H2O is working with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and local and state agencies to move its manufacturing operations into an upgraded, 500,000-square-foot facility that puts a rehabilitated brownfield site back into use. The addition of the Trophy line of skiffs to the current H2O lineup is expected to create 30 new jobs by the end of 2016.
The all-new Trophy boats feature wood-free construction (100-percent composite materials with stringers made from coosa and/or three-inch fiber reinforced foam); upholstery designed and sewn on-site and made with Sunbrella UV-protecting fabrics; walk-in consoles; a full liner; vinylester resin; a spray core; and a lifetime warranty on the boat structure.
“We are proud to be a partner with Honda Marine, which has earned a reputation among OEMs as a highly respected provider of marine engines known for exceptional fuel economy, performance and reliability,” said Chad Roberson, president, H2O Sports Manufacturing. “Generations of boat enthusiasts recognize the iconic Trophy brand as a desirable and highly sea-worthy boat, and we are proud to continue that tradition as part of our new alliance with Honda Marine.”
