TBPNews #42 - August 8, 2003 
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>>>>>> Tunnel Boat Performance News >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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In this issue: 
1) Bombardier awaiting bids from finalists 
2) Evinrude outboards meet RCD standards 
3) History Channel spotlights Zodiac crossover 
4) US Entry Procedures Changed
5) Mercury to parade its racing fleet
6) Villwock - Unlimited Hydroplane Victory at Seattle, Wash. Aug.2, 2003
7) Mercury may build some engines in China
8) NEW - Powerboat Links Pages!
9) FREE Powerboat e-book
10) 'Family & Performance Boating' magazine - Save 25%!
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1)Bombardier awaiting bids from finalists  
  
Bombardier Inc. is awaiting bids for its Recreational Products Division from finalists who were selected recently.  Bombardier also said that sales of Johnson and Evinrude engines is increasing despite the 12 percent decline in small boat sales industry-wide during the first three months of this year.  We have always said we expect to complete that divestiture over the summer, Bill Fox, senior vice president of public affairs, told the National Post. Thats still very much our view. From our perspective, things are still proceeding apace.  One of the bidders is the Bombardier family, which the National Post says has been trying to assemble a consortium of backers, none of who would have a stake larger than the estimated 20 percent the family would hold.  Bombardier has said it will not sell to a direct competitor - a decision the National Post says rules out such rivals as Arctic Cat, Polaris Industries and Yamaha. But the newspaper says two players in related fields remain on the list of potential buyers - Harley-Davidson and Deere & Co. 
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2) Evinrude outboards meet RCD standards  
  
The entire Evinrude outboard engine lineup for Europe satisfies the yet-to-be enforced European Union Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) emissions standards, the company announced in a press release on Friday. Beginning with model year 2004, all Evinrude outboard engines will be identified with an Evinrude European decal. The RCD regulation, which will go into effect on Dec. 31, 2006, sets limits on the hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emission of all two-stroke outboard engines sold in the European Union. The reason the company is already in compliance with these future regulations is that "we have set higher standards in emissions performance for our engines and are committed to advance our outboard engine technology," said Michel Hade, vice president of International Sales and Marketing for Bombardier Recreational Products. 
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3) History Channel spotlights Zodiac crossover 

Zodiac of North America took center stage in a recent film shoot for the History Channels new fall series, Tactical to Practical, which explores key technologies crossing over from specific military designs to everyday uses.  The series will cover inflatable technology, as well as other convertible technologies such as the Humvee, night vision and global positioning systems. The production crew spent several days in June filming a range of Zodiacs advanced military and commercial inflatables and rigid-hull inflatable boats in action. The filming took place during Zodiacs Operation Test Drive event at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, Va.  
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4) US Entry Procedures Changed

In the wake of 9/11, the war in Iraq and general security concerns, US Immigrations has changed its procedure for boaters returning from the Caribbean and other international destinations. Check it out at: <http://www.bluewaterweb.com/news/7-03imm.htm>

5)  Mercury to parade its racing fleet

Mercury Marines racing fleet will take to the streets of Fond du Lac, Wis., today for a Power Pilgrimage to help kick off the Aug. 8 to 10 Milwaukee Offshore Race Week Poker Run and national offshore powerboat race.  The festivities will include a parade, free powerboat exhibit and silent auction.  A silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind collectibles, signed memorabilia and Mercury Watersports equipment will also be held, with the proceeds going to the Fond du Lac Area United Way. Auction items will include an offshore powerboat racing suit worn by Miami Vice star Don Johnson, and a collection of team shirts autographed by Mercury Racing president Fred Kiekhaefer.  After a 6 p.m. parade of boats through Fond du Lac and racing teams and other boating celebrities will be on hand to meet the public, pose for pictures and answer questions. Celebrities will include the president and CEO of Cigarette Racing Team, and Reggie Fountain, CEO of Fountain Racing Boats.
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6) Villwock - Unlimited Hydroplane Victory at Seattle, Wash. Aug.2, 2003

[Source: Hydro-Prop Website] - Dave Villwock and Miss Budweiser successfully defended their title today at the General Motors Cup at Seattle, Washington, the fourth race of the Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series.  The victory marks the second win for the team this year and the 41st for Villwock. Joe Little also secured his second career victory as team owner while adding to the Miss Budweiser's victory total of 136 race wins.  Villwock was able to take advantage of the pre-lap positioning between Nate Brown and Mike Weber and took lane one for the final. As the field reached the starting line, Villwock put the hammer down and lead at the first turn. Villwock cruised to the victory while the battle behind him was hard fought. In the end, Weber was able to capture second place and Steve David claimed the final podium position finishing third. Rounding out the top five were Brown and Mark Evans. 

Full story available <http://www.hydroprop.com/news/030803.htm>.
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7) Mercury may build some engines in China

Officials at Mercury Marine have spent the last couple of days trying to ease union concerns over a possible shift of some outboard engine production to China.  Rumor had it that the 60-hp [engine] and under will be moving to China within the next three years.  One of the many options were looking at is moving the 60-hp and smaller somewhere else, and one of those options is China, Steve Fleming, communications manager for the Fond du Lac, Wis., engine maker, confirmed this morning...But this is not a done deal, he emphasized.  Fleming says the reason it is being considered is that higher production costs and a low selling price give the company lower profit margins on its smaller engines. China has low production costs and is considered a hotbed of future outboard engine market activity.  Meanwhile, Fleming said Mercury has invested millions of dollars to upgrade its Fond du Lac plant in anticipation of its new large 4-stroke engines, as well as to expand on SmartCraft technology and the plants casting facility.
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8) NEW - Powerboat Links Pages!

More every week!  Over 1000 Performance Boating Links!  Well organized in easy-to-find categories.  Use the Powerboat Links to find everything you need for high performance powerboating.  ADD YOUR LINK to Powerboat Links, so that everyone else can find you!

http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/pages/
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9) FREE Powerboat e-book

Obtain your FREE Powerboat e-book, by author Jim Russell, at AeroMarine Research's website:

http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/popup.htm
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10) 'Family & Performance Boating' magazine - Save 25%!

We have obtained great deals on Powerboat magazine subscriptions.  This month we have a great deal on the popular 'Family & Performance Boating ' magazine. 
 
'Family & Performance Boating' magazine - Showcases sport and performance boats in ways never before seen, and provides performance enhancement solutions to better meet the power and handling demand of today's more knowledgeable enthusiast.  9 issues Published:  Seasonal  
Cover Rate: $35.91 Our Rate: $26.99 (25% savings!)

Get yours now at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/boating%20magazines%20discounts.html
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See you next time!

/Jimboat

