Aspen Power Catamarans
March 2011 - Late Winter Newsletter
As usual, it's been pretty busy. Here is a run down on what is new with Aspen.
MotorBoating Names us Innovation of the Year
At the Miami Boat Show, we were awarded Innovation of the Year Award. We received a very nice trophy and an excellent write up in MotorBoating's February issue. Ken Main, our East Coast representative, accepted the award as we were wrapping up from the Vancouver Boat Show.
The senior editors, who've been around boats for years and years, just love Aspen for the "concept" but more so, because it actually works; delivery of extreme efficiency and no compromises in space or performance.
Soundings Magazine - Feature Story - April 2011 Issue
This is one of the first in-depth stories that probes Aspen's history, goals, my experience and viewpoints on the marine industry and "V" bottom boats. Our owners have found it a good read. Soundings Article
Puget Sound Demonstrations & Trawler Fest 2011
We have over 50 people from the greater Puget Sound that requested a demonstration ride during the Seattle show. Now that we've recovered a bit from the show circuit and while we still have a parade of winter storms; it's excellent demonstration weather. Our plan is to work out of the Port of everett's new north basin (northern most dock, just south across the grass field from the 12th street launch ramp) The next two weekends March 19th and 26th from 10:00 to 4:00. You can email Nick at nick@aspenpowercatamarans.com or phone at 206.948.5090. We will leave the boat in the water for the week in between, so if a weed day works best just let us know.
Our next boat show is Trawler Fest, May 12-14, 2011, in Anacortes at Cap Sante Boat Haven. This is an event you don't want to miss. Lots of cruisers, trawlers and great gear selection in the big tent. The classes are also excellent for those new to cruising. We will have our new demo - charter boat for the year there. Hope to see you at the show.
Show Results So Far This Year
With three shows completed (Seattle - Vancouver - Ft. Lauderdale) we couldn't be happier. Currently, we're selling build slots for late June and July. The mood and attendance at the shows have been excellent; our booth has consistently been on of the busiest.
Seattle Boat Show 2011 - Before the show opened.
Vancouver B.C. Boat Show - A very busy booth!
This was our first year at the Vancouver B.C. Boat Show, but it will not be our last. The booth was just mobbed at times. The sea of shoes in front of the stairs was amazing; finding your shoes.....almost impossible for some. To follow up, we completed 2 weekends of very successful and fun demo's in Blaine, for our Canadian customers.
Another aspect of the shows, that picked up significantly, is our brokerage business in Glacier Bay Catamarans. So far, we have sold two and listed two more. If you're looking for a GB call us and we'll find one for you.
Patent Filings
Our US patent is still pending, but this last week, we completed filing for protection in China and Canada. Over the next few weeks, we will file for protection in Australia and much of Europe.
Boat Improvements
This fall a polished dinette table became standard and leather dinette cushions an option. These changes have been well received. Some owners want custom colors or fabrics which we are doing. The next areas we are considering changing is the plumbing connectors; several customers have asked if we could switch to the Pex Skark Bite System and Polyethylene piping. These connectors while expensive are a very secure seal an easy to change or add to the system after construction. Our next boat under construction will have the new fittings and tubing. We are also switching to a Dometic Head that promises to be even smoother and quieter than the Tecma.
All the best,
Larry G