Brunswick buys Triton Boats

Tritonrob · May 31, 2005, 10:36:17 AM

Well I had heard this rumored for a long time, but it became a reality today Brunswick purchased Triton Boats. Here is the full story for those interested:

Brunswick Acquires Triton Boats
LAKE FOREST, Ill., May 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced today that it has acquired Triton Boat Company, L.P., a leading producer of fiberglass bass and saltwater and aluminum fishing boats. Triton will remain based in Ashland City, Tenn. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"With Triton, we continue the important and critical work of filling white space within our product line-up," explained Dustan E. McCoy, president of the Brunswick Boat Group (BBG). "In addition to Triton's fine saltwater and aluminum products, we now have one of the leading bass boat brands in the industry and can better meet our dealers' and consumers' needs for these products."

Earl Bentz, Triton's founder, will continue as president of the division. In addition, Bentz will become a Brunswick spokesperson concerning fishing activities, dealer development and alignment, and industry matters. He will also provide advice and assistance in product development for fishing product, reporting to McCoy.

"We are pleased to welcome Earl Bentz back to the Brunswick fold," said George W. Buckley, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation. "Long a leader and an innovator within the boating community, Earl began his marine career more than 30 years ago as a race boat driver for Brunswick's Mercury Marine Group. Earl's dedication to enhancing the fishing experience, his adherence to top quality, and his introduction of new marine technologies are a complement to our ideals and objectives at Brunswick."

Triton factories will remain in Aberdeen, Miss. and Ashland City. Triton employs approximately 600 people and makes boats ranging from 12 to 35 feet. Triton's sales were approximately $156 million in 2004.

cmegee · May 31, 2005, 10:43:34 AM

I'd heard that this was coming,would not be suprised with all the influence of BASS has on things now that they had something to do with this.

left_turn56 · May 31, 2005, 10:48:59 AM

I am just waiting for the bowling jokes!!!!
left_turn56

cmegee · May 31, 2005, 10:49:58 AM

Well I wasn't BOWLED over

others will be soon to follow I'm sure.

left_turn56 · May 31, 2005, 10:52:46 AM

Hope they don't strike-out..hehe

left_turn56 · May 31, 2005, 10:55:31 AM

They might end-up in the gutter...

Tritonrob · May 31, 2005, 12:09:33 PM

Ouch hope not guys have to see what happens. Brunswick owns a lot of other boat companies too

cmegee · May 31, 2005, 12:39:54 PM

Looks like Mercury will SPARE Bentz's job with Triton.

seriously do you think that they will try to use only Mercurys sort of like the skeeter/yamaha thing.

left_turn56 · May 31, 2005, 12:43:55 PM

they might need to go to SPLIT shifts...

Randy · June 01, 2005, 01:30:28 PM

It is not that Triton/Brunswick will not use other motors, it is that other motor companys will not seel to Triton/Brunswick. Does not matter though as Mercury is the best anyway. I think what we will see is failure in customer service. That is where the big companies cut first!

Tritonrob · June 01, 2005, 11:09:14 PM

I hope I'm just limited to a Mercury. If so might not be getting a new Triton next year lol. Alos hope the customer service isn't sacrificed. Right now their customer service is awesome. Time will tell.

blake711 · June 02, 2005, 07:23:56 AM

Should be interesting to see Rob.. I would bet its pretty likley since Bass got in the deal with Mercury and Triton last year as official boats for BASS..

The thing that gets me is that Tritons took off like they have after their initial fiasco with cracked hulls and stringer issues.. I had a friend bought a brand new Triton in 97 I think it was and had it in the dealer in less than a month for it being cracked.. At that time I thought they were finished but they sure pulled a rabbit out of the hat. In less than 10 years they are one of the power players in boats now. Makes sense they would sell out now to Brunswick.. Thats how most companies do it.. Build the name and then cash out..

Tritonrob · June 02, 2005, 09:21:19 AM

Well Earl has been real close with Mercury which is owned by Brunswick sicne he had raced speed boats. Wouldn't surprised at all if they helped him get Triton off the ground. May be Earl is bored and going to be moving on.

HoosierAngler · June 03, 2005, 09:53:48 AM

Brunswick has their hands in alot of things- they also own Quantum/Zebco and Browning. I hope it is a good thing- Triton boats are awesome!

cmegee · June 03, 2005, 11:35:33 AM

If I was a betting man I would think that Earl has something on his plate, he always seems to come out of these things in awesome shape.

bass1cpr · June 08, 2005, 07:04:15 PM

Triton is not Earl bentz's first boat he's been designing them for many years. Javelin Stratos just to name a couple. As far as engines if they sell it they will put it on any boat you want.It's just that a package deal might be cheaper. I know several people that left Skeeter when Skeeter demanded that they use Yamaha instead of Mercury.

Yitbos78 · June 09, 2005, 03:02:38 PM

Well, we also know that Brunswick also owns Attwood Marine! Keep buying Attwood parts/pumps....I sell them all of their fasteners!!!!!!

Yitbos78 · June 09, 2005, 03:04:50 PM

For that case too....anytime you buy a boat/canoe by KL Industries, Ameriform, Johnson Outdoors/Leisure Life...your helping me out as well

cmegee · June 10, 2005, 04:40:11 PM

how does the triton aluminum stack up to the rest of the market.

Rickoos · June 10, 2005, 04:46:14 PM

I have been looking at a 197 mag just this week and I must say it is a fine rig........but at 25,000 with a merc 150 oxptimax,,,,, it's close to a glass rig.....this one had all the bells & whisters

Ricky

cmegee · June 10, 2005, 04:47:13 PM

Only problem, once you get a 150 or better hung on the back, none of them are cheap

Rickoos · June 10, 2005, 04:50:08 PM

that's true Chris,,,,,
the one they had to show had a 200 opitmax on it,,,,,,,way to much motor for what I need............
I was going easy with the 150......

Ricky

cmegee · June 10, 2005, 04:52:42 PM

That's kinda me too.
I'm looking for a 19 ft with a 175 at the max.
but the 18 with a 150 would work too...

blake711 · June 10, 2005, 06:26:59 PM

Rickoos I was looking at one of those 197s also.. Dosen't make sense for that kinda cask for an aluminum boat.

I think once you break 15 grand or so for an aluminum you might as well go glass..

Tritonrob · June 10, 2005, 10:44:08 PM

The Triton aluminum is a nice rig. However Ido agree if your spending that much cash you can get into a really nice glass boat.