Inflatable boat company sees sales soar during the summer
by Excel Boats 11 Sep 2020 07:58 UTC
Excel Virago 520 © Excel Boats
Sales of inflatable boats are surging for one Midlands-based company, as people seek social distancing sanctuary on the water this summer.
Excel Boats, which manufactures and sells inflatable and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), is seeing a wave of demand as customers seek out fun and safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sales have increased by 100 per cent for the company between May and August this year, with Excel Boats director, Terry Wright, reporting that most product lines sold out much earlier than expected.
"The pandemic and subsequent lockdown has presented a huge challenge for many people, yet the lifting on watersports back in May proved to be a revelation for our business," he said. "Orders for our craft increased two-fold compared to the same period in previous years and it was quite remarkable when we completely sold of all stock by the end of August."
Excel Boats produce an extensive range for the recreational boating and commercial marine markets. Established in 2003, the company use leading design and traditional construction methods to manufacture high specification boats at affordable prices.
Despite limited stock levels, Excel Boats will be exhibiting at Boats 2020 presented by Southampton International Boat Show, taking place from 11 to 20 September at Mayflower Park.
"We are delighted to be exhibiting at the show, which will present an opportunity for a limited number of boaters to preview our 2021 range of inflatables and RIBs powered by Suzuki outboards in a safe environment," added Mr Wright.
"Models on display will sport our brand new tube fabric colour schemes, including Tornado Grey, along with a neat Black trim, cushion fabric upgrades and diamond effect colour stitching. Although sales have spiked during the past few months, we are working hard to ensure our stock levels are back to normal by later this year and bespoke orders will be ready for delivery in the Spring of 2021."
New models released this year included the Excel Virago 570 with Suzuki 115hp outboard. The lightweight rigid inflatable boat offers a similar layout to the popular Virago 520 but with a deeper freeboard and pronounced chine. Excel's fully inflatable Volaire range has also been expanded to include 4.8 metre and 5.3 metre options. The range was initially developed for the emergency services and military markets yet is now popular with recreational boaters.
Based at Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, Excel Boats offers an extensive showroom featuring a range of inflatable boats & RIBs ranging from 1.6 metres to 5.2 metres. The company receives orders from all around the world, and depending on travel restrictions, plans to exhibit at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in January 2021 for the first time.
"Exhibiting abroad in current circumstances certainly presents a considerable challenge but without the annual London Boat Show this presents an opportunity to consolidate and expand our presence in many European markets."
Entrance tickets for BOATS 2020 are limited and can be booked.
For more information on inflatable boats, visit excel-inflatables.co.uk.