Month: October 2024

NOVI, Mich. — The Shyft Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF), parent company of Spartan RV Chassis and a North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets, today announced strategic partnerships with Allegiance Trucks LLC, and Ascendance Trucks, LLC, to establish dealer sales and service for the Blue Arc Class 4 all-electric truck. These agreements expand Blue Arc’s dealer network in the Northeast region, enhancing its reach and accessibility in the commercial EV market.

“At The Shyft Group, we are committed to providing fleet operators with tailored, customer-centric solutions that meet their evolving needs,” said John Dunn, President and CEO of The Shyft Group. “By collaborating with Allegiance and Ascendance Trucks, we are bringing Blue Arc EV solutions directly to our customers, ensuring they receive the support, service, and innovative technology they need to excel in an evolving industry.”

Allegiance Trucks and Ascendance Trucks bring together decades of expertise with a modern, customer-first perspective. Offering advanced truck sales, flexible leasing options, and comprehensive insurance and financing services, they are uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of fleet operators. Their state-of-the-art service centers, staffed by skilled technicians and supported by a vast parts inventory, provide comprehensive support to keep fleets operational and efficient.

“The Shyft Group’s 50-year legacy in commercial vehicles positions Blue Arc as a leader in the EV market,” said Michael Sirignano, Dealer Principal of Allegiance Trucks and Ascendance Trucks. “With 75 locations across 16 states, we are well-equipped to provide our customers with access to a product that sets new standards for efficiency, performance, and reliability, backed by Shyft’s unmatched expertise in the industry.”

“At Allegiance Trucks, we pride ourselves on offering advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Mike Bozzoli, CEO of Allegiance Trucks. “Our partnership with The Shyft Group allows us to bring Blue Arc’s cutting-edge EV technology to market, supported by a robust network and the dedicated service our customers rely on to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing environment.”

The Blue Arc Class 4 EV truck is designed from the ground up to prioritize reliability, driver comfort, and versatility. It features ergonomic seating, a noise-reducing cab, and advanced safety systems, including an automatic electronic parking brake and a keyless entry system with auto-lock capabilities for secure cargo management. With configurable cargo spaces ranging from 600 to 1,000 cubic feet, the truck is adaptable to a wide range of fleet needs.

Built with components from leading Tier 1 suppliers, the Blue Arc EV truck undergoes rigorous testing to exceed industry standards, ensuring exceptional durability and performance.

About The Shyft Group

The Shyft Group is the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. Our customers include first-to-last mile delivery companies across vocations, federal, state, and local government entities; the trades; and utility and infrastructure segments. The Shyft Group is organized into two core business units: Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services and Shyft Specialty Vehicles. Today, its family of brands include Utilimaster®, Blue Arc EV Solutions, Royal® Truck Body, DuraMag® and Magnum®, Strobes-R-Us, Spartan® RV Chassis, Red Diamond Aftermarket Solutions, Builtmore Contract Manufacturing, and Independent Truck Upfitters. The Shyft Group and its go-to-market brands are well known in their respective industries for quality, durability, and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 3,000 employees and contractors across campuses, and operates facilities in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Saltillo, Mexico. The Company reported sales of $872 million in 2023. Learn more at TheShyftGroup.com.

About Ascendance Trucks

Ascendance Trucks, an emerging full service authorized dealer of commercial vehicles, provides companies with the solutions to keep their fleets productive and cost-efficient, managing the critical and necessary balance of operating a fleets Cost of Ownership, as well as the safety & reliability of their equipment. Ascendance offers an array of fleet management solutions, including truck and trailer sales, parts, service, collision repair, financing, lease & rental. Their rapidly expanding network currently spans 37 locations across 9 states and is an authorized dealer for Dennis Eagle, Fruehauf, International, IC Bus, Isuzu Truck, Neville-Built and Wabash. For more information, visit AscendanceTrucks.com.

About Allegiance Trucks

Allegiance Trucks is a leading authorized dealer for International®, Isuzu, and Wabash, amongst other nationally recognized brands, proudly serving the Northeastern United States through its 39 locations across 9 states. With an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned trucks, Allegiance is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences by providing unparalleled service and expertise every step of the way. For more information about how Allegiance can meet all your trucking needs, please visit AllegianceTrucks.com.

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Across the U.S., eerie roadside attractions beckon travelers with the promise of spine-tingling experiences along their journey. Roadtrippers, known as the No. 1 road trip planning app, has mapped out 13 of the spookiest sites to see across America, making it easier than ever to explore eerie California forests, spooky landmarks in the Midwest and beyond. These types of pitstops are perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of the macabre offering diverse frights for those daring enough to explore them.

Just in time for spooky season, travelers can use features like custom map styles, trip collaboration, routing & navigation, and Roadtrippers’ newest addition – Roadtrippers Autopilot – that allows users to experience personalized trip recommendations based on their interests, preferences, and vehicle type. Membership tiers can be found HERE.

Below, please see 13 of the most bewildering destinations according to Roadtrippers, and let me know if this sparks an interest to share with your audience in any upcoming travel pieces you may be curating. Thank you!

1. The Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, CA)

Nestled in the redwood forest, the Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly that leaves visitors questioning reality. Objects appear to roll uphill, compasses wildly spin, vegetation won’t grow, and people seem to defy gravity. This spooky spot has fascinated tourists since the 1940s, making it a must-visit for those seeking an otherworldly experience. 

2. Carhenge (Alliance, NE)

An homage to England’s Stonehenge, Carhenge features vintage cars arranged in a circle, creating an intriguing sight. Built in 1987, this artistic installation takes on a macabre twist, with many vehicles looking weathered and decaying, giving the impression that they’ve been in a battle with time. This eerie spot sits in the middle of a farm field, leaving one wondering if the place might be as mysterious as the actual Stonehenge in a few thousand years.  

• Related: https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/carhenge-nebraska-car-art-reserve/

3. Paul Bunyan and Babe The Blue Ox (Klamath, CA)

This statue of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan (and Babe the Blue Ox) is endearing to some and spooky to others. Paul may appear to be waving, but his face says otherwise, causing some to wonder what he might have planned with the axe… Lumberjacking or something else? Either way, this is a fun and popular roadside attraction for all who meander through the area. 

4. The Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, CA)

Built in the 1800s by Winchester Rifle heiress Sarah Winchester, the Mystery House is famed for its architectural oddities, including winding mazes of staircases to nowhere, tiny hallways, and trap doors. Legend has it that Winchester constructed the house to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. Visitors often report strange occurrences, adding to its reputation as one of the most haunted roadside attractions in America. 

5. The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots (San Antonio, TX)

Standing tall at over 30 feet, these giant cowboy boots are a striking sight in San Antone. The boots are a mostly fun take on the ‘Everything is Bigger in Texas’ mantra. But they also evoke an eerie atmosphere, especially at night when they loom over visitors, casting elongated shadows that add a touch of the uncanny. 

6. The Mütter Museum (Philadelphia, PA)

This museum is more than just a creepy roadside attraction — it’s a shrine to the bizarre and macabre. Home to an extensive collection of medical oddities, the Mütter Museum houses preserved human specimens, antique surgical instruments, and various bizarre models. 

The unsettling exhibits make it a fascinating, yet creepy road trip stop for those interested in the scary side of medicine. 

• Related: https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/10-macabre-museums/

7. The Old Car City (White, GA)

As the world’s largest classic car junkyard, Old Car City is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. However, the decaying vehicles and rusted relics create a haunting ambiance. The overgrown landscape and remnants of the past evoke nostalgia, mixed with a sense of eeriness surrounding the entire place. 

8. The Bell Witch Cave (Adams, TN)

The Bell Witch Cave is linked to one of America’s most famous hauntings, the Bell Witch legend. According to folklore, a malevolent spirit haunted the Bell family in the early 19th century, causing terror and chaos. Once the hauntings started, hundreds of people visited the Bell Farm in search of a sliver of supernatural. This led the scary stories to spread far and wide. The Bell Witch also has the horrifying honor of being the only supernatural force legally credited as causing a person’s death. The cave is a hotspot for paranormal activity, making this a must for this list of creepiest roadside attractions. 

9. Expedition Bigfoot: The Bigfoot Museum (Blue Ridge, GA)

This quirky museum showcases a collection of Bigfoot memorabilia and artifacts. While some exhibits are light-hearted, others delve into the darker legends surrounding the elusive creature. The ambiguous nature of Bigfoot’s existence adds a thrilling layer of creepiness to this roadside attraction in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. 

• Related: https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/must-see-stops-along-the-bewitching-blue-ridge-parkway/

10. Pine Hill Cemetary aka The Blood Cemetery (Hollis, NH)

This small, isolated graveyard is known for its eerie atmosphere and legends surrounding its history. As the story goes, a cemetery resident named Abel Blood has slinked around the grounds since his burial in 1867. He’s best known for the story of a pointing finger on his gravestone that points upward during the day and downward at night. Unfortunately, his headstone was vandalized years ago, but visitors still report eerie sightings and feelings at this bizarre stop. 

11. The Enchanted Highway (North Dakota)

Stretching 32 miles, the Enchanted Highway features giant metal sculptures along the route, including a massive grasshopper, a family of geese, and farmers with pitchforks (whose intentions remain unknown…). While mostly whimsical and fun, the towering sculptures can evoke a sense of eeriness, especially at night when they loom ominously against the dark sky. 

12. The World’s Largest Ghost Town (Tombstone, AZ)

Once a bustling mining town, Tombstone is now a famous town filled with spooky tales of the Wild West. The spot is easily accessible from places like Tucson, Phoenix, and SW New Mexico, making it a fun trip for those who dig spooky history. Visitors can explore abandoned buildings and hear stories of infamous gunfights and mysterious deaths, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Stepping back in time adds an unforgettable feeling to this spine-chilling experience. 

13. VAMPA Vampire & Paranormal Museum (Doylestown, PA)

This spooky stop along the Pennsylvania roadside dives deep into the world of vampires and the paranormal. It features chilling exhibits of vampire folklore, ghostly encounters, and otherworldly phenomena. The dark, dimly lit rooms are filled with eerie artifacts and stories that unsettle visitors. Whether travelers are fascinated by the supernatural or just looking for a fright, this museum of otherworldly offers an experience that’s as creepy as it is intriguing. 

The post Roadtrippers Shares 13 Spooky Road Trips Across the U.S. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JUPITER, Fla. – Advancements, an information-based educational television series by DMG Productions, will focus on recent improvements in RV holding tank measurement systems.

An upcoming segment will explore recent improvements in RV tank monitoring systems. With a look at Garnet Instruments, audiences will learn how its RV tank monitoring devices provide accurate tank measurement readouts for precision and reliability.

With the ability to fit most tanks, viewers will learn about Garnet’s innovative SeeLeveL holding tank monitors, which enable readouts that are accurate within ⅜ of an inch. Audiences will also hear how Garnet’s reliable external sensors eliminate sewage build-up that can affect internal sensors.

“Having no idea how much water you’ve got or whether your sewer tanks are full can be a major inconvenience when living in an RV full time. With a lot of other systems, the probes only give a rough indication of the tank levels, whereas Garnet’s provide a percentage that can be within 3 percent,” said George Fraser, Founder and President, Garnet Instruments.

In addition, the segment will highlight how Garnet’s proprietary communication protocol functions between SeeLeveL displays and sensors to control the accuracy and functionality of its systems, ensuring customers experience reliable operation.

“We look forward to sharing how Garnet is working to solve problems with precision and reliability, so users can operate at ease,” said Richard Lubin, senior producer for DMG Productions and the Advancements series.

About Garnet Instruments

Garnet Instruments’ parent company is based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Garnet is dedicated to the measurement of liquid levels in all types of applications such as transport tankers, portable tanks, and RV holding tanks. All of its products and technologies are designed and manufactured in-house and have allowed the company to become a dominant player in the fluid transportation gauge industry.

For more information, visit: http://www.garnetinstruments.com.

About DMG and Advancements

DMG Productions is dedicated to education and advancement, and to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming for viewers and networks. Focused on the major innovations and advancements responsible for global progress today, its team of award-winning writers, directors, and producers go on location to discover and share how technology and innovation continue to drive the world forward.

Advancements is an information-based educational television series that explores recent developments taking place across several industries and economies. Shining a light on important issues and topics, the series features the cutting-edge improvements, state-of-the-art technologies, and innovative environmental and sustainable solutions responsible for shaping, molding, and transforming the world.

For more information, please visit http://www.AdvancementsTV.com or call 866-496-4065.

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2025 is a landmark year in Design Engineering Inc.’s (DEI) history as the company celebrates 30 years in business as the “worldwide leader in heat and sound control products” for the automotive channel.

Since DEI’s inception, it has been dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance performance and safety for a wide range of applications, according to a release. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has set industry standards, and officials are grateful to their loyal customers and partners for their support over the years.

Join DEI at SEMA, which is Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in celebrating three decades of excellence as they look forward to many more years of groundbreaking advancements.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – Camco, a leading aftermarket parts manufacturer using innovative and advanced technology to engineer solutions for simpler, safer and more enjoyable outdoor living, announced today the appointment of Lisa Schoder as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Danielle Conner as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“Lisa Schoder and Danielle Conner aren’t just additions to our leadership team; they’re catalysts for Camco’s next evolution,” Demir Vangelov, CEO of Camco, stated in a release. “Lisa’s prowess in brand reinvention and her ability to translate vision into actionable, multi-platform strategies aligns perfectly with our ambitious trajectory. Meanwhile, Danielle’s track record of streamlining diverse product lines – from pharmaceuticals to textiles – brings a level of operational acumen that’s critical for our growth plans. Their collective experience isn’t just impressive on paper; it’s the kind of practical wisdom that will help guide Camco’s growth strategy.”

Schoder joins Camco as CMO after serving as Vice President, Integrated Media & Partnerships at Lowe’s, following two decades at Ford Motor Company, where she began her career as a product engineer before ultimately ascending to lead all US Media, Digital, and Growth Audience Marketing. Schoder has also worked extensively as a marketing consultant for leading companies like Macy’s, as well as marketing technology start-ups, leveraging her expertise as a skilled executive marketer with a successful track record of driving profitable sales growth and brand equity.

“Camco has a rich history as a trusted brand that has been developing premium products that make enjoying the outdoors both easy and safe since it was founded,” said Schoder. “My goal is to blend Camco’s time-honored commitment to product excellence with forward-thinking marketing strategies. Together with our talented team, we’ll connect with passionate RV enthusiasts who have looked to Camco to equip their outdoor experiences for decades. It’s about honoring our heritage while embracing the future of RVing and the outdoors.”

In her role as Camco’s COO, Conner will oversee Camco’s operations, implement business strategies, and ensure operational efficiency across Camco’s North American and Asian manufacturing and logistics facilities. She was previously the COO and SVP, Operations for Spinrite, and has held operational leadership roles at companies including Ventura Foods, The Clorox Company, Captek Softgel International, and Dupont.

“What drew me to Camco is that we’re not just manufacturing products; we’re crafting the building blocks of outdoor memories,” said Conner. “For nearly six decades, this team has been the unsung hero behind countless family memories and wilderness explorations. Now, we’re at a pivotal moment to fulfill our mission to streamline our operations, bringing our supply chain under one roof. I’m eager to roll up my sleeves alongside this talented crew, fine-tuning our processes to ensure we continue enhancing people’s outdoor experiences for generations to come.”

About Camco

Camco leads the future of RV living with innovative and advanced technology, engineering solutions for simpler, safer, and more enjoyable outdoor living. Our mission is to enhance every RV journey by providing premium solutions in water sanitation, power, towing, ventilation, stabilization, functional accessories, and services. Founded in 1966 in Greensboro, NC, Camco operates from five U.S.-based facilities and multiple facilities in Asia. With a dedicated team of 1,000+ employees who understand outdoor enthusiasts’ needs, Camco has 150+ patents and 4,000+ products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. Learn more about Camco at www.camco.net.

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From MORryde: The moment you’ve been waiting for is here… The PatioEx is back and better than ever! Whether you’re after more outdoor space, extra room to unwind, or the ultimate relaxation spot, the new PatioEx is your must-have Toy Hauler upgrade. Thoughtfully redesigned with you in mind, it’s ready for all your adventures ahead.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.

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NORTHERN INDIANA – After selling his first proper business, Story Blocks, Joel Holland and his wife, Mary Ashley, bought an RV and started their journey from Washington, D.C. through all the lower 48 states over the course of two years, according to a report by Inside INdiana Business.

Enjoying the freedom, flexibility and community, the couple was pleasantly surprised to learn that over 11 million Americans own RVs—a lot more people than they ever imagined. This got Holland curious about the business possibilities in the industry.

“We’d stay in these campgrounds, and campgrounds are fine but they’re like Holiday Inn Express; they all look the same. They provide a quality service but I don’t go telling my friends about how awesome my Holiday Inn Express was,” Holland said. “Meanwhile, we’re driving by all these incredible farms, vineyards, museums and I’m like, ‘Why can’t we stay there?’ They have room to park there, we support the business, everybody wins.”

…

Drawing from his experience doing the legwork for Story Blocks and expanding on the critical mass the couple had built over the first nine years of growing the company, Holland and his team have transformed Harvest Hosts into a vital resource for RVers with 9,000 locations and 250,000 members. The company has almost 200 Indiana hosts on its roster.

“I basically came in and invested a lot of money in technology. We built an app, a booking system, a brand new website and invested in marketing,” Holland said. “We built an entire team dedicated to host recruitment and we started spending millions of dollars on advertising.”

Travelers can park and visit the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, enjoy the outdoor air museum at Grissom Air Museum in Peru or relax at the Zen-like Ninja Golf in Granger. Other locations across the state include Chateau de Pique Winery and Brewery in Seymour, Heritage Farm Alpacas & Events in Flora and Cedar Creek Winery, Distillery and Brewing in Martinsville.

Click here to read the full report by Inside INdiana Business.

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SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland – Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN), announced results for the third quarter ended Sept. 28, 2024.

“We delivered another quarter of impressive financial results as our highly differentiated and innovative products resonate with customers, and we successfully leveraged growth opportunities across market segments and geographies. We are raising our 2024 outlook based on the results we have achieved so far and the momentum we are experiencing as we enter the important holiday selling season,” said Cliff Pemble, president and chief executive officer of Garmin Ltd.

Highlights for third quarter 2024 include:

• Consolidated revenue of $1.59 billion, a 24% increase compared to the prior year quarter
• Gross and operating margins expanded to 60.0% and 27.6%, respectively
• Operating income of $437 million, a 62% increase compared to the prior year quarter
• GAAP EPS of $2.07 and pro forma EPS⁽¹⁾ of $1.99, representing 41% growth in pro forma EPS over the prior year quarter
• Launched the fēnix^® 8 series and the Enduro 3 expanding our lineup of outdoor adventure watches
• Named 2024 Manufacturer of the Year by the National Marine Electronics Association for the 10^th consecutive year, and received six Product of Excellence awards, for a total of 63 over the last decade
• Named the #1 Most Innovative Marine Company for the second consecutive year by Soundings Trade Only, a leading trade publication for the recreational boating industry
• Announced the strategic acquisition of Lumishore, a leader in marine LED lighting
• Co-founders, Dr. Min Kao and the late Gary Burrell, were enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame

Fitness: Revenue from the fitness segment increased 31% in the third quarter with growth across all categories led by strong demand for wearables. Gross and operating margins were 61% and 32%, respectively, resulting in $148 million of operating income. During the quarter, we hosted our annual Garmin Health Summit to recognize innovative digital health solutions utilizing Garmin products, and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Garmin Health. Also, during the quarter we announced updates to Garmin Coach, adding training plans for cyclists in addition to the existing training plans for runners, making it easier to prepare for an event, pursue a personal milestone or improve overall fitness.

Outdoor: Revenue from the outdoor segment increased 21% in the third quarter primarily due to growth in adventure watches. Gross and operating margins were 68% and 40%, respectively, resulting in $209 million of operating income. During the quarter, we launched both the highly anticipated fēnix 8 series, adding brilliant AMOLED displays, cutting edge features, a built-in speaker, microphone, and an LED flashlight, and the Enduro 3, a lightweight ultraperformance GPS smartwatch purpose-built for ultra-endurance athletes with up to 320 hours of battery life in GPS mode with solar charging. We also launched the inReach® Messenger Plus, our first satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging in addition to two-way texting, location sharing and SOS capabilities, expanding our customers’ ability to stay in touch beyond cell service.

Aviation: Revenue from the aviation segment increased 3% in the third quarter with growth driven by aftermarket product categories. Gross and operating margins were 75% and 22%, respectively, resulting in $44 million of operating income. During the quarter, we announced Runway Occupancy Awareness, which uses ADS-B information to help reduce the risk of runway incursions and provide added confidence to pilots navigating busy and complex airports. Garmin is the first to bring this new safety feature to market. We also recently unveiled our new G3000® PRIME, which redefines the integrated flight deck experience with sleek, intuitive, all-touchscreen displays and a highly flexible open architecture system that seamlessly adapts to serve a broad and dynamic market.

Marine: Revenue from the marine segment increased 22% in the third quarter primarily driven by the acquisition of JL Audio®. Gross and operating margins were 55% and 17%, respectively, resulting in $38 million of operating income. During the quarter, we announced several new products to enhance our customers’ time on the water, including Fusion ApolloTM marine speaker and subwoofer series, the GCTM 245/55 marine cameras, and the GPSMAP® 9500 black box system. We recently announced the acquisition of Lumishore, a leader in marine LED lighting as we continue to focus on providing seamless integration throughout the boat.

Auto OEM: Revenue from the auto OEM segment increased 53% during the third quarter primarily driven by growth in domain controllers. Gross margin was 20% and the operating loss narrowed to $1 million as efficiencies improved with higher sales volumes. During the quarter, we successfully launched the Garmin-designed domain controllers across all remaining BMW Group car lines.

View the PDF for the full press release and financial statements.

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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, is proud to showcase the latest innovation from its marine brands, Barletta Pontoon Boats and Chris-Craft at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Fort Lauderdale, FL, October 30 – November 3.

Barletta, the fastest-growing pontoon boat maker in the segment, will feature a line-up of Coastal Edition premium pontoons, ready for big water, including the industry’s first and only center-mounted twin-engine pontoon boat, while Chris-Craft, America’s Boatbuilder since 1874, will showcase its latest innovations including the consumer debut of its Launch 35 GT wake/surf edition and newly launched, family-friendly Sportster series.

“At Winnebago Industries, our commitment to quality and elevating outdoor experiences drives everything we do,” said Amber Holm, Winnebago Industries’ Chief Marketing Officer. “The products on display in Fort Lauderdale represent both Chris-Craft’s and Barletta’s customer-centric design process. Our brands combine expert craftsmanship and technology in ways that delight our customers as they create connections and memories on the water.”

Chris-Craft
Chris-Craft is building on its 150-year legacy of purposeful innovation and excellence with several key products highlighted at the show, including the Sportster series: an exciting, next-generation offering that combines classic craftsmanship and design with modern flair to create a new experience for adventure seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

While the Sportster series is designed to introduce Chris-Craft to a new market, the boats are built to all the same quality and design standards for which Chris-Craft is known. Every step of the design process was carefully considered to deliver value without sacrificing premium quality and luxury. The Sportster series currently includes two models, a 25ft and 28ft, with the 28ft version on display in the water at the show. The Sportster series will be available in sterndrive, surf, and outboard propulsion options, with the outboard versions being released in early 2025.

Chris-Craft will also feature the surf edition of its Launch 35 GT runabout. The flagship of its series, the Launch 35 GT blends cutting-edge features with the classic design and styling that make it uniquely Chris-Craft. This luxurious runabout is the perfect choice for a variety of water activities, including hosting family and friends or water sports.

Chris-Craft’s category defining line-up can be seen in the water at the show by visiting the Bahia Mar Yachting center, C-Dock 315-319. Learn more at ChrisCraft.com.

Barletta Pontoon Boats
Barletta, one of the fastest growing pontoon boat brands in the market, is widely recognized for its pioneering products, securing innovation awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, three out of the last six years.

At the Fort Lauderdale show, Barletta will showcase one of those award winners, its new twin engine series. The two engines are mounted in the center of the transom, a meaningful departure from the industry standard in the pontoon boat segment, where twin engines are typically mounted on the outer tubes. By moving the engines to the center, Barletta achieves significant performance and functionality improvements, including providing an unparalleled smooth and powerful ride, while creating a safe and usable space at the stern of the boat.

Barletta will also highlight its luxury Leggera product line with an all-new redesigned helm station equipped with two Simrad displays, Harmon Kardon audio system and distinctive RBG lighting.

Show attendees are encouraged to visit the Barletta team by visiting booth 2069 in the Broward Convention Center where they can see Barletta’s line-up of coastal water capable pontoons, now with standard JBL sound systems for model year 2025. Learn more at BarlettaPontoonBoats.com.

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Black Book, which publishes a family of vehicle appraisal guides, has released the Black Book RV market commentary for November.

“The average values for Motorhomes and Towables sold at auction fell slightly once again last month.  This is the second consecutive month of decreases across the board, which more than likely indicates the beginnings of a return to normal seasonal patterns.  As more new 2025 models continue to arrive on dealer’s lots we expect used values to trend downward as we head into colder weather,” reported Eric Lawrence, Black Book principal analyst – specialty markets.

Taking a closer look at the markets, we see that the average selling price for motorized units was $65,973, which is down $2,226 (3.4%) from the previous month.  Towables came in at $18,736, down $312 (1.6%) from last month.  One year ago the average motorhome sold for $61,575 and the average towable unit brought $20,138.

Auction volume was mixed: motorhomes increased 18.2% while towables decreased 0.9%. 

The average age of motorhomes was eight years old (2016) and towables was five (2019).

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