Bump's World - November 2007
November 1, 2007
FJORD POWERBOATS
In July Doug Brophy and I traveled to Greifswald, Germany for the Hanse Yachts yearly dealer meeting. Greifswald is located very close to the Polish border on the Baltic Sea. We met all the Hanse people and over 150 other dealers located all around the world. Luckily for me the whole meeting was in English. The Hanse people were great hosts with constant food and entertainment. They also had very professional presentations of how the boats were built and engineered. Every supplier was represented and met with us to demonstrate why they are the best.
Driving into the factory area I noticed the word Fjord in huge letters on the side of the Hanse new factory. I asked a Hanse representative about the sign and he walked me a short distance to the marina Hanse owns there. Tied to the docks were two powerboats. One a center consul style and the other an express cruiser style. It was then explained to me the Hanse had just purchased Fjord Powerboats.
These powerboats were very different than anything I had ever seen before. If I had to place them, they looked a little like the Wally Boats we see in magazines powering around in the Mediterranean. The Wally Boats are of highest quality and priced accordingly. The Fjord Boats are a fraction of the Wally Boat pricing.
Doug and I where handed a glass of champagne and given a tour of both boats. Michael Schmidt, President of Hanse Yachts wandered by and immediately offered us a ride. He chose the forty-foot center consul. Michael pushed the throttles down and we took off down the river that connects us to the Baltic Sea. The boat jumped right up to forty plus knots. The twin Volvo diesels rocketed us along. It was also ten thirty at night, however being so far north it was still light. It took no time to go about a mile each way on the river and return to the marina, in time to refill our glasses.
A couple of days later was boat testing day and Doug and I got a ride on the forty foot express cruiser. This time we were quickly into the Baltic Sea and had plenty of sea room to get a good feel for her. She rode beautifully and with out effort again passed forty knots.
All the finish was high quality and comfortable in everyway. I cannot imagine a better boat to socialize on. The plasma TV lifting out of the built in furniture was very impressive. The seating is plentiful and extremely comfortable. Please visit the Fjord Boat web site at www.Fjordboats.eu.
Upon returning to good all American we continued our discussions with Hanse and they appointed New Wave Yachts the Fjord dealer for North America. We will be introducing the Forty Center Consul at the New England Boat Show in January. The Convention Center in Boston is the best show building ever and the Fjord Boat will be a thrill to inspect. I guarantee this is not just another boat.
Please mail comments to me at Bump@newwaveyachts.com
Bump Wilcox
