TALKIN’ BOATS
WITH TOM SLIKKERS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF S2 YACHTS
In Slikkers’ first year as chief of S2, Pursuit introduced its “next-generation” boat — the SC 365i Sport Coupe with concealed outboards ( pursuitboats.com). S2 in 2014 debuted six new models from 32 to 50 feet between its two brands: the Pursuit DC 325 Dual Console and Offshore, the Tiara 44 Coupe and 50 Flybridge, and updated versions of the 3100 and 3600 Tiara Open. The Tiara 50 Coupe, the benchmark for the modern Tiara designs, was introduced in September 2013 ( tiarayachts.com).
“For the past 18 months to two years of design and new model development, I think we have been more dialed in to what customers want than at any time before,” says Slikkers.
In addition to boating, Slikkers enjoys flyfishing, golfing, snow skiing and biking. He grew up in Holland, Michigan — where S2 is based — and has never left. He lives there with his wife of 31 years, Barb, and two children — Alex, 23, and Samantha, 25.
Q: Tiara and Pursuit are injecting modern styling and design into their boats. Can you explain the new generation of these brands?
A: When you look at the progression of many successful luxury products, you see a balance among new innovation, styling and features while always maintaining classic design elements that are timeless. I think Cadillac, BMW and Audi are good examples of luxury manufacturers that have adapted and in some cases reinvented some of their models to be more competitive. Tiara and Pursuit are striving to deliver that same kind of experience. The idea is to offer a brand that appeals to new markets and maintains an intimate connection with our thousands of current owners. Our demographic, particularly on the Tiara side, is aging out of Tiara and of boating.
Q: What are some characteristics of the next generation of Tiara and Pursuit boats?
A: On all of our boats, you’ll find a tremendous amount of light, especially natural light, throughout. On the lower deck of the 50 Coupe, for instance, you have two staterooms and two heads, and in each of those spaces there’s natural light and fresh air. Our engineering team built in skylights, large hull- side windows and great ventilation to achieve these features. Our windshields offer tremendous visibility, incorporating very large, single panels of tempered safety glass with no structural or visual obstructions. For as long as I can remember, boaters have complained about the cave-like cabins on boats. These spaces on our boats are anything but cave- like, with lots of light and