ABSOLUTE CLASSICS MARINE

With a clientele that spans Western Canada, the United States and even parts of Europe, Absolute Classics Marine is moving forward with new business objectives to heighten experiences for recreational boaters in 2018.

In its 30th year, this unique Kelowna, BC-based dealership is still maintaining its roots of restoring and brokering classic mahogany speed boats, marketing late model, pre-owned luxury boats, and selling associated parts and materials. Yet, it will be offering a new product line devised to further complement its range of services.

“Right now, we are sort of reinventing ourselves by offering what we call high-end, lake-style products to enhance cottage and waterfront living,” says co-owner Bruce Middleton. “We just signed on with Beau Lake, a company that offers a wide range of watersports gear, apparel and outdoor cottage-style furniture. All these products simply reflect Absolute Classics Marine’s vision to reach new consumers.”

Included in Beau Lake’s collection is a series of Canadian-inspired, handcrafted luxury paddleboards, complimenting paddles, and a new electric-assisted recreational boat that will be introduced this summer. The company is also looking at additional products like hardwood Muskoka style furniture.

“This is something that we always thought about doing and the trick was finding the right mix of products that fits with the market here,” says Middleton. “A business can’t stand still in this industry. You have to make changes and remain competitive.”

Maintaining Business as Usual

While classic wooden boats are very much a niche segment of the recreational boating industry, it has a place in the North American, European and certainly the Okanagan markets. In fact, Middleton says it’s business as usual. This past spring, five classic boats have been restored in its fullservice shop for clients in British Columbia, California, and North Carolina, and a classic 1955 Chris-Craft Capri was shipped for a client in Finland.

“A large part of our business is boat restoration and brokerage sales of classic and newer luxury boats,” says Middleton. “Due to our strong presence on the internet, our sales have increased world wide. Our other steady focus is classic boat parts and materials as there are a lot people who restore boats or have one they are maintaining. It’s not easy sometimes to come across parts. So, with our connections we know where to locate them.”

Additionally, plans are in the works for Absolute Classics Marine to start carrying a few more high-end boat lines from North America and Europe. While the details are still being finalized, you can stay up to date with these developments by visiting the dealership online at www.absoluteclassicsmarine.com