Central Marine Gets All Continental

Jan 25, 2018

Central Marine has been putting boats onto Georgian Bay from its Midland location since 1969. In the past it has been a huge vendor of the Grew craft that were built in nearby Penetanguishene for decades. More recently, it has offered its customers some great lines including Rinker, Stanley and others.

At the Toronto Boat Show, Central rolled out a new line that may have the potential to change the landscape in Canadian marinas. As the first eastern Canadian dealer of Jeanneau powerboats, Central has brought some very interesting boats to the show. Immaculately built and finished, the three Jeanneau boats at the show contrast with the flashy boats around them. Not exactly conservative, the Jeanneaus have what can only be called a Euro look with fabric seats, solid lines and a commitment to interior living, even in a 25-foot NC 795 model.

Tod Girvin demonstrates the NC695’s sliding cockpit door.

The solid lines translate into strong performance according to those who have experienced them, ideal for the big waters of Georgian Bay, for example. Tod Girvan of Central demonstrated the sliding cockpit door, rather than canvas, as an example of how the Jeanneauhas brought the kinds of seaworthy design you’d find on much larger boats to these smaller models. Second boat owners, the likely buyers, want simplicity and feature, Tod explains, showing the accommodation, full head and a/c, heating and thruster options on a boat that is essentially weekender. Its bow thruster is also even available on the smaller NC695.

Rossiter, Limestone, Scout and others including Central’s Lighthouse and Stanley lines are all boats that eschew flash and candy for a more functional look and function bring a lot more options for the buyer into the market. Some of Jeanneau models are built in the USA while others are imported from France. All are competitively priced.

the Vee’d bow of the NC695 showing the thruster.

Beneteau, parent of Jeanneau, brings cruisers to Canada and winning over friends for a few years. When the two brands brought sailing craft to North America many years ago, they contributed to the rapid decline of the domestic builders. Will they do the same in the power market? At Central, they have only recently taken on the strong Jeanneau line (that also includes a broad range of NC Sport, Leader and Prestige models in a range of sizes) but have high hopes for the brand. At the Toronto Show they have already attracted attention and several new owners.

– JM