Polish builder tells IBI about the progress made at home and abroad

Speaking to IBI at the recent Wind and Water Boat Show in Poland, Parker Boats MD Phillip Scott and his fellow director and son Chris Scott were enthusiastic about export growth and the progress made on the local Polish market.

Phillip Scott said: “Our current production has reached 700/800 boats per annum, including some 100 boats which are contract-built for other brands. Almost all of our production is for export. In the Parker range we have 16 models up to 11m in length – all outboard-powered, including our latest model, the Monaco, which is here at the show.

“This year we are promoting exports by exhibiting at the Cannes, Southampton, La Rochelle, Barcelona and Paris boat shows, and Düsseldorf in January 2019. The key markets for us are France, Germany and the UK.”

Chris Scott added: “Further afield, we just exhibited at the Sydney Boat Show with six models on the water through an importer. We are doing quite well, as our boats are quite different to Australian-built boats. Feedback is our boats are eye-catching with their modern designs and different European style layouts. We also have dealers in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Dubai. Totally we now have a network of 40 dealers worldwide.”

Referring to the local Polish market, Phillip Scott said: “While most of the 22,000 boats built each year by the industry in Poland go for export, boating is historically very popular in Poland, mainly using sailboats on the extensive lake and river networks. However, coastal boating is now gradually growing, especially with power boats.

“Our sales to the local market have picked up to about 20 boats per year – still only 3% of our production, but the signs are that the Polish customer has more money and the local market is improving with a lot of interest at the recent boat shows including this Wind and Water event.”

Chris Scott added: “We aim to introduce two new models a year and at this show we have our largest boat, the Monaco, which is a new model designed by Tony Castro and launched last year at the La Rochelle Boat Show. It’s rather unique, being a 33ft long, two-cabin model with twin outboards. Already we have sold several boats and delivery is extended.”