By: Scott Way
2020 will see ambitious moves from Campion Marine as new ownership, a new look, and new models will have the company expanding its already impressive offering.
Purchased by the KV Private Equity firm in October 2019, Kelowna, BC based Campion Marine has undergone several notable changes geared towards balanced expansion in North America. Previous owner and second-generation CEO Brock Elliot has transitioned into an advisory role while Shawn Roach from KV's Leisure Craft Division is serving as acting CEO. Other new additions include chief designer Neil Gilbert, as well as a commitment to launching 23 new models over the next five years. The original Campion logo was also re-done in favor of a sleeker new version, and the acclaimed release of the new Rage 22R, the first in a new series of multi-species fishing boats, has been met with significant fanfare.
Founded in 1947 and operated as a family-owned business, Campion Marine manufactures a wide range of fibreglass bowriders, fishing, and sport boats in Canada. The company boasts an impressive dealer network with distribution in more than 30 countries, supported by 37 boat models in 48 variations.
The attention so far in 2020 around the launch of the Rage R22 performance fishing boat is well deserved. The R22 features Campion’s next-gen APEX2 hull, a convex-V designed for rapid planing, improved economy, and a higher, softer ride. The hull comprises a three-part interlocking unibody fibreglass construction with Kevlar reinforcement and contains a full-width swim platform with extended engine mounting system. Power comes from a 300-HP Mercury Pro XS that can get onto plane in roughly 3.5 seconds with a top speed over 55 mph. The R22 is the company’s first foray into the growing multi-species fishing category and has been earmarked as the first in a new series of performance fishing models. Production began in December 2019 with the R22 already available for purchase at Canadian dealers.
According to KV Private Equity Marketing Manager Jennifer Dawn, Campion's commitment to the future will be rooted in North America: "KV is highly focused on growing Campion responsibly to be a leader within the boat manufacturing industry. The team is developing strategic dealer partnerships throughout North America with significant focus in the United States. These partnerships will be critical as we bring 2 new and highly anticipated products to market this year."
The company entitled their annual dealer event 'Waves of Change,' and it certainly appears Campion will be making waves in 2020.
To find new and used Camption Boats for sale nearest you visit BoatDealers.ca.
Check out a full 360 virtual tour of the all-new Campion Rage R22 below:
