Haines Group drops Nautique

The Haines Group has announced it will no longer distribute Corrects Craft’s Nautique range of tow boats in Australia, effective immediately.

In a statement, The Haines Group said dropping Nautique would allow it to focus on its core business.

The Haines family company has been a major player in the Australian marine industry for more than 50 years.  Well known for boat brands such as Signature, Traveller and Seafarer fibreglass boats, The Haines Group also distributes Suzuki outboards and Walker Bay inflatables.

The Haines Group had distributed Nautique tow boats for eight years, following an approach by the American boat builder in 2002.

"The Haines Group has taken the decision to hand the brand back to the USA.  This decision has been taken to allow The Haines Group to focus on its core business which has kept the company strong for more than 50 years," the company said in a statement.

"Over the past eight years, The Haines Group has supported and grown the Nautique brand in Australia with a strong advertising and sponsorship program which included four years as naming rights sponsor of the Australian Pro Tour of Wakeboarding and eight years as sponsor of the Moomba Masters ski tournament.  The Haines Group have sponsored well known Australian athletes under the Nautique banner.

"All current orders in the system will be honoured and competed.  All sales, warranty, spare parts, advertising and sponsorship requests should now go directly to the USA via www.nautiques.com.  Current Nautique dealers will be liaising directly with Correct Craft to arrange new dealer agreements and a direct relationship."