Power Sliding Sunroofs target marine industry.
Press Release Summary:
Offered in 8 standard sizes, Series 60 is intended for retrofit or for installation at time of boat build. Units are available as Flush Mount where top of sunroof is level with boat's existing roof, or Top Mount where sunroof sets on top of existing roof. Roofs offer options of sun screen and mosquito net and fixed rear panel. Transparent fixed panel in glass or acrylic can be fitted directly behind front, moveable panel to provide panoramic look and feel.
Original Press Release:
New Marine Sliding Roofs Bring Unprecedented Quality and Function
Webasto applies 100+ years of automotive experience and opens whole new marine industry business segment
FENTON, Mich., Sept. 24 /-- Webasto, the world's leading manufacturer of roof systems for the automotive industry, is introducing a new line of power sliding roofs to the marine industry.
The Series 60 marine roof, which is available in eight different standard sizes, is a completely new design of modular sliding sunroof specifically designed for the marine market and intended for either retrofit or for installation at the time of the boat build.
For Retrofit
"The design of the Series 60 roof makes it ideal for retrofitting, so boat owners who did not specify a sliding roof when their boat was built can now benefit from the comfort and operational versatility that an open air roof provides," said David Wollard, Director of Marine Division, Webasto Product North America (WPNA).
"With this product, Webasto is opening a whole new business segment for the marine industry. Boat dealers, marinas, and service centers, can easily stock off-the-shelf roofs and offer them to their customers. In a time when many boat owners are keeping their boats longer, this presents a win-win situation; the service center gets the business opportunity to sell and install a premium sunroof from the world's leading sunroof manufacturer, and the owner gets a significant upgrade to their boat," Wollard added.
For the Builder
This new line of standard size marine roofs also makes it easier for builders to incorporate roofs into their boats with very minimal design requirements.
Currently, Webasto supplies marine sunroofs to many boat builders including Maritimo, Arcoa, Hanse Fjord, Maine Cat, and Sabre Yachts. Webasto also creates sunroofs, convertible tops and other roof systems for the original equipment automotive industry which demands extremely high standard of manufacturing quality, dimensional tolerances and fit/finish.
"Webasto has applied this manufacturing expertise and experience to bring a new level of product quality and reliability for sliding roofs in marine applications," Wollard stated.
"Marine roofs have traditionally been custom-made, making them expensive and lacking in operational durability. These Webasto roofs, in standard sizes and with automotive-style, patented operating mechanisms that provide a smooth opening and closing, set a new standard of functional excellence over their whole lifetime," Wollard said. "For example, our roof lifts up before sliding open, thereby avoiding undue wear to the weather seals. We guarantee a 100 percent watertight fit."
The Webasto Series 60 marine roofs are available as either Flush Mount (where the top of the sunroof is level with the boat's existing roof) or Top Mount (where the sunroof sets on top of the existing roof). It is anticipated that the Top Mount will be chosen for most retrofit applications, while both designs can be easily integrated into a new vessel's design.
Top Mount roofs are offered in five sizes (width x length):
1. 31.5 x 31.5 in.
2. 43.3 x 43.3 in.
3. 60.0 x 43.3 in.
4. 66.5 x 37.5 in.
5. 70.9 x 37.4 in.
Flush mount roof sizes include:
1. 60.0 x 43.3 in.
2. 66.0 x 43.3 in.
3. 58.7 x 40.0 in.
Webasto marine roofs offer the options of a sun screen and mosquito net and a fixed rear panel. The screen can be left open to allow full sunlight and an unobstructed view of the sky, or can be closed to either block out direct sunlight or keep out insects. A transparent fixed panel in glass or acrylic can be fitted directly behind the front, moveable panel in all sunroofs to provide a very large, panoramic look and feel. The optional sun screen/mosquito net can be added to this second panel as well.
The Webasto roofs are available in smoke grey or green color glass or acrylic. The roof frame is made of seawater-resistant anodized aluminum. Mechanical components are made of non-corrosive materials.
About Webasto:
Webasto AG headquartered in Stockdorf, near Munich, Germany has been a family-run business ever since the company was founded in 1901. It has about 6,500 employees at 50 international locations and is specialized in the Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) business segments. With sales of around euro 1.6 billion (2008 business year), Webasto is one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company's core competencies include development and production of convertible, roof and body systems as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and marine applications. For additional information go to webasto.us.
CONTACT: Mike Bacon (Webasto), +1-810-593-6052, mike.bacon@webasto-us.com; or Rex Greenslade (G Works), +1-248-346-6242, rex@gworksinc.us
Web Site: http://webasto.us/
