BOOTE: Mr Pilipenko, tell us why boat trading of all things?
Pilipenko: It all started with a tragic accident in the family. My father died, he was the owner of a small company that dealt with marine engines. I promised my mum at university that I would finish the company properly. After that, I wanted to continue my studies. Today I simply have to realise that I didn't know how to finish something like that when I was 20. So I tried to do everything right, but the work became more and more instead of less. Shortly afterwards, a charter company was added here in Schwerin and the tasks got bigger and bigger. When I was 30, I finally said, okay, now I don't need a degree any more.
BOATS: In the meantime, the sale of new boats has also been added.
Pilipenko: Exactly, today we are a broad-based marine company that has its origins in engine servicing and repair. In 2010, we also started trading boats and have been the general importer for Atlantic Marine since 2013. Since this year, we have also expanded our product range in the new boat sector with Boston Whaler as the newest "family member".
BOOTE: This is a thoroughly iconic brand from Florida, which is primarily known for high-quality sports and fishing boats. A market that is already served by many Scandinavian manufacturers. So why Boston Whaler?
Pilipenko: Clearly, they are great boats. Boston Whaler is different. The way boats are built there, the solidity, simply the demand for quality. For me, that is unique in the industry. For me, they are the most sophisticated boats on the market. But at the same time, it is also a project close to my heart. Boston Whaler will never become the volume product in Germany that it is in the USA. We don't have the territory for that, despite the Baltic Sea. The brand's original DNA was fishing, especially in the offshore sector. Whether you're fishing for mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna or amberjack, there's a difference to herring or cod.
BOOTE: Even if you are not concerned with pure profitability, the above-average sales figures that the industry has enjoyed in recent years are, like the pandemic itself, history. Nevertheless, you have decided in favour of a larger range. Why?
Pilipenko: The fact that the market would collapse after these incredibly strong two and a half years of coronavirus could come as no surprise to anyone. It was a foregone conclusion. We simply had an unbelievable number of early purchase decisions during this time. By that I mean customers who were originally planning to buy a boat in three or five years' time, but then did it straight away: "Honey, let's buy one now, we're staying in Germany anyway." I've also always been a fan of anti-cyclical investments. The moment everyone says the clouds are gathering and it's getting dark, I go out. I think that's exactly the right time to take risks.
BOOTE: Are there any models that you will have for test drives in Schwerin?
Pilipenko: Yes, we will definitely have a Vantage and a Dauntless here for testing. In time, more Boston Whaler models will be available for testing.
BOOTE: Boston Whaler's largest boat is the 420 Outrage, a fast 13-metre boat for sport fishing on the open sea. Do you see a market for boats of this size in Germany?
Pilipenko: In addition to the German Baltic and North Sea coasts, our customers for boats of this size can be found in the Mediterranean region. In other words, wherever Germans have a holiday home. But as Boston Whaler has boats from 13 to 42 feet in its product portfolio, there is the right model for every area.
BOOTE: Keyword "heart project": Where does this very personal relationship with Boston Whaler actually come from?
Pilipenko: (laughs) If you had asked me as a twelve-year-old what kind of boat I wanted to sail when I grew up, I would have said without hesitation: Boston Whaler. That's because I was an incredible fan of the US TV series "Flipper". And the little boy in the series was always travelling on a little Boston Whaler
The first event with the new boats will be the Boston Whaler Experience Days from 9 to 11 August 2024 in Schwerin.
- Click here to visit the Schwerin-based company's website: atlanticmarine.com
