Briggs & Stratton Creating New 'Affordable Boating' Category; 5HP Outboard Combines Affordable Price, Dependable Briggs & Stratton Power

    MILWAUKEE--Feb. 6, 2003--Consumers intent on owning an outboard motor finally have an affordable alternative. The Briggs & Stratton 5 horsepower 4-cycle Outboard is making waves as the first outboard to deliver all the important features at a price dramatically lower than products currently offered by other leading brands. The Briggs & Stratton Outboard has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $729.
    The Outboard marks a unique step by Briggs & Stratton, the world's largest manufacturer of engines for outdoor power equipment. "We see an opportunity to create an entirely new market category: affordable boating," explained Tom Rugg, Briggs & Stratton marketing manager.
    "Research suggests there are many consumers who would like to get into boating, but simply haven't been able to take the plunge because of the high cost," Rugg noted. "We're excited to bring new affordability and dependable Briggs & Stratton power to recreational boating. Many outdoor enthusiasts will now be able to get out on the water for hunting, fishing or family boating--activities they may not have been able to pursue before because the cost was too high."
    Designed for freshwater use, Briggs & Stratton's new Outboard provides power and performance features suitable for numerous recreational water activities. The lightweight outboard has a 4-cycle, 5-horsepower engine that provides ample power to navigate lakes and rivers. It features a forward-neutral-reverse gearshift for increased maneuverability and an electronic ignition for reliable starting. A three-gallon remote fuel tank provides up to six hours of running time.
    The outboard's four-cycle overhead valve engine design is both user- and environment- friendly. In addition to offering improved fuel efficiency and easier starts, the four-cycle engine eliminates the need to mix gas and oil. The Outboard meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards through 2006.
    The Outboard is also designed with numerous safety features, including a neutral start safety switch, a patented over-speed protection device and a push-button stop with safety lanyard that provide maximum operator control over the engine.
    Beginning in Spring, 2003, the 5 HP Outboard will be available at select retail chains, as well as through participating Briggs & Stratton dealers throughout the country. More information on locating the retailer nearest to consumers is available at www.briggspowerproducts.com.

    About Briggs & Stratton
    Briggs & Stratton Corp. is the largest manufacturer of small, air-cooled engines for outdoor power equipment, such as lawn mowers, pressure washers and generators. The engines are backed by an authorized service network of more than 30,000 dealers worldwide. Briggs & Stratton engines can be found powering equipment in more than 90 countries on all seven continents. For more information, visit www.briggsandstratton.com.

    Media Resources Available At: www.briggspowerproducts.com/outboard_mediakit.htm