Briggs & Stratton Power Products Creates `Affordable Boating' Category; Fastest-selling, five horsepower outboard gets more Americans on water

MILWAUKEE--March 17, 2004--Briggs & Stratton(R) Power Products today announced its five horsepower outboard became America's fastest-selling five horsepower in 2003. In the wake of the successful launch of the new outboard, the company confirms the emergence of an "affordable boating" category that is getting more Americans on the water.

"We were confident that by introducing an outboard at a price dramatically lower than those already on the market, we could spur the creation of a new category for affordable boating," explained Tom Rugg, Briggs & Stratton marketing manager. "The fact that the product is now America's fastest-selling five horsepower outboard confirms that there's a significant population of would-be boaters looking for a more affordable way to enjoy recreational boating."

Briggs & Stratton shipped 15,000 units of its five horsepower outboard at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $749. According to Briggs & Stratton analysis of National Marine Manufacturers Association data, other manufacturers shipped a combined total of about 24,000 five horsepower outboards last year.

"Our research shows 70 percent of people who bought our outboard were first-time buyers," said Rugg. "We believe this further validates the emergence of a new affordable boating category."

Research conducted prior to last year's introduction of the Briggs & Stratton five horsepower outboard suggested many consumers wanted to get into boating, but simply were unable to take the plunge because of the high cost.

Outboard Specifics

Designed for freshwater use, Briggs & Stratton's outboard provides power and performance features suitable for numerous recreational water activities. The lightweight outboard has a five horsepower, four-cycle 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.

Briggs & Stratton representatives are available to media. Additional media resources are available by visiting www.briggspowerproducts.com/outboard_mediakit.htm. Purchase locations can be found at www.briggspowerproducts.com.

About Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton's commitment is to make boating affordable for everyone. By applying our proven technology and manufacturing expertise to the marine industry, we're making it possible for more people to enjoy life out on the water.

Briggs & Stratton Power Products is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, 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.