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Toyota Names Maritec Manufacturer of New Ski Boats

19 December 1997

Toyota Names Maritec Manufacturer of New Ski Boats

    TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 19 -- Toyota Marine Sports today
announced Maritec Industries, the maker of Gambler bass boats, will
manufacture Toyota's new ski boats which will go on sale in August 1998.
Maritec will begin producing the tournament-class, direct-drive boats in April
1998 at its headquarters in Orlando, Fla., while construction commences in
February at a new manufacturing site in Groveland, Fla.
    "We chose Gambler because of its proven commitment to building quality
boats, its diverse boat-building experience, and the dedication and attitude
of its people to be the best at what they do," said Doug Plescia, vice
president and general manager of Toyota Marine Sports, a division of Toyota
Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.  Prior to starting Maritec 15 years ago, the
company's president and owner, Bob Ackerbloom, built high-performance ski
boats for Spectra Marine in Burbank, Calif.  Currently, Gambler produces
tournament bass boats.
    By July 1998, Maritec's employment will double as a result of its new
relationship with Toyota, and manufacturing will move to the Groveland site
where Gambler bass boats and Toyota ski boats will be built on separate
assembly lines.  "One of our goals in working with Toyota is to incorporate
its manufacturing expertise and efficiency into our operations," said
Ackerbloom.  "Toyota is obsessed with quality and is going to set new
standards that will change the boating industry."
    The two boat models, an open- and closed-bow, are being designed in the
United States, as well, and will be powered by Toyota's 1UZ, 300-horsepower,
4.0-liter V8 engine.
    Toyota announced its intention to enter the marine industry in December
1996.  Since then, Toyota Marine Sports has opened a national sales office in
Orlando and has begun recruiting dealers.

SOURCE  Toyota Marine Sports