SHARJAH-BASED powerboat maker Al Marakeb has announced it plans to launch two new models after a successful 2012 when it achieved a two-fold increase in sales.

Export sales accounted for 40 per cent of total sales while local sales saw an increase of 60 per cent, according to the company. It has expanded its network of regional and international agents and expects exports to rise. Al Marakeb also plans to host key events this year in a bid to gain exposure nationally and internationally.

Production capacity has been expanded 70 per cent with a view to meeting new orders. “The multi-billion-dirham boating industry in the UAE has witnessed a steady increase in demand in 2012. This is an indication of a maturing market and as a result there is great growth potential which Al Marakeb is capitalising on,” said Nour Al Sayyed, architect and head of design and production at Al Marakeb.

The two new models will take the total number of models to five. Existing models will be revamped to enhance their appeal in the market, the official said.

The Habbar 25, costing Dh28,000 ($7,621), will be released soon and has been described as a 25 ft vessel which will go well mainly with fishing devotees while Scylla35, a 23 ft boat, has been projected as a top-of-the-range offering with a scheduled release in June 2013. It will offer a comprehensive list of features including a cabin, and has a price tag of Dh145,000.

Al Marakeb increased its workforce by 50 per cent during 2012. In addition to new product offerings, Al Marakeb also plans several product and feature improvements that the company believes will further strengthen brand appeal.

The Spartan 25 will be provided more hinges on the back seat bench and a longer and wider console unit – all at no extra cost (Dh38,600). It also gets CE-certified (EU certification for recreational craft) for 2 m waves. Additions to Dino 31, Al Marakeb’s best seller for 2012 which saw sales quadruple compared to the previous year, will include among other things, a compass and a windscreen, all at the same cost of Dh60,000.

Finally the Triton 35 is an upgrade to the former Triton 33, where its gets an access platform with teak wood finish and an increase in length, said Al Sayyed.

The other supplementary features will be the windscreen, stainless steel bow railing and an upgraded sound system. Maintaining the competitive pricing strategy, the new model will be priced at Dh105,000, he added.

Arselan Ozturkmen, the general manager at Sky & Sea Adventures, is an owner of five Al Marakeb boats.

“For us the boats tick all the right boxes. They are competitively priced, highly- durable and low maintenance making them a great workhorse for our business which includes boat cruises, fishing trips and different water activities,” he stated.

“Moreover, as Al Marakeb is a small company, we get personal service from the management team that understands our needs, equating to benefits such as flexible in-house payment plans, excellent customer service and follow up,” he added.

Al Sayyed said: “The demand for our boats is out there, and through constant upgrades, investing into expanding our factory capacity, and a consistency in the services that we provide, Al Marakeb is meeting market demands and perhaps one day will have the capability to produce and sell over 300 boats per year worldwide.”