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BobL posted 06-16-2006 10:39 PM ET (US)
Brunswick has brought back the Laguna series. I saw an ad in one of my fishing magazines. Below is what the Laguna web site reports.
“Laguna was first manufactured and distributed by another Brunswick Boat Group company-Sea Ray. On hold for a few years and after extensive customer research and strategic planning, Brunswick brought Laguna back in 2006 with five models: three center consoles from 18 to 24 feet; and two bay boats between 19 and 21 feet.”
“Today, Laguna is manufactured by the Brunswick Bluewater Marine Group in Newberry, SC and distributed by a nationwide network of knowledgeable dealers.”
Since the new Lagunas models are center consoles and bays boats, none of the new ones look too much like my 1994 21 Walk-around. Some of the newer Boston Whalers with Euro-transoms share some DNA with the original Lagunas. The early Lagunas are nice heavy, solid boats with deep vees. They are great fishing and family boats. It is nice to see that Brunswick is bringing the line back.

jimh posted 06-16-2006 10:53 PM ET (US)
Good information, except it seems they have the name of the group mentioned differently! The LAGUNA is to be made from the Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group. This group is headed by mainly former Boston Whaler people.
Here is the official press announcement:
---
Brunswick's Saltwater Boat Group Launches Laguna
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., June 09, 2006 - Fishing enthusiasts have a new benchmark for quality and performance with the introduction of the brand-new Laguna line of fishing boats. Living up to its "Built to Fish" motto while keeping an eye on affordability, Laguna brings boaters a strong line-up of bay boats and offshore fishing boats from 18 to 24 feet. These boat/motor/trailer packages are loaded with standard features and built using premium materials.
"The Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group is bringing a quality brand of feature-rich boats to the market," said Ron Berman, the Group's vice president of product and development [and head of Whaler Engineering, too]. "The Laguna portfolio is sure to satisfy the fishing enthusiast, with little need for upgrades or added options."
The 2007 Laguna model line-up is packed with standard features that are traditionally offered as optional on most boats in the category. Standard features on all boats include dual livewells; 316-L stainless steel rails; SmartCraft SC1000 system tachometer and speedometer; deluxe cast stainless steel steering wheels; hydraulic steering; Mercury FourStroke engines and aluminum trailers.The initial Laguna line-up will include five models - two bay boats and three center console boats - and will be available through MarineMax, the largest marine products retailer in the United States, as well as other select Brunswick dealers.
"MarineMax is committed to delivering the boating dream to boating enthusiasts," said Ed Russell, vice president of operations at MarineMax. "Laguna fills the gap in the industry for well-packaged, turnkey fishing boats that provide the customer with product quality and value."
Distribution will begin through MarineMax's Pompano Beach and Venice, Fla., stores followed by a quick roll-out through the summer to its many others stores. Laguna boats will be sold in several key boating and fishing areas, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina, the Great Lakes, and several Northeastern states.
For more information on the brand-new Laguna line-up and to locate the nearest dealer, please visit www.lagunaboats.net or call (803) 321-5777.
About Laguna and the Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group
Laguna, a business unit of the Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group headquartered in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., is made up of Built to FishT bay and center console fishing boats from 18 to 24 feet. The Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group manufactures and distributes Boston Whaler, Laguna, Palmetto, Sea Boss and Sea Pro boats.
About Marine Max
Headquartered in Clearwater, Fl., MarineMax is the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Hatteras, MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products. MarineMax currently operates 85 retail locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company.
BobL posted 06-16-2006 11:22 PM ET (US)
http://www.lagunaboats.net/index.aspx
Peter posted 06-17-2006 08:24 AM ET (US)
The consensus is that these boats are rebadged SeaPros. Compare the Laguna B-190, C-210SC and C-240SC to the SeaPro SV1900cc, 206CC and 238CC, respectively. The boats are essentially identical. Only difference I can see is the use of a different consoles on the C-210SC versus the 206CC.
The speculation is that SeaPro has excess capacity due to a sales fall off after the Brunswick acquisition and both Yamaha and BRP pulled their support of this brand. Seems to me that the Mercury tieing arrangement doesn't work as well for the SeaPro brand because the SeaPro brand isn't nearly as strong as the Whaler brand to help pull sales of Mercury outboards through. In other words, the strength of the Whaler brand is better able to withstand the negative impact on boat sales the tieing arrangement causes. The Whaler brand strength comes from the distinctiveness and the reputation of the products whereas the SeaPro products are not terribly distinctive relative to the competition.
Marsh posted 06-17-2006 02:09 PM ET (US)
Interesting to note that the Laguna offers a limited LIFETIME hull warranty, whereas our beloved Whalers only get 10 years.
Curious.
Marsh
Speedo66 posted 06-17-2006 06:30 PM ET (US)
That's like 10years/100K miles for Hyandai vs. 4/50K for BMW. If you can't move the iron (or fiberglass) ya' make the warranty better. VW did the same during their sales slump, as did Chrysler.
I'm waiting for the lifetime warranty on the motors myself.
Barney posted 06-17-2006 06:36 PM ET (US)
Aluminum trailers are nice too. I guess that is required to move what is now a previously unknown boat to most people. Nice looking though. Jim
jimh posted 06-17-2006 09:42 PM ET (US)
With the error in the company name, it sounds like the guy doing the website ought to read the press release from Brunswick. I figure Brunswick knows better what the name of their division is than the guy writing the website copy.
BobL posted 06-18-2006 10:31 PM ET (US)
I think Peter is right about the Lagunas being rebadged SeaPros. I looked at pictures from both websites side by side and the hulls appear to be the same. What is the reputation of SeaPro? I have never been up close to one and do not know what the quality is like. My 1994 Laguna is a SeaRay and the quality matches the high standard typical of SeaRays. I hope the new Lagunas are well built too.
I don’t know the organization of Brunswick Boat Groups but it could be that the Bluewater Marine Group is a division within Brunswick’s Saltwater Boat Group. Brunswick companies generally do a nice job with the websites. It is uncharacteristic of them to have errors (boat group misnamed).
jimh posted 06-18-2006 11:47 PM ET (US)
On second thought--maybe the press release got it wrong!
I think BobL has the answer: there is a new Bluewater Marine Group that is part of the Saltwater Boat Group..
I've only seen one SeaRay Laguna. It was a nice 24- or 25-foot center console. It looked like a good offshore boat with a deep-V hull. They must have had a good reputation, and that's why they're bring the name back for this new line of boats.
Bulldog posted 06-19-2006 07:47 AM ET (US)
I had a 1989 SeaRay Laguna 23 with twin 100-HP engines, very well made boat, but heavy at 5,500-lbs without engines and ZERO floatation, not even under the gunwales. This was the boat that made me realize that a 20-foot boat would be ideal for me, with all the towing I do. I've had two Whalers since then, went too small at 17' then finally got the ideal 20' boat..........Jack
peteinsf posted 06-28-2006 11:31 AM ET (US)
In the 1970's I remember a Laguna brand that was 30 to 50-foot twin turbo diesels. These were massive craft. Is this same company? I recall there was some sort relationship with Grand Banks at the time.
Pete
BobL posted 06-28-2006 07:53 PM ET (US)
Pete,
The Laguna name we are talking about in the thread was originally a line of boats made by SeaRay between 1989 and 1996. (I think those were the years). Brunswick has brought back the Laguna name as a separate company not connected to SeaRay. I don’t think the company that built the larger boats from the 1970’s is the same Laguna.
BobL

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Author	Topic: Brunswick brings back Laguna line
BobL	posted 06-16-2006 10:39 PM ET (US) Brunswick has brought back the Laguna series. I saw an ad in one of my fishing magazines. Below is what the Laguna web site reports. “Laguna was first manufactured and distributed by another Brunswick Boat Group company-Sea Ray. On hold for a few years and after extensive customer research and strategic planning, Brunswick brought Laguna back in 2006 with five models: three center consoles from 18 to 24 feet; and two bay boats between 19 and 21 feet.” “Today, Laguna is manufactured by the Brunswick Bluewater Marine Group in Newberry, SC and distributed by a nationwide network of knowledgeable dealers.” Since the new Lagunas models are center consoles and bays boats, none of the new ones look too much like my 1994 21 Walk-around. Some of the newer Boston Whalers with Euro-transoms share some DNA with the original Lagunas. The early Lagunas are nice heavy, solid boats with deep vees. They are great fishing and family boats. It is nice to see that Brunswick is bringing the line back.
jimh	posted 06-16-2006 10:53 PM ET (US) Good information, except it seems they have the name of the group mentioned differently! The LAGUNA is to be made from the Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group. This group is headed by mainly former Boston Whaler people. Here is the official press announcement: --- Brunswick's Saltwater Boat Group Launches Laguna NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., June 09, 2006 - Fishing enthusiasts have a new benchmark for quality and performance with the introduction of the brand-new Laguna line of fishing boats. Living up to its "Built to Fish" motto while keeping an eye on affordability, Laguna brings boaters a strong line-up of bay boats and offshore fishing boats from 18 to 24 feet. These boat/motor/trailer packages are loaded with standard features and built using premium materials. "The Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group is bringing a quality brand of feature-rich boats to the market," said Ron Berman, the Group's vice president of product and development [and head of Whaler Engineering, too]. "The Laguna portfolio is sure to satisfy the fishing enthusiast, with little need for upgrades or added options." The 2007 Laguna model line-up is packed with standard features that are traditionally offered as optional on most boats in the category. Standard features on all boats include dual livewells; 316-L stainless steel rails; SmartCraft SC1000 system tachometer and speedometer; deluxe cast stainless steel steering wheels; hydraulic steering; Mercury FourStroke engines and aluminum trailers.The initial Laguna line-up will include five models - two bay boats and three center console boats - and will be available through MarineMax, the largest marine products retailer in the United States, as well as other select Brunswick dealers. "MarineMax is committed to delivering the boating dream to boating enthusiasts," said Ed Russell, vice president of operations at MarineMax. "Laguna fills the gap in the industry for well-packaged, turnkey fishing boats that provide the customer with product quality and value." Distribution will begin through MarineMax's Pompano Beach and Venice, Fla., stores followed by a quick roll-out through the summer to its many others stores. Laguna boats will be sold in several key boating and fishing areas, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina, the Great Lakes, and several Northeastern states. For more information on the brand-new Laguna line-up and to locate the nearest dealer, please visit www.lagunaboats.net or call (803) 321-5777. About Laguna and the Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group Laguna, a business unit of the Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group headquartered in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., is made up of Built to FishT bay and center console fishing boats from 18 to 24 feet. The Brunswick Saltwater Boat Group manufactures and distributes Boston Whaler, Laguna, Palmetto, Sea Boss and Sea Pro boats. About Marine Max Headquartered in Clearwater, Fl., MarineMax is the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Hatteras, MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products. MarineMax currently operates 85 retail locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company.
BobL	posted 06-16-2006 11:22 PM ET (US) http://www.lagunaboats.net/index.aspx
Peter	posted 06-17-2006 08:24 AM ET (US) The consensus is that these boats are rebadged SeaPros. Compare the Laguna B-190, C-210SC and C-240SC to the SeaPro SV1900cc, 206CC and 238CC, respectively. The boats are essentially identical. Only difference I can see is the use of a different consoles on the C-210SC versus the 206CC. The speculation is that SeaPro has excess capacity due to a sales fall off after the Brunswick acquisition and both Yamaha and BRP pulled their support of this brand. Seems to me that the Mercury tieing arrangement doesn't work as well for the SeaPro brand because the SeaPro brand isn't nearly as strong as the Whaler brand to help pull sales of Mercury outboards through. In other words, the strength of the Whaler brand is better able to withstand the negative impact on boat sales the tieing arrangement causes. The Whaler brand strength comes from the distinctiveness and the reputation of the products whereas the SeaPro products are not terribly distinctive relative to the competition.
Marsh	posted 06-17-2006 02:09 PM ET (US) Interesting to note that the Laguna offers a limited LIFETIME hull warranty, whereas our beloved Whalers only get 10 years. Curious. Marsh
Speedo66	posted 06-17-2006 06:30 PM ET (US) That's like 10years/100K miles for Hyandai vs. 4/50K for BMW. If you can't move the iron (or fiberglass) ya' make the warranty better. VW did the same during their sales slump, as did Chrysler. I'm waiting for the lifetime warranty on the motors myself.
Barney	posted 06-17-2006 06:36 PM ET (US) Aluminum trailers are nice too. I guess that is required to move what is now a previously unknown boat to most people. Nice looking though. Jim
jimh	posted 06-17-2006 09:42 PM ET (US) With the error in the company name, it sounds like the guy doing the website ought to read the press release from Brunswick. I figure Brunswick knows better what the name of their division is than the guy writing the website copy.
BobL	posted 06-18-2006 10:31 PM ET (US) I think Peter is right about the Lagunas being rebadged SeaPros. I looked at pictures from both websites side by side and the hulls appear to be the same. What is the reputation of SeaPro? I have never been up close to one and do not know what the quality is like. My 1994 Laguna is a SeaRay and the quality matches the high standard typical of SeaRays. I hope the new Lagunas are well built too. I don’t know the organization of Brunswick Boat Groups but it could be that the Bluewater Marine Group is a division within Brunswick’s Saltwater Boat Group. Brunswick companies generally do a nice job with the websites. It is uncharacteristic of them to have errors (boat group misnamed).
jimh	posted 06-18-2006 11:47 PM ET (US) On second thought--maybe the press release got it wrong! I think BobL has the answer: there is a new Bluewater Marine Group that is part of the Saltwater Boat Group.. I've only seen one SeaRay Laguna. It was a nice 24- or 25-foot center console. It looked like a good offshore boat with a deep-V hull. They must have had a good reputation, and that's why they're bring the name back for this new line of boats.
Bulldog	posted 06-19-2006 07:47 AM ET (US) I had a 1989 SeaRay Laguna 23 with twin 100-HP engines, very well made boat, but heavy at 5,500-lbs without engines and ZERO floatation, not even under the gunwales. This was the boat that made me realize that a 20-foot boat would be ideal for me, with all the towing I do. I've had two Whalers since then, went too small at 17' then finally got the ideal 20' boat..........Jack
peteinsf	posted 06-28-2006 11:31 AM ET (US) In the 1970's I remember a Laguna brand that was 30 to 50-foot twin turbo diesels. These were massive craft. Is this same company? I recall there was some sort relationship with Grand Banks at the time. Pete
BobL	posted 06-28-2006 07:53 PM ET (US) Pete, The Laguna name we are talking about in the thread was originally a line of boats made by SeaRay between 1989 and 1996. (I think those were the years). Brunswick has brought back the Laguna name as a separate company not connected to SeaRay. I don’t think the company that built the larger boats from the 1970’s is the same Laguna. BobL