German builder Bavaria Yachts acquired the Neo day cruiser from SVP Yachts of Slovenia, which builds the Greenline Yachts lineup. The companies agreed to transfer the design and tooling last week at the Düsseldorf boat show. Bavaria said in a statement that the first model will go into production in its Giebelstadt yard by September 2020.
“In recent years, the market segment for day cruisers with outboards has grown strongly, particularly in the U.S.A. and Europe,” said Michael Müller, CEO of Bavaria Yachts, in the statement. “With our new day cruiser, we want to tap further customer groups and complete our portfolio of models. Due to the acquisition of the Neo concept and its further development, we will be able to present a new model as early as this year.”
Bavaria said it acquired the rights, tooling and mold for the first 36-foot Neo, which will be powered by twin 300-hp outboards. The company said it would announce a new brand name for the outboard line in the spring.
Luca Meffle, head of sales and marketing at SVP Yachts, said Greenline is “very happy” that the Neo project found a “suitable new owner” with Bavaria.
“We still believe in this project, and we are excited to see how Bavaria will push the Neo to another level with its knowledge of serial production,” Meffle said, adding that Greenline is now only offering hybrid and full-electric propulsion on its boats. “We have sharpened our strategy to focus on alternative propulsion systems and green technologies supporting the idea of responsible boating. Therefore, it was a logical step to find a new shipyard to continue Neo’s success story.”
