News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2001
Bombadier Announces Revolutionary New O.P.A.S. TM (Off Power Assisted Steering)
System On 2002 Sea-Doo Watercraft
A responsible boating feature that provides added maneuverability
Stuart, Florida, August 21, 2001 - Bombardier
Recreational Products, the industry leader in the promotion
of responsible boating, with innovations such as the Sea-Doo®
Learning Key TM, raises the bar even higher with the introduction
of the revolutionary Sea-Doo O.P.A.S. TM (Off Power Assisted
Steering) system. The O.P.A.S. system is designed to provide
added maneuverability by assisting the steering of the watercraft
in off-power operation as well as when the throttle is released.
It will be offered on the all-new 2002 Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC TM
and GTX DI watercraft and the entry level 2002 Sea-Doo GTI
TM LE and GTI watercraft.
The Sea-Doo O.P.A.S. system uses a dual rudder design that
assists the watercraft to decelerate and redirect its path
when the throttle is released or the power is turned off and
the handlebars are turned to one side. This system is the
next evolution in responsible boating features from the world's
foremost watercraft manufacturer.
The system can easily be seen on each side of the hull on
equipped models in the form of spring loaded rudders. While
the watercraft is at speed and on plane, the rudders tuck
up into their respective pockets in the sides of the hull
while having no effect on handling. When the throttle is released
or the motor is turned off after being on plane, the system
activates. As the water pressure drops in the water jet pump,
the rudders automatically deploy into the flow of water to
assist maneuvering the watercraft as the handlebars are turned
to one side. The O.P.A.S. system rudders are also designed
to allow beaching, docking, and/or trailering.
Bombardier is well-known for its support of safe boating
training and educational initiatives as well as for its stewardship
in safety-minded innovations, such as the Sea-Doo Learning
Key TM. The Sea-Doo Learning Key automatically limits RPMs
keeping top speed around 35 mph, so that less-experienced
riders may learn to operate the watercraft with greater confidence
and control. It was first introduced on the Sea-Doo GTX DI
and RX TM DI model watercraft in 2000 and was applauded by
the United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation
Safety Board. For 2002 the Sea-Doo Learning Key is offered
on all DI models and the new GTX 4-TEC. The highly-praised
Sea-Doo Learning Key, combined with the all-new Sea-Doo O.P.A.S.
system, offer further assurance of Bombardier's commitment
to responsible boating.
Sea-Doo watercraft continue to bring innovation to the marine
industry with unique and functional designs; new, cleaner
and powerful engine technology; and consumer-friendly safety
features. By offering state-of-the-art products and continuing
a rich history in promoting recreational boating as a safe
and fun activity, Sea-Doo watercraft continue to lead the
way for all future marine products.
Working with the United States Coast Guard, Bombardier has
dedicated more resources to promoting safe boating than any
other marine manufacturer. Bombardier has spread the word
to promote safe and responsible boating through the Boat Smart
From The Start program with race car driver Jeff Gordon, talk
show host Rosie O'Donnell, and football coach Philip Fulmer
acting as spokespersons.
Bombardier Recreational Products designs, develops, builds,
distributes and markets Ski-Doo® and Lynx® snowmobiles,
snowgrooming equipment and multi-purpose tracked vehicles,
Sea-Doo® watercraft and sport boats and Bombardier®
all-terrain vehicles. Snowmobiles, ATVs, watercraft and some
sport boats are powered by Rotax® engines that are designed
and built by Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, which also builds motors
for motorcycles, scooters, karts and aircraft. In March 2001,
the group acquired the Evinrude® and Johnson® outboard
marine engines as well as the Ficht Ram Injection® technology.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service
company, is a world leading manufacturer of business jets,
regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized
recreational products. It is also a provider of financial
services and asset management. The Corporation employs 79,000
people in 24 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Bombardier's revenues for its fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2001
totaled $16.1 billion (Cdn) and more than 90% were generated
outside Canada.
TM Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information: Tim McKercher
Communications Coordinator, Watercraft
Telephone: (321) 726-2110
E-mail: tim.mckercher@recreation.bombardier.com
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