A luxury boatmaker near Peterborough is hoping the launch of two new models will boost its fortunes.
Price-tags of more than £850,000 have been placed on the Squadron 60 and Targa 62 Gran Turismo launched by Oundle-based Fairline Boats on Friday at the PSP Southampton Boat Show.
Bosses at the boatmaker are hoping the boats will herald a new era of growth for the firm, which despite announcing an improved trading performance this year, has still shed more than 150 jobs since January.
James Robinson, sales and marketing director at Fairline Boats, admitted that it had been a difficult year for the company, but said the launch of the new boats had been well received at the two boat shows at which the company had recently exhibited.
He said: “Boat shows are key to our business and we have had a positive start to the season.
“We are delighted to have launched two new models at Cannes and Southampton last week, the Targa 62GT and Squadron 60, and have been pleased with the level of enquiries across the range.”
Mr Robinson added that the business has steadied during a year which has been tumultuous to say the least, described as the most difficult in the company’s history.
He said: “In terms of how the business is faring, there is no doubt times have been tough and we’ve gone through some of the worst market conditions in our 45-year history.
“I am pleased to say that with the support of Better Capital, the business has stabilised over the past nine months and Fairline is trading as planned.”
The Squadron 60, which retails at £957,200 excluding VAT, has been described by Fairline as “the epitome of luxury” with a flybridge coming with a griddle, fridge, sink, icemaker and a sunbed area.
Inside is a single-level saloon and galley, with three cabins found below deck.
The new Targa meanwhile is the largest cruiser in that particular range and features an open cockpit with a bar and a large sunpad.
Inside it boasts a galley, a full-width en-suite master cabin and two guest cabins.
Fairline Boats was started by Jack Newingtonin 1963.
The company reached its peak as an £150 million firm in 2008, but shortly after announced 500 job losses as the credit crunch hit.