Previous page: Markus at the helm of a 750 Portofino De Luxe. This page, clockwise from top: rich mahogany finish; cutting a smooth trim; luxury upholstery; note the large rear-view mirror, which is specifically designed for waterskiing
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Markus is taking over this unique business. Unique because, even in Switzerland, where stability is a national treasure, it is rare to find examples of such continuity, without some periods of inertia, over so many generations, but that’s certainly the case here.
Domestic bliss Each generation has contributed to the technical progress so well that a Boesch always remains a boat of its time. On the shores of the lake, the original buildings house the administrative centre, engineering and design office, restoration and mechanical workshops, showroom, marina and boat storage. In 1973, the series production was installed in large modern workshops in Sihlbrugg, less than an hour’s drive away towards the mountains. Production has remained stable over the past few years, varying between 25 and 35 units per year, half of which are sold to the domestic Swiss market and the other half for export to predominantly German-speaking markets. Since the
CLASSIC BOAT OCTOBER 2013
1970s, Boesch has created a network of dealers throughout Switzerland: one can be found on the other side of Lake Zürich, as well as in Rolle on Lake Geneva, another on Lake Lucerne, and further in the south at Tenero, on the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore. Abroad, there is a distributor for each of the European countries and representatives in all major countries of the world where luxury yachting has been long established.
new technology Several major hotels and upscale resorts still maintain a fleet of Boesch boats for waterskiing and excursions. Some establishments even use their Boesch vessels as a promotional tool, offering romantic champagne cruises to enchanting sites. There are five models in the range, each with different lengths, finishes and equipment, starting with the 620 Acapulco De Luxe (c€180,000) up to the top-spec 970 St Tropez (c€750,000). In recent years, Boesch has added three electric-powered versions and Klaus explains the switch: “Not so long ago it was