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Industry Veteran Ben Robertson to Distribute Predator Boats

Predator 447-R will be imported from Norway.
Predator 447-R
Predator 447-R Predator Performance Boats

Best known as the throttleman of a number of Fountain offshore race boats and for his accomplishments behind the wheel of a Formula 1 tunnel boat, Ben Robertson, president of BAR Marine in South Carolina, will now be distributing Predator Performance Boats, which are built in Norway.

The partnership will be known as Predator Boats US by Ben Robertson, and he will be the exclusive distributor for the Americas. The first model he imported was the Predator 447-R, an offshore go-fast design that measures 46 feet long and has a 9-foot beam. With twin Mercury Racing 1350s and M8 drives, the 15,800-pound boat runs an estimated 140 mph.

Predator 447-R
Predator 447-R Predator Performance Boats
Predator 447-R
Predator 447-R Predator Performance Boats
Predator 447-R
Predator 447-R Predator Performance Boats

Robertson first saw the 447-R during the Superboat International offshore-racing world championships in Key West last fall. “I’ve never seen a boat with as much attention to detail and finish work,” Robertson said. He started talking with Predator Boats President Andre Bakkegard, and the two struck a deal.

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The 447-R is built with Kevlar and carbon fiber, and the boat is rigged with the best names in performance boating, including Mercury Racing K-Planes, CMI exhaust and IMCO steering. The helm features dual steering stations and Livorsi instrumentation. Belowdecks, the boat has a small salon area, a private head, and a V-berth forward. The boat was on display at the Miami International Boat Show, and Robertson is working on a website for the new venture.

Predator 447-R
Predator 447-R Predator Performance Boats
Predator 447-R
Predator 447-R Predator Performance Boats
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