Caravans to outboard engines

by Bob Wonders on 11 May 2008 Brisbane-based Kratzmann Caravans has been a leading recreational vehicle supplier in the northern capital for more than 30-years, established in 1977 by Gary Kratzmann in a small, used car yard.

The company has since grown into an impressive business operation with three retail outlets offering caravans, camper trailers, motor homes and now boats, exclusively powered by Yamaha outboards.

Actually, the company’s boating involvement began 18 months ago at the Burpengary (near Bribie Island) location, with Queensland-built brand names including Allison, CoxCraft, TABS and Ozcraft boats.

The company realised it needed an outboard franchise and waited patiently until it could secure the Yamaha marque. 'We sat back and waited for the right opportunity and now we are the sole Yamaha dealership in Brisbane’s northern sector,' Clint Kratzmann said.

'Our boating dealership is just down the road from our primary caravan outlet with excellent exposure to the nearby Bruce Highway. 'We’ve become a household name in caravans, with celebrities such as country music star Lee Kernaghan and V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes supporters of the Kratzmann team.

'Our aim is to become a household name in boats, too, 'he added.

With seven brands of caravans in stock, Clint Kratzmann says the company has built its success on being able to offer its clients a wide choice.

'Buying a boat should be no different,' he said. 'With the Yamaha range we can now offer three different categories; we’ll have the complete two-stroke range from 2hp to 200hp, the high-tech four-stroke engines from 2.5hp to 350hp and the high-pressure, direct injection outboards at 150hp and 200hp.

'Fibreglass or aluminium, what ever the boat of choice may be we’ll be able to offer the engine to suit,' he added.