An American inspiration
The story of White Shark begins in the early 90s. The powerful American group OMC had a French branch based in Vannes. At that time, OMC manufactured Chris Craft and Four Winns boats as well as Johnson and Evinrude engines. The French subsidiary also integrated the Kelt Marine shipyard into its fold. Directed by André Rouxin, OMC France wanted to expand its range of motorboats with models better adapted to European specificities.
By taking over the qualities of the Chris Craft hulls, OMC France adapts its deck plans to the European market and presents its first units at the Paris Boat Show in 1993. Named White Shark, three open models were presented to the public: the 185, the 215 and the 226. The success is immediate with the customers, who are conquered by the mixture of the American and European cultures of the White Shark.
An eventful history
In 1996, the American group OMC experiences financial difficulties. The French subsidiary was sold to André Rouxin, who kept the production line in Vannes, on the condition that all new White Shark models were powered by Johnson or Evinrude blocks.
Following OMC's bankruptcy in the 2000s, André Rouxin sold his business to the Poncin Group, which was then in full expansion. But the core target of the group being cruising catamarans, the White Shark range is not promoted, and the shipyard is sold to Guymarine in 2013.
The production is repatriated to Marans, but Guymarine lacks funds to relaunch the brand. White Shark will never manage to make a place for itself in the competitive market of the motor dayboat.
A revival under the leadership of French Boat Market
In 2020, the shipyard was taken over by French Boat Market, a recognized player in the motorboat market for several decades. Under the leadership of Lionel Vergnes, a new design office was created and the production line was relocated to France, in L'Herbaudière.
The shipyard has been given a new lease on life, and the future of the white shark is looking brighter. A team of 42 employees is at work and produces about 100 models each year.
The shipyard offers a dozen models ranging from 21 to 30 feet, divided into two ranges: center console and sport cabin. This catalog will be completed by the arrival of the new 340 SC, which will be presented to the public in the fall of 2023.
An impeccable manufacturing quality
Made from infusion, a White Shark is in the premium segment and has a build quality that is built to last. Offering generous sampling, the hulls are designed to go fast in all conditions, while providing the crew with comfortable accommodations.
It is moreover aboard a White Shark 237 that a French skipper, Bertrand, reached Marseille from Jordan this was a 2600 mile sail across the Mediterranean, during which his boat did not encounter the slightest problem.
The White Shark 240 SC, the shipyard's best-seller
Among the models of the range, the 240 SC is the most emblematic boat.
The White Shark 240 Sc Evo, for sport Cabin, is an evolution of the White Shark 228, which was launched in 2008. This best-seller of the shipyard has been given a facelift, while retaining the qualities of its predecessor.
This ultra-versatile model has benefited from the addition of an engine bracket, which frees up space in the cockpit while offering a larger bathing platform. This space saving has allowed the installation of a large L-shaped bench seat, convertible into a saloon that can accommodate 6 people.
A galley area precedes the sleekly designed cockpit, which houses a small cabin equipped with a double berth and an optional toilet. The front deck is occupied by a huge sunbathing area. The whole retains the exceptional hull of the 228, as well as an exemplary quality of manufacture.
