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Between changing usage and market adaptation, Wiziboat is taking its place in the Beneteau Group's ecosystem. Samuel Dubois, in charge of business development for day boating activities, talks about the structuring of this offer and its role with yachtsmen.
What role does Wiziboat play in Groupe Beneteau's global strategy today?
Wiziboat is part of Groupe Beneteau's strategy to develop new support offers for its customers throughout the life of their boat, with a focus on new uses. The idea is to provide concrete solutions to facilitate access to sailing. The platform remains autonomous, under the direction of Pierre-Olivier Bidault-Siré, but is fully connected to our ecosystem. It is supported by our distribution network, enabling rapid, structured deployment, particularly in Europe.
Do you see Wiziboat as a complementary service or as a lever for market transformation?
Above all, it's a response to an already visible trend. The market is changing, particularly in the smaller 5 to 7-meter segments. Wiziboat offers a solution adapted to these segments. It's not a replacement for the existing model, but a complement that meets other expectations.
How does Wiziboat fit in with changing usage patterns?
There is a strong demand for simplicity. Customers want to sail without administrative or financial constraints. The application makes it easy to book, view boat availability and access a fleet with no long commitment. This approach appeals not only to the younger generation, but also to some of the more experienced sailors.
Can the subscription model compete with boat purchases?
In some segments, particularly small ones, rental offers an alternative. The market for small outboards, for example, is tighter these days, with declining registrations in some areas. Wiziboat helps to maintain activity on these units by offering use rather than ownership.
How does the Group structure its sales of new boats with Wiziboat?
There's a real complementarity here. Wiziboat lets you discover boats and test different models. There's a certain porosity between the two approaches. Some users then go on to purchase, while others remain on the usage side.
Is Wiziboat designed as a tool to generate new owners or to democratize access?
Both dimensions exist. The main objective is to get more people out on the water. After that, everyone builds their own course. For some, it will be a step towards acquisition. For others, it's a lasting solution.
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Do you see a difference in potential between Europe and the United States?
Yes, the dynamics are different. In 2025, the Beneteau Group decided to withdraw from its unprofitable boat club activities in the United States and concentrate on Europe, where the network is more structured and allows for gradual deployment. Today, Wiziboat has more than 1,200 members, including more than 450 new ones in 2025, and 38 bases open in France
What are your priority markets?
France remains the cornerstone. The aim is then to expand across Europe, particularly in areas where the distribution network is already present. Inland waterways also represent an avenue for development. Spain, Italy from 2026 and Scandinavia, for example, show interesting potential.
What obstacles have you identified?
There are many constraints. There are regulatory aspects, but also cultural differences in the way people consume water sports. Each market requires specific adaptation.
Is it possible to integrate purchase and rental?
We're moving towards hybrid models. Distributors can offer combined solutions, with boats integrated into fleets. This optimizes their use and diversifies revenues.
What is the profile of Wiziboat users today?
Profiles vary widely. There are fishing-oriented practices in some regions, particularly on the Atlantic coast, and more family-oriented uses in the south. The annual budget is generally between ?2,000 and ?4,000, excluding fuel.
Are you seeing a shift in customer expectations?
Yes, with a focus on flexibility and cost control. The usage-based model allows us to adapt our practices according to our needs. There's also a practical dimension, with a desire to simplify access to navigation.
Can Wiziboat become a gateway to purchasing?
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Yes, in some cases. User experience plays an important role. Regular browsing will help you better understand your needs before making any investment.
How do dealers perceive Wiziboat?
The network is heavily involved. Around 80% of the bases rely on our distributors. We also offer them the opportunity to work with local operators, enabling us to adapt the model to each territory.
Does the Group support homeowners?
Yes, in particular to optimize boat utilization. The aim is to offer adapted products, with boat managers who adjust fleets according to usage.
What do you think Wiziboat will look like in 5 years' time?
The aim is to reach around 5000 members and a hundred or so bases. Development will involve expansion in Europe and diversification of sailing areas.
Do you think the use vs. own model will transform the industry?
It is part of a trend already visible in other sectors. The boating industry is following this trend, with a coexistence of models.
Could Wiziboat become a pillar of the group?
It's a complementary activity that's growing in importance. It helps to broaden the customer base and diversify uses.
But above all, Wiziboat helps to maintain usage where purchasing is declining. This is a key point: we don't cannibalize the market, we support it.
Can Wiziboat's success reduce sales of new boats?
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Not at all, because in all our Wiziboat bases, our boats are less than 3 years old, so every year and increasingly so, we put new Groupe Beneteau boats into service, and the years to come look promising.
