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New Electric Launch from Lear (jet)

Discussion in 'Yacht News; Builds & Launches' started by YachtForums, Aug 9, 2005.

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  1. SECOND GENERATION LEAR TAKES OFF IN MARINE INDUSTRY

    With the same entrepreneurial spirit and reputation for quality that made Learjet a household name, Shanda Lear, daughter of world-renowned inventor Bill Lear, has followed in her father's footsteps and recently launched a new product of her own—in the marine industry.

    Together with husband/designer Terry Baylor, Lear brings a new breed of electric boat to the marketplace. The 20-foot vessel, called the Lear 204, is manufactured by Lear Baylor Inc. of Garden Grove, California, and incorporates several unique features—among them a retractable hard top and patent-pending propulsion system.

    The Lear 204 made its official debut earlier this year in Newport Beach, California, at the 2005 Boat Show at the Dunes.

    Prior to the boat's launch, Lear spent 30 years working in various areas of the non-profit sector, including management, multi-media education, marketing and motivational speaking. Eight years ago she met and married Baylor, a veteran aerospace and marine pattern maker and designer. The couple combined the creative problem-solving skills Lear learned from her father with Baylor's experience in design and engineering, and the Lear 204 concept was born.

    "After the kindergarten teasing over my name (Shanda Lear), no challenge seemed insurmountable," joked Lear, who is president and CEO of the company.

    Baylor's resume includes experience working with NASA, Boeing and Douglas Aircraft. But he is no stranger to the marine industry. Since the 1960s, Baylor worked with several marine firms, including Columbia Yachts, Erickson Yachts, Arthur Marine and Willard Boat Works. At both Arthur and Willard, he served as production manager and oversaw the manufacture of several boat models. Baylor also developed the pattern and all the tooling for the 1975, Lyle Hess-designed Nor'Sea 27, a sailboat with world-voyaging capabilities.

    “The Lear 204 incorporates proven aerospace standards for precision and durability into a marine application," said Baylor, chief of engineering and design.

    “Our company slogan is 'The future of electric marine'," Lear added. "We believe just as the Learjet revolutionized the business aircraft industry, the Lear 204 will redefine the current concept of electric boating."

    Lear Baylor Inc. has already begun filling orders for the Lear 204. A fixed hardtop version of the boat retails for $48,950. The standard model, which includes the retractable hardtop, is priced around $59,950.

    Contact Lear Baylor, Inc., 7215 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite C, Garden Grove, CA 92841; Phone: Toll-free 866-572-2567; info@learbaylor.com; www.learbaylor.com
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