German automobile giant BMW is known worldwide for its luxury sports cars, SUVs and motorcycles, but it could earn a reputation in another vehicle category: boats. BMW has partnered with several boat designers and manufacturers to create new toys for the water, but it’s still too early to estimate their success. Does BMW have a legitimate future in boating? Let’s find out.

The Sundancer 370 Outboard

Designworks – a BMW Group company – is the organization leading the charge into boating. It partnered with American boat manufacturer Sea Ray in early 2021 to create a new boat called the Sundancer 370 Outboard. This boat is BMW’s biggest water-based project to date and could preview what the car company has in store for the future. These are the 2022 model’s main specifications:

• Class: Cruiser
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Length: 39 feet and 9 inches
• Weight: 21,008 pounds dry, 22,947 pounds total
• Bridge Clearance: 12 feet
• Fuel Tank: 250 gallons
• Capacity: three people
• Top Speed: 50.8 mph
• Longest Range: 201 miles

Designers said they wanted the boat to have four characteristics: sleek, confident, athletic and distinctive. At first glance, it contains hints of previous Sundancer models but has sharper lines and a more aggressive look overall. It looks more like a vessel built for high speeds than a luxury cruiser. 

The four qualities the builders were looking for certainly come to mind when you approach the boat. The hull has innovative design features with their own new names, such as the S-sheer line, jawline and center crease.

These lines make the boat look more muscular and rugged, while the glass windshield goes all the way up to the hardtop canopy, allowing for better climate control and more comfortable driving. In fact, drivers describe the experience as yacht-like, as the boat delivered a smooth ride with few bumps and splashes.

Things get more luxurious once you step onboard – as expected for a BMW-influenced boat. The bow space is more open than usual for Sea Ray vessels, with plenty of seating and storage space. The stern also has comfortable, roomy seating, complemented by hardwood tables and surrounded by a powerful Fusion stereo system.

You enter the cabin from the port walkaround, where you’ll find a complete kitchen, bathroom and lodging for three. The stained hardwood and white fiberglass pair together remarkably well. A custom diamond pattern makes subtle appearances here and there, making it feel like a proper luxury vessel.

Boat Engines

BMW has also established itself in the production of boat engines, most notably with Swedish diesel outboard company Oxe Marine. BMW agreed to provide engine blocks for the company’s 200-horsepower (hp) engines and collaborate on a new 300-hp engine that will be released in the near future.

The BMW logo and caption “In Cooperation With BMW” will appear on every device as a sign of the partnership’s long-term intentions. BMW officials said the partnership “offers the BMW Group a chance to re-enter the marine business after several years of absence.” 

These partnerships with Sea Ray and Oxe Marine show that BMW is serious about increasing its influence in the boating industry. But what kind of success can a car company expect to have on the water? 

Looking Ahead

Although BMW has the brand awareness and technological capabilities to make a splash in the boating industry, the industry itself might not have room for another power player. Like many other lines of business, boating is facing supply shortages that could inhibit the production of the Sundancer and Oxe engines.

As a result of the supply shortages, options are limited, prices are high and buyers often have less time to consider purchasing a boat before someone else snatches it up. This rush leads to risky agreements, incomplete documentation and an overall lack of trust between sellers and buyers. These factors might stifle the growth of BMW-related boating products that many buyers aren’t familiar with.

But we’re being pessimistic and premature. The Sundancer was only released in early 2021, and the new Oxe Marine engine isn’t even finished yet. It’s far too early to determine the success/failure of these products. 

The most likely scenario is that BMW’s boating products will gain a niche following from wealthy buyers and luxury car enthusiasts looking to add to their collections. This group will be large and stable enough for BMW to dodge economic pitfalls and remain profitable, though further expansion will be difficult.

The Future Looks Bright… Enough

The Sundancer 370 Outboard has all the makings of a successful luxury cruiser and the partnership with Oxe Marine looks promising as well. The only thing stopping BMW from gaining influence in the boating industry is the industry itself. However, BMW has the reputation and resources to overcome subpar market conditions and attract a sustainable group of buyers.

American truck stops are more than just resting places for truck drivers. Many of them have tourist attractions and amenities for everyone on the road, including luxury car owners. 

With several unique spots in every state, you might recognize some of the names on this list. Here are five interesting truck stops to visit on your next BMW road trip.

1. Florida 595 Truck Stop, Davie, FL

Our first stop is the largest overnight destination for travelers in the Sunshine State, Florida 595 Truck Stop. This stop has over 450 parking spots and 12 fueling stations, giving your BMW plenty of space to maneuver around. But that’s not the 595’s only calling card. In true Florida fashion, this stop has every store you could need on your road trip, plus a little extra:

• A massive convenience store
• Travel/service center
• Sports bar
• Diner
• Chrome shop
• Radio repair shop

This stop has a perfect location for travelers. It sits next to the busy 595 freeway, just a short distance from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Stop by if you’re in the neighborhood!

2. South of the Border, Hamer, SC

If you’ve driven on Interstate 95 through the southeast United States, you’ve probably seen South of the Border Motor Inn. It sits right on the North/South Carolina border and catches every driver’s attention with huge billboards, old-school building designs and a clear Mexican-American theme.

Aside from the eye-catching design, this stop brings all kinds of businesses to the table. It covers the basics with a grocery store, gas station, housing and bathrooms for travelers. You can also find several restaurants, including the famed Sombrero Room, a steakhouse and other fast food options. 

The odd tourist attractions set this truck stop apart from the other places on this list. South of the Border has a small carnival, beach shop, reptile lagoon and a 200-foot observation tower with a giant sombrero at the top. It’s a strange place and a worthwhile checkpoint on your next road trip along the east coast.

3. Mach 1 Store #12, West Frankfort, IL

The Mach 1 line of truck stops is a popular brand among truck drivers, and Store #12 in Frankfort is one of the crown jewels. This family-owned and operated location in Southeast Illinois is one of the cleanest stops you will ever see and gets frequent updates. The owners are active on social media and let customer feedback influence their business decisions more than most companies.

Thanks to these social media efforts, the convenience store always has a new product or promotion, and the housing area updates its amenities often. Store #12 sits right off of Interstate 57, with parks, restaurants and a public golf course nearby. Your BMW will be right at home at this clean and comfortable establishment.

4. Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, IA

Iowa 80 holds the title of the World’s Largest Truckstop, which is reason enough to stop there on a road trip. It more than doubles Florida 595’s parking total with over 900 parking spots and enough buildings to qualify as a small town. Here’s the condensed version of all the attractions Iowa 80 provides:

• Mega convenience store
• Gym
• Laundry facility
• Chiropractor
• Dentist
• Library
• Barbershop
• Movie theater
• Pet grooming salon

No matter your interest, we can safely say that Iowa 80 has an open parking spot for your BMW. It sits almost exactly halfway between Chicago and Des Moines on Interstate 80. If you happen to drive by, you need to stop and see what the hype is about.

5. Russell’s Travel Center, Glenrio, NM

Russell’s Travel Center is a car enthusiast’s dream stop. Located off Interstate 40 and Route 66 near the Texas/New Mexico border, this attraction is a truck stop and free vintage car museum rolled into one. That’s right – you can take a break from the road AND see beautiful classic vehicles at no extra cost. You can also stop for a bite to eat at Russell’s diner, featuring Mexican, American and Cajun cuisine.

I40 and Route 66 themselves are influential attractions for Russell’s as well. You and your BMW will have a great time traversing the beautiful southwestern scenery and flying across the long flat highway stretches. When you get tired, stop at Russell’s for dinner and a tour of America’s finest vintage vehicles.

Explore With Your BMW

Your BMW is built to push the boundaries. Take that mentality to heart and explore one of these unique truck stops on your next road trip. You might find something strange and unexpected, but that’s what road trips are all about. Take your luxury vehicle on a long journey and start making lasting memories!

BMW owners like to keep their vehicles spotless, but sometimes a special occasion calls for an exception. If you plan on tailgating this summer, your BMW can handle the job just fine. However, you need to have all the tools/equipment and know the tricks that tailgating experts use to keep their vehicles clean.

Travel Tips

To start, you should inspect the tailgate’s location and identify potential spots for your BMW. Paved and grass spots are both sufficient, but paved is the safer option because of the potential for rain. You don’t want to get your vehicle stuck in the grass or track mud into your car. In any case, keep a close eye on the weather forecast to make sure you pack the necessary clothes.

You should also plan your entrance and exit routes beforehand. Tailgates can turn into traffic jams in the blink of an eye, so you need to know exactly where you’re going. If you’re lucky, you might find an alternative route and dodge the main flow of traffic. 

Start the day with a full tank of gas and fully charged cell phone. You shouldn’t have to worry about travel or communication during the tailgate. Prepare all your devices for the big day so you can focus on having fun!

Vehicle Protection

Tailgates can get messy with food and partygoers moving around, so you need to give your BMW the proper covering. Here are some tools you can use to shield your vehicle from external factors:

• Canopy tent: cover the area around your BMW’s trunk with a large canopy tent to provide shelter from the elements.

• Cargo mats: line your vehicle with heavy-duty cargo mats to prevent stains from food and beverages. You can remove and shake out the mats when the tailgate is over.

• Hitch cargo carrier: your BMW probably has plenty of trunk space, but if you want to avoid storing food inside your vehicle, consider getting a hitch cargo carrier.

Although tailgates aren’t considered classy events, your BMW is still a classy vehicle. Give it the protection it deserves with these helpful tools.

Essential Equipment

All tailgates require a special array of equipment, including containers for food storage, seating arrangements, eating utensils and more. Here’s everything you need, from start to finish:

• Fans, blankets, rain jackets, etc. depending on the weather forecast
• Portable battery for charging mobile devices
• First Aid Kit
• At least two large coolers
• Portable grill and grilling utensils
• Crockpot for hot food
• Condiments
• Small fire extinguisher (just in case)
• Plates or bowls for food display
• Foldable table
• Tablecloth
• Foldable lawn chairs
• Napkins/paper towels
• Disposable cups, plates and utensils
• Trash bags or bins
• Clear tote bags

When the tailgate is over, you don’t want to leave all your belongings in your BMW. That’s why you must have a few clear bags on hand. Clear bags allow you to carry loose items into the stadium without holding up security protocols.

Food Storage

While your BMW will get some attention, the food is the tailgate’s main attraction. Grilling is almost expected, so your food selection should contain at least one meat entree, one hot side and various finger foods, such as chips and pretzels. 

Store your perishable food in a large cooler with several inches of ice. The container must remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the meat fresh. Most coolers can easily maintain the appropriate temperature, but check your product to make sure.

You should store your beverages in a different cooler for one specific reason: people will constantly open and close the beverage cooler, increasing its inside temperature. By separating foods and drinks, you keep the food cooler sealed shut.

Display your grill and food items at least 10 feet away from the BMW. You don’t want anyone to think they can cook or eat while sitting in your car’s trunk space, even if you have the necessary protection. Your vehicle is the tailgate’s gathering place, but it doesn’t have to be the hub for all activities.

Sanitation

Tailgates aren’t the most sanitary environments for cooking and eating, so you need to take extra precautions. Wash your hands before handling food and provide these cleaning devices:

• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Moist towelettes
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfecting wipes

Tailgates also gather a lot of trash, so bring some large trash bags or cans and station them in high-traffic areas around your vehicle. Make sure garbage and recycling each have a designated bag/can.

Entertainment

BMWs are great vehicles for providing entertainment. They have powerful sound systems for music and make for attractive centerpieces. Your family and friends will be excited to rally around a luxury vehicle in a sea of pick-up trucks and minivans. Still, music isn’t the only entertainment a tailgate needs. Bring yard games like cornhole and spikeball to keep your guests happy.

Should You Tailgate With Your BMW? Yes!

Your BMW might be an expensive luxury vehicle, but that doesn’t mean it’s only reserved for expensive luxury activities. A tailgate is a great way to show off your vehicle’s capabilities to friends and family. Just make sure you follow the travel tips, get the necessary equipment and remember to establish a clean and entertaining environment.