SEA RAY WINS AGAIN / WHAT ELSE IS NEWS?

This is all great marketing

Sea Ray Wins 5 More CSI Awards Totaling 68 – the Most in the Industry.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2016) — Sea Ray recently was recognized by the marine industry’s independent trade organization for excellence in customer satisfaction, the 12th consecutive year the company has received the honor. Sea Ray earned five 2015 Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), bringing the company’s total to an unprecendented 68 CSI Awards. The NMMA announced the awards during the Industry Breakfast held at the recent 2016 Miami International Boat Show.
“There can be no higher goal than the complete satisfaction of your customers,” said Tim Schiek, president of the Sea Ray Boat Group. “We take great pride in the fact that our customers rank their Sea Ray experiences so highly across this many categories. It reflects the hard work of our extensive dealer network, as well as the commitment of our employees to produce beautifully crafted luxury sport boats, cruisers and yachts.”
Sea Ray’s newest awards came in the following five categories: Deck Boats, Fiberglass Outboard Boats, Inboard Express Cruisers, Sterndrive Bowrider Boats, and Sterndrive Cuddy and Express Boats.
The CSI Award is further affirmation that Sea Ray’s broad portfolio delivers the ultimate on-water experience for every style of boater. As “The Most Awarded Boat Brand. Ever™”, Sea Ray has through the years earned accolades from the industry’s toughest critics and in the most stringent rankings, including those of J.D. Power, the NMMA, the AIM Media Group and Boating Industry magazine.
“Sea Ray delivers more innovation and more excitement year-after-year, and our customers clearly appreciate that,” said Schiek. “Satisfaction measurements are our most valued metric because they cover the whole experience, from the quality and design of our boats, to the comfort and durability they provide, to the value the customer receives. Our boats represent our commitment to delivering a luxury experience and a first-rate customer service to our valued owners.”
The CSI Awards are an independently administered measure customer satisfaction, only recognizing boat and engine manufacturers that receive the highest marks. To achieve the requirements for the Marine Industry CSI Awards, Sea Ray achieved and maintained a standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year. This score is based on information provided directly by nearly 60,000 consumers who purchased a new boat or engine during the period from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. -FROM MARINE MAX

Surprise, surprise even the Marine Max announcement was pretty slick. I worked for both of these companies over the years and know them better than they think. I am not saying that Sea Ray doesn't have the highest CSI ratings among their customers, they should, but damn what do you expect. The worlds biggest boat builder with the worlds biggest budget wins "Yippie". I would certainly hope so! This will be in every Marine Blog, Industry Magazine, where ever there is space in North America.

 Sea Ray with the support from it's parent company Brunswick has had a few years to get this right starting in 1960 in the marine industry. Brunswick has owned or still owns Owen Yachts, Larson, Mariner, Motor Guide, Zebco, IDS, Mototron, Meridian, Quicksilver, Partnered with Cummins, Land & Sea, Cabo, Maxum, Trophy, Spectrum, Rayglass, Bella, Aquador, Flipper, Swivl Ease, Wahoo, Baja, Astro, Vision, StarCraft, Monark, Lowe, Lund, Harris,Omvik, Uttern, Askeladden, Arvor,Savage, Valiant, Hatteras, Sealine, Princecraft and more. I would hope with all this experience they should win. Another win for Sea Ray one of Brunswick's crown jewels is as predictable as the  sun will come up tomorrow. I have nothing against Sea Ray or Brunswick myself, but we cannot pretend that they are on the same field as every body else.

A little history the Marine Max we all know probably wouldn't have existed without Brunswick cash. They are not the only ones.

 The initial public offering consists of 4,780,569 shares (including 1,264,745 shares sold by selling stockholders) at a price of $12.50 per share. Salomon Smith Barney and William Blair & Company were the managing underwriters for the issuance. The 3,515,824 shares sold by the Company include 1,861,200 shares sold directly by the Company to Brunswick Corporation. The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase 437,905 additional shares from stockholders of the company.

Can we get over the SR Logo for a minute lets discuss the boat builders who are not under the Brunswick umbrella who managed to survive the economic crash and have better boats than ever. This is why I started Boat Nut this Industry is so polluted with the big B its not even funny. They are like Micro Soft in the soft ware business. If you are successful they buy you, if they don't like you well..., and they have so many back door restrictions to anyone who dares to try something new (even an on line parts store needs the blessing of Land & Sea which it probably will not get).

Sea Ray and Brunswick are the giants in marketing:   Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick and Whale marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine, BLA and Bell RPG parts and accessories distributors; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray and Uttern boats; From: BRUNSWICK SITE

Now the NMMA the bestowers of these coveted awards, who are they?
 Oh yah and they own Discover Boating ( BEEN TO A  BOAT SHOW LATELY) . Well they receive their funding from you guessed it -------------! Check this out:

Boat Manufacturer Division (BMD)

Nearly 200 boat brands representing more than 85% of the boats sold in the U.S. recognize the value of NMMA Certification for their business and their customers. Promote your NMMA Certified boats through Discover Boating and join other industry stakeholders in support of the association’s efforts to protect and grow recreational boating through public policy advocacy and industry-focused growth initiatives.

Benefits

Some of the benefits you will enjoy as an NMMA member are:

• Cost-savings, including 5–20% off consumer boat show and IBEX booth space rates
• Access to NMMA’s comprehensive library of industry statistics including exclusive reports
• Exclusive access to resources such as the boat and accessory warranty repair survey— a 50-state reference guide to laws and regulations governing warranty repair work
• Export development assistance through our partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Learn more about the benefits of NMMA membership by visiting our member benefits page.

Dues

Boat Manufacturer Division (BMD) dues are based on the total North American marine sales for your company’s most recently completed fiscal year. Click here to view the BMD dues schedule or reference Section II on the NMMA Membership Application.

Eligibility

To join NMMA’s Boat Manufacturer Division (BMD) your business must manufacture or import boats. BMD membership is also contingent on the following:
1. Completion of the NMMA Certification program within 12 months of joining NMMA. NMMA Certification helps ensure your boats are built to applicable standards set by the American Boats & Yacht Council (ABYC), and promotes their compliance to the public. The annual cost to become certified ranges between $1,500 and $2,000.
2. Support of the Discover Boating program through the Grow Boating membership fee. This fee is based on the horsepower of engines packaged with your boats and is billed separately.
If your business is based outside North America must have a business presence in North America operating as a legally authorized sales office, importer, division, etc. Without a business presence in North America, an application for NMMA membership will not be considered.

NMMA Certification

Currently, 85% of all boats sold in the United States are produced by NMMA Certified boat manufacturing members. The NMMA Certification helps manufacturers ensure their boats are built to applicable standards set by the American Boats & Yacht Council (ABYC), and to promote their compliance to the consumer. Participating boat manufacturers must submit applications for all models; each model must be physically inspected by an NMMA inspector annually. To achieve Certification, a manufacturer must demonstrate that all variances found during the inspection have been corrected.  Manufacturers of NMMA Certified boats benefit from:

• Assurance their boats meet the industry standards for the United States (ABYC Standards)
• A detailed hands-on inspection and verification process
• Improved consumer confidence
• Increased brand respect and awareness through Discover Boating
• Liability protection and product liability insurance discounts

Grow Boating Membership Fees

NMMA members support the Grow Boating Initiative through vision, leadership and financial contributions. The Grow Boating Engine Assessment is the primary funding tool. All NMMA Boat Manufacturer Division members are required to pay this assessment on the engines that are used in their boats.
Of the 5 million consumers to visit DiscoverBoating.com in our 2015, 2.8 million consumers clicked directly through to manufacturer sites from the Boat Selector section to shop on their own. In many cases DiscoverBoating.com is the #1 or #2 resource of web traffic to manufacturers sites, which can be measured by your own personal Google Analytics.  From NMMA SITE

SO HOW ARE WE AS BOATERS SUPPOSED TO BUY ALL THE HYPE?!

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Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

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HARTFORD BOAT SHOW STARTS SOON / DETAILS AND PICTURES

 

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HARTFORD BOAT SHOW STARTS SOON !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Boulevard

Hartford, CT 06103

Thursday, January 28, 2016, 4pm - 9pm Friday, January 29, 2016, 12pm - 9pm Saturday, January 30, 2016, 10am - 9pm Sunday, January 31, 2016, 10am - 5pm

 

 

 Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided

 

MORE SOLID GREEN BOATING INFORMATION FOR YOU

 

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MORE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTS FOR YOU 

 

A portion of local water pollution comes from acids, oils, antifreeze, gasoline, solvents, and cleaners that boaters use. Many common items used daily by boaters are considered hazardous or toxic. As an environmentally aware boater, please minimize your use of toxic materials while maintaining your boat. Some toxic or hazardous materials are suspected carcinogens and can produce cancer in both humans and wildlife. Proper disposal of hazardous products is especially important in shallow lakes that have a large population of residences and boats. The toxins are in greater concentration and have a greater impact on the environment. If you don't make environmentally conscious decisions when purchasing boating equipment, you could be contributing to pollution.
The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) has been prevalent in the production of various equipment utilized while boating. Chlorofluorocarbons are gases that are depleting the earth's ozone layer, which is widely believed to contribute to global warming and increased risk of skin cancer. Ask vendors if CFC's are used in the manufacturing of their product, or if CFC's are released when using the product. If they do not know, ask them to find out. Most manufacturers who have switched to CFC alternatives are very vocal about using them. Those who don't utilize CFC alternatives need to know that this is an important issue which concerns environmentally aware consumers.

  FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

When fire extinguishers become exhausted or dated, many fire extinguisher supply companies offer recycling of them. Halon, CO2, wet and dry chemical extinguisher parts can be recycled at no charge. The metal nozzles and other parts are sorted for recycling. The remaining chemical inside the extinguisher is also properly recycled.

BATTERIES

Marine batteries can be harmful to the environment if they are simply thrown away. The internal chemicals can be toxic if released. The energy saved to create a new battery from a recycled one, as opposed to creating one from scratch, is about 95%. Old batteries (in most states and provinces) may be turned in at local recycling centers.

DETERGENTS

Phosphates, chemical compounds containing phosphorus, are found in most detergents. Manufacturers use them because they soften water and prevent dirt particles from being redeposited on whatever you are cleaning. Unfortunately, there are severe ecological side effects. As phosphates empty into streams and lakes, they cause algae bloom, which means that they fertilize algae to the point where it grows out of control. When algae dies (in its natural cycle), the bacteria that causes it to decay (a process requiring large amounts of oxygen) uses up the oxygen needed by other plants and marine life to survive.
This results in the dying of lakes and streams. According to Consumer Reports magazine, some manufacturers recommend more detergent than necessary. Use non-phosphate detergents and a little extra muscle instead of harsh and toxic teak and hull cleaners. Liquid detergents are generally phosphate-free. Use a substitute for detergent. Soap, which is biodegradable, non-polluting, and non-toxic, is an excellent alternative. If your water is soft, soap powder will work as well as a detergent. If your water is hard, you can try a combination of soap and washing soda. Soap also works best in hot water. Use a drop cloth to catch paint scrapings or wipe them up and dispose of them on shore. Be careful if you are working on or near the water. Wipe up any spills from oil changes as soon as they occur. Try to keep the use of engine cleaners to a minimum. Phosphates are not necessary. Powdered detergents are available that are made with different formulas which are less than 0.5% phosphates.

ANTI-FOULING PAINTS

Anti-fouling paint is used to prevent the growth of organisms on boat bottoms. These paints work by releasing toxic chemicals from the hull into the water. Generally, the more effective the paint, the more toxic its ingredients. Copper-based paints usually keep a hull clear for a year or more and contain a less toxic metallic compound which enables them to not cause as much damage to aquatic life. However, copper-based paints corrode aluminum. Avoid the newer tin-based paints such as Tributyltin (TBT). TBT is one of the most toxic chemicals introduced into the environment. It has now been found to cause abnormal development and reduced reproduction in aquatic life, not to mention its relation to many human health problems. It is illegal to use TBT on water craft less than 66 feet in length unless it is being applied to an aluminum boat. Since TBT is under restricted use, it can only be applied by certified applicators. For further information on becoming a certified applicator, contact the Pesticides Regulations Section in your state. Low level TBT paint, sold in a spray can form, may still be used on lower drive units. All paints should be used with extreme caution and according to the manufacturer's directions. 
Be aware when purchasing fire extinguishers containing halon gas. If you purchase a halon extinguisher, you may be contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. At one time, halons and CFC's were considered harmless, so manufacturers used them in many different products as propellants. Unfortunately, these halons will eventually attack the ozone layer, even if the fire extinguishers are never used since the ozone-depleting gases gradually leak into the atmosphere. CO2-type extinguishers cannot really be reused since the extinguishers are loaded with a CO2 liquid which comes out as a gas when the extinguisher is used. CO2 is not harmful to the environment unless a large amount is released at one time. Recharging of non-halon fire extinguishers can also be performed by fire extinguisher suppliers for a nominal fee.

CLEANING AND REFURBISHING SUPPLIES

Lacquers, wood preservatives, turpentine, thinners, and other cleaners can be toxic unless they are used and disposed of properly. Please read the labels. Many products are available for cleaning decks and topsides. Their toxicities vary widely. Careful use of these cleaners is essential to keep them from washing overboard. It is best to not use these products when the boat is on the water. Many environmentally safe cleaning products are now available at local marine supply stores. A teak cleaner that is non-acidic, caustic free, chlorine-free, biodegradable, and safe if washed into the water. A bilge cleaner that is caustic-free, phosphate-free, non-flammable, non-combustible, and biodegradable has also been developed. A biodegradable, non-flammable, non-combustible, highly concentrated, phosphate-free, vinyl shampoo that will not harm the water has also been made available to boaters.

SIGNAL FLARES

When signal flares are expired, take them to your local fire department for proper disposal. The flares may still be volatile after the expiration date. Simply depositing them in the trash could lead to a hazardous situation. FOLLOW THESE TIPS WHILE USING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TO KEEP AMERICAS WATER RESOURCES CLEAN AND HEALTHY: Try to find alternatives for some of the hazardous products that you use. Use biodegradable and low phosphate products when possible. Use turpentine or brush cleaners more than once before disposing of them properly. Draining off the clearer portion of turpentine and paint thinner after allowing the dirty portion to settle, facilitates reusing the solvents. Seal and store the unused portion of the hazardous material for later use or disposal. NEVER THROW IT OVERBOARD! Share supplies with fellow boaters...but make it your responsibility to always dispose of hazardous materials properly. If there is something hazardous that you must use, make it a practice to buy only what you need.

  EROSION

At first glance, erosion and boating don't seem to have much in common, but take a second look. Erosion of our shores and beaches is happening, and as a boater, you can help minimize the problem. If you frequent shallow waters of six feet or less, you can avoid damaging the ecosystem by going slowly
through these areas. By proceeding under power at a slower speed, you will stir up a lot less sediment. Scientists say that the frequent stirring up of sediments in shallow waters interrupts the natural life cycle of some plants and animals on which larger game fish feed. Furthermore, some of those stirred-up sediments are rich in chemicals that feed on algae blooms, which also can be deadly to fish. Boat wakes, the wave action created by a moving water craft, not only stir up sediment, but can also erode the banks of rivers, coves, and other confined waters. That eroded material settles in deeper channels, eventually requiring expensive dredging or, worse, keeping any boaters from enjoying these backwaters.

PREVENTING EROSION

Help to prevent shoreline erosion by reducing your wake. Reduce your boat speed before approaching buoy markers or when navigating close to shore. Obey "NO WAKE" zones. You are responsible for your WAKE, it's the law. Many boating areas have unmarked "SHORE ZONES" where boaters are required to operate at "NO WAKE" or idle speed. These zones can vary greatly. Know the rules at your favorite boating areas.

 

 Copyright 2015 © Boat Nut Media, Toronto, Ontario. All rights reserved. No part of this information/publications may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, magnetic, or other record, without prior agreement and written permission of the publisher, Boat Nuts Media ©™ No liability is assumed with respect to the information provided