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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Lifejacket maintenance and servicing / 5 Steps to self check

 

 

 

 

Lifejacket maintenance and servicing 

 

Australia has some very progressive boat owner education programs and assistance. We here in North America could take a few

In NSW it is a legal requirement that inflatable lifejackets are serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Better design, technology and wear ability in lifejackets have been a major breakthrough in boating safety. Inflatable lifejackets are now becoming more and more popular as they are easy to wear, don’t get in the way and are increasingly affordable. You should be aware that this type of lifejacket requires extra care, maintenance and service.

Keeping your inflatable lifejacket in good condition

Lifejackets are subjected to the heat of the sun and the harshness of salt. Such conditions can result in quite a bit of damage if the jacket isn’t properly looked after.

As a boater you should always check your lifejacket before putting it on and heading out on the water. Inflatable lifejackets clearly aren’t effective if they don’t inflate. All it takes is something like a fish hook to pierce the bladder and prevent them from inflating.

You are also legally required to service your inflatable lifejacket in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Unless the manufacturer specifies and permits a longer period, you should get your lifejacket serviced at least once a year. If you’re buying a new inflatable lifejacket, you should have it serviced within a year from the day you bought it.

If, for whatever reason, you can’t remember when you bought your inflatable lifejacket or when you last had it serviced, then it’s a good idea to get it serviced straight away.

You should also keep all your servicing receipts and certificates of servicing as evidence of the service. That way, you can always verify the servicing if you ever need to. If you don’t, you could be falling short of the safety equipment requirements as well as putting both yourself and your passengers at risk.

You might also like to think about keeping a safety equipment log for your vessel. It’s a good way to help you record when your equipment needs to be replaced or serviced.

Wear it. Inspect it. Service it.

Five steps to self-check your inflatable lifejacket. An easy-to-follow way to help you keep your inflatable lifejacket in good shape.

 

Step 1

Check for visible signs of wear or damage. Ensure all
fastenings and buckles are in good working order

 

 

 

Step2

Following manufacturer’s instructions, reveal the inflation system and oral inflation tube. Inflate the bladder using the oral tube and leave overnight in a room with a constant temperature. If the bladder loses pressure, immediately take the lifejacket to an accredited service agent for further tests. Do not attempt to repair your lifejacket yourself.

 

 

Step3

Use the cap attached to the oral inflation tube to deflate the bladder. Invert cap and press down on the valve at the top of the oral tube. Do not insert other objects into the top of the tube as they may damage the valve. Roll or press the lifejacket to deflate fully.

 

 

 

 Step4

Remove the CO2 cylinder and inspect. The cylinder should be intact with no rust or corrosion. Weigh the cylinder on kitchen or letter scales, ensure weight corresponds to the minimum gross weight engraved on cylinder +/- 2g.

 

If the cylinder is rusted, corroded, has been pierced or is not the correct weight it should be replaced immediately. On auto-inflating lifejackets, ensure all auto components are armed and in date. Refit cylinder to the inflation system, tightening it by hand until firm. Do not over-tighten.

 

 

Step 5

 

Repack the lifejacket as per manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the manual inflation toggle is accessible and unlikely to be caught when being worn.

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturer’s servicing

You’ll find that some lifejacket manufacturers ask that you get your lifejacket serviced by them or an authorized agent. It means your lifejacket will be maintained properly and kept in good working order.

When your lifejacket is being serviced, thorough checks will be carried out to ensure the bladder, reflective tapes, buckles and straps are all up to standard. The servicer will also make sure both the inflation system and oral inflation tube are operating correctly. If you’d like to know more, contact the manufacturer or the place of purchase.

Self servicing

Some manufacturers allow you to service the lifejacket yourself. However, servicing isn’t simply a routine check and clean. It’s far more involved and requires a higher level of inspection and care.

If you are thinking about self servicing, you should make sure you have the necessary ability, knowledge and skill before attempting this. Otherwise we recommend you get it serviced professionally.

If you are self servicing a lifejacket, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure the recharge kit matches your lifejacket.

If a service record is available on the inside of the jacket, sign and date the service record with a permanent marker. If not, you might like to make a paper record of your own and keep a copy handy on board the vessel in case you need to show it to a Boating Safety Officer.

The self servicing of a lifejacket is only valid if the manufacturer allows it and if you keep all servicing receipts and certificates of servicing as documentary evidence of the service occurring. Failure to do so makes verifying servicing impossible, which means you may be in breach of safety requirements and be placing yourself, your family or friends at risk.

If you are using inflatable lifejackets, remember to keep them clean and dry in between each time you use them. This is particularly important with auto inflating models because these can sometimes self inflate when they’re left damp, for example inside a wet vessel.

 

 

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

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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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MY FLARE IS PAST ITS PRIME / Flare Disposal?

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MY FLARE IS PAST ITS PRIME

FROM AUSTRALIA:

Whilst it may not directly affect Personal Watercraft (PWCs) operating in NSW, some PWC operators may carry old distress flares that are requirements interstate like QLD. Or as a recreational boater you must carry flares and have some that are well past their use by date.

 

Please note; people are not allowed to hand in expired or unused distress flares to chandler’s (shops, outlets) or leave them with Marine Rescue units along the coast, or dispose of them in rubbish bins.

FROM THE UK:

With regard to disposal of old flares, the Government has created a farcical situation, which I have no doubt will result in very many flares joining the vast quantities of surplus military ordnance from 2 world wars at the bottom of the Hurd Deep and many of the other deep trenches around the European coast line. A more ecologically friendly solution is urgently required.  

Who is going to be out walking in filthy weather looking out to sea???  Pyrotechnics have had their day, but I believe France insists in them being carried and out of date ones invite a fine!

They are more of a safety hazard than the problem that they were there to solve.

 

When I lived in Coventry I 'disposed' of old flares each year on November 5th , wearing gloves and eye protection.  I took the view that practically no-one in the massively urbanised West Midlands would recognise any of these pyrotechnics as distress signals, and that anyone who did recognise them would simply smile knowingly about someone letting off their old flares on bonfire night.

 

BOAT NUT

Some countries and regions have adopted expired flare disposal programs, after reading of the response in Canada I think we will add flares to our Boating Green in 2916 Program for boaters

 

 

 

 

As Boat Nut Magazine is in the process of setting up our Green Marine Program and reading the discussion about flare disposal. We will be adding flare disposal to our agenda.

The Canadian Government legislated that all recreational boats must carry the appropriate number of marine flares for the size of boat, but they did not include methods of disposing of the expired flares.
Boaters must replace their flares every four years, thus creating a large buildup of expired flares in storage barns, garages etc, because boaters can't find out how to dispose of them properly.
Some are doing the unthinkable....
We have heard from boaters in Ontario in several places where they have been told to "soak the flares in water overnight and put them in the regular garbage". Many flares have a waterproof coating so the water may NOT get through leaving the chemicals active. Flares are not only explosive but are also hazardous waste and, although soaking them in water could prevent them flaring up, the chemicals are still there and should not go in the regular garbage. Putting the soaked flares in the garbage could put them in contact with other chemicals, causing even more serious consequences. Gases that could be produced could also be hazardous to human health.

Explosives and hazardous chemicals as those found in flares should be handled carefully and taken to a hazardous waste site for proper disposal.

After dozens of phone calls to people who I though should know, like our municipality, fire departments, OPP, Marinas, Power Squadrons, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boating Ontario, Boaters, Fisheries and Oceans, Associations, our MPP's office and the Office of Boating Safety, I was somewhat frustrated because none of them could give me a proper procedure for disposing of expired marine flares.
Believe it or not, most just said "if you find out, let me know". But I was persistent and it paid off.

CIL/Orion's Cradle to Grave Policy

Finally, The Office of Boating Safety returned my most recent call and said they had followed up on my request and found a document that would answer my questions. It was  CIL/Orion's "cradle to grave policy" for CIL/Orion Marine Distress signals. I then called the president of CIL/Orion and learned that this 2009 policy is still in effect and Canadian boaters can send CIL/Orion Flares to them for disposal. They will accept other brands of flares, but there is an additional charge.
There are several brands of flares on the Canadian Market, but CIL/Orion is the only Canadian Manufacturer. They have been working with several levels of government and boating associations and police to get a proper policy in place. With so many agencies involved in the decision making, there is always one that won't co-operate so nothing gets done.
Getting permission for a state-of-the-art-disposal site is one stumbling block and the other is the gathering and shipping of the flares. For an individual boater with a few expired flares, it could cost him $50 - $70 to ship them to CIL/Orion.
Until the committee comes up with something better, it makes more sense for several boaters or even a marina or association or club to get together and split the cost of shipping expired flares back to CIL/Orion.

The Procedure for Disposing of Expired Marine Flares

So, thanks to CIL/Orion, we have a procedure for disposal of their flares. We would advise Canadian boaters to get together in groups, make a list of all the expired flares and send the list to  CIL/Orion. They will send you the right size and number of packages appropriately labeled "Explosive and Hazardous Material" for Purolator and the cost involved. Once received, you can fill the boxes then ship via Purolator to CIL/Orion.
This may not be the perfect answer, but it seems to be the best Canadian boaters have at the present time. We would recommend boaters in other countries contact the company who makes the flares and ask for a procedure to dispose of them.

Brenda Dawson

December 2011

 

To guarantee access to all of  Boat Nut Magazine articles, pictures and featured services visit the official Boat Nut Magazine ©™ website. Be sure to reply to the Boat Nut Association registration on our site for the latest Boat Nut weekly and monthly news letters and opportunities.

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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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