For the fifth consecutive year, Sea Ray Boats has won more Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards than any other boat builder in the program. As recently announced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Sea Ray received a total of eight awards for 2009; the nearest competitor received only four.
“This is the sixth year in a row that Sea Ray has been recognized by the NMMA for continued excellence in customer satisfaction, and the fifth year that we’ve earned more awards than any other boat builder,” said Robert Reich, vice president of customer and dealer support for Sea Ray. “Customer satisfaction is central to Sea Ray’s operating philosophy, and the NMMA CSI program is an important validation of our efforts and a good indication of the first-class ownership experience provided not only by our product, but also by our dealer and service personnel.”
This year, Sea Ray received top honors in eight categories, including Deck Boats, Inboard Express Cruisers, Inboard Fishing Express Boats, Inboard Flybridge Sedans and Convertible Boats, Inboard Motor Yachts and Trawlers, Fiberglass Outboard Boats, Sterndrive Bowrider Boats, Sterndrive Cuddy and Express Boats. The Marine Industry CSI Awards recognize boat and engine manufacturers that actively pursue continuous improvement by measuring customer satisfaction.
“As we work together to strengthen our industry, customer satisfaction and retention will always be our foundation for growth,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “This year’s Marine Industry CSI Award recipients are at the forefront of our industry’s growth potential and are helping ensure the experience of purchasing and owning a boast add value to the overall enjoyment of the boating lifestyle.”
In meeting the requirements for the Marine Industry CSI Awards, Sea Ray achieved and maintained an independently measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year. This score is based on information provided directly by the consumers who purchased a new boat and engine during the period between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009.
“We are fully aware of the critical role our dealers play in ensuring customer satisfaction,” said Rick Stone, president of Sea Ray. “Our dealer network sets and shapes customers’ expectations and perceptions of product quality, service, and on-going satisfaction. It is our dealers’ commitment to making the boating experience pleasurable and memorable that plays a vital role in making sure our owners get the unsurpassed product and treatment that we as a company demand. This recognition is as much theirs as it is Sea Ray’s, and we thank them for it.”
The NMMA’s 2009 CSI award recipients will be formally acknowledged during the annual International Boat Builders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) taking place October 12 to 14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla.
ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle ? each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.
ABOUT BRUNSWICK
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill “Genuine Ingenuity” in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Albemarle, Arvor, Baja, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, HarrisKayot, Hatteras, Laguna, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, ?rnvik, Palmetto, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Savage, Sea Boss, Sea Pro, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land ?N’ Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; IDS dealer management systems; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Valley-Dynamo pool, Air Hockey and foosball tables.By: Rob Noyes
