BoatUS Report

Buying Boat Insurance: The Fine Print

Know your policy details about these 6 coverages

As boat owners prep for the coming season, it’s time to dust off the boat’s insurance policy and grab a magnifying glass to read the fine print. Unlike auto or homeowner’s insurance, recreational boat insurance has distinct coverages that can perplex boaters and leave them scratching their heads. What do you need to know? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) takes a look at the fine print on six of the most important coverages.

Does your insurance policy cover this? It all depends on the fine print.

The consequential damage fine print: Half of all sinkings occur at the dock when some small part below the waterline fails. However, these parts – an outdrive bellows, for example – most often fail due to “wear, tear, and corrosion” or a lack of maintenance, so the policy won’t pay for a new outdrive bellows. But here’s the rub: As a consequence of the failed bellows, your boat has sunk and is likely a total loss. Who pays for that? That’s why you need “consequential damage” coverage that pays for losses that often start with a failed part that may be excluded under the policy. The small, inexpensive part that failed may not be covered, but most importantly, the rest of the repairs or total loss will be. One caveat: this consequential damage coverage often applies only to specific types of losses, for example, the immediate consequential damage resulting from any fire, explosion, sinking, demasting, collision or stranding.

The fuel-spill liability fine print: In addition to your policy’s standard liability coverage for physical damage or bodily injury to a third party, fuel-spill liability protects you from claims for cleanup or third-party damage due to the accidental discharge of oil or fuel that can occur in a sinking, fire, collision, or grounding. Some policies only pay the costs associated with a fuel spill up to the policy’s set limit of boating liability coverage. A better policy separates out fuel-spill liability and provides coverage up to the maximum amount you can be held liable for under federal law, which today is a whopping $939,800.

The on-water towing fine print: Many boat insurance policies offer some kind of on-water towing endorsement that provides a level of towing and assistance for routine breakdowns or soft ungroundings. Know how you will be able to use that coverage: Who provides the service? Does the company have 24-hour dispatch service to call for assistance? Is it easy to summon on-water help? Having an on-water towing endorsement or a stand-alone on-water towing membership plan could allow you to leave your credit card in your wallet, and you’ll get priority towboat service.

The salvage coverage fine print: When fires, sinkings, shed-roof collapses, or running up on a shoal damages your boat, you end up with a “salvage” situation. If the boat is not a total loss and needs to be recovered and brought to a repair facility, costs can escalate quickly. Most boaters assume the cost of raising or moving the boat to a safe location is covered by their policy, but some marine insurers will subtract salvage costs from the insured value of the boat, reducing the funds available to repair the boat or the amount paid in the event of a total loss. Also, in case of a total loss, you’ll receive a check for the boat’s insured value, but to pay for salvage you may only have a small percentage, perhaps just 5 or 10 percent of the insured value, to pay for recovering the boat which may not cover the salvage bill. That leaves your wallet short and you managing a potentially complex task. Better policies don’t let you go it alone and provide salvage coverage that is separate but equal to the boat’s hull value coverage.

The boat trailer fine print: Not all boat insurance policies automatically provide boat trailer coverage, so be sure to check. Also find out if there are geographic limits on where you may trailer the boat. Note that if you have an accident while towing, it is your boat policy that pays to repair or replace the trailer, but any third-party damage your trailer causes to property or injuries to people is covered under your auto policy.

The liability-only boat policy fine print: If you opt for a liability-only policy, make sure that it provides not only coverage for property damage and bodily injury to others but also coverage for salvage and removal of the wreck, and that separate coverage is available for fuel-spill incidents.

Need some help? The marine insurance specialists at BoatUS can help you review your current policy by calling 800-283-2883 and also offers free quotes at BoatUS.com/Insurance.

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS): Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with more than a half-million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program offers policies underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

 

Photo Op

Dear Captain Ken: Our time here in South Florida is almost up and we are preparing to head our boat north for Virginia Beach with planned visits to the Chesapeake, Jersey Shore, and the New York City area later on in the summer. It was a pleasure meeting you at both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami boat shows. Here is a picture we snapped at our marina during a lovely sunset. We so love our traveling and boating lifestyle if just for these moments. But of course, there are so many more. All the best!

J. and S. Binder
Riviera Beach, FL

 

 

Technology

Torqeedo wins Innovation Award at 2019 Miami International Boat Show for powerful new inboard electric propulsion system.

Torqeedo’s new Deep Blue 100i integrated inboard electric propulsion system was honored with a 2019 National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award at this past Miami International Boat Show. The Innovation Awards were judged by a team of experienced marine-industry journalists from Boating Writers International (BWI).

“Torqeedo keeps turning up the juice with electric propulsion for two new target markets – one for large torque needs as well as one for high-speed applications like tow boats,” said BWI judge Pat Rains.

Torqeedo’s new Deep Blue 100i is the first fully integrated inboard electric propulsion system for larger and faster planing and displacement boats. This new efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly electromobility solution incorporates a combination of innovations never before offered in the boating industry.

The Deep Blue 100 kW electric direct-drive motor has twice the power of previous models. It is available in two versions – 2400 rpm for faster planing boats and 900 rpm for heavier displacement vessels up to 120 ft. The electric motor is paired with a high-voltage 40 kWh marinized BMW i3-type lithium-ion battery, which has 30 percent more capacity than previous models within the same footprint. The batteries offer super-fast recharging up to 75 percent capacity in less than 1.5 hours.

The new Deep Blue 100i system is available for electric-power only and also in a hybrid configuration with DC generator and integrated onboard energy management system for longer-range cruising. The system can be integrated with onboard solar or hydrogeneration for clean, renewable recharging underway.

Dr. Christoph Ballin, Torqeedo co-founder and CEO, said: “The Torqeedo Deep Blue 100i is a turnkey helm-to-prop solution backed by our experienced application engineering team, providing an easy pathway for boatbuilders to meet the coming electromobility revolution. As consumers become increasingly comfortable with electric and hybrid cars and trucks, they expect the same clean, green systems in their boats.”

About Torqeedo: Torqeedo is the market leader for electric mobility on the water. Founded in 2005 in Starnberg, Germany, the company develops and manufactures electric and hybrid drives from 0.5 to 100 kW for commercial applications and recreational use. Torqeedo products are characterized by an uncompromising high-tech focus, maximum efficiency and complete system integration. Torqeedo is part of the DEUTZ Group, one of the world’s leading independent suppliers of diesel and natural gas engines. http://www.torqeedo.com

Contacts:
Tess Smallridge
Torqeedo
+49 8153 9999 060
Tess.Smallridge@torqeedo.com

https://www.torqeedo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/1341819/
https://www.facebook.com/torqeedo
https://www.youtube.com/user/TORQEEDOGmbH

 

Yacht Spotting & New Launches

NOVA LUXE YACHTS LAUNCHES ELECTRIC POWER CAT

With the launch of its first build, New York-based Nova Luxe Yachts redefines the idea of a luxury cruising. The company converts new 35’–50′ power catamarans to all-electric, creating vessels of virtually unlimited range and zero emissions. Its introductory offering, an Aquila 44, is being fitted-out at a yard in St. Petersburg, Florida, and debuts on June 1 at the Westshore Yacht Club in Tampa.

Nova Luxe Yachts marries the proven reliability of Torqeedo Deep Blue drives, BMW i3 batteries and a massive rooftop solar array to an ocean-tested hull, creating an engineered package that outperforms its diesel-powered counterpart. The result with the Aquila 44 is an environmentally friendly luxury yacht that cruises for over 1,250 miles at 6.5 knots —vibration-free and quieter than a sailboat.

Because previous electric propulsion solutions on luxury yachts failed so publically and spectacularly, consumers are understandably skeptical. The difference between what’s been tried in the past and what Nova Luxe is doing is the battery.

“The automotive industry has advanced DC technology to where battery-powered marine propulsion doesn’t mean sacrifice, but is in many ways superior to diesel,” said Marc Hawxhurst, Nova Luxe Yachts president. “Torqeedo’s high-performance, high-voltage BMW i3 lithium-ion battery is completely waterproof, packs an astounding 40 kWh of power and comes with a nine-year warranty. It’s the perfect choice for our luxury yachts.”

The Aquila 44 was chosen by its owner because it strikes the ideal balance between stability, size, weight and the ability to be captained solo. With three staterooms, it makes the ideal Great Loop boat. The Nova Luxe build includes a requested 25kW genset to supplement the power generated by the 16 350W solar panels when cruising long distances in cloudy northern regions.

Even the Aquila’s tender, a ZAR Mini aluminum RIB, is green. Boasting a 50-mile range, it carries a Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 and is charged by a power supply station integrated into the yacht. At the 2019 Miami International Boat Show, Nova Luxe Yachts demonstrated the performance of an electric solution by reaching 20 mph and planing with two adults on the ZAR.

Aside from Aquila, Nova Luxe Yachts offers new pre-fitted electric Aspen Power, Bavaria, Fountaine Pajot, Havana, Leopard and Maine Cat catamarans. Workmanship and attention to detail complement the meticulous standards of quality these boats are renowned for.

Interested parties attending the June 1 event are encouraged to RSVP at bit.ly/NovaLuxeDebut. Space for sea trials is limited.

 

For more information, visit the Nova Luxe website at http://www.novaluxeyachts.com, or call at (516) 597-0098

 

YACHT SPOTTING & NEW LAUNCHES

Grady-White Introduces 45-foot Flagship Canyon 456:
A New Dimension in Luxury Sportfishing Yachts

Canyon 456
Center Console

Beam Amidships: 14′ (4.27 m)
  Center Line Length w/o Engines: 45′ (13.72 m)
              Bridge Clearance: 10′ 5″ (3.18 m)
Hull Draft: 30″ (.76 m)
Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees (SeaV^2® progression)
Fresh Water Capacity:  80 gallons (303 liters)
Livewell Capacity:  70 gallons (265 liters)
Fuel Capacity: 616 gallons (2,332 liters)
Diesel: 30 gallons (114 liters)
Weight w/out Engines: 24,500 lb. (11,113 kg)
Power:  Quad Yamaha 350 Outboards

Re-imagine your concept of the luxury sportfishing yacht. Announcing Grady-White’s new flagship, the Canyon 456 center console–incredibly spacious, technically sophisticated, and more richly appointed than any other outboard sportfishing boat. This fabulous Grady-White is a well-crafted, superbly engineered center console that represents an entirely new level of elegance and sophistication among outboard powered fiberglass boats of any size, and likewise has by far the widest beam in the category. It is also the largest unsinkable boat of its kind.

The Canyon 456 is more than a little different; it creates a new dimension. This flagship reveals in every inch and every detail so many of the reasons Grady-White has a following of raving fans. From the beginning, the Canyon 456 was created for those looking for the top-of-the-line alternative to traditional luxury sportfish yachts, whether moving up from a boat they’ve outgrown or transitioning from a large inboard. The Canyon 456 is the best choice in either case, with a perfect blending of tough battlewagon fishing machine and superior cruising yacht. With onboard storage for a total of 32 rods, she is packed and ready for adventure!

Ease of use and technical achievement aboard the Canyon 456 start with Grady’s exclusive Sea Command Center^TM–aesthetically striking, exceptionally comfortable, and offering an amazing assembly of technology. The center’s ultra-comfortable forward-facing seating features four premium individual electronically adjustable seats, each replete with rich upholstery and stainless supports for the armrests. A fold down footrest for each adds even more comfort. The starboard center seat accommodates the captain, who has an easy reach to the ergonomically arranged array of systems, electronics, and controls at the helm. CZone^® digital switching technology enables one-touch control of on-board systems including power, electrical, lighting, heat and air conditioning–even the seacocks. A software application allows remote command of these functions from your phone! Grady’s sea chest raw water reservoir allows remote electronic control for livewells, generator, air conditioning, washdowns, and more. The helm also holds the Fusion Signature Series stereo system controls for the bow and T-top speakers. A separate Fusion Signature unit is located in the console cabin.
The superb Grady-White SeaV2^® ride of the Canyon 456 is indeed unparalleled, exhibiting performance and seaworthy reliability for which Grady-White’s signature hull design is known.  She handles like a fine sports car on the water and feels like a majestic ship at rest. Without question, this is an impressive vessel that is likely to please even the most experienced and discerning captain.

Cruise: 31.4 MPH at 3700 RPM with .65 MPG
Top End: 55.2 MPH at 5900 RPM with .40 MPG
0 to 30 MPH: 8.57 seconds
Tested with Quad Yamaha 350 HP engines, 15 ¼ x 19 SWS II SDS props

The 456 is equipped with a Seakeeper^® gyro stabilizer to give an added element of control in the most extreme sea conditions. The Yamaha Helm Master^® system with Set Point^TM is also standard, further providing enhanced performance. The revolutionary Zipwake^® dynamic auto-leveling trim control system also assures maximum capability. This Canyon packs a variable speed bow thruster standard as well. The entire helm area is covered by a stylish, sophisticated, enclosed AV² T-top^TM with an integrated wraparound windshield for maximum visibility and protection.

Electronic side windows and a large overhead hatch allow plenty of fresh air, when the heating or air conditioning system is not needed. This top includes a built-in SureShade^®electronically retractable cockpit shade, and LED spreader lights forward and aft. Top-of-the-line deluxe GEMLUX^® carbon fiber outriggers are available. The underneath of the top features digital lighting and a huge netted storage area–a Grady specialty. Ten rod holders here are fishing-ready, and four deluxe stereo speakers provide the soundtrack to any adventure.  For extra convenience, this Canyon comes equipped with a remote-controlled anchor light on the T-top, making the transition from day to night as simple as a press of a button.  Safety handrails are seamlessly built-in, just where you need them.

Aft port and starboard cockpit side doors are positioned perfectly for landing fish or boarding.  Another useful feature is the hot and cold freshwater shower mounted near the starboard side door, ready for a quick rinse after a swim or dive, or to wash off your rods after a catch. There is handy storage for six rods under the aft gunwales and, just forward, additional lockable storage for four more. Twin livewells are located in the transom area port and starboard, adjacent to the expansive aft refrigerated/freezer fish box. This aft box comes with two partitions so it can be sectioned in three sizes, to adjust for your catch of the day. On the interior transom wall is a thoughtfully designed area to mount an up to 24″ electronic display screen so the aft facing crew can see navigation direction, fish sounder, and the exact position of the last strike—all the information a fish fighter needs. The aft transom itself includes a brand new high volume overboard draining scupper system, plus a Glendenning 35-foot, 50 amp motorized retractable shore power cord. The Canyon 456 is powered by quad Yamaha outboard engines, and boasts the Reverso® pre-programmed engine flushing system to keep them running perfectly. This Grady shines at night with water level LED lights.

Access to the expansive console cabin is via a sliding door with screen, located just forward of the portside bridge seat. To port of the integrated cabin steps is a cedar-lined closet. Large side windows provide ample ambient light to fill the interior space. A dazzling combination of exotic wood, superb cabinetry, luxurious fabrics, and Corian® countertops greet the eye. Below the portside countertop is a full-size microwave drawer, and a six-bottle wine cooler for entertaining.

A stainless steel sink and a cooktop are located amidships on the starboard counter, with a refrigerator drawer below. Lighted glass shelves are above the counters on each side. Forward center, there’s an electronically controlled solid sapele wood dining table inlaid with teak and brushed aluminum accents, seating up to four. Simply lower the table for a forward berth that sleeps two comfortably. Overhead, the screened hatch offers plenty of fresh air and ocean breezes on demand. A 32″ flat screen television is centered on the forward bulkhead. Retractable vertical storage for four rods, neatly set under the portside countertop, hides away when not in use. Alongside the berth, port and starboard, are the innovative, patent-pending Integrated Rod Storage Slides™ securely stowing four more rods. The generous console head is starboard, and includes a lighted, mirrored glass cabinet over the stainless steel sink, and a shower with a classic teak grid floor. A clever, elegant hinged fiberglass door partitions off the shower area, keeping the rest of the compartment dry, and creates an additional locker for another four rods.  This luxurious cabin hosts lockable storage for a total of 12 rods.

On deck, forward of the cabin, the Canyon 456 proves it has a double life as an elegant lounge-and-leisure platform. Atop the forward cabin, very comfortable lounge cushions create an incomparable space for sun worshippers. The bow seating area continues the theme of exceptional detail, comfort, and elegant style. There are two large plumbed, insulated boxes portside (43 and 123 quarts), and a huge 210-quart box starboard. Atop the boxes, deeply cushioned seating complemented by three-way positioned stowable backrests surrounds two motorized semi-circular fiberglass tables. When the tables are in the down position, they can be covered with cushions for yet another lounging platform. One notable advantage of the semicircular tables is that they allow access all the way to the bow and windless, and loungers need not move out of the way! Anchor rode storage include up to 400 feet of rode and 30 feet of chain. Drop the plow anchor anywhere the crew wants to stop. If fishermen are sight casting off the bow, remove the cushions, and–voila!–there’s an ample, strong casting platform.

The new flagship Canyon 456 epitomizes Grady-White’s storied legacy of 59 years of building comfortable, superbly engineered, superior quality boats built for the toughest conditions, shaped for the best ride, and fine-tuned for the highest fishing functionality. Here’s a superb fishing yacht, true to its purebred sportfishing heart and soul, that takes luxury and versatility to a new dimension.

The full Grady-White line-up for 2018 includes 28 models ranging from 18 feet to 45 feet (5.44 -13.72 m), and features express cabin, walkaround cabin, center console and dual console style boats, offering unparalleled versatility for any water activity from offshore fishing to watersports to evening cruises. The company has been under private ownership by National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame member Eddie Smith since 1968. Grady-White Boats has been recognized for top-ranking excellence in customer satisfaction in every third-party study ever done in the marine industry including the 16th consecutive National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) CSI Award for excellence in customer satisfaction awarded in February 2018.

Grady-White Boats invites interested guests to meet the company’s skilled and motivated craftsmen and learn about the Grady–White difference. Personal factory tours with guided explanations of the unique Grady-White boatbuilding process are available by calling 252-752–2111 or by mailing custserv@gradywhite.com to make arrangements. Grady-White’s factory is located at 5121 M.L. King Jr. Highway in Greenville, NC, and the company welcomes and encourages guests to visit.

http://www.gradywhite.com

 

 

 

DOCK NEWS

Grand Banks to buy marina and service yard in Stuart, Florida

 -Stuart Yacht Basin will serve as the company’s US headquarters
-Will be managed Hank Compton, COO of Grand Banks America, who has been with the company for 14 years
-In addition to offering commissioning and maintenance services, the company will utilize the facility to showcase new product, and host private events

Grand Banks Yachts is always seeking ways to better serve its new and existing clients of its Grand Banks, Palm Beach, and Eastbay series of yachts. The recent acquisition of Stuart Yard, in Stuart, Florida, is a significant step in that direction.

At 12,000 square-feet, what will be called, Stuart Yacht Basin, home of Grand BanksPalm Beach and Eastbay yachts, includes covered storage, a fully operational service division, 50-ton TravelLift, and dock space. The yard will serve as the company’s US headquarters and will be managed Hank Compton, COO of Grand Banks America, who has been with the company for 14 years managing operations at the company’s factory. In addition, Hank managed sales and sales development in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.

“The acquisition of Stuart Yacht continues to follow our customer first philosophy that began with our factory direct sales model,” said Compton. “We’ll organize new boat commissioning out of the yard for our new Grand Banks, Palm Beach, and Eastbays, while also offering a complete array of yacht services for all of our owners and for all yachts.

Gregg and Nancy Burdick have operated the yard since 1974, which also included a boatbuilding operation during one period. Grand Banks Yachts is excited to continue an association with the Burdicks and the yard’s current staff. “We looked at several possible properties. However, after developing so much respect for the business Gregg and Nancy built,” said Mark Richards, Grand Banks Yachts CEO and founder of Palm Beach Motor Yachts, “we knew this was the right decision. “The yard is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and it’s out of the congestion of other parts of South Florida. This creates a very natural fit for our culture and goals.”

In addition to offering commissioning and maintenance services, the company will utilize the facility to showcase new product, and host private events. In fact, on March 16 more than 50 people attended the company’s first annual Yacht Hop where two new Grand Banks 60s were showcased, along with an Eastbay 44, Palm Beach 55s, Palm Beach 50, and select pre-owned listings.

Plans are being developed for future enhancements and renovations and for a grand re-opening of Stuart Yacht Basin—the official home of Grand Banks, Eastbay and Palm Beach Motor Yachts.

http://www.grandbanks.com

SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA HASHTAGS
#grandbanks #grandbanksyachts #palmbeachyachts

 

BoatUS Report

BoatUS: NOAA National Charting Plan Looks to the Future

“We don’t expect paper charts to go away anytime soon.”

Many in the boating community have recently expressed concern after learning of a proposed plan for the “sunsetting” of paper navigational charts, which was listed among the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Charting Plan, released earlier this spring.

A closer reading of the strategy however, according to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, reveals a forward-looking approach that sets a course to enable the Office of Coast Survey’s Marine Chart Division to continue to meet the evolving needs of boaters into the future. The member-funded nonprofit Foundation serves as the safety arm for the more than half-million member Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

“The way we access data today is different than how we accessed it 10 years ago, and we believe there’s a good chance it will be different 10 years from now,” said BoatUS Foundation Vice President Susan Shingledecker, who serves as the boaters voice on the 15-member NOAA Hydrographic Services Review Panel, which advises the federal agency on the nation’s navigational charting needs. “The National Charting Plan shows that NOAA is looking to evolve its products and use its resources efficiently to meet the changing needs of its users. Having nautical charts available in a range of formats is key to boating safety, and we don’t expect paper charts to go away anytime soon.”

Navigational charts are critical to boating safety, and have evolved to meet to the changing needs of boaters and the use of technology.

To ensure concerns were recognized, comments filed today with NOAA by BoatUS Government Affairs said, “BoatUS feels strongly that NOAA’s charting products need to continue to be available in a wide range of formats. …We see some form of paper charts as an essential need for the foreseeable future.”

BoatUS also notes in its comments that charts are likely moving to the metric system and will require boater education. The BoatUS Foundation expects to increase its educational outreach as that occurs.

Among the proposed boater-friendly changes in the National Charting Plan, according to Shingledecker, are more frequent chart updates – weekly, instead of long intervals, and the better integration of data with other agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard, which could mean integrating the latest channel depths and aid to navigation positions. The plan also allows NOAA to focus attention on underserved waterways, such as resolving chart discrepancies in areas of importance to recreational boaters.

“We see a more efficient chart production that allows more frequent updates of obstructions, discrepancy resolution and exploration of using crowd-sourced data,” said Shingledecker. “Boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway, for example, need to know what the channel depth is today – not what it was last year. The plan is simply a starting point to get us there.”

NOAA also responded to boaters’ concerns in a blog post today, ensuring boaters that, “The draft plan does not offer a timeline for ending the production for NOAA paper charts or (Raster Navigational Chart) data. We expect this process may take decades to complete, as user communities continue to adopt electronic navigation and our production system and products continue to improve.”

Suggested Tweet and Facebook post: BoatUS Foundation: NOAA Navigational Charting Plan looks to the future  https://goo.gl/2aPjYA  #BoatUSfdn

About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water: The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.

 

Dock News

Grady-White Boats Is “15 for 15,” Receiving NMMA CSI Award for Top Customer Satisfaction Ranking Fifteen Times in a Row

Here at the Boat & Yacht Report, we have always been fans of Grady-White. And here is just one more reason why this quality boat builder has earned our accolades as well as the loyalty of its owners throughout the years.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has once again awarded Grady-White Boats the marine industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) award, the trade association’s top recognition for customer satisfaction with new boats. This is the 15th year the association has conducted studies of customer satisfaction among boat and boat engine owners. Grady-White has received this top award in the category of fiberglass outboard boats all 15 years.

The Grady-White Canyon 306 Center Console. Photo Courtesy of Grady-White.

The marine industry CSI Award program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. Participating manufacturers must survey all new boat buyers during the designated period, with results compiled by a third party. For this reporting period, the program surveyed more than 122,000 consumers.

Award recipients were acknowledged during the annual marine industry breakfast at the Miami International Boat Show, February 17, 2017. “Fostering a culture of excellence in customer satisfaction not only builds exceptional brand loyalty, but creates an outstanding boating experience, ensuring that today’s boater remains the boater of tomorrow, and promotes industry growth by developing boaters into lifestyle advocates,” notes Robert Newsome, vice president of engineering standards and membership for NMMA. “We congratulate these manufacturers for their commitment to their customers and for creating an incomparable boat ownership experience.”

Grady-White Freedom 225. Photo Courtesy of Grady-White.

Shelley Tubaugh, vice president of marketing for Grady-White Boats, remarked, “Receiving this recognition from the NMMA for each and every year of the award, an incredible 15 times in a row, makes all of us at Grady-White Boats very proud. This affirms that our dedication to paying exceptional attention to every detail leads to our customers’ complete satisfaction and sets us apart. Grady-White Boats and Grady-White dealers believe this award is an acknowledgement of our combined commitment to achieving the very highest levels of customer satisfaction by providing the ultimate boating experience attainable only through owning a Grady-White.”

Grady-White Boats’ Shelley Tubaugh (l), VP of Marketing, and Mark Doggett (r), Executive VP, accept the company’s fifteenth consecutive CSI customer satisfaction award from NMMA President Thom Dammrich. Photo Courtesy of Grady-White.

 

For more information regarding the NMMA CSI program visit www.nmma.org.

Grady-White Boats was founded in 1959 and builds 26 boat models from 18 to 37 feet at its plant in Greenville, NC. The company has been under continuous private ownership by NMMA Hall of Fame member Eddie Smith and the Smith family since 1968. Grady-White welcomes visitors to the company’s award-winning factory to see first-hand the process the company uses to create the very best family-and-fishing boats, and to meet the dedicated team that builds them.

PO Box 1527, Greenville, NC 27835

(252) 752-2111

WWW.GRADYWHITE.COM

 

Photo Op

Dear Capt. Ken: We are at the dock in Hilton Head, SC after a wonderful day traveling south on the Intracoastal. We will be in the Palm Beach, FL area sometime next week and will be staying until the end of the month to attend the boat show there. We have followed, and enjoyed, your writings in the boating magazines for years and would just like to say that we have a copy of your new POWERBOATING book on board and find your style of writing makes it a very interesting read. The information, even for experienced boaters, is something everyone who is living the lifestyle, or is thinking of getting into boating, will enjoy. The anecdotal stories are quite enjoyable and add lots of depth to the subject matter. We especially liked the portion dealing with the filthiest engine room ever. As well, your photography is just right for each subject you cover. Keep up the good work and perhaps we will get to meet you at Palm Beach. Thanks again.
-A.&L. Louis, Montreal, Canada

 

Dock News

Wake Boat Excitement…Sea Ray Style

The premier builder presents a new sport boat powered by Mercury Marine

Sea Ray entered the wake sport boat market with the new SLX-W 230, which is powered by a Mercury Marine V-Drive propulsion system.

The builder said the SLX-W combines wake-shaping capabilities with a deep-vee hull design, joystick piloting capability, a submersible swim step, Dynamic Display and a standard watersports tower.

“This is the ideal boat for active families seeking to maximize their time on the water,” Sea Ray president of sport boats and sport cruisers Brad Anderson said in a statement.

“We started with Sea Ray’s unique dedication to Orchestrated Excellence, then added a thrilling new wake-surfing technology design to achieve the perfect boat for wake sports, coving and cruising. The SLX-W delivers pure enjoyment with nothing sacrificed and we’re calling it Orchestrated Adventure.”

Sea Ray’s deep-V wake-hull design comes standard with Dynamic Running Surface.

Sea Ray’s new SLX-W 230 offers its deep-vee hull, joystick capability, submersible swim step, standard tower, and Mercury Marine power.

Pre-sets for wakeboarding and surfing fill the 2,000 pounds of ballast to the appropriate level and set the underwater gear for the wave. The ballast system is entirely contained within the hull, a sophisticated solution Sea Ray said does not consume valuable storage space.

The company also said the SLX-W 230 offers a fully integrated joystick control that utilizes the engine and thrusters in an effort to make the boat more easily maneuvered.

“During the research phase of this project, customers were very clear about how difficult it was to maneuver traditional tow boats in close quarters, such as around docks or when picking up surfers,” Anderson said. “Working with Mercury Marine, we’re introducing a wake sports boat that makes it easy to dock in any condition and spin on a dime to pick up a fallen surfer more quickly.”

“With its incredible versatility, superior fit and finish, unprecedented wake technology and easy maneuverability — courtesy of Mercury’s joystick piloting technology — the SLX-W fulfills a bold new vision for wake sports capability,” Anderson said. “The wave of the future is here.”

For more information, visit the company Website at http://www.searay.com