If Sea Ray started their Owner's Club from scratch, they should definitely....

[SeaRayCorporate]

The owners club is only ok now. Back in the day you had cash value for your points and Sea Ray tied into a visa card and they matched it. But Sea Ray or Visa dropped the tie in program. That was a good program but not the reason a NEW boater would choose SR. and not the reason a current owner would upgrade for.

Rick is correct ENGAGE US and NOT after the fact. It's great that Rusty got involved and showed a true interest in this site, and a real desire to help us and Sea Ray. Now SR Corp. is involved.. AFTER THE FACT.

I remember the days of dealer rendezvous' and it was a dealer event one year and Sea Ray event the next. At least that was the way it was here in the NY area, when Surf Side 3 ran the show. Every one of them were a success. and the local Sea Ray dealer and Sea Ray were one. Now you have Marine Max, the big national dealer and they drop the events and replace it with Aquapalooza, which in my mind is a dismal failure in this area. You may have a great success in TN with national headliners staring in shows, but we all don't live near Corp headquarters.

You need to reach out on an very local level, and that means Sea Ray people at the boat shows, listening on forms like this. We Boat, and it just may be we have more insight into what works on a boat then the designers. There are systems in places on boats that we all just don't get! LISTEN! Better access to info directly from your manufacturing people not just the dealer, for the DIY people. To be honest, having Marine Max doing 80% + of your sales and selling other boats (even in the Brunswick family)..is not in the best interest of Sea Ray. We buy Sea Ray because they are Sea Rays, NOT because of your component partners, or that Marine Max sells them. Sea Ray lifts them to a higher level by choosing them, when they fail your customers, you fail!!!

Rich

Rich,

For what it's worth, there have been several small events in the greater New York/NJ region over the last two months, many with Sea Ray personnel in attendance. There was a large MM/SeaRay gathering just this last Saturday (Sea Ray Saturday Nights) in Montauk with Larry Krestan -- Vice President - Sport Yachts and Yachts -- in attendance. We're making the effort and we're trying to turn the ship away from mega-keggers (Aquapalooza) to smaller more intimate events that really promote the Sea Ray lifestyle.

Also, not for nothing, but having the VP of Marketing checking in on this forum several times a day, soliciting direct feedback as we evaluate programs, inviting the SROC member of your choosing behind the scenes on photoshoot, offering world-premier glimpses into new product (before our own dealers in one instance!) is hopefully more than just "after the fact." I recognize I haven't been at it long, but everyone has to start somewhere. Hopefully it comes across the earnest start it's intended to be. -- Matt

 

[WDCboater]

Dealer reputation is why we bought our Sea Ray. Prince William outside DC is great and I feel sorry for those that do not have the same access or experience.

I second using points on merchandise. How about getting points when buying from our host of this site as well, he deserves it! You should consider having BOE run a store for you with merchandise, OEM parts and accessories.

You should also consider a guaranteed price trade up program. You could reduce the initial depreciation curve and infect a lot of us with 2 footitis, while increasing sales volume of new boats.

Glad to see another PWM fan. They definitely go out of their way to make you feel part of the family. Two days before the 4th of July I called them with an AC issue. They'd had a tech stop by my slip in DC and fixed it so I'd be able to have AC on the 4th. When I called to thank Mark, the service manager, he told me they had a tech on duty for the 4th to answer calls and deal with customer issue.

It would be nice to see an Owners Club event at PWM.

 

[WDCboater]

That's why their #1. They aren't allowed to be number one a gain.

They put up with me when I gave them punch lists over and over again for the deficiencies on my new boat. Never made me feel intimidated like some dealers will. Like, how dare you make me aware of this problem.

The thing about PWM is you have to be in the family. If you are an outsider, unless you need parts, service will only help you when all their customers are satisfied. Since they have customers keeping them busy all the time, they can't help an outsider and make one of their owners wait.

Their parts and sales departments are always helpful and friendly, no matter who you are. But being a PWM boat owner you can qualify for a discount.They may get a bad rap for being expensive, but they stand behind their boats and owners. That is priceless.

PWM goes back to the beginning of Sea Ray since 1959

One time I broke down in my old Stingray back in 1995. I was able to get back through the occoquan at idle. This was before they moved where they are now. I bought new belts from their parts department and a mechanic overheard me talking. Instead of my day being over he lent me tools from his shop. I fixed the belts with my friends and I were able to get back on the water for the day. Knowing what I know now, I'm pretty sure it was Carlton's son Doug. He and his whole team are good hard working people.

They've been #1 two years in a row.
Yes, they do take care of "family" before others, but as a PWM customer I can't complain.

How many dealers have their owner so involved in day to day operations? Carlton has personally worked on my boat!

 

[Turtlesboat]

Rich,

For what it's worth, there have been several small events in the greater New York/NJ region over the last two months, many with Sea Ray personnel in attendance. There was a large MM/SeaRay gathering just this last Saturday (Sea Ray Saturday Nights) in Montauk with Larry Krestan -- Vice President - Sport Yachts and Yachts -- in attendance. We're making the effort and we're trying to turn the ship away from mega-keggers (Aquapalooza) to smaller more intimate events that really promote the Sea Ray lifestyle.

Also, not for nothing, but having the VP of Marketing checking in on this forum several times a day, soliciting direct feedback as we evaluate programs, inviting the SROC member of your choosing behind the scenes on photoshoot, offering world-premier glimpses into new product (before our own dealers in one instance!) is hopefully more than just "after the fact." I recognize I haven't been at it long, but everyone has to start somewhere. Hopefully it comes across the earnest start it's intended to be. -- Matt

Never heard of the event, no one I know of heard of it. no dealer told me of it, Sea Ray??? not a peep. ZERO. As far as i'm concerned it didn't happen, no pics to prove otherwise. Diminishing this forum to "just one of many" is just crazy. This is by FAR the best Sea Ray owners forum on the net. Not even a close second comes to mind, I've been to all of them and i'm a member of them all. No disrespect, but we allowed you in here. respect the members of this forum. We appreciate SeaRayCorporate interests in our forum. But first and foremost we respect the users of this forum.

 

[Tonka Boater]

No offense but some of you are pretty harsh....as if you have somehow been wronged by the "man". I think it's great they are reaching out to us and seeking our input. Feels a bit like a hazing before they're let into the club.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I haven't been wronged, but when someone who's owned several Sea Rays says what he see's, and then is told he's wrong... I don't see that as right.

 

[RubberDuckeeToo2]

Online access - use HIN's to "claim your boat" - that can give the owner full access to the build sheets and all documentation that goes with their particular boat and a database to add modifications and additions to the boat. That gives SR the latest on their owners and owners a place for a central storage of data. Not sure about the sharing bit though because that could result in a loss of privacy.

Establish a service network so the purchaser of an older boat can register with a local dealer for maintenance help. Mercedes does this for purchasers of older models. Create an online resource to ask questions that seem to stump some 'expert' riggers and mechanics who perform some of the work on our boats. You don't have to duplicate this place, but a meaningful forum for direct help from the manufacturer would be helpful.

Showcase owners of older models like Volvo does with their million mile cars. Some owners here have done some amazing things with their boats. Not everything is always new, new, new. A suggestion board for things we don't like about some features of our boats that could make future boats better. (For example, you could bring back the real 370 Sundancer. )

A traveling show going from marina to marina to gather SR owners together for a 'meet and greet' with real SR personnel (not sales people) to see the boat they built as well as a place for owners to meet the people who made their boats and exchange ideas.

there are a ton of ideas expressed like this already and I'm sure there will be more, but for now I'll let them speak for the group.

Gene

 

[mpmiller]

No offense but some of you are pretty harsh....as if you have somehow been wronged by the "man". I think it's great they are reaching out to us and seeking our input. Feels a bit like a hazing before they're let into the club.

Agreed. Matt, happy to have you here and excited to see how you can contribute. Very impressed by the engagement so far and keep up the good work. Any perceived criticism is backed by passion around a brand we are all invested in and hope to sustain.

 

[BritLady]

Originally Posted by Tonka Boater No offense but some of you are pretty harsh....as if you have somehow been wronged by the "man". I think it's great they are reaching out to us and seeking our input. Feels a bit like a hazing before they're let into the club.

Agreed, this is the first time that I know of that Sea Ray has taken this much of an interest in CSR and even it's predecessor. I am very pleased and encouraged that Sea Ray is investigating ways to improve the company and brand.

+:thumbsup:

 

[Dsybok]

I'm pretty new to Sea Ray, but its been a family favorite for a long time. I didn't join the SROC because I got my boat through brokerage, didn't even know it existed until a year or so in. Perhaps I should consider joining.

Probably the biggest draw for me is events like last year's open house in Knoxville. I wish I either was around that weekend, or lived closer to TN, and could have attended that event. I wish there were events like it on the west coast. The dealer network in our area seems to change hands too much, and the current dealer doesn't seem to really be very interested in brokerage boat owners like me, I definitely get the attitude at the boat shows, that if you don't have $750k to spend you are not worth talking to. I don't know if they host any kind of brand based events, because I am not important enough to get on their list.

Maybe corporate could help sponsor some regional events around the country that bring owners of all generations together, like minded people who are interested in the brand. Maybe you already do this ( I have no idea as I am not a member). That's the kind of thing that would most interest me.

 

[islandhopper00]

I haven't been wronged, but when someone who's owned several Sea Rays says what he see's, and then is told he's wrong... I don't see that as right.

I think I'm with Mike on this one. Would you let any "new" member just come in here, an start dictating and using what they need? I think there should be a period of grace here. You don't know what is in this Trojan Horse, desguised as Sea Ray Corporate.

When we were the small cockroach, they didn't care about little ole us. So now that we can offer something they need, do you just give it away freely?
I realize the romance of being star struck (Sea Ray Coorperate), but there is always a cost to these things. I was always taught "no free lunch", and "be careful what you ask for, you might just get it".

 

[rcknecht]

Online access - use HIN's to "claim your boat" - that can give the owner full access to the build sheets and all documentation that goes with their particular boat and a database to add modifications and additions to the boat. That gives SR the latest on their owners and owners a place for a central storage of data. Not sure about the sharing bit though because that could result in a loss of privacy.

Establish a service network so the purchaser of an older boat can register with a local dealer for maintenance help. Mercedes does this for purchasers of older models. Create an online resource to ask questions that seem to stump some 'expert' riggers and mechanics who perform some of the work on our boats. You don't have to duplicate this place, but a meaningful forum for direct help from the manufacturer would be helpful.

Showcase owners of older models like Volvo does with their million mile cars. Some owners here have done some amazing things with their boats. Not everything is always new, new, new. A suggestion board for things we don't like about some features of our boats that could make future boats better. (For example, you could bring back the real 370 Sundancer. )

A traveling show going from marina to marina to gather SR owners together for a 'meet and greet' with real SR personnel (not sales people) to see the boat they built as well as a place for owners to meet the people who made their boats and exchange ideas.

there are a ton of ideas expressed like this already and I'm sure there will be more, but for now I'll let them speak for the group.

Gene

I like these recommendations. I have gone in the past to Rusty for help on sepecific issues... I would like to see what Rusty know in a web format...

 

[Rich122]

Matt

Mike is correct. I never heard of the Montauk event, was never emailed. I guess that's because I'm not a MM Lindenhurst customer. But I am a Sea Ray owner in the area! This boat was purchased through Russo, because the MM dealer on LI wanted so big a piece of my "action" I had no choice but to go directly to Russo. Don't get me completely wrong, my local dealer (small and only an "affiliate of MM) is great and has bend over backwards to service all my boats and if it wasn't for them I'd be in another brand. They have done this since my first Sea Ray in 2004 and that's why I've purchased 4 boats since then.

And "Not for Nothing" I think your (SR Corp) involvement is great, but I'm not wrong in stating it's WAS after the fact. I truly believe as many do that Rusty showed you the strategic strength in "partnering" with this form and other forms and you listened. But SRC is now involved, and welcomed, and you're correct that your plan for SROC should not to be replace these forms..it should be a direct manufacturer to customer help form. I've read many great ideas, the best being the log on to find local help, and making sure ALL your dealers treat any customer as they should be, a Sea Ray Customer!

One last note, In the NE when it was SS3 I got every notice emailed to me about every event, and never once had to go to their website to get information for something a dealer should be vigorously promoting. So, please don't tell me otherwise, I stand my ground believing MM (in general) is hurting your customer reputation more then it is helping.

Rich

 

[Boat Guy]

In my view, there seems to be some hostility and skepticism. Maybe it's warranted as I haven't been here that long. Never the less, from my perspective, I appreciate the proactive move by Sea Ray to learn what owners would like and take steps in a positive direction. I don't see the logic in questioning motives or stating they are late to the game...They are here now and that's where the focus should be.... I believe in taking a man for his word and being welcoming. If, down the road, his character doesn't match his words...then that's the time to get vocal. This is an opportunity to make a positive change for Sea Ray and us, as owners. It's not us against them....We all have a common goals...To have a great time boating and see Sea Ray be successful. Remember, corporations are just people.... They set the climate, direction, and tone.... When you have managers that seem to care and make an effort then you don't make life difficult for them....

Matt, after review of the comments, some feedback would be helpful. I'd like to know what SR thinks about the suggestions and intentions. I realize in a great deal of corporate structures things move slowly. It would be a shame to let the corporate structure of yesteryear dictate the speed and resources today. Twenty years ago it was acceptable to have meeting after meeting before something was implemented. Today, in the cyber world, that's no longer necessary nor acceptable.

A good management team moves cautiously with purpose and swiftly....

Aloha

 

[Converse48]

SeaRay Corporate, and I'm referring to the entity as a whole, NOT just the CSR member who bears that name, should focus on what they know best... the boats. I like the idea of drawings and schematics and things of that nature on a membership-only community. Enhancing the ownership experience of ANY Sea Ray, not just the new ones, well raise the value of ALL Sea Rays, which will in turn allow people to step up through the brand because they won't get hosed on re-sale value. Ok, I know that's a pipe dream (not getting hosed on the five year old value of a boat bought new), but even moving the needle there a little bit would help.

I think trying to create a corporate "community" might be a waste of time. Too much watered down language and marketing speak, too many lawyers and PR people. Let the people talk amongst themselves, create spontaneous gatherings and celebrations of the brand and lifestyle, fight and disagree, whatever... I just don't think that will ever happen on a corporate site. I spent a lifetime in Pharmaceuticals marketing trying to get the company to understand that a large number of people come to a brand website for SERVICE not for SALES. But most brand websites are glorified advertisements.

But... let me "join" based on my HIN, give me access to boat-specific materials, etc. and I'm all for it. If well executed, Sea Ray will end up with a valuable marketing asset: a large list of self-selected, highly engaged brand loyalists to whom to market to and/or learn from. Maybe give points for participation like that website that rhymes with fractive maptain.

It's kind of appalling in this day and age that as a one time new boat buyer (2007 44DB) and a current owner of one of their brand's larger models (ugly as it may be) that Sea Ray does not have my e-mail address. The dealer I bought my new boat from in 2007 has it, but then again, I hate them. Sea Ray doesn't have my e-mail address because: a) they've never asked for it; and b) they've never given me a reason to give it to them.

 

[Boat Guy]

It's kind of appalling in this day and age that as a one time new boat buyer (2007 44DB) and a current owner of one of their brand's larger models (ugly as it may be) that Sea Ray does not have my e-mail address. ......... Sea Ray doesn't have my e-mail address because: a) they've never asked for it; and b) they've never given me a reason to give it to them.

This is what I don't understand.....

It seems people are "appalled" because Sea Ray didn't do something a specific way. But, they have made it easy on their website to find the owners area. When you go there, you can register as an owner. It doesn't have to be a new boat. Then you fill in your information, including your email address. It's as simple as that and Sea Ray has your boat info and your email address.

How difficult is that?

It would be nice if based on the HID number that a folder with specific info on your boat was available. But, I think that's the kind of feedback they are looking for.

 

[Turtlesboat]

That's because I had a bet with him that he couldn't write a post with 15 9 letter words in it.

 

[Pseudomind]

That's because I had a bet with him that he couldn't write a post with 15 9 letter words in it.

Just who was the bet with mentioned in this post?

 

[Turtlesboat]

Converse48

 

[Turtlesboat]

It would also be great to have a collection of manuals in PDF form available for our boats. maybe a place to upload to for some of the older boats where we have already gathered some of these and could share with others who have the same equipment.