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

I agree the dollars off a boat purchase of $75,000, $750,000, or $1,750,000 are not an incentive. The ideas expressed previously make some sense. Most importantly, boating is a social event and the owners club should promote comradery. The Homecoming was a great idea and attending the Yacht Expo is a dream, but simple events or activities at a major boat show or dealer open house would be interesting to me.
 
I think Gene (RubberDuckeeToo) and Jason nailed it! I'm sure Frank's comments were spot on too - always are! Agree on the use of points for apparel. I don't even know where my card is, because I will never buy a new boat, due to my principles RE: depreciation. But, I am an enthusiastic backer of the brand!
 
I would recommend a pro-active approach to engage with customers directly by phone. Ask about their experiences with Sea Ray boats. Maybe utilize someone who has experience in journalism. Cover a wide range of topics including not only the lifestyle currently covered in Sea Ray Living, but also upgrades, repairs, how-to, provisioning, destinations, and new technology. I'd be interested in reading about the owners of Sea Ray's in other countries. We have a couple of regular posters here from Australia and the middle east. It would be great to hear how they use their boats and what it costs to buy and run a Sea Ray in their country. I'd like to see a section on owner's photos. All this for your publications. The Facebook page is off to a good start and should be a model for Sea Ray Living. I find the current content too commercial and superficial. With regard to owner's club, perhaps incentives from the factory for trading up would be a win-win.
 
Ok, swag.... I get it..... Shirts and hats, etc...

But, let's get serious for a second... "I mean look at how Sea Ray dresses the models on the boats".... I, for one, don't think they should change that and I haven't even seen what you're talking about! I wont focus on this issue. But, I will help with model selection if needed....

Ok, really seriously....

I think Sea ray should focus on:

1. Brand awareness - As has been stated, "logoed" paraphernalia that can be customized with the owners boat name .....with promotions for owners

2. Instructional videos - There is no better boating than safe boating and Sea Ray should promote this with education. Further, videos on systems on different Sea Rays.

3. A comprehensive / organized database for owners to find information on their boat and the systems installed. Paper manuals and documentation are great. But now everything should be online with easy access. Not just owners manuals...

4. Group Buying power - Isn't Sea Ray the largest group of boaters? You would think an owners club could get great deals on items like zincs, for example. Especially items we are all going to need.

5. Online suggestion box for ideas.... So, if someone has a 510DA, for example...and he sees something on his boat that might be done differently, he can post a comment about where the "x" is located or needing "y" - This could be an invaluable, free, resource without having to do market surveys.

6. Invite manufacturers to guest speak in webinars about nav equipment or bow thrusters, etc.

7. Owners online record books - Allow owners to keep an online log of their boat with date information on maintenance. They could input the boat name and they could decide if some of there info is open to other owners. So, if some of their content is open, and they see a Sea Ray on the waterway, they can look him up...by boat name, for example....and potentially contact him via mmsi or cell number.

That should be enough to give you an idea....

oh, and

8. Keep the models.....
 
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It's really pretty simple-

People do business with people they know, like, and trust.

So, regardless of the mechanics (SRO, Sea Ray Living, whatever) you have to ask yourself: "Do people know, like, and trust Sea Ray and the people at Sea Ray that we are currently having to interact with?" and more importantly, will they continue to know, like, and trust the company, given the myriad of changes such as plant closings, employee layoffs, and European design changes?

The underlying, recurring theme of the responses you are getting is "Engage Us" preferably using employees we know, like, and trust. Maybe you should listen...
 
Here's what I would do, I would hire me (as a cameraman) and Rusty to make a weekly video series covering everything you can think of on a boat, in all kinds of boat models. From how to operation to repairs. Not only could you show off new boats, but you would also take a lot of the mystery out of boat ownership. Call it "In the bilge with Captain Rusty". I think every boat owner in the world would watch it religiously.
 
+1.... Great Ideas.

Boat Guy said:
Ok, swag.... I get it..... Shirts and hats, etc...

But, let's get serious for a second... "I mean look at how Sea Ray dresses the models on the boats".... I, for one, don't think they should change that and I haven't even seen what you're talking about! I wont focus on this issue. But, I will help with model selection if needed....

Ok, really seriously....

I think Sea ray should focus on:

1. Brand awareness - As has been stated, "logoed" paraphernalia that can be customized with the owners boat name .....with promotions for owners

2. Instructional videos - There is no better boating than safe boating and Sea Ray should promote this with education. Further, videos on systems on different Sea Rays.

3. A comprehensive / organized database for owners to find information on their boat and the systems installed. Paper manuals and documentation are great. But now everything should be online with easy access. Not just owners manuals...

4. Group Buying power - Isn't Sea Ray the largest group of boaters? You would think an owners club could get great deals on items like zincs, for example. Especially items we are all going to need.

5. Online suggestion box for ideas.... So, if someone has a 510DA, for example...and he sees something on his boat that might be done differently, he can post a comment about where the "x" is located or needing "y" - This could be an invaluable, free, resource without having to do market surveys.

6. Invite manufacturers to guest speak in webinars about nav equipment or bow thrusters, etc.

7. Owners online record books - Allow owners to keep an online log of their boat with date information on maintenance. They could input the boat name and they could decide if some of there info is open to other owners. So if you see a boat

That should be enough to give you an idea....

oh, and

8. Keep the models.....
Click to expand...
 
Have to agree with the majority of what others have said here, the rewards points towards the cost of a new SeaRay is just not sufficient to make us buy a new cruiser, unless we win the Lottery! If the SROC is not open to those that support it who live abroad then it really should be, they support the brand. And, as for the models, deep down we all know a pretty girl is not going to make Mr. (and certainly not Mrs.) average spend hundreds of thousands of dollars even though they are nice to look at. Also, why are they mostly female models? What about men's lib, more male models! Seriously, the one thing I would suggest is to try and engage what the guys on here "sometimes lovingly" refer to as "The Admirals" more, as we all know that it is generally the ladies of the household that govern major puchases.......more male models...(I jest).
 
Matt-

I agree with much of what has been said. I'm on my second SeaRay in 4 years. (One a new purchase, one used) I see several more SeaRays in my future, and I'm still fairly young. I think a program that sets SeaRay apart from the pack would be great. I do my homework and I've compared SeaRay models to more than a dozen competitors (both foreign and domestic).

My overall thoughts:
-The points program is useless and my dealer rarely gets points credited correctly anyways. This is not an incentive when I'm spending 6 figures plus on a boat.
-Videos that have helpful tips, give comprehensive product tours, maintenance tips, mechanics corner, etc would be very helpful. I don't want more SeaRay marketing videos that show executives standing on the factory floor talking about how great their products are. Owners Club videos should be more in depth and give us valuable information. (I say all of this as someone who produces video for a living) Think of what BoatTest.com does with some of their content.
-Seasonal events hosted at local dealers.
-More SROC merchandise that we can either buy or get with points.
-Expand the discount programs to more vendors/retailers. BoatUS does a good job with this.

I understand that any loyalty program must make financial sense, but I think this is something SeaRay can do. The program should reward and involve both new boat owners/buyers as well as those with older SeaRays.

Did I mention video? Oh yeah. That seems to be a common theme.

Thanks,
 
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
 
I now have so much sea ray stuff that it would be too counter-productive to switch brands because i'd go broke buying new stuff. so i'd suggest a simple way to give people the means to get more stuff. I noticed the other day when I was in my truck at lowes I had a SR license plate on front, SR hitch cover on the back and SR emblem on my window; SR can huggie in the console; truck keys on the SR key ring; SR polo shirt & SR hat on; and a SR money clip in my pocket. Only thing I think I don't have is sea ray underwear...just have the boat name on them for now. the SR owners I know are always comparing and showing off the new stuff they get. I'd say that's also an inexpensive way to instill some brand loyalty. Speaking of underwear, I think sea ray lingerie would be a neat niche item for brit and her merry band of admirals.
 
I think you should steal an idea from Harley Davidson. If you are away from home on the road and you have a problem, when you pull in for service you are put right at the top of the list. You are the next job, period. Set up a network of servicing locations, and use the SROC web site to help stranded boaters locate the fastest help possible (think AAA). I'm not asking that you provide any free mechanical services, just a way to sound the alarm for help and have it get to the right people in a timely manner. Possibly extend that network to include suppliers (Norcold, Cruiseaire, Westerbeke, Mercury, etc...) so their dealers in the area could also be involved.

If you are travelling and have a problem with your boat or a system, you just log in to SROC, input your location, and input the details of your problem. SROC on the back end would send out the message to the locations in the area that capable of providing the services needed. Monitor the situation until a resolution is at hand or the owner is back en route.
 
searay40dad said:
I now have so much sea ray stuff that it would be too counter-productive to switch brands because i'd go broke buying new stuff. so i'd suggest a simple way to give people the means to get more stuff. I noticed the other day when I was in my truck at lowes I had a SR license plate on front, SR hitch cover on the back and SR emblem on my window; SR can huggie in the console; truck keys on the SR key ring; SR polo shirt & SR hat on; and a SR money clip in my pocket. Only thing I think I don't have is sea ray underwear...just have the boat name on them for now. the SR owners I know are always comparing and showing off the new stuff they get. I'd say that's also an inexpensive way to instill some brand loyalty. Speaking of underwear, I think sea ray lingerie would be a neat niche item for brit and her merry band of admirals.
Click to expand...
From the ancient Sea Ray faction...
I totally agree with Tim and am nearly in the same boat (no pun intended) as to the SR accesories...but always want more.
I love all boats but live and breath Sea Ray ....and restore the old and neglected to keep them in the mix.
I know a dollar for dollar factor in the wearables is unrealistic but you could do like WestMarine and offer cash back or a discount for dollars spent at a SR dealer or on the wearables and accessories.
Guaranteed I will not be dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new boat anytime soon if ever...so a few hundred to a few thousand off a new craft means nothing to me nor probably would it to someone with the means to buy a new one in reality.
I am a member of SROC BTW. :wink: and will say I felt it helped get the wife and I an impromptu tour of the Knoxville plant while on vacation.
One suggestion I might give would be a roving boat show...
just have a team show up at a busy lake or area on weekends and raft up several new craft of various realistic sizes to the water at hand and give people rides or show off the boats a bit.....boaters WOULD notice that type of relations and advertisement.
 
When I bought my Sea Ray and a friend bought a 340 - while the warranty issues were in general small things that should have been caught in production or delivery. Our experience would have benefitted with someone at Sea Ray being my advocate to insure the dealer honored their obligations. My dealership closed shortly after I bought my boat and felt a little abandoned. So helping work out the issues would have been helpful. I could see the pts being used for electronics on a new boat or accessories that has been mentioned. I used my pts to buy a GPS for my 320.
 
I agree with Rich. I avoid the Sea Ray section at local boat shows just because of MM. I won't even go to a MM dealer to buy parts. The only connection I have to Sea Ray is through this forum and that's because Rusty took the initiative to engage us on a personal level. And the only reason I even bought a Sea Ray is because of Frank on this forum. The support network for owners does not exist in the NE outside of this forum. It's time for Sea Ray to start walking the docks.


Rich122 said:
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
Click to expand...
 
skibum said:
I think you should steal an idea from Harley Davidson. If you are away from home on the road and you have a problem, when you pull in for service you are put right at the top of the list. You are the next job, period. Set up a network of servicing locations, and use the SROC web site to help stranded boaters locate the fastest help possible (think AAA). I'm not asking that you provide any free mechanical services, just a way to sound the alarm for help and have it get to the right people in a timely manner. Possibly extend that network to include suppliers (Norcold, Cruiseaire, Westerbeke, Mercury, etc...) so their dealers in the area could also be involved.

If you are travelling and have a problem with your boat or a system, you just log in to SROC, input your location, and input the details of your problem. SROC on the back end would send out the message to the locations in the area that capable of providing the services needed. Monitor the situation until a resolution is at hand or the owner is back en route.
Click to expand...
I like this concept. In general the Sea Ray Owners Club would mean something to me if it contributed positively to my daily boating activities. Points and magazines and such are nice, but they in no way were any kind of discriminator as to why I bought Sea Ray. Now it would be nice if you have the SROC card get me a discount on parts and labor at the local Sea Ray dealer and guarantee that any Sea Ray dealer will work on my boat (because I know of one large one in particular that generally won't work on a Sea Ray unless you bought it from them) and provide me access to "how to" information (and to give Sea Ray credit, they do already provide this to some degree through their website). Here is an example. My nice little 8lb 6oz Halon 1301 tank has run its course and I need to deal with it. Local dealer doesn't really have any advice other than get the new stuff in a much larger tank (that won't fit where the old one is, by the way) from them at full retail and they gave me the feeling they kinda want to distance themselves from this situation. Would be great if I could find the turn key answer to this replacement on my specific boat model/year via my SROC and not have to hunt and peck through this site and make numerous phone calls to various places, to try to get educated on the best approach.
 
searay40dad said:
Only thing I think I don't have is sea ray underwear...just have the boat name on them for now. the SR owners I know are always comparing and showing off the new stuff they get. I'd say that's also an inexpensive way to instill some brand loyalty. Speaking of underwear, I think sea ray lingerie would be a neat niche item for brit and her merry band of admirals.
Click to expand...

Great idea! I'll take 12 (french cut), one for each day of the week plus spares, accidents happen:) Seriously, that's a great idea look how well Victoria's Secret does! We could have a smaller range of products but with the SeaRay logo.
 
Turtlesboat said:
I agree with Rich. I avoid the Sea Ray section at local boat shows just because of MM. I won't even go to a MM dealer to buy parts. The only connection I have to Sea Ray is through this forum and that's because Rusty took the initiative to engage us on a personal level. And the only reason I even bought a Sea Ray is because of Frank on this forum. The support network for owners does not exist in the NE outside of this forum. It's time for Sea Ray to start walking the docks.
Click to expand...

While I did not buy my boat because of this forum, I agree with the comments above and the Marinemax issues. The nearest Sea Ray dealer for me is 496 miles away. Yet there are many, many Sea Ray boats in one of the best boating locales on the West Coast, yet there is zero access to any support from the corporate side.

I have only two negative things to say about my boat, engine room access is poor, and I would never buy from MM again.
 
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