Knoxville, Tenn. - Feb. 16, 2012 - Sea Ray, the world's leading manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is excited to announce a new and innovative technology proven to significantly reduce sound and vibration aboard the models on which it is offered. Called Quiet Ride, the proprietary combination of acoustical forensics, engineering and sound-attenuation materials is the result of more than four years of intense research and development.
"The reduction of noise, vibration and harshness, or NVH, has become a key strategic thrust in the automotive industry," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. "At Sea Ray, we think the boating industry should be no different. Noise and vibration have long been an accepted part of boating, from engine rumble to the rattle of components while under way, but consumer expectations have changed, and so have ours.
"Quiet Ride is a method of NVH reduction using an exclusive engineering and applications process designed to reduce onboard sound and vibration and improve the ride of Sea Ray boats. It is not bolt-on equipment or an afterthought. Rather, it is a fundamental change in the build process to reduce sound at the source," Noyes explained.
In connection with achieving its goal of creating a luxury boating experience with less noise and vibration, Sea Ray collaborated with Omni Products on the application of a patented Tuned Transom that "short circuits" vibrations created by the engine and outdrive. This is an exclusive feature that no other boat manufacturer can offer.
Additionally, Sea Ray scrutinized the laminates, joints, components and fasteners it uses in an effort to reduce NVH. As a result, vibration-deadening materials are laminated into the hull and deck of select models to reduce structural tremors and noise. Bulkheads and acoustical insulation in the engine compartment and key pathways trap and absorb sound. Precise robotic cutting and drilling, which
Sea Ray's advanced production technology allows it to execute during construction, results in extremely accurate angles and proportions for reduced vibration. Hatches, storage areas and access holes are sealed to diminish noise in the cockpit area. Gaskets, bumpers, grommets and compression latches are used to reduce squeaks and rattles.
The results of Quiet Ride are significant. Measuring decibels (dB) in 14 specific areas aboard a Quiet Ride-equipped 250 SLX®, Sea Ray recorded an average 6.8 dB reduction in sound throughout the boat.* This represents an overall noise reduction of 25 to 50 percent. In certain areas of the cockpit, Quiet Ride reduced noise by more than 10 dB. To put these measurements in perspective, a decrease of 10 dB equals a sound being twice as low. Vibration was also greatly decreased, which means a more enjoyable and smoother ride.
"By significantly reducing unnecessary sound and vibration, with very little added weight and no added mass, Quiet Ride is a true innovation with a real, desired consumer impact that makes boating more enjoyable," said Noyes. "Just imagine being able to hear your cell phone or stereo at cruise speeds, or being able to have a conversation while under way without shouting. That's what Quiet Ride does."
An independent test performed by Boating magazine confirmed the substantial achievement of Sea Ray and Quiet Ride. "Running identically-powered 250 SLX bowriders side-by-side, one with Quiet Ride and one without, I recorded a 9 decibel reduction in noise at 4,000 rpm while seated at the aft bench. That's outstanding," said Kevin Falvey, editor of the publication. "Additionally, I could feel the difference in vibration. The boat without Quiet Ride produced a three-cycle per second thrum into the soles of my bare feet. Aboard the 250 SLX with Quiet Ride, I could not feel enough vibration to quantify it. Noise and vibration can be inconvenient and create a less enjoyable ride. Sea Ray Quiet Ride proves that it doesnt have to be part of the boating experience."
Quiet Ride is now available as standard equipment on board the Sea Ray 250 SLX and 270 SLX, and plans are to expand the technology to other boat models in the near future. "This exclusive technology will create a quantum leap in boating enjoyment," said Noyes. "Quiet Ride continues Sea Rays 52-year focus on superior quality, true innovation and customer satisfaction."
*Test data arrived at after comparing a model-year 2012 Sea Ray 250 SLX with Quiet Ride and a 2012 Sea Ray 250 SLX without Quiet Ride measured at 3500 rpm, both equipped with the same power. Decibel readings will change with variances in wind strength, wind direction, current, water conditions, and exact location of the decibel meter.
ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the worlds 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; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, and Diversified Marine parts and accessories distributors; Arvor, Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris FloteBote, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Suncruiser, Triton Aluminum, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.
News/Press Releases
Bayliner Receives Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Awards for a Fourth Consecutive Year
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 30, 2011 For the fourth year in a row, Bayliner Boats has received three prestigious Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading association of the recreational boating industry. Bayliners unprecedented four-peat performance for 2011 comprises of awards in the deck boats, sterndrive bowrider boats, sterndrive cuddy and express boats categories of the CSI program.
As the industry has reacted to recent market realities, these manufacturers have kept a keen eye on consumer satisfaction and quality, noted Terry Leitz, the NMMAs director of CSI programs. This focus will provide great dividends as value conscious consumers consider all aspects of ownership in their purchase process.
The NMMAs Marine Industry CSI program recognizes marine manufacturers whose pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement earns them overwhelming customer support. In order to receive its awards, Bayliner achieved 90 percent customer satisfaction or higher from new owners of Bayliner deck boats, sterndrive bowriders, and sterndrive cuddy and express boats over the past year. Customer satisfaction is measured independently and is based on information provided by all consumers who bought a new Bayliner between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. More than of 30,000 consumers participated in 2011 CSI awards surveys.
Receiving CSI awards for the fourth year in a row is a huge honor and a singular accomplishment among our peers in the industry, said Jeff Behan, president of Bayliner. At least nine out of 10 new Bayliner owners praise the quality of our productsand the experiences they deliverin independent surveys. But receiving these awards would not be possible without the fine work and exemplary customer service of our dealers. We couldnt be happier with their efforts to promote and support the Bayliner brand and help customers make their time on the water So Worth It.
The NMMA will acknowledge Bayliner and the other CSI award recipients during the 2011 International BoatBuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), Oct. 17 to 19 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
ABOUT BAYLINER
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, Bayliner is a leading global manufacturer of attractively-priced runabouts, cuddy cabins, deck boats and cruisers from 16 to 33 feet. Through its comprehensive product offering and quality craftsmanship, Bayliner strives to make boating attainable and fun for everyone worldwide. For more information, visit www.bayliner.com. Bayliner is a brand of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC).