Eight Performance Factors Evaluated
The 2009 Boat Competitive Information Study examines the sales, service
and product experience of new-boat owners. Owner satisfaction with new
boats is measured in seven segments: fiberglass bass boats; coastal
fishing (17 to 30 feet); express cruisers (24 to 33 feet); small
runabouts (16 to 19 feet); large runabouts (20 to 29 feet); pontoons;
and ski/wakeboards. Overall customer satisfaction index scores are
based on performance in eight factors: cabin; engine; ride and
handling; helm and instrument panel; design and styling; sound system;
water sports; and fishing. Highlights for each boat segment include:
Bass Boat Segment
Bass Cat ranks highest in the bass boat segment for a fifth consecutive
year, performing particularly well in ride and handling, fishing, and
design and styling. Ranger and Stratos, respectively, follow Bass Cat
in the segment.
Coastal Fishing Segment (17 to 30 feet)
For an eighth consecutive year, Grady-White ranks highest in the
coastal fishing segment, performing particularly well in fishing, ride
and handling, and design and styling. Following Grady-White in the
rankings are Boston Whaler and Century, respectively.
Express Cruiser Segment (24 to 33 feet)
Regal and Sea Ray tie to rank highest in the express cruiser segment.
This marks the third consecutive year that Regal has ranked highest.
Sea Ray performs particularly well in ride and handling while Regal
performs particularly well in the cabin factor.
Small Runabout Segment (16 to 19 feet)
Sea Ray ranks highest among small runabout boats, performing
particularly well in the engine, water sports, and design and styling
factors. Regal and Monterey, respectively, follow Sea Ray in the
segment.
Large Runabout Segment (20 to 29 feet)
For an eighth consecutive year, Cobalt ranks highest in the large
runabout segment. Cobalt performs particularly well in water sports,
design and styling, and ride and handling. Regal and Sea Ray,
respectively, follow Cobalt in the segment.
Pontoon Segment
Bennington ranks highest in the pontoon segment, performing
particularly well in design and styling. Manitou follows Bennington,
while Premier ranks third in the segment.
Ski/Wakeboard Segment
For a seventh consecutive reporting year, Nautique (manufactured by
Correct Craft) ranks highest in the ski/wakeboard segment, performing
particularly well in instrument panel, water sports, and ride and
handling. Mastercraft ranks second.
About the Study
The 2009 Boat Competitive Information Study is based on responses from
9,790 owners who registered a new boat between June 2007 and May 2008.
The study was fielded from September to November 2008.
For more information:
2009 Boat Competitive Information Study
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