Certification Matters When Buying a Boat

Certification Matters When Buying a Boat

Industry's Product Certification Program Ensures Boats Meet Industry Safety and Construction Standards

CHICAGO (2006) — Prospective buyers should look closely at more than a price tag when shopping for a new boat – the NMMA Certified logo ensures the boat exceeds strict industry safety standards. NMMA Certified is a safety benchmark developed to assist customers in the boat selection and buying process.NMMA Certification is awarded through rigorous third-party inspections to determine if the boat meets U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, as well as more stringent standards established by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). Approximately 80 percent of all boats built in the U.S. participate in the NMMA Certification Program. What’s more, NMMA Certified boats are seven times less likely to be recalled for safety issues, according to recent USCG recall statistics.

“While intricate boat systems may not be top-of-mind for prospective boat owners, they’re critical to a boat’s performance, safety and the overall boating experience,” says Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “Buyers can easily identify the NMMA Certified logo and feel confident they are buying from a manufacturer committed to customer safety and quality.”

Several important operational systems are inspected in the NMMA Certification process, including fuel, electrical, ventilation, steering, flotation, and navigation light systems, as well as passenger, weight and horsepower capacity, if applicable.

Starting with the 2007 model year, the NMMA, which represents more than 400 recreational boat manufacturers nationwide, will require all member products to be NMMA Certified. The mandate also calls for boat manufacturers to get involved in a customer satisfaction measurement program that includes standardized customer surveys to help identify ways to continuously improve customer satisfaction.

Interested buyers should ask dealers if the boat they are considering for purchase is NMMA Certified. The NMMA Certified logo should appear on the capacity plate on boats up to 26 feet or on the yacht plate near the helm on boats more than 26 feet in length. A complete listing of NMMA Certified boats can be found at DiscoverBoating.com .

One of the best ways to locate NMMA Certified boats is to visit boat shows held throughout the country. Prospective buyers can also visit the Discover Boating Center, an exhibit found at most boat shows around the country, for unbiased expert advice on the type of boat that would best suit their needs.

About Discover Boating

Discover Boating is a public awareness effort managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) on behalf of the North American recreational boating industry. Discover Boating programs focus on increasing participation and creating interest in recreational boating by demonstrating the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle while helping to educate potential boaters and offering opportunities to experience the fun and togetherness of being on the water on a boat. Each year nearly 70 million people in the U.S. enjoy boating, the recreational activity that "connects like no other.” To find out more, visit DiscoverBoating.com .

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Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association