ABYC

ABYC: American Boat and Yacht Council

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Feb. 22, 2007 - In support of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the Brunswick Foundation has granted a donation of $10,000 to the ABYC Foundation to fund the Spanish translation of the ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft manual. The ABYC and the ABYC Foundation, which have long sought to create a Spanish edition of its 65 safety standards for the design, construction and repair of small craft and their systems, will work with an organization in Mexico to translate the manual.

"Through the Brunswick Foundation's generous donation, ABYC will now be able to offer our members a product that they have been asking for," said Skip Burdon, ABYC President. "The marine industry is a leader in fostering a diverse workforce to include an ever-increasing number of Spanish-speaking employees in not only the manufacturing sector, but other sectors of our industry, such as service and repair. Therefore, this product will be of great benefit to our industry's workforce, and further demonstrate ABYC and the ABYC Foundation's commitment to creating a safe boating experience through the clear understanding and use of standards."

The translated ABYC standards manual will be available in 2008.

Changes, effective immediately, begin with three new models

SEATTLE – June 14, 2006 – Grand Banks Yachts today announced the company’s formal adoption of American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards for boat measurement – and, subsequently, as the basis for naming new models in Grand Banks’ lineup.As a result, the company will rename three newer models to conform to the ABYC standard, effective immediately. The new Grand Banks 44 Heritage, both EU and CL models, have been renamed retroactively to hull number one; the two boats will now be known as the Grand Banks 47 Heritage, or 47EU and 47CL, respectively. These newer Heritage models have a length overall of 46'8", including the molded-in swim platform.

The company is also renaming the Grand Banks 70 Aleutian CP to become the 72 Aleutian RP. The 72's model designator will also change to RP ( for "Raised Pilothouse"), which better reflects the true style of the yacht.

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.”

American Boat & Yacht Council Launches New Industry Certification Course: ABYC Marine Systems Certification

April 27, 2006, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recently offered its first Marine Systems Certification course in Myrtle Beach, SC. This new workforce certification marks ABYC's seventh in the series of marine industry certification programs and was specifically designed to address a multi-system approach that the other certification programs do not cover.

Designed for the experienced technician, this four-day course will provide students with vital information on 21 ABYC standards as they relate to component selection and installation in a multi-system marine environment. Upon successful completion of this course, and passing a 200-questions certification exam, the student will have demonstrated standards-based system proficiency in the following areas: potable water systems, waste water systems, tankage, plumbing, AC and refrigeration systems, electrical installation, system monitoring, compressed gas systems, hydraulic systems and pump systems.

Luhrs Corporation and Webasto Product North America, Inc. Increase Support of American Boat & Yacht Council and Boating Safety

April 12, 2006, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) today announced that two of its members recently renewed their commitment to boating safety by increasing their annual membership support levels to the standards setting organization. Luhrs Corporation and Webasto Product North America, Inc. (WPNA) both increased their membership to a Silver Level.

Luhrs Corporation has been an ABYC member since 1990. Luhrs is a subsidiary of Luhrs Marine Group, a global manufacturer of high value fishing boats from 28 to 44 feet in Open, Hardtop and Convertible configurations. For more information on Luhrs, including the latest on Luhrs Tournament Teams, visit www.luhrs.com .

Webasto Product North America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Webasto Global Comfort Solutions. Both entities are subsidiaries of Webasto AG, which is one of the largest suppliers of open roof systems and thermosystems to the world's automotive industry. Webasto manufactures and distributes air conditioners, hatches, portlights and heaters (cut out calorifiers) for the marine market. For more information on Webasto, visit www.webasto-us.com.