Models such as the Super Air Nautique 230 (shown here) earned Correct Craft, top marks in customer satisfaction for 2007. (Photo courtesy/copyright Correct Craft.)

Models such as the Super Air Nautique 230 (shown here) earned Correct Craft, top marks in customer satisfaction for 2007. (Photo courtesy/copyright Correct Craft.)



The marine industry is practically infamous for lackadaisical service, so it's heartening to learn that there are boat companies who do take care of the customer. This year Correct Craft and MasterCraft tied for the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Award.

Among ski and wakeboard boat manufacturers, Correct Craft and MasterCraft tied for the prestigious award. Customers scored the boatbuilders in categories such as quality and reliability, water sports, engine and an overall rating. Other criteria include ride and handling, helm and instruments, sound system, and design and style. According to news releases, Correct Craft had the highest numerical score.

"These six consecutive awards would not be possible without incredible employees, dealers and vendors," said Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin. "While we are very proud of our six J.D. power and Associates awards, the Nautique family can be assured that we are still working hard to improve every area of our business."

MasterCraft was the only company in the ski and wakeboard category whose customer satisfaction scores improved in 2008. Its score improved by 15 points over the 2007 study.

"Since 1968, MasterCraft has been raising the expectations and standards of design, performance and quality for the towboat industry," said John Dorton, president and CEO of MasterCraft. "So it is fitting that we have met the consumer's expectations, according to J.D. Power and Associates, and received this very significant recognition from such a respected and world-renowned institution."

The 2008 study is based on responses from 9,718 consumers who measured six ski and wakeboard boat brands and owner opinions of 2006 and 2007 model-year boats registered between June 2006 and May 2007.

For more information, check out www.jdpower.com, www.mastercraft.com and www.nautiques.com.

Written by: Brett Becker
Brett Becker is a freelance writer and photographer who has covered the marine industry for 15 years. In addition to covering the ski boat and runabout markets for Boats.com, he regularly writes and shoots for BoatTrader.com. Based in Ventura, Calif., Becker holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in mass communication from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.