MINNEAPOLIS, MN - October 31, 2002 - Genmar Holdings, Inc. will officially unveil the industry's most comprehensive customer service programs, Genmar FirstMate and Genmar FirstMate+, to consumers during the 2002 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.
"Boating consumers have been waiting a lifetime for this type of service, and we are committed to delivering an unprecedented level of customer assistance to the Genmar FirstMate and FirstMate+ boat owners that, until today, has not been available to the marine industry," said Genmar Chairman Irwin Jacobs. "We believe that by putting Genmar boaters in the position to receive an immediate response on almost any issue, Genmar is providing our customers with a level of after sales service greater than ever seen in the history of the marine industry."
Genmar FirstMate, available to customers free of charge for one year through all Genmar brands, offers peace-of-mind boating through more than 140 categories of services. Genmar FirstMate includes, at no extra cost, Sea Tow's On-Water Assistance, Trailer Care and EnviroCare services, plus an Information Line, New Boat Owner Helpline, Concierge Services, Boater Education, FishMate, Technical Assistance and more. So whether it's a question about a specific boat or a call for on-water assistance to get off a sandbar, Genmar FirstMate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Genmar FirstMate+, available on most Genmar boats 24 feet and larger, includes all the services of Genmar FirstMate, plus Telematics technology by SeaKey, to provide the ultimate in customer care assistance. Genmar FirstMate+ offers emergency help at the touch of a button and can send an alert if a boat is stolen, sinking or has a low battery voltage. The satellite-based communications system also offers worldwide monitoring of a boat's current position, heading, speed and alarm status from a personal computer connected to the Internet.
"I believe this new level of personalized, value-added, Genmar FirstMate and Genmar FirstMate+ services will bring more people into boating," said Jacobs. "The boating consumers have been waiting a lifetime for this type of customer service."
Additional information on Genmar FirstMate and Genmar FirstMate+ can be found during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at the Genmar FirstMate display, located at booth 1002 in the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. Genmar FirstMate information will also be available at any Genmar brand display in the Convention Center, Sailfish Pavilion and Bahia Mar Yachting Center.