MIBS and visiting with Captain Rusty

Jaws

Active Member
GOLD Sponsor
Nov 13, 2007
856
Sarnia, Ontario
Boat Info
460 Sundancer 2002
Engines
Cummins 8.3 6CTA
My wife, in an uncharacteristic weak moment, agreed to let me take her to the Miami Boat Show last week and then spend some time on the Treasure Coast for our winter vacation. The show was great and Sea Ray's display was busy, similar to the Toronto Show last month. Many of the same boats were there including the 370, 510, and the 540 (instead of the 580 in T.O.). I spoke with Chad from SRO (Sea Ray Owners group) and emphasized the CSR support for them. The sales people seemed busy enough so we moved on.

A couple of days later I decided to take a chance and give Captain Rusty Higgins a call. He told me to come up to Merritt Island to have a chat, so we did. I have to tell you that this man could be the head cheerleader for everything to do with Sea Ray. He is so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and generous with his time (I obviously caught him between assignments). He knew my friends' boats. He knew our dealership in Michigan well. He introduced us to the people who patiently answered my e-mails and also to quite a few of the plant workers. I saw firsthand some of the most perfect upholstery stitching, fibreglas lay-up, cabinet joinery and all done by hand. There isn't a robot in sight except for two CNC machines in the cabinet department. All of these workers quietly express a great amount of pride in their work. Most have been there for a generation or more at this plant in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center.

If you own a Sea Ray or hope to some day, rest assured that they are being built by some of the finest and most experienced craftsmen in the industry. We were totally impressed!

Most of you know that the company is in the midst of managerial change and one would think that it would affect day-to-day operations. Not at all. The Merritt Island facility appears as though it could run on autopilot. No worries. We got to see some of the almost finished product out on the docks: a couple of 510 models, 540, 580, 610 and 541 Meridian. Very impressive and the quality control captain is really sweating the details it appears.

Rusty, if you're listening, thanks for taking the time from your very busy schedule to demonstrate the Sea Ray product and the pride that builds it. Thanks again.

James
 

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