Five companies recognized with Web Awards

MIAMI – Boats.com and the National Marine Manufacturers Association honored Sea-Doo for having the best overall Web site in the marine industry at the second annual North American Marine Industry Web Awards, presented at the 2006 Miami International Boat Show Media Breakfast, according to a statement from NMMA Thursday.

The North American Marine Industry Web Awards were launched in 2004 to recognize the industry’s drive toward higher standards of excellence in Web site design and content. Web sites considered for the awards program were evaluated by a panel of judges with expertise in Web creation and design.

“Sea-Doo’s site offers users a well-defined message that relates directly to the different audiences it targets, excellent design features and a confident use of technology,” said James Nolan, boats.com group general manager. “The navigation is consistent and simple to understand even though the site is very complex. The site also identifies and deals with the perceived concerns revolving around the use of Sea-Doo’s personal watercraft products, offering consumers a wealth of information on safety precautions and proper operating techniques.”

In addition to an overall winner, Web sites were honored in four subcategories: Best OEM/Manufacturer Site; Best Marine Equipment Site; Best Broker/Dealer Site; and an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Online Marine Industry.

Grand Banks Yachts’ Web site was recognized as the Best OEM/Manufacturer Site for its clean elegance and ease of site navigation. The site also spoke directly to its consumers, with tight branding and comprehensive information about the features of each boat.

Sea Recovery was honored in the Best Marine Equipment Site category for its clear conception of the market it serves, exceptional and detailed technical explanations of its product and a comprehensive “Frequently Asked Questions” section that relays helpful, clear information to consumers.

The Best Broker/Dealer Site award went to MarineMax for the second year in a row due to its overall consistency in ease of navigation, crisp, clean design of its secondary pages and its ability to match buyers with the correct boat for their needs.

BoatTEST’s Web site was honored for its Outstanding Contribution to the Online Marine Industry. BoatTEST provides consumers and the marine industry a truly valuable service by offering third-party boat reviews and information on boats tested by experts in the marine trade. Their use of rich media offers consistent clarity and easy-to-access information for boat owners and prospects.

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