Apr 16, 2024

Sea Ray celebrated its 65th anniversary marine industry dealer meeting April 3-5 at The Westin Resort in Cape Coral, Florida. During the event, attendees enjoyed training, business updates, award recognitions, and on-water product demonstrations of Sea Ray’s latest model line-up including the award-winning SLX 260 Outboard and all-new SDX 270 Surf. The event was attended by dealers from around the world. Sea Ray president, Keith Yunger, Brunswick Boat Group president Aine Denari and Brunswick CEO, Dave Foulkes, shared business updates and congratulations on the company’s long-standing heritage and view of the future.

The anniversary awards dinner was headlined by legendary college football coach, Urban Myer, also a Sea Ray owner. Sea Ray honored dealers in categories for Lifetime Achievement, Customer Service (NPS), Market Leadership, Overall Excellence and Legacy Recognition for 65 or more years in business.

“It’s a pleasure to honor the incredible dealers who have been integral to our success,” said Yunger. “Reaching the milestone of our 65th anniversary is a tremendous accomplishment, and it feels even more special being able to celebrate with those who have been loyal to the brand for decades and through generations.”

Ronald Bensz from B&E Marine was honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was accepted on his behalf by his son and second-generation Sea Ray dealer, Rod Bensz. Individuals are selected for this award in recognition of their lasting impressions left on the marine industry, their place of business and their impact through their personal connections.

“We are extremely grateful that our father, who passed this February at the age of 95, is being honored by Sea Ray with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Bensz.  “Dad lived such a full life, was loved by everyone, had a major impact in our community and the boating industry.  He was not only a dreamer; he was a doer! We were signed as a dealer in 1973 and have been proud to be a Sea Ray dealer now for over 50 of our 71 years in business.”

Among the Sea Ray dealers who were honoured were Canadian dealers,  M&P Mercury Sales in B.C., Needham’s Marine Limited in Ontario.