Press Release
Marine Intelligence Propels Raymarine Sales Gain
By Push Services, [email protected]
NASHUA, N.H., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Raymarine, the acknowledged world leader in recreational marine electronics, has turned in a sterling sales performance during its first year, following a managerial buyout from former parent company Raytheon. Despite a softening global economy, exacerbated by the events of September 11th, sales in 2001 rose around six percent to about $150 million compared to 2000.
"We performed respectably with the support and guidance of Raytheon,"
notes Rick Kane, CEO of the new Raymarine, "however, since the buyout our talented team of engineers is 100% focused on recreational marine
electronics. We have invested nearly 6% of our revenue in research and development during the past year, more than in any previous period under Raytheon."
Kane has stated that, as a separate company, Raymarine is better
positioned to listen to customer wants, and then develop the technology to
deliver intelligent hardware and software systems for a wide range of
solutions for the boater and racer. Among the accomplishments in 2001, is a new generation of course computers for inboard autopilots with Advanced Steering Technology (AST) delivering smooth, crisp turns onto the next heading.
The network integration of the on-board electronics took a major step
forward with the release of Raymarine's new generation High Speed Bus
(hsb2). Raymarine revolutionized marine navigation in 1990 with the Autohelm SeaTalk(R) two-way data link in which two devices, such as instruments and autopilots could exchange information on a single data wire. HSB2 technology allows one display to communicate with up to nine other hsb2 displays, sharing radar, chart and fishfinder data via single high-speed bus link anywhere on board. Even more significant is the ability to overlay a live Pathfinder Plus radar image on a Raychart color plotter for comparing and reconciling radar targets with chart objects.
Debuting at the Miami International Boat Show is the latest version of
the award-winning RayTech Navigator. RayTech Navigator Version 4.0 seamlessly integrates onboard instruments including live Pathfinder radar overlay, with planning and environmental data becoming the intelligence hub of the boat. Plan a cruise at home and bring the PC on board to transfer waypoints, routes and alarms to all instruments on the network via a single cable connection.
"There is no question, RayTech will make you a better navigator, sailor
or fisherman," says Louis Chemi, software product manager for Raymarine. "On board, at home, even in the office, this PC-based software defines the term 'user-friendly.' You can be actively involved in planning long before you get on-board, or plan while underway at sea."
RayTech Navigator is also available with two specialized, upgrade
versions, RayTech Fishing Pro and RayTech Sail Racer, both designed to
optimize planning and deliver intelligent competitive advantages.
With these new products, and more under development, Raymarine's Kane expects strong sales to continue in the year ahead. "January boat shows in London, New York and Atlanta were better than expected. With our strong commitment to rapidly bringing new technology to the market, coupled with our exceptional worldwide service, consumers are expressing a great deal of confidence in our dynamic company."
Raymarine is dedicated to the design, manufacture, distribution and
servicing of the world's finest electronic equipment for the recreational
boating and light commercial marine markets. Its headquarters are in
Portsmouth, UK with key offices in Nashua, New Hampshire, USA and Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Raymarine employs around 570 people worldwide.
The company's product line provides the complete marine electronics
package, including instrumentation, autopilots, radar, chartplotters,
fishfinders, communications and PC charting software. For more information, visit www.raymarine.com
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