MINNEAPOLIS — Genmar Holdings, Inc. plans to bring its 2,000-dealer network online, extending the benefits of the Internet to approximately 25 percent of all North American boat dealers through a new strategic marketing partnership utilizing the 2002 "Jump Start" program with boats.com, Inc. Genmar manufactures 16 brands, has 13 manufacturing centers and employs approximately 6,000 people.

The partnership with boats.com will enable Genmar dealers to establish a presence on the Internet by listing all new and pre-owned inventory on the boats.com Web site. Dealer locations and services will be advertised in the boats.com marine directory along with maps to store locations, store hours and contact information.

"Genmar and its dealers have proven the extraordinary value of the Internet through promotions that have been the most successful in the history of the marine business," said Genmar Chairman Irwin Jacobs. "We believe the Internet has become an essential tool for dealer growth and success, and boats.com has proven itself to be the single largest source for consumers seeking information on boats. Today, more than 1 million unique visitors come into their sites each month seeking boat information."

Paul Rabe, President, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of boats.com touted Genmar's commitment to its dealer organization as an industry first and stated that boats.com will have all Genmar dealers entered into the site by the end of December.

"Through boats.com, dealers can utilize a new channel of operation and customer interaction," he said. "The Internet is a very powerful way to reach consumers, lower customer acquisition costs and sell more boats. Boats.com will bring the Internet-savvy consumer to Genmar's dealer group."

With an established network of industry alliances — including the exclusive endorsements from the industry's two leading associations — the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Marine Retailers Association of America, boats.com provides unmatched consumer access to information.