For the Seventh Time in a Row Cobalt Runabouts Are Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction in J.D. Power and Associates Study.

For the seventh straight time*, large runabouts (20 to 29 feet) built by Cobalt Boats have ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Boat Competitive Information StudySM, addressing owners who purchased their boats between June 1, 2006 and May 31, 2007. The study investigated owners’ satisfaction with their runabouts across six factors: 1) engine, 2) ride and handling, 3) design and styling, 4) water sports, 5) sound system, and 6) helm and instrument panel. Cobalt boats ranks highest in each of the six factors.

“All of us at Cobalt are honored in this recognition,” said Cobalt’s CEO Paxson St. Clair. “Since the first year of the J.D. Power and Associates boat study, the industry as a whole has shown increased attention to the details of performance, reliability, and long-term value. I believe that the study has helped all of us listen to our customers more effectively. And, as a result, we’re better boat-builders.”

“We are proud of the many Cobalt dealers who provide excellent customer service to Cobalt owners. In addition, we are blessed to have hundreds of dedicated craftsmen who build our boats one at a time with a passion for excellence,” said Paxson St. Clair. “Our local community of Neodesha, the people, the culture and the rural work ethic allows us to build boats recognized throughout the world for pinnacle quality. For all of this, we are grateful.”

Cobalt is a 40-year-old boat company building runabout boats 20 – 36 feet long as well as yachts up to 47 feet. The Neodesha, KS based company distributes boats through a network of dealers throughout the world. Cobalt employs approximately 800 people known as “craftsmen.” A leader in innovation, Cobalt was the first boat company to introduce, the extended running surface, walk through transom, flip-lip seating as well as many other industry firsts. For more information about Cobalt Boats please visit cobaltboats.com or call 1-800-468-5764.

*In 2001, Cobalt was the award recipient in the Runabout segment, in all studies thereafter it received the award in the Large Runabout segment.

(NEODESHA, KANSAS -- APRIL 11, 2008)