In another industry first, Sea Ray Boats is pleased to announce that its renowned Ski Ray product line, produced from 1991 to 1999, has been immortalized in the Water Ski Hall of Fame. The American Water Ski Association Tournament Certified Towboat is the first ever to be recognized as a “Legacy of Water Skiing.” The Ski Ray will have its photo and history permanently displayed in the Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum located in Polk City, Fla., between Orlando and Tampa.
“We are excited and proud to have achieved this unique distinction,” said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. “Quality and innovation are two of the legacies given to Sea Ray by our founder, C.N. Ray, so it’s appropriate the Ski Ray has received the title of ‘Legacy of Water Skiing.’ I accept this honor on behalf of all the men and women who made the Ski Ray a remarkable success.”
The Ski Ray was designed with input from Water Ski Hall of Famer Ricky McCormick, women’s slalom world record-holder Suzi Graham, and national level skier Bob Reich. The five-model line-up included the 16-foot Ski Ray Outboard; the 190 Ski Ray Outboard with a closed bow and open bow configuration; the 19-foot Speedster closed bow inboard, a three-event tournament certified boat; the 19-foot Sportster open bow inboard model; and the 18-1/2-foot Spitfire inboard, also a certified tournament model.
Throughout the 1990s, Ski Ray models received considerable attention. They were the featured boats in a regular ski show presented at Epcot Center in Orlando. The 190 was the exclusive towboat for the Professional Association of Water Skiers Water Ski Tour, and numerous records were established behind Ski Rays. The 190 was also the official towboat of the Ski Ray Professional Series, and the Ski Ray Wakeboard Series was the first cash-prize wakeboard tour ever held.
Sea Ray discontinued the series in 1999 to focus on more general recreation and sterndrive wakeboard models. “It’s always gratifying to win an award or earn a special distinction,” said Noyes. “But what’s even more of a thrill is hearing Sea Ray owners speak with pride about their boats and discovering the joy that our boats have brought to their lives. This achievement says that boaters fondly remember the Ski Ray and recognize the impact it had on the sport of water skiing.”