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Brunswick welcomes five partners to the new "SmartCraft Networked" program

OSHKOSH, Wis. May 20, 2004
SmartCraft, Brunswick's patented integrated vessel network system, designed to create a common databus thread between different boat systems, has now expanded to include digital interface to the products of five additional companies. These companies, recognized as leaders in their respective fields are Onan generators, Faria instruments, Airmar sensor technology, Navman navigation products, and DNA Group, makers of Databus (is this a product line name that has to be capitalized? Is it registered?) switching products Ð and they have all recently become licensed partners of Brunswick's SmartCraft integrated databus system.

The SmartCraft information and control system was launched by Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation in 1999. SmartCraft provides an organized and fully supported solution for combining the information and control of various systems in the boat through the use of popular CAN databus technology.

MotoTron, part of Brunswick New Technologies (BNT), began a program called "SmartCraft Networked" in January 2004. Through this program and the partnership of these new companies, SmartCraft is soon to be capable of combining the information and control of a boats engine (s), navigation products, 120 volt power generating systems, and switch and control of any number of 12Volt accessories. According to Phil Gaynor, Brunswick's SmartCraft director, "These 'SmartCraft Networked' products represent the beginning of what Brunswick expects to become a wide network of highly integrated products designed to delight customers, simplify boating and improve the overall quality of the boating experience."

"The purpose of the SmartCraft Networked program", Gaynor continues, "is to leverage the expertise and capabilities that a variety of individual companies can deliver to a network. SmartCraft aims to organize those companies into a highly reliable and highly supported integrated system for the boat building community. Together with the resources of these partner companies, and the field integration expertise at Mercury Marine, the SmartCraft system can be fully supported, from the engineering lab to the customer's boat slip."

"We are paying particular attention to the system design, the product quality and the availability of customer support as we grow this network" explains Jeff Ehlers, president of MotoTron, and leader of the SmartCraft system design team. "From the start, SmartCraft was set up for this expansion," Ehlers explains. "Back in 1998 when we were designing SmartCraft, we wanted it to be capable of many things. We wanted a robust system for engine information and diagnostics and wanted a system we could rely on for safety-critical systems, such as throttle and shift. That is why we designed SmartCraft with three independent CAN communication lines. One line is strictly dedicated to safety systems, like throttle and shift; another is designed as both a back up to the safety systems and the carrier of engine and diagnostic information, while a third is for networked vessel systems, such as Onan Generators, Airmar vessel sensors and DNA data bus (is data bus one word Ð as previously used in the release, or two?) switching. The SmartCraft architecture allows cross communication among these three CAN lines without risk of compromising the system's integrity and safety. In addition to the multi-bus design of SmartCraft, early on we also partnered with Swedish based Kvaser AB on the use of ÔCAN Kingdom' technology. CAN Kingdom is another aspect of SmartCraft that is helping us to ensure that the integrity of this expanding network is never compromised."

Here is what the new partners have to say about their involvement in SmartCraft:

T.J. Chung, president of Brunswick New Technologies (BNT)
"The integration of the SmartCraft Network that is under way within BNT's marine electronics and MotoTron divisions, is fueling new and exciting features for the products we can offer our customers. This is the type of synergy that we understand boaters want, Ôhigh tech simplicity' at their helms. SmartCraft integration with our Navman and Northstar products is one way we deliver this. In addition, boat builders continue to ask for products that help them differentiate their brand, and consolidate the look of their dash panels. Products like our new Navman F4830 color fish finder or Track Fish 6600 chart plotter/fishfinder with a SmartCraft interface are doing just that."

LeAnne Ketelsen, director of marine sales and marketing for Cummins Power Generation, manufactures of the Onan brand
"Onan chose to use the SmartCraft protocol because the SmartCraft technology meets the needs of the marine industry, with network specifications for multiple engines, generators, instruments, sensors, displays, and navigational products. Onan is also pleased with MotoTron's commitment to validate and certify all new SmartCraft networked partners to ensure compatibility of all network equipment. MotoTron and Mercury have also made provisions for OEM field integration support, and this is very important to ensure that our customers experience the benefits of a truly integrated vessel system."

Steve Boucher, president of Airmar Technologies
"Airmar has enthusiastically embraced SmartCraft technology because data integration on a boat makes eminent sense. It provides value to the boat builder, dealer and end user. Ultimately, it makes boat operation easier, safer and will draw more people into boating."

Mark O'Brien, vice president of Sales for Thomas J. Faria Corporationbr> "We are extremely pleased to offer our boatbuilders a SmartCraft Networked version of our MG2000 System. We believe that offering a SmartCraft-certified instrument system will enable us, our boatbuilders and boat owners to gain the benefits of being part of an entire-boat networking solution."

Ken Wood, business unit manager for DNA Group
"For quite some time, DNA has recognized the need to provide a CANbus-based offering within its Power Intelligence (PI) Series product line. The decision to pursue SmartCraft certification was a logical one for establishing the PI Series as a truly integrated solution for marine and transportation applications. DNA looks forward to a long and mutually-beneficial relationship with Brunswick and the SmartCraft team."

New partner products for the SmartCraft system will become available as early as July 2004, with others planned for availability throughout the remainder of 2004.

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity" in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; Teignbridge propellers; MotorGuide trolling motors; MotoTron electronic controls; Northstar marine electronics; Navman GPS-based products; IDS dealer management systems; Sea Ray, Bayliner, Maxum, Hatteras, Meridian and Sealine pleasure boats; Baja high-performance boats; Boston Whaler and Trophy offshore fishing boats; Princecraft fishing, deck and pontoon boats; Lund, Lowe and Crestliner aluminum boats: Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea parts and accessories distribution; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Valley-Dynamo pool, Air hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.

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