Per an email sent out by Zero Off this morning, it appears that they have purchased at least a portion of Perfect Pass giving them the exclusive right to provide speed control for all Drive by Wire boats starting in 2009.  It sounds like both companies were having issues with patents held by the other.  The big question out there is what will become of Star Gazer?  Will it be sold to only Non-Drive by Wire boats?  Press Release:

Aquastar, Inc.'s Zero Off, and EControls, Inc., reach an agreement with PerfectPass regarding GPS speed control technology rights.

Zero Off, the leader in GPS speed control technology, and EControls, Inc., the manufacturer of Zero Off, have reached an agreement with PerfectPass, the respected long time industry speed control provider. The agreement states that starting with the 2009 boat model year, Zero Off will be the exclusive GPS speed control system provided by OEM boat manufacturers for all "Throttle by Wire" applications. This technology is utilized by most leading engine builders in the inboard and stern drive marine markets.

"This is positive and exciting news for professionals as well as recreational athletes and enthusiasts. This agreement provides standardization for training athletes, and consolidates the integration of the speed control and engine management system for improved reliability and robustness." - Jeremy Lessaris - Marketing Manager AquaStar, Inc.

"The decision to sell this division of our business was a difficult one for all of us", stated company President Eric Horton. "Ultimately, we recognized that EControls had a competitive advantage due to their existing engine controls business. They were a natural buyer of our business which fits perfectly into their existing business model. EControls is a superb company with a strong engineering and management team."

Since its inception Zero Off has gained momentum and skier acceptance through its performance, ease of operation, and proven track record. Zero Off has had great success over the past two years; passing AWSA testing, gaining AWSA tournament certification, becoming exclusive supply partners with Correct Craft for the 2008 model year, and working with major OEM boat manufacturers for the 2009 model year release. In addition, Zero Off has been chosen as the official speed control for the 2008 Masters Waterksi Tournament as well as the MasterCraft Pro Tour - including the US Open.

"We all can relate to how GPS has made our lives easier in many applications. Aquastar, Inc., Zero Off, and EControls, Inc., have brought true GPS technology to the Waterski and Wakeboard Industry. This announcement and this team paves the way for future technology advancements to the boating industry, and the sport of Waterski and Wakeboard." - Andy Mapple

"Zero Off has proven to be the leader in GPS based speed control both in 3 event skiing as well as the wakeboard market. I'm extremely excited to see the future advancements a company like Zero Off can bring to our sports." - Freddy Krueger

"I never felt so light and so strong behind a boat before I experienced Zero Off. I ran six out of six 39's off in a Pro Event last year in 2007. The system has enormous potential and it will increase the level of this sport, it's a tremendous tool for this industry." - Thomas Degasperi

"I feel comfortable putting anyone in the driver seat now that I can depend on Zero Off to do the job. Whether I need a straight line or a huge double up, I know my speed will be dead on." - Shaun Murray

For more information on Zero Off GPS speed control visit us online @ www.zerogps.com

The future of speed control is here!

 AND NOW WE HAVE THE PERFECT PASS PRESS RELEASE...

PerfectPass Control Systems sells a significant portion of its OEM Business and Technology Assets to EControls LLC

Halifax, Canada April 23, 2008 - PerfectPass Control Systems Incorporated has sold a significant portion of its Original Equipment Manufacturer business to EControls LLC of San Antonio, Texas. Included in the sale are technology assets and two United States Patents owned by PerfectPass.

The business sold relates primarily to the company’s products designed for “throttle by wire” engines. This technology is utilized by several leading engine builders including Pleasure Craft Marine and Indmar Marine Engines.  The majority of the business transition will not occur until June or July as boat manufacturers commence production on 2009 model year product.

PerfectPass will continue to manufacture speed controls systems for the ski/wakeboard market, stern drive industry and jet boat segment that utilize mechanical engines. In addition, PerfectPass will continue to develop affordable and exciting upgrade options for its seventy thousand existing worldwide customers.  As part of the transaction, PerfectPass gained exclusive licensing rights to GPS technology developed by EControls.

“The decision to sell this division of our business was a difficult one for all of us”, stated company President Eric Horton. “We have forged many personal relationships in this part of the industry with great people that we will truly miss working with. Ultimately, we recognized that EControls had a competitive advantage due to the fact their Engine Control Modules are being used by these engine builders. They were a natural buyer of our business which fits perfectly into their business model.”

“EControls is a superb company with a strong engineering and management team. In addition to being a recognized leader in engine control technology, they also manufacture the Zero Off Speed Control System.”
   

“Although our product mix will be changing, we are not abandoning our roots which is the competitive water skier”, say’s company co-founder Gary Allen. “Our new GPS enhanced Star Gazer System has been extremely well received and we will continue to offer it to existing customers with “throttle by wire” applications as well as to new and existing customers with “mechanical” engines.” We believe that the performance characteristics of Star Gazer and Zero Off have become more similar in recent months. This is a positive thing so skiers training behind either product will not be surprised when competing on a boat equipped with either speed control brand.”

Founded in 1995 by Eric Horton, Randy Eisener and Gary Allen, PerfectPass Control Systems Incorporated is a world leader in the design and distribution of electronic speed control systems for the pleasure boat industry. Its clients are made up of more than twenty boat manufacturers including premier brands such as Correct Craft, MasterCraft, Malibu, Sea Ray, Cobalt and BRP.

For more information, contact Gary Allen at (902) 468-2150 or e mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it