Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine — January 2018

26 Pontoon^ & Deck Boat January^2018 http://www.pdbmagazine.com

To really put our finger on the pulse of the industry

and to truly get a feel for the upcoming trends, we

reached out to owners, directors and top executives

from the pontoon and deck boat industry and

captured (in their own words) what’s on the horizon

for 2018 and beyond.

Versatility

“We continue to see an emphasis on versatility and

performance in the pontoon segment and look for that trend to

continue in 2018. With so many high-end features standard

on the REATA by Ranger line and multiple configurations

available, these models are an ideal fit for families looking to

maximize their time with family and friends.”

• Matt Raynor, REATA by Ranger Marketing Director

“We are noticing now more than ever that our boats have to

be versatile. The ‘one trick pony’ days are behind us so that’s

why you will see some of our boats with convertible loungers

and flip-out galleys that will allow your boat to play multiple

roles.” – Phil Smoker, Sylvan VP of Sales

“At Bayliner, we are noticing two main trends in consumer

demand. The first trend is the growing demand by consumers for

heightened versatility in design, improving the usability of their

boat. The second trend is that outboards are becoming much

more mainstream and sought-after, even by inland boaters, due

to their improved performance and ease of maintenance.”

• Corey Duke, Bayliner Director, North American Sales

“Creating designs for versatility is the latest trend. Pontoon

layouts need to meet many recreational requirements. Floorplan

configurations, functional features, style choices along with

performance options allow owners to personalize their pontoon.”

• Lori Kneeland, Crestliner Director of Marketing

Lights & Electronics

“For 2018 we are responding to our customers and adding

more LEDs both in-boat and underwater and higher horsepower

offerings as our pontoon enthusiasts demand more than fish and

cruise models. We are expanding our electronics offerings within

our boats and delivering preferred layouts based on consumer

feedback.” – Don Littlefield, Lexington Pontoons President

“Stereos, electronics, and lighting lead the way in items that

excite our customers, and the 2018 Sanpan reflects this with an

abundance of technological and design updates.”

• Mike O’Connell, President and General Manager of Godfrey
  Pontoon Boats

Fam-Friendly

“Family-friendly features and available options are becoming

increasingly important to boat buyers. NauticStar is proud to

offer a lineup of deck boats that are sure to fit the needs of the

entire family.” – Phillip Faulkner, NauticStar VP Sales and

Marketing

Horsepower

“The trend in 2018 that we’re seeing more customers move

towards, is more horsepower and speed in the boats. Not only

are they wanting the high-end performance but the options and

features to match. This year I see more twin-engine and bigger

engine pontoons out on the water with the high-end sound

systems to play their tunes. That is something we offer. The

speed, high-end features, and quality first that the customer is

looking for with the ability to customize and make their own.”

• Wade Davenport, Leisure Kraft President

“As a new company, our focus will be on exciting new

designs and more standard features in our Bentley lineup. The

consumer will continue to have that thirst for high performance

with added horsepower.”

• Tedd Moore, Bentley National Sales Manager

Customize

“Custom, Custom, Custom. Everyone seems to want a little

something different than the next. This year we launched two

new wall colors, three new graphic colors and a grey line of

furniture to allow people more options. We also allow for custom

paint code colors on high-end boats to really set one apart from

the next.” – Greg VanWagenen, Manitou Director of Marketing

and Communications

“As the pontoon segment continues to grow, customers are

eager to add more and more features, options, and trim levels

to customize their boats. The versatility of the 2018 Sweetwater

lets customers do just that—create a boat that personalizes

their time on the water for years to come.” – Mike O’Connell,

President and General Manager of Godfrey Pontoon Boats

Outboards On The Rise

“We see the strongest trend in the marine industry towards

pontoons and deck boats with outboard engines. These are the

simplest and most cost-effective types of engines to purchase

and maintain, and our Razors provide all the space and

versatility of pontoons, with the good looks, stability, handling

and performance of a sports car. The crossover concept

means we cater to the needs of all generations, including

wakeboarding, fishing, cruising.” – Geof Hoffman, Caravelle

Director of Business Development

Direct quotes from the manufacturers

What’s Trending Now?

By Brady L. Kay