Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine — January 2018

(Jacob Rumans) #1

http://www.pdbmagazine.com Pontoon & Deck Boat January (^201827)
“Continued growth of the outboard-powered market is the
biggest trend right now. Four of the five new boats we will
introduce will be outboard-powered in response to consumer
demand.” – Kevin Riem, Crownline VP & General Manager
“In recent years, we’ve seen outboard power become
significantly more popular, and have addressed that trend
by expanding our Sport Boat and Sport Cruiser offerings to
include a wide variety of outboard variants. We think this trend
will continue as consumers see how far outboard power has
come. We continue to enhance our lineup with features geared
toward all-day comfort: more robust outdoor gathering spaces,
convertible layouts that enhance water interaction, and so forth.
In that vein, while the market has bounced back considerably,
boaters are still very selective about where they spend their
dollars. There’s an expectation that a boat should serve multiple
uses: day boating, water sports, fishing, entertaining, etc. Which
is to say, versatility is a huge deal. I think you’ll see more and
more innovation in terms of features and layouts that can be
converted to suit a variety of activities. One last trend, and
it’s a big one, is a shift in demographics: Our challenge is to
engage younger generations and make boating affordable, while
delivering top-of-the-line performance and craftsmanship. With
the availability of information online, consumers are more savvy
than ever; there’s no hiding behind a reputation or a sales pitch.
As a manufacturer, our job is to create products that delight the
consumer and exceed expectations, every time.”



  • Ritch Ragle, Sea Ray Sport Boats & Sport Cruisers Director of
    North American Sales


Triples
“Consumers are demanding more triple pontoons than ever,
and seeing that pontoons are not only a luxurious extension of
your dock, but are also a great water sports platform.”
–Joe Antonneau, Crest SVP Sales & Marketing

“We expect to continue to see solid growth in all of our
luxury triple pontoon models. Today’s boater is looking for a
multi-purpose boat that offers comfort, premium amenities
and performance. That is exactly why you will find those three
qualities in each and every Veranda Luxury Pontoon.”


  • Nathan Kyzer, Veranda National Sales Manager


Deck Boat Growth
“With a strong retail market and the additions of the new
Stingray models, we’re giving consumers more choices in 2018
and we’re very excited to see the continued growth of the deck
boat market.” Bob vanVollenhoven, Stingray VP of Sales

Customer Satisfaction
“The words ‘industry trends’ have two meanings to me:
manufacturing trends and retail customer trends. Unfortunately,
in the pontoon industry, these trends are different, and they
should NOT be. In terms of manufacturing trends, lately the
trends have been poor quality, too many options, too many
floorplans, too many exterior, interior and floor choices, etc.
Combined, the number of choices make it very tough for a
manufacturer to build quality. It is also confusing and very

difficult for the retail customer to make smart product decisions.
In my opinion, retail customer trends are simple: they want
great quality, comfort and value without the hassle. User-friendly
items and versatility that make their experience better and
easier IS the trend.” – Bill Fenech, Barletta Pontoon Boats
President & Co-Owner

Go Entry
“The market will remain strong with the smaller, entry-level
pontoons as more and more people enter the boating lifestyle.”


  • Brad Dupuie, Gillgetter Design & Sales


Layouts
“The retail buyers today are looking for maximum floorplan
seating with luxury and comfort. Trending forward, as always,
we’ve increased horsepower with several color-matching options.”


  • Chris Stockbridge, JC TriToon Marine National Sales Manager


“The growth of the pontoon segment continues to push
manufacturers to innovate faster and further than ever before.
With more than 18 new models in the Aqua Patio lineup this
year, we’re focused on continuing to design exclusive features
and floorplans to lead the industry in innovation.”


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


Performance
“The current trend of continuous performance improvements
will result in the manufacturing of bigger, faster boats. For us at
Misty Harbor, that means a bigger hull construction, whether it
be for twin engines or for different performance packages – to
be able to meet the consumers’ desires for that bigger, faster
performing product.” – Tom Christy, Misty Harbor VP

Style
“Just when you thought you saw pontoons reaching their
limit in terms of style and performance, they seem to have
pushed right past in true pontoon fashion. I think you will
continue to be impressed on where pontoon boats are being
taken and Starcraft will be right there leading the way.”


  • Ryan Bergman, Starcraft VP Engineering


Let’s Fish
“Fishermen are looking for boats with hard-core fishing
amenities along with the comforts of a pontoon boat.”


  • Eric Christensen, Angler Qwest Sales & Marketing


Better Technology
“We are continuing to see strong demand for pontoon boats
that are capable of water sports and handling rough water.
Many people are coming to the realization that a pontoon boat
equipped with three tubes and a high-horsepower outboard can
meet or often exceed their expectations and needs. The top trend
for 2018 is going to be demand for more onboard technology and
amenities that will make boating easier and more comfortable
for the whole family.” – Jane Schlegel, Harris Marketing and
Product Manager
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