Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine – February 2019

48 Pontoon^ & Deck Boat February^2019 http://www.pdbmagazine.com

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Power Profile

Today’s Outboards

State of the Market 2019

By John Tiger

T

This month in Power Profile, we’ll

discuss the state of the outboard market,

and the outlook for 2019 and beyond.

If you haven’t tuned in to the marine

propulsion market lately, and you’re an

outboard fan, you’ll be delighted to know

that outboards are the darlings of the

marine industry. Why? Digital control

and advanced engineering coupled with

precision manufacturing, plus a boost

from ever-encroaching EPA regulations,

have teamed up to make outboards

the powerplants of choice, whether the

craft is a pontoon, center console, family

runabout or back-bay bass chaser.

THE NEW DARLINGS

But how is that possible? Just a

short decade ago, stern drives were

the market leaders, for any number of

reasons—they hid sveltely below decks,

with only the outdrive protruding. They

were quieter, used less fuel, were based

on proven automotive powerplants, and

perhaps most significant—were cheaper.

Not anymore. The market has

seemingly overcome the old, “tall and

handsome but ugly on the transom”

stigma of outboards, and embraced the

modern wonder of today’s clamp-on (er...

bolt-on). Why?

To start, outboards are now more

fuel efficient, and on par or better than

sterndrives in meeting EPA emissions

standards. They’ve always been lighter,

which makes for a better and more

reactive hull package. With the recent

advent of GPS and digital computer

controlled docking, trim and idling

functions, outboards have become easier

to start, run and handle better than

stern drives. To illustrate the market’s

love for outboards, consider that

offshore center consoles and cruisers

up to 65 feet are now using multiple

outboards as the power of choice.

BENEFITS FOR PONTOONS

What does all this mean? First and

foremost, as most pontoons and deck

boats are designed around outboard

power, it means huge strides and more

choices for our craft. A quick look at

each outboard manufacturer’s website

confirms this. Second, it means that

as the trend toward larger outboards

continues, in turn larger pontoons will

benefit—we’ll go faster, in more comfort,

with less noise and burning less fuel.

Third, for sure consumers will benefit

from the improved fuel economy,

quieter powerplants and higher levels of

convenience. Of course the entire planet

will benefit from the lower emissions

levels as outboards get cleaner.

FOCUSING IN

With boat shows upon us and

consumers eyeing new rigs, it pays to

have a quick look at what’s available

in outboard power for 2019, and what

pontoon-specific engines deserve

scrutiny. “Pontoon” engines may be

rated at the same horsepower as their

brand brothers, but may have special

features to enhance performance on

pontoon hulls. Like what, you say? Well,

let’s drill down: