If you’ll just sign here, here, here, and initial here, we’ll then thumbprint you followed by just a small sample of your blood. Okay so maybe it’s not quite this strict, but you wouldn’t believe what we have to go through sometimes as media to see the newest models of pontoons and deck boats before the rest of the country.
“Ahem, is that a camera? Did you not really read the seven-page waiver before you signed it? You took our hat so I know you signed it already.” (Sigh)
As members of the media we take every advantage we can to get the inside scoop in this segment of the boating industry. We go to great lengths to see a new model or feature so we can pass along this information to our readers and that’s why we love our annual Buyer’s Guide.
We’ll even investigate tips that come in the form of emails with the subject line, “You didn’t hear this from me.” But sometimes we’re so focused on the new that we don’t appreciate just how far we’ve really come, especially with pontoon boats. Just look at the style and the loaded standard features today and you’ll be surprised at just how far these ‘toons have come. It’s kind of like going back to your hometown where you grew up. While there are plenty of familiar areas, growth has changed how you remember it in most cases. Those still living in the town don’t necessarily realize or notice these changes because they are subtle changes that were made over time. But to you, now the outsider, the differences are drastic and in some cases very impressive.
For some of us we’re kind of like those in the hometown. We appreciate the growth in the industry, but sometimes the “awe factor” might not be there until we take a moment to look back and compare.
As I recently attended a media event for a pontoon manufacturer, I took a moment to really look around and appreciate the growth and just how great it really is to be in this segment. Wakeboard towers with professional sound systems on a ‘toon? We wouldn’t have known what to do with a setup like this 15 years ago. Not to mention the lack of performance back then would have made this pontoon all show and no go in the 90s.
The next time you’re at a boat show take a closer look at the entry-level models. The high-end craftsmanship, plus all the standard amenities like soft-touch vinyl seating, fully-loaded helm consoles and vinyl flooring for the rear entry are now included in the base price. Some of these entry boats would have been considered top-of-the-line luxury boats a dozen years ago. Innovation and space-saving ideas are now so common that I don’t think we truly appreciate the evolution of the pontoon boat.
Are we going to be looking back ten years from now at the 2013 models and be comparing the growth once again? I sure hope so. The best part about being involved in the pontoon industry is the growth that other types of boats just haven’t experienced. With the performance push and the demand for quality and well-constructed crafts, there’s never been a better time to be shopping for a new boat.
I’m not accusing any builders of sand bagging it through the down economy, but I can’t begin to tell you how impressed I am with the 2013 lineup. Excitement is in the air once again and these engineers and designers have been working overtime to create truly unique crafts. I’m not sure where they get their inspiration, but you owe to yourself to get out to the early boat shows this year and take a closer look for yourself.
“We wouldn’t have known what to do with a setup like this 15 years ago.”
