When Tom and Toni Siler were shopping for a new pontoon, it was SilverWave who caught their eye. This was the one manufacturer who stood out to them when compared to others and it’s the 200 Island F model that they ended up purchasing. For a new boat manufacturer like SilverWave, who has a strong following of buyers who support the Oklahoma-based company, this was a good indication. Why? Because the Silers weren’t buying the boat because of Oklahoma pride, the couple was buying the 20-foot pontoon because this was the best fit for them.
“I had no idea this boat was built in Oklahoma,” says Tom. “I bought it because of the fishing package.”
In the middle of a state known more for college football than pontoon builders, Parks Manufacturing began building its SilverWave pontoon line in the fall of 2010. And since then, has seen tremendous growth that now reaches well beyond the state’s borders.
Specific Needs
After looking at four or five different pontoons, the Silers talked with Jacque Dresch at Nameoki Village Marine and he was able to give them the news they were searching for. Because Tom and Toni live on a private lake with a speed restriction, they only wanted a 20-foot pontoon. But finding what they wanted turned out to be harder than they first anticipated until they found the Granite City, Ill., boat dealer.
“SilverWave was the only one who could give me a fishing package up front with fishing seats, livewell and a trolling motor on a 20-foot boat,” says Tom. “It came ready to fish with a full fishing package.”
Having a 5.5hp MinnKota trolling motor on the bow, Tom likes to joke that it’s nearly as powerful as his Mercury outboard on the back. Dunlap Lake in Edwardsville, Ill., is a slow boating lake that includes 340 homes and over 16 miles of shoreline. The 20-footer is powered with a Mercury Pro Kicker 9.9hp engine that is just right for the Silers. And besides being beautiful, the lake has been stocked every year with fish since being developed in 1939, which is why the Illinois couple love fishing here.
“I mostly fish for bass, but you can catch walleye, crappie, catfish, really about anything you can think of,” says Tom. “Since we first bought this property 10 years ago, I’ve enjoyed fishing here.”
It’s been nearly two years since the Silers completed their home, which is part of their dream to retire on Dunlap Lake. The couple hopes to retire some day, but for now continue to work towards that goal. While Tom does continue to work, he is retired Navy after 21 years and has always loved the water.
Benefits Package
The main purpose of the SilverWave pontoon was for fishing, but since taking ownership, the couple has found plenty of other great uses for it.
“It’s great for picnics, sunset cruises or just having friends over,” says Toni. “It’s just always a good time when we’re out on the water.”
For eight years the couple had a fishing boat, but they sold it when they began building their home. Since selling it, they haven’t missed it a single day and are happy with the decision they made. The Silers love their new pontoon because it’s a great fishing platform and according to Tom, there is no need to have anything else.
“I couldn’t wait to get rid of that fishing boat,” says Toni with a smile.
“Yep, the wife wanted my old fishing boat gone,” adds Tom. “But it doesn’t matter because I now have a SilverWave with a fishing package so I’m happy.”
Quality-Built
The attention to detail was another reason the Silers were attracted to the 20-foot SilverWave. The manufacturer performs a 40-point final quality check on each boat, plus it uses built-in test tanks inside their facility to check each pontoon before it leaves. It’s those added touches that helped make their decision to buy that much easier.
“When you compare the quality and the price, it’s really hard to beat this boat,” says Toni. “We really enjoy it and would buy another SilverWave if we were ever in the market again.”
The helm stands, fish boxes and all other fiberglass components that are onboard SilverWave pontoons is all done in-house, but it’s the layout that Tom likes most.
“I love fishing and I feel like this pontoon was built specific for me,” says the owner. “Having a livewell in the front next to the bass chairs is a great idea.”
Block Party
The Silers enjoy their neighbors next door that in a lot of ways have become their extended family. Plus their next door neighbors own a pontoon as well, which seems to double the fun when everyone gets together.
Dunlap Lake is known in the area for the place to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July, plus Luau parties, blessing of the fleet and other great boating-specific events that help keep this a close nit community.
The Mighty Orange
Even though Tom hasn’t lived in the state of Tennessee for over 30 years, it hasn’t waivered his support for the University of Tennessee.
“If you cut me, I bleed orange,” says Tom with a straight face. “I was born in Knoxville, Tenn., and raised in the outskirts of Chattanooga. My brother was a running back for the Vols and Peyton Manning is a friend of the family.”
When Toni heard her husband of 11 years reference NFL quarterback and Tennessee All-American Peyton Manning as a “close friend” she couldn’t help but object.
“Oh that’s a stretch,” said Toni laughing. “Yeah, Peyton comes over here all the time.”
The playful debate continued for a few minutes with neither side backing down, but one thing that’s not up for debate is Tom’s love for the University of Tennessee. From the hat he proudly wears on a regular basis to the flag flying outside their home, he can’t help but root for the Vols.
“It’s impossible to live in Tennessee and not be a UT fan,” explains Tom. “Tennessee is college football and college football is the University of Tennessee.
On The Horizon
With a new home on a beautiful lake and a SilverWave parked in the slip out back, the Silers are living the life a lot of people can only dream of. Yes, they hope to retire soon and in time that will become a reality for them. But for now the fish are biting and it’s time to get out on the lake. Thoughts of what’s coming in the future can wait for now, it’s time to put the trolling motor down and go wet a line. And with that the couple pulls away from the dock in their SilverWave with plans to return when their livewell is full.
