Just because you only want to spend $10K to $15K, doesn’t mean you have to cruise around in an old duct-taped version of a boat. In fact, MirroCraft Boats, from Manitowoc, Wis., is bringing out an entire line of pontoons that retails brand-new boats for around $15K.
In The Beginning
MirroCraft first began production of aluminum boats in 1956. These quality boats were meant for recreational fishing and pleasure. Gradually, as demand grew, the boat line was expanded to include boats from 10 to 19 feet in length with varying inside configurations and features. In 2012, the management team purchased the business from its parent corporation and the company became an employee-owned venture.
“We saw what the pontoon market was doing and we wanted to be a part of it,” says company Vice President Tim Allen. “We had an existing dealer network already in place and we knew they would love to start selling our pontoons.”
The Idea
With that idea in mind, the team set out to design an entry- to mid-level boat that would appeal to a wider base of consumers.
“We spent a lot of time researching the wants and needs of pontoon owners because we wanted to come out of the gate ready to compete with some of the bigger names,” recalls Allen. “But, even more importantly, we wanted to make a boat that is safe, user-friendly and worth the money.”
The manufacturer developed eight different models that come in both fishing and cruising styles. Each model has a different seating configuration so you can pick something that fits within your lifestyle requirements. All of the boats come standard with an 8 1/2-foot width beam.
“We noticed that with other, smaller-length boats, manufacturers were using an 8-foot beam,” says Allen. “The extra stability on a shorter floor plan sets our boats apart.”
It’s All Up To You
As far as options and standard features go, there is a lot of flexibility. The boats all come standard with what you would expect such as a boarding ladder, captains swivel chair and table with cup holders. The company offers a lot of different fishing and convenience options for each model and the list of what they can do is only going to get bigger. Right now, they do not offer a third pontoon option, but the triple ‘toon market is something they see breaking into next year.
“Our goal is to add new options every year,” says Allen. “We’re using this first year to see what people ask for.”
First Impression
It’s very impressive that the very first prototype hit the water in September of 2012 at MirroCraft’s annual dealer meeting and just five months later when boat show season kicked off, the team was ready to go with a full lineup. Montego Bay pontoons debuted at boat shows across the country and in Canada.
MirroCraft management knew that bringing in a brand-new boat from a company new to pontoons would be a challenge and they were aware that boat shows were where they would make their first impression.
“We recognized this would be the first time people would see our pontoon,” says Allen. “At a boat show you can’t zip by at 40 miles an hour for your first impression. You have to let people closely examine the boat and like what they see.”
People must have liked what they saw because orders immediately started pouring in. This boat fits in well with what consumers are looking for because of the high quality at a lower price point.
“When we started out doing this, our goal was simple,” recalls Allen. “We wanted to make a boat that people could fish off of but when they get tired of fishing for the day, there was still more the boat could offer.”
Safety was also a top concern when designing the brand. The stability that Montego Bay offers will allow families to feel safe with small kids onboard, once they have their life jackets on.
The Montego Bay pontoon is a great value boat with limitless opportunity. If you are looking for a good deal, you’ve found it.
Models 8516 8518 8520 8522
Overall Length 17' 19' 21'4? 23'4?
Deck Length 15'6? 17'6? 19'6? 21'6?
Beam 8.5' 8.5' 8.5' 8.5'
Tube Diameter 23? 23? 25? 25?
Dry Weight 1325 1360 1757 2100
Max # people 6 8 10 12
Max lbs. 1300 1500 2000 2200
HP Rating 40hp 60hp 90hp 115hp
www.montegobaypontoons.com
920-855-2168
Straight From The Field
Rick & Janet Jandl
Bought the boat at Motor Sports Marine in Pearson, Wis.
Why they love this boat:
Full instrumentation
Extended bench seat
Nice stereo
Trolling motor
Vinyl floor for easy maintenance
What they are being picky about:
I would like a built-in gas tank. I originally requested that feature but I was told I would then have to go to larger pontoons. So I settled on the removable gas tank, which works out just fine.
Final Thoughts
We live in Appleton, Wis., and have a cottage on a lake in northern Wisconsin. I am a life-long fisherman, starting with Musky fishing, but transitioned to fly fishing for all types of fish. I fish both streams and my lake which is about 1400 acres in size. I have been fishing from a 16-foot fishing boat with a nice casting platform in front. The boat was perfect for my fishing needs, but was not suitable for cruising the lake with friends. So I finally agreed to get rid of the fishing boat for a small pontoon if I could find one that met my needs. After looking at several manufacturers, my marina told me about a new line of pontoons coming out. After looking into the details of the new boats, I decided to purchase Montego Bay’s model F8516.
I chose this boat because it was small enough to be maneuverable when I fish tight to shore with a trolling motor, yet it was also big enough to comfortably sit six people for pleasure cruising the lake.
I like the Montego Bay line because it’s part of the MirroCraft company which is known for high-quality boats. We liked the look of the boat and the fact that the boat is 6 inches wider than other boats of similar length. This is important because I do all my fishing standing so I wanted the extra stability of a wider boat.
