It’s been a busy summer for our niche in the boating industry and the proof can be found in the various new model pontoons and deck boats being released for the 2014 model year. Our Fall issue of PDB has always been about promoting these new models and significant changes, but this year these new vessels feel even bigger. So big in fact, that some of these new models could be considered (gasp), game changers!
We don’t have a large editorial staff, yet through dedication and determination we spent our summer traveling the country to see firsthand what the top manufacturers have been up to so we’re able to report our findings to you, our reader.
In our “What’s New Roundup” or game changer feature in this issue we give you the rundown on what’s been going on in the pontoon and deck boat world. From brand new models to truly innovative features, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll start seeing at boat shows around the country in a few weeks.
But before you get to those pages to read about the latest buzz in the industry, I have an observation to share. Blame it on the countless miles on my rental cars, late night keyboard workouts from hotel rooms or hours spent editing photos during flights, but I observed something that I hadn’t really thought about before. I think mid-level pontoons don’t receive enough love from any of us, including the media. The focus from the manufacturer or dealer is usually placed squarely on the higher-end models and rightfully so. The more bells and whistles, the more it catches our attention at the boat shows, dealer showrooms or even in this magazine. Face it, high-end luxury and performance models are like the big brother in the family who gets a lot of the attention. He’s the cool older bro that always draws a crowd wherever he goes. Then there’s the little baby sister, or the entry-level model, that plays a significant role in getting new boaters interested in boating. Everyone makes time for the little cutie in the family. These value-driven models deserve some attention and that’s why a lot of our focus is on them as well. In these tough economic times it’s nice to see just how much boat you can really get while keeping to your budget.
So that just leaves the middle child—or, in this case, the mid-level pontoon. Even though mid-level pontoons are steady for the boat industry, they don’t seem to get the same attention for whatever reason. They’re kind of like vanilla ice cream in the way that they never need to be heavily promoted. While Berry Burst Sprinkle Explosion gets all the attention, vanilla ice cream continues to outsell all other ice cream flavors by far.
Compared to value-driven and high-end luxury models, mid-level boats don’t need a lot of extra attention. It’s similar to the way straight A students from steady families tend to go unnoticed, while dropout kids and teen moms get reality show pay checks. As a society we don’t want to focus on the steady.
But moving forward, our goal as a magazine is to give equal love to the entry-, mid- and high-end model pontoons and deck boats in attempt to not show favoritism across these lines of boats. While mid-level boats might not be as fast as big brother or as budget-friendly as little sister, dealers are selling tons of them each year and that’s just one reason why you should never overlook them. Now, who’s up for some vanilla ice cream?
