2021 Sneak Peek: JC TriToon Marine

The new helm consoles on JC TriToon Marine’s SportToon and NepToon models are becoming more high-end and automotive-like each year, but a giant leap has been made for 2021.

The new helms are equipped with two fuse blocks, labeled ignition and battery direct. All of the illuminated switches and gauge functions are connected to the ignition fuse block and a 15-minute delayed timer. When the motor ignition switch is turned off the timer will engage, which allows for 15 minutes with all switch functions active.

Why this is such a big deal is when you’re de-boarding or installing covers at night, the lights (courtesy lights, docking lights and under trim lights) can all be left on to help aid completing these processes easier and safer. After 15 minutes, the timer will automatically shut down the entire system so the captain doesn’t have to check or worry if everything is turned off.

In addition, the boat is equipped with a boarding assistance system for when you return and the switch is mounted on the top rail – inside the port boarding gate – so it’s easy to access. Activating the switch will engage the 15-minute timer, powering on the switch panel and gauges automatically. This will also power on any functions that were in use when the boarding assistance system was previously engaged.

An example of how this could be beneficial is after you pulling into the dock of your favorite lakeside restaurant or friend’s pier, the courtesy light, docking light and under trim lights could be left on for safe de-boarding. The 15-minute delay module would keep the lights on while passengers safely exit the boat. Then when you return to the boat, simply press the activation switch and all the light systems that were on previously will power on again for safe boarding.

Another unique feature is the automatic navigation lights. You know how the lights on your car automatically turn on when it gets dark? Yeah, these new helms do that as well. The standard automatic navigation light module automatically turns on the required navigation lights 20 minutes before dark. It is activated by a sensor mounted on the helm with override option if needed.

If you’re worried about your batteries, you don’t need to be. The TriToon Marine Battery Management System is a standard feature and is in lieu of the traditional three position battery switch. It’s isolated in a self-contained box in the stern of the boat (location varies with different seat groups) and has a simple on/off switch with an emergency override key switch. Simply put, you turn it on and forget about it with no need to worry about which battery is in use. The system has the ability to detect which battery has the lowest amount of charge and will automatically redirect power to begin charging. When both batteries are fully charged, the boat will pull full power from both batteries for maximum performance.

When mooring or docking with the engine off, the system will automatically protect that starting battery, not allowing the starting battery to drop below the required voltage level to start the motor. The emergency override key is used when the starting battery fails and will not hold a charge. Insert the key and turn the key attached to the box, this will override the system allowing the use of both batteries to start the motor. After the motor is started, remove the key and the system will resume normal operation. The defective battery will need replaced to avoid starting problems in the future.

These features are offered as a standard feature on the 2021 JC NepToon and SportToon boats to ensure each boating experience is as safe and hassle free as possible. (www.jcpontoon.com)


For more sneak peeks from the industry, watch for our "What's New For 2021" feature in the upcoming Fall issue of Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine.