With boat-buying season just ahead, you might be wondering what’s making waves in the industry right now. We caught up with the leading manufacturers to see what’s hot for the new year since they hear firsthand from dealers about the most sought-after options and popular choices.
Value
Nearly every consumer looks to get more bang for their buck, and that’s surely the case for boat buyers. The more value that manufacturers can pack into their models, the better.
“We anticipate that consumers will prioritize products that offer the best value for their budget. Notably, we are observing a trend towards purchasing more affordable options or high-end products,” said Jean-Philippe Martin-Dubois, marketing director for Princecraft.
“Pontoon buyers prioritize versatility, comfort, and value for the money which will continue as we head into 2025,” added Jens Housley, global product strategy manager at BRP.
Because of their versatility, pontoons are almost always seen as the greatest value in terms of a boat purchase. Nathan Kyzer, vice president of operations for Veranda said, “Pontoons and triple pontoons continue to offer consumers more value than any other boat type in the market. Spanning from economy to luxury, pontoons and triple `toons combine comfort, capacity, technology, and performance all into one model.”
And since most manufacturers offer multiple sizes and configurations, even further value is added. Bob vanVollenhoven, vice president of sales and marketing for Stingray Boats said, “Stingray Boats has a boat for every family from 17 feet to 27 feet. We see the industry and future trends to be focused on adding value to the customer’s experience with more features and fuel efficiency.”
“People continue looking for a good cost/benefit ratio with any of their recreational pursuits. Hurricane is positioned precisely to answer the call and will continue to be the leader in the ‘most fun on the water for your dollar’ category,” said Wally Ross, director of product and marketing from Hurricane.
Ease Of Use & Durability
Desirable amenities on every boat are things that make life easier, whether that’s a Bimini for cool shade or a handy ladder that makes boarding effortless.
Kelby Phelps, president of Landau Boats said, “I think 2025 will continue the trend of ease of use. This may include a power Bimini top or digital switching that mimics modern automotive systems. It may include a ladder that makes boarding the boat more comfortable. Whatever the use case is, customers have specific needs and our goal is to offer useful items on the boat to make their experience exactly what they want.”
Durability also makes taking care of your boat simpler. “Durable flooring options such as Sea Dek are becoming increasingly popular, providing both comfort and easy maintenance, allowing boaters to enjoy their time on the water without worrying about wear and tear,” Steve Huber said.
Product Manager Lori Szczypiorski from Godfrey Marine said, “We have expanded our Cool Touch offerings due to the increased demand from consumers, as well as our shade options. We are seeing the new products do well and look forward to helping get families on the water.”
High-End Luxury Features
Forget roughing it because today’s boats are built for luxury. Plush features and comfort are now coming through as essentials. As boating continues to appeal to premium-seeking customers, luxury, stability, and ease of use are top priorities. Tricia Niebuhr, general manager of Vanderbilt said, “Boaters today are seeking more than just a vessel—they want an elevated, luxurious experience on the water. This shift has inspired us to introduce features once exclusive to high-end yachts, like advanced battery management systems, optimized handling, and stunning finishes that truly stand out.”
Concert-Level Sound
One luxury item that is swiftly becoming non-negotiable is a premium sound system on board. Joe Sparks, general manager of TriToon Marine, sees that as automotive audio systems advance, the trend is carrying over to the marine industry.
“We are seeing an interest in following the evolution of the automotive audio systems trend into marine. We already have an exceptionally high-end system, utilizing the Fusion head unit, amplifiers, and speaker systems. Expanding on our solid Fusion base, we’ve added audio experts from VOKOL for a system that combines the best of all worlds,” he said.
Creating a truly unique concert-level sound experience, systems can be specifically tuned to each seating group to maximize clarity, separation, and the total audio experience. “We can have an elevated and balanced sound throughout the boat with multi-label speaker columns and strategically placed sub woofers. This is a vast improvement on traditional speakers built into the seat backs that can be blocked or muffled by passengers,” Joe added.
Darker Color Combos
Aside from fashion, perhaps no changing trend is more noticeable than popular colors. Jay Lusignan, the director of marketing for Premier, said, “Along with an increased demand for high quality entry-level pontoons, tastes have shifted to darker color combinations in furniture options. Today’s technology gives them that option while still remaining cool to the touch like our all-new Premier Cool-Touch Fabrics which stay 26 degrees cooler than standard marine fabrics.”
At PDB Magazine as we spend time testing new models, we’ve also noticed a shift in color changes toward darker, bolder color combinations.
Customization
Buyers want to personalize their boats in every way possible: from colors and graphics to furniture layouts and added features.
“In 2025, the boat industry will likely experience notable shifts due to changing consumer preferences and increased interest in customization and performance-driven options. Today’s consumers seek tailored experiences and unique products. Paradigm's custom-shop approach and emphasis on customization resonate with this trend, positioning the company well to offer exclusive, high-quality boats that cater to individual preferences, a clear departure from mass production,” said Scott Buchanan, CEO of Paradigm Boats.
Andrew Stanfield, the vice president of sales for Viaggio Marine says the company “prides itself in building a unique-looking boat, unlike anything else on the market.” This draws in consumers who want a one-of-a-kind pontoon.
Flexible Layouts
Along with customization includes flexibility, especially in floor plans. Josh Hansen, industrial design manager for Harris Pontoons said, “There is a significant focus on the interior of boats. Plush, stylish seating and more versatility in storage and layouts have become an expectation. Boaters are increasingly more discerning and attention to detail will be what they’re looking for.”
Adaptable layouts also make multiple uses for each vessel possible. By customizing seating arrangements, you can easily transition to everything from family outings to fishing adventures.
Advanced Technology
Breakthroughs in progressive technology permeate every sector of our lives, and that definitely shows up in the marine world.
“Smart technology is on the rise, with integrated Bluetooth connectivity and advanced navigation systems enhancing convenience and safety on the water. Versatile layouts are designed to adapt seamlessly, enabling users to adjust seating arrangements and optimize space according to their needs. This blend of luxury, technology, and flexibility is shaping the future of pontoon boating,” said Steve Huber, the marketing coordinator for Starcraft Boats.
Tricia Niebuhr, Vanderbilt general manager, believes technology is THE top trend moving forward. She said, “I believe 2025 will have an emphasis on integrated technology. From next-level on board entertainment to seamless connectivity, luxury pontoons are evolving into sophisticated, connected spaces that offer unmatched convenience and personalization for today’s discerning boater.”
Amy Parker, the operations manager for Splendor Boats, notices similar steps. “The boating industry is seeing key trends, including advanced technologies in boats, such as enhanced navigation, LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity, which enhance safety and user experience. Environmental sustainability is also gaining importance, with manufacturers focusing on creating eco-friendly boats to protect ecosystems,” she said.
Likewise, Scott Buchanan, CEO of Paradigm Boats added, “Innovations in boat design, including forward-facing drives, advanced navigation, and surf technology, will be central as boaters demand a high-performance, tech-enhanced experience. The Paradigm 236 Surf with its deck-style tow boat and forward-facing drives meets this demand, combining innovative design with functionality.”
Faster Speeds
No longer content to be left behind, pontoons are now equipped with maximum power and performance options. Ryan Craig, director of products at Berkshire said, “The pontoon industry has come a long way over the past few decades, and we are seeing more and more high horsepower `toons out there on the market today, with some rated as high as 1500hp!”
Sales Engineer Jesse Norton from Trifecta agreed, saying the trends are moving to “bigger, better, and faster. Pontoons are no longer just the ‘old man’s cruiser,’ and we’re getting younger families who want the most bang for their buck. Our biggest pontoon is now 33 feet long and our fastest with a 1500hp rating will be sure to blow your hair back!”
Dealer Relationships & Buyer Experience
Because a boating purchase is so personal, it makes sense that customers are looking for dealers they can trust and build an ongoing relationship with. Customers value working with a great team from start to finish in the process.
“We recognize that today’s consumer expects ease of use and superior customer service. That’s why we are continuously collaborating with our dealer partners to make boating easier and less stressful, while also focusing heavily on improving the after sale experience to be both fun and seamless,” said Russ Hafner, vice president of marketing for Qwest Pontoons.
Matt Thompson, vice president of sales at Barletta agreed, saying, “Because consumers are being very conservative with their expendable income, the trend toward affordability is tightly tied to a holistic view of the boat-buying journey and customer experience.” Barletta is focusing on enhancing the customer’s complete journey from browsing boats to welcoming their friends and family onto the water.
Morgan Bailey, the director of marketing for Forest River Marine, sums things up well: “With their growing appeal, pontoons are quickly becoming the go-to option for anyone seeking both style and substance on the water. Expect to see cutting-edge navigation systems, high-quality audio, enhanced safety features, and durable materials that elevate the on board experience—all while maintaining a cost advantage over other luxury boats. These advancements, combined with versatile floor plans and elegant finishes, make pontoons a perfect fit for everyone.”
