Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/264625
www.BoatingIndustry.com March 2014 | Boating Industry | 35 BY TOM KAISER Pontoon proliferation What's happened in the pontoon market in recent years is breathtaking. Simple aluminum platforms covered by scratchy AstroTurf-like carpets and topped with beige fi shing seats used to be the norm. Today's pon- toons can still be affordable, but the category has expanded to included classy inlaid woods, exotic new fl ooring ma- terials and modish furniture that would be at home in an upscale home design store. Oh, and then there's performance. Basic 10 horsepower engines are still available, but massive twin-engine units that put out dragstrip-worthy power levels have terrifi cally outgunned those old smokers. When properly equipped, ideally with a third tube providing enhanced stability, weekend cruisers can fi nd themselves gliding across the water at an almost-unnatural 50 mph and beyond. It's a whole new world in pontoons. As dealers, boat builders, engine manufacturers and consumers adapt to a world where pontoons are cool — not corny — where the market goes next is anyone's guess. Given recent history, though, it's going to be fast, fun and astonishingly fancy. Premier's next act Talking to Bob Menne, president at Minnesota-based Pre- mier Marine, his sense of accomplishment and excitement at the segment's growth is clear. Premier, a family-run company, got its start in 1992 and now, 22 years later, its products are hardly recognizable from where the company and industry were at its beginning. Four big players on how far the proliferation Four big players on how far the proliferation segment's come and where it's heading next — in style P34x41-BI14MAR-MarketTrends-new.indd 35 2/7/14 10:42 AM