“Hey, this is Brady with PDB magazine…” This is an opening phrase that I’ve belted out countless times throughout the years when starting my videos. I don’t recall when I first noticed I was repeating this same line each time, but at this point I guess you could say it has become my signature lead off. From the Shootout and other higher quality videos that we do, plus even my social media blurb vid openers, it has become my official “go-to” as I introduce boat models, people or whatever else I’m asked to cover in a video.
With a face for radio I would much rather be on the other side of the camera doing the actual videoing, but being the “face” of PDB somehow crept into my job description years ago so it’s a role I now fully embrace. If you’re reading this online through our digital VERTIQUL platform, all the Shootout videos are linked to the full written reviews. If you prefer flipping pages in a printed magazine (guilty), these same videos (along with all of our past Shootout boat test videos) can be found on our website at www.pdbmagazine.com. Think of these videos as appetizers and a great way to lead into the main course.
With all pontoon and deck boat manufacturers being invited to showcase their latest models in one location, our annual Shootout boat test gives us the opportunity to test, evaluate and review the 2025 models so each can be included in our special boat test issue just ahead of the early boat shows.
Our crew loves Shootout test week because we really never know what is going to show up from year to year. This fall we had another wide selection of models ranging in price from $32K all the way up to $360K! We tested over-the-top fishing models, value-driven bargains, and even had a couple of 60-plus mile per hour twin engine beauties arrive at the docks of the Fourwinds Marina for us to review.
Note in the detailed write-ups we’ve yet to find the perfect pontoon or deck boat. Yes, we highlight what our staff loved about each model and there is usually quite a bit to go over. But we also report on what we’d like to see changed, added, tweaked or improved on each boat, too. Some critiques are pickier than others, but we do like to provide feedback for you to think about.
We also include the price of each boat as tested and that’s important when you’re doing your homework prior to hitting the boat show floor. When you’re comparing different models, it is crucial to factor in the prices to determine what’s best for you and your budget.
Also pay attention to the options that are listed with each review. Sometimes by taking fewer “bells and whistles” or less horsepower you can stay within the amount you’re looking to spend on your next boat. Of course, as a general rule, the boats as-tested include both standard and optional features and have been packaged well by the manufacturer. Simply put, sometimes what makes the boat so amazing and why we loved it so much is how both options and key features come together.
A big shout out to my hard-working crew for another successful year of testing. We returned to the Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Ind., this year and were welcomed back with open arms after a few years of testing on other lakes. Talk about amazing hosts; the staff at this resort couldn’t have treated us any better.
Together my staff and I have done all of the heavy lifting so you can sit back, read, view, and enjoy our efforts as you’re boat shopping this year. Maybe next time the opening for our Shootout videos should be, “Hey, this is Brady on behalf of the entire PDB crew…” What do you think?
Pontoon & Deck Boat Editor
