Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks, Issac McAdams
Editorial Correspondents
Dan Armitage, Shannon Mitchell
Advertising Executives
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Lavon Horne
To subscribe, go to:
www.harrispublishing.com/pontoon-deck-boat
Publisher Brady L. Kay
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Circulation Manager Chuck Harris
Controller Clayton Ward
Founder Darryl W. Harris
President Jason Harris
Vice President Chuck Harris
Vice President Ryan Harris
Treasurer Clayton Ward
The basic subscription price is $39.95 for 11 issues. Cover price is $5.95. Canadian and Foreign subscriptions add $20.00 per 11 issues. U.S. funds only. Limited back issues are available for $5.00 each.
Copyright 2025 by Harris Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Call (208) 524-7000 to purchase a subscription, to correct your mailing label, or to order back issues.
Harris Publishing, Inc.
190 1st St., Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 524-7000 • Fax (208) 522-5241
www.pdbmagazine.com
To be honest, the first thought that popped into my head was if I had a television on my boat would it give me the ultimate pontoon setup or would I just be showing off? Or in other words, if I had one would I actually use it or would it just be one of those over-the-top bragging features that I could be constantly reminding my boating friends that I have and they don’t? Maybe.
Yes, I know it is incredibly dangerous to sniff gas, so I promise I only enjoy this guilty pleasure while filling up my soccer-mom van. But what I didn’t know was why gasoline degrades and therefore needs fuel additives and cleaning treatments, as well as the less-useful (albeit interesting) tidbit about why some people find the smell of gasoline pleasant.
Designed with premium marine-grade, UV-resistant canvas, the 10-foot shade extension offers 30 percent more coverage than standard Biminis, ensuring long-lasting protection from the sun. Available in four stylish colors, this durable canvas is both fade- and weather-resistant.
The Bimini’s telescoping frame, available in either black or anodized aluminum, fits pontoons ranging from 92 to 102 inches wide. Its sturdy design is engineered to handle speeds up to 25 mph, making it a versatile option for various boating needs. For added convenience, the canvas features locking, zippered pockets, making it easy to store and protect your shade when not in use.
Installation is easier than ever, thanks to its simplified quick-connect wiring system. With only the starboard-side actuator needing a power connection, the setup is straightforward and hassle-free. Powered by two heavy-duty 12V DC electric actuators, the wire harness is cleverly routed through the rear frame to automatically power the second actuator, eliminating the need for complex wiring on both sides of the Bimini. (www.lippert.com/sureshade)
Not since Kid Rock first boasted of life in northern Michigan in his hit song “All Summer Long” has the spotlight shined brighter on this region. TooonTime will be held June 27 and 28 on Indian River in Michigan for the third straight year and it’s quickly growing. The pontoon-specific poker run is the talk of not only northern Michigan, but is gaining national attention too, thanks to Rob Mason and his hard-working crew.
e-mail: sales@jcpontoon.com
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
e-mail: sales@jcpontoon.com
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
By Brady L. Kay
Barletta, Bennington and Princecraft reach the podium
By Brady L. Kay
Barletta, Bennington and Princecraft reach the podium
In 2018 the NMMA – in an attempt to broaden its reach – expanded to the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show with its Innovation Awards to include smaller fishing and electric boats, as well as pontoon boats that typically aren’t found at the other two Florida-based boat shows – at least not to the same degree as in Minnesota. Minneapolis, with nearly 270 pontoons in the building this year, has become [the] pontoon show in the world!
Bennington
At PDB magazine’s recent Shootout Boat Test, we had the chance to test both the Bowrider and the 24 MSB, where we were wowed by the comfortable layouts, performance, and the especially snazzy helm settings.
“Our team engineered Capri to offer a true high-fidelity experience that withstands the harsh environment of both fresh water and salt water,” said Pietro Pantaleone, president of Elettromedia, the parent company of Hertz. “Every note, every detail, and every nuance of your favorite music is reproduced with stunning clarity, independent zone controls and a multitude of connectivity options. Capri is the epitome of acoustic elegance, technical sophistication, and unmatched reliability in the hi-end audio market.”
The Wind
It’s a popular, stealthy presentation often required to catch finicky offshore fish without the sounds and vibration of an engine or a tell-tale length of line leading the baits to tip them off, all the while covering water to find active fish.
Bennington, Hurricane, Manitou, Paradigm, Sea-Doo, South Bay, Starcraft, Stingray, Sylvan, Tahoe, and Viaggio all had at least one boat on display. Here are the highlights from what we came across at the show.
But does that mean the “exciting” adventures always make the best ones? Extreme outings may be permanently logged in our memories and most easily recalled, especially when someone wants a thrilling boating story. But I’m going to argue that it doesn’t necessarily mean those are the best ones.
