What's New for 2024
A boat show preview for the upcoming season
PDB Staff Report
view of water from TriToon steering wheel
JC TriToon’s SportAngler
Geared toward off-shore fishing, the all-new center console SportAngler 26TT HTH for JC TriToon Marine is ideal for a state such as Florida, but impressive enough you’ll be seeing them on the Great Lakes as well. The Indiana-based manufacturer has created the ultimate fishing pontoon for the 2024 model year that is sure to attract serious anglers with its over-the-top layout that is truly feature-rich.

Teak Isle Manufacturing (www.teakisle.com) played a huge role in the overall design and worked closely with JC engineers to integrate its storage systems and other key features into the layout. The SportAngler’s prominent feature is the custom, raised, center console base with drawers, surrounded with a powder-coated fishing tower with upper cabinet and Bimini. The Dual 9-inch Garmin touchscreen displays control the Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 stereo system that includes six 8.8 RGB speakers, amplifier and auxiliary USB. The captain commands from the double wide flip-back leaning post that has a 54-quart slide-out cooler below.

It has a unique swing back stern seat that holds a filtered washdown station as well as the battery control center. This TriToon also includes a floor misting system along with interior courtesy lighting as standards. The bow has a raised deck with a bait bucket compartment, anchor locker and storage compartment and there are two deluxe fishing seats mounted on heavy-duty adjustable pedestals along with an in-floor insulated fish box with bilge pump and light.

Throughout the boat, there are four custom fishing stations from Teak Isle that utilize the Traxstech XS System. Among the amenities are a flip-out trash, flip-up table, bait/fillet board, multiple Plano tackle box section, lockable cabinet, additional storage drawers, and a 7-foot locking rod holder compartment.

The TriToon High Tide Hull with lifting fins serves as the foundation for the SportAngler with key standard features such as QMI Multiflex steering system, 100-gallon fuel tank as well as In-Tube Storage and SS Heavy Duty Ski Tow. (www.jcpontoon.com)

man and woman on boat watching boy and two girls throwing ball in water
man driving boat with boy and two girls sitting in the back
Tahoe Helps With Honda’s Big News
News broke in September announcing Honda Marine’s new BF350 V8 outboard and one of the first boats it was on was a 2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade QL from Tahoe Pontoons. The triple 27-inch diameter Waveglider pontoon hull paired well with the new engine. The newly redesigned Ensign III helm stand using exclusive Enduro Flex Form technology provides a modern take on Rotocast to produce a high quality and durable helm stand without sacrificing function or aesthetics.

As for the Honda 350hp, its the engine manufacturer’s first ever V8 and it is a big step from its previous 250hp flagship outboard. Honda says the new outboard provides smoother power throughout the operating range, improved ergonomics, and it’s 17 percent more fuel efficient at cruising speeds than its competitors. It also operates on regular 86 octane fuel and will be available early next year. The new Honda comes with a five-year factory warranty, and is offered in two colors – Aquamarine Silver and Grand Prix White. (www.tahoepontoons.com // www.marine.honda.com)

three men on boat in the water
two Mercury engines on rear of boat with ladders next to them
two Mercury engines on rear of running boat on water
Center-Mounted Twin-Engine Barletta
For the 2024 model year, Barletta is releasing the industry’s first and only center-mounted twin-engine pontoon boat. The Indiana-based manufacturer is committed to redefining the pontoon segment with pioneering, family-focused marine products, and the brand’s latest innovation is the next step in this journey.

The patent-pending twin engine series is available on LUSSO 25 models and the two engines are mounted in the center of the transom. On other models the twin engines are typically mounted on the outer tubes. Initially, Barletta will offer engines in 350 and 400 horsepower options. The boat is rated for 450hp max per engine, for a total power configuration of 900 horsepower.

By moving the engines to the center of the transom, Barletta achieves significant performance and functionality improvements, including providing a smooth and powerful ride, while creating a safe and usable space at the stern of the boat. The functional aft deck will include two pet-friendly, wide-step boarding ladders, providing a safer and more accessible path for entering and exiting the water. (www.barlettapontoonboats.com)

side profile of black Sea-Doo with 4 passengers
navigation screen device on boat dashboard
Sea-Doo Expands
Two years ago the Sea-Doo Switch took the world by storm and for the upcoming model year the lineup is expanding to now offer enhanced comfort and convenience as well as upgraded technologies in its new Sea-Doo Switch Cruise Limited. The award-winning Sea-Doo Switch family of pontoon boats has made huge waves since being introduced just a few years ago with the fun, accessible and adaptive boating experience it brings to the marine industry.

At 21 feet long and powered by a 230hp engine, the new Switch Cruise Limited enhances the cruising experience with a host of upgraded technology, improved comfort and unique design elements. Sea-Doo Switch Cruise Limited features an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen with a premium JL audio sound system, a Garmin 7-inch GPS and depth finder. A premium captain’s chair with adjustable ergonomics, additional seating and a full swim platform will make the whole family comfortable and happy. A unique exterior and interior color scheme along with interior lighting and limited badging and trim truly set the Switch Cruise Limited apart. (www.sea-doo.com)

Bayliner boat with two woman and two men lounging around
Bayliner’s New Identity
Bayliner Boats is launching its new brand identity bringing a revitalized energy to the boat builder known for creating high-quality affordable cruising, fishing, and sport model options. The brand refresh represents one of the most comprehensive redesigns in the company’s 65-year history driven by consumer research signaling Bayliner’s commitment to attract new boaters and brand loyalists seeking the thrill of authentic on-water experiences.

“Many Bayliner owners are first-time boat buyers, and our vision for this redesign was to fully represent the feeling and excitement that comes with a day on the water,” said Benoit Verley president, Venture Group.

The updated Bayliner “B” represents the spirit of feeling at home at the helm. In addition to a new look showcased through the logo, tagline and design of boat models, consumers can expect an intuitive and user-friendly website experience that will quickly guide them to the model that best matches their needs. (www.bayliner.com)

rear end of Manitou boat
side profile of Manitou boat
Manitou MAX Power and Control
Last year, BRP shook up the industry with the award-winning Manitou Explore and Rotax S outboard engine. For model year 2024, the all-new Manitou Explore MAX Dual Engine models come with twice the power, thanks to twin Rotax S150 outboard engines for a whopping 300 horsepower. The Manitou Explore MAX preserves the timeless and modern styling of the Manitou pontoons launched in modelyear 2023.

New for model year 2024, the Manitou Explore MAX Dual Engine is offered in 24- and 26-foot lengths. The MAX Deck has been slightly elevated and increased in size to now give more than 6 feet of usable, unobstructed space at the stern. The Manitou Explore MAX Dual Engine, rigged with dual Rotax S150’s, offers the same key benefits of a single Rotax S; better fuel economy, less emissions, reduced noise and ease of maintenance, compared to traditional outboard engines, with the added benefit of iDock, the fully integrated joystick piloting system.

iDock provides 360 degrees of docking confidence and comes standard on all Manitou Explore MAX Dual Rotax S150 models. The intuitive piloting system puts advanced aircraft gyroscope sensor technology into the fingertips of boaters of all experience levels, allowing them to easily maneuver their boat for easy docking even in the toughest conditions. Because Manitou believes 100 percent of boaters deserve 100 percent docking confidence, this advanced feature comes standard on all Manitou Explore MAX dual Rotax S150 models. (www.manitoupontoonboats.com)

red premier boat docked by restaurant full of men and women
Premier’s New Supercharged PTX
The all-new Sunsation and Solaris series is here, a new generation of pontoons that redefine modern luxury and performance. Both models deliver dramatically improved performance, innovative design, smarter storage, refined comfort, and elevated luxury to the pontoon category. The product launch is the latest in Premier’s aggressive growth plans to expand its dealership base nationwide and comes on the heels of a series of awards for the Minnesota manufacturer which began operations in a new world-class manufacturing facility just one year ago.

“We’re definitely on the gas,” said Premier Marine CEO Matt Homan. “We’ve been working toward this moment over the past two years and now everything is coming together.”

The Sunsation and Solaris build upon the performance legacy of Premier’s exclusive performance engineered PTX center tube design to deliver the industry’s best ride and handling. The new supercharged PTX touts performance gains upwards of 15 percent over the previous series. The boost in power comes with another surprise: a 10 percent fuel efficiency that cruising and water sports enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.

Both models boast new luxury features from bow to stern, including new materials, new storage solutions, and new styling. Leading the way is the all-new captain-first helm with optimized ergonomics and sight lines, increased comfort, and a clean, modern look. Another significant change is the immersive audio experience, featuring elevated, directional speaker mounting locations in the seat backs, and an available downward firing subwoofer. The result is an audio experience unlike any other. (www.pontoons.com)

man and woman on rear seating of Veranda boat
Veranda Releases Its Vertex Series
For the upcoming model year, Veranda Luxury Pontoons is releasing its newly redesigned Vertex Series. Best known as the innovator of the patented all-aluminum interlocking deck system, Veranda has re-envisioned its iconic Vertex Series. The new Vertex features an entirely new exterior design with fluted top rails and beautifully sculpted fiberglass bow caps. Vertex owners can choose the rear chaise or versa lounge floor plan in 22-, 25-, and 27-foot lengths with dual console and tower options available.

The Vertex can be packaged with up to the Yamaha 450hp XTO outboard engine. Additional technology upgrades like a 360-degree audio system by Wet Sounds and dual 9-inch Garmin flush-mount multi-function displays with digital switching and push-button redundancy are also available. (www.verandamarine.com)

5 men on Qwest boat on water
Dometic Partners With Qwest
The Qwest lineup of pontoons from Apex Marine has a lot of exciting news for 2024 including now offering Dometic Xtreme Power Assist (XPA) Cable Steering and Electric Power Steering (EPS) across a wide range of its popular pontoon models.

Dometic’s agreement brings the comfort, ease, and sports car-like control of SeaStar Xtreme Power Assist (XPA) Steering and Electric Power Steering (EPS) to a whole new class of popular Qwest vessels. Through this partnership, all Qwest M-Class Twin Tube models and Qwest Q3V Triple Tube models will feature Dometic’s innovative, award-winning steering system as standard equipment.

In addition, XPA steering will be offered as a premium factory option on all other Apex Pontoon models with outboard power from 90 to 200hp. For the Qwest Q3X Triple Tube, the package will come standard with Dometic’s advanced Electric Power Steering (EPS) for the ultimate in precision steering control and smooth operation.

“We are honored that Apex Marine will be offering our XPA and EPS Steering as standard equipment across many of its premium models,” said President of Dometic’s Marine Segment, Eric Fetchko. “We developed this electric power assisted steering as a practical and affordable way to deliver a better on-water experience for boaters. It’s also very significant that the premium Q3X triple tube package will include our state-of-the-art EPS technology, as this is an emerging market for our flagship steering solution. We are proud to see our technologies provide Apex Marine customers with effortless steering control and enhanced driver confidence.” (www.apexmarineinc.com // www.dometic.com)

red and white SPX 210 boat on water
view of water from SPX 210 driver's seat
Sea Ray Packs A Lot Into Its SPX 210
The launch of the all-new SPX 210 and SPX 210 Outboard are Sea Ray’s latest next-generation boats and the first SPX models to embody its new design language. Offered with sterndrive or outboard propulsion, the SPX 210 delivers enhanced technology and elevated design, and all in 21 feet.

The SPX 210 models showcase sporty, modern aesthetics that attract attention on the water. The interior has been enhanced with practical features including updated, more luxurious seating with a contemporary upholstery pattern and a curved windshield designed for improved visibility. For maximum space and elevated comfort, the cockpit layout has been reimagined with L-shaped bench seating, easy-to-access cooler storage and an enticing convertible port companion seat that transforms into an aft-facing lounger. Additionally, the self-bailing cockpit with drainage channeling keeps the cockpit dry and makes cleanup easier.

For boaters wanting to experience the adrenaline rush of watersports, the vessels feature an optional ski/tow pylon on the outboard variation and a standard ski/tow eye on the sterndrive variation. Ample storage throughout, including a full-sized ski locker compartment in the cockpit floor, keeps boards, life jackets and other gear safe and secure when not in use. At the stern, the broad integrated swim platform facilitates seamless re-entry into the boat.

An optional filler cushion converts the bow into a generous sunpad with a backrest, providing even more space to stretch out. The transom sunpad has also been enhanced with a backrest for more support when lounging in the sun or taking in the sights along the water. Watersports tower and Bimini top upgrades are available for shade and protection from the elements.

The helm is equipped with a Digital Dash featuring a standard 7-inch Simrad touchscreen display and SmartCraft Connect for intuitive engine monitoring. Also at the helm, the Fusion SRX400 audio system puts music controls within reach. With a capacity for 12 people, and a beam of 8-foot, 6 inches wide, the SPX 210 models pack a lot of usable space into a 21-footer. (www.searay.com)