Barletta isn’t chasing trends. We’re setting them.
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks
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Dan Armitage, Shannon Mitchell
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Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Laci Thompson
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Publisher Brady L. Kay
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
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In April I took delivery on a brand-new M24 demo boat from Bennington Marine and was about to purchase a season pass to our nearby launch ramp when my plans drastically changed. This beautiful boat was on loan for the summer and I was looking forward to putting the throttle down on the Yamaha 250hp outboard, but life had a different plan.
By Rebecca Blackson
Here’s a simple checklist on how to prepare your boat for winter storage, whether you’re keeping it on your towing trailer or taking it out of the marina for the first time since your spring launch.
By PDB Staff Report
Sneak peek at what’s coming next
For some, boating is a year round adventure. However, for the majority of boaters who live in sun-starved regions, the boating season has an expiration date. Let’s be honest: the cold months we endure between summer seasons can be brutal, which only makes winter feel longer.
Time can appear to tick by slowly after we winterize our boats and the only thing that seems to help get us to spring is boat show season. You can find a boat show practically every weekend starting in January and it’s not the overpriced hot dogs that get us to these convention centers and fair grounds. It’s the chance to see the new models that the pontoon and deck boat manufacturers have been working on and we’re just as excited as you are to see these boats in person.
To help get you properly prepared for January, we’re offering a glimpse of some of those new models and significant changes coming for model year 2026. Think of it as a boat show preview or a sneak peek at what’s new in our segment of the boating industry.
Sneak peek at what’s coming next
For some, boating is a year round adventure. However, for the majority of boaters who live in sun-starved regions, the boating season has an expiration date. Let’s be honest: the cold months we endure between summer seasons can be brutal, which only makes winter feel longer.
Time can appear to tick by slowly after we winterize our boats and the only thing that seems to help get us to spring is boat show season. You can find a boat show practically every weekend starting in January and it’s not the overpriced hot dogs that get us to these convention centers and fair grounds. It’s the chance to see the new models that the pontoon and deck boat manufacturers have been working on and we’re just as excited as you are to see these boats in person.
To help get you properly prepared for January, we’re offering a glimpse of some of those new models and significant changes coming for model year 2026. Think of it as a boat show preview or a sneak peek at what’s new in our segment of the boating industry.
The perfect companion for your outdoor adventures, the Outdoor Blanket from Pretty Rugged combines luxury with durability. Crafted from the softest faux fur, it keeps you cozy, shields against the elements for all-weather comfort, is designed to last, and effortless to clean. The large size blanket for $199 will envelop you in warmth and comfort, helping you stretch your boating days even further. (www.prettyruggedshop.com)
As usual, thousands of its members of the global recreational fishing industry converged upon the Orange County Convention Center this past July with their offerings for the 2026 season. Making up a special section of ICAST’s show floor, is a “New Product Showcase” that features the tackle industry’s latest innovations. The products making their marketplace debut vie for honors of “Best Of” in 24 categories including the highly coveted overall “Best of Show.” Buyers and media representatives judge the products based on their level of innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality.
The CLiX fuel spill prevention product is simply brilliant and earned a lot of attention at the 2024 IBEX Show. The Arthur Edison LLC device known as CLiX, received the coveted NMMA Innovation Award that year, which kept Howard Silverstein and his brother Steven very busy in their booth all week.
This multi-purpose cleaner is safe on surfaces and easy to use. Sold in both a buffing polish and a liquid cleaning solution, Krystal Klean has endless product applications, and it’s able to remove tarnish, light rust, oxidation, water stains, and superficial surface scratches. The polish where a little goes a long way is offered in three different sizes: 4 ounces for $50, 16 ounces for $110, and 32 ounces for $225. Find it at boat shows and through the company’s Facebook page.
