ith boat buying season in full swing, you’re probably wondering what’s trending in the industry right now. I know we were asking ourselves the same question here at PDB magazine.
Fortunately for us, we’re lucky enough to interact with CEOs, presidents and other leaders in the pontoon industry regularly, allowing us to learn what’s popular for the upcoming year. It’s one of the perks of writing for a boating magazine.
So we took the liberty of reaching out to industry leadership to get their take one what’s trending for 2022. Let’s take a look.
Influx Of New Boaters
You’ve probably noticed that the boating industry is booming with an influx of new boaters discovering our beloved sport. This 2020 and 2021 trend continues this year.
“We are still seeing lots of first-time pontoon buyers,” noted the general manager of Qwest, Brad Lemerand.
“Over the past 18 plus months, the industry has experienced a surge of first-time boaters, which is a trend that we believe will continue throughout 2022 and beyond,” agreed Bayliner’s general manager, Corey Duke. “To cater to this demographic, we as an industry need to provide robust content and knowledge to inform consumers and guide them to the best options to fit their needs and lifestyle, as well as continue to develop products and technology that provide ease, comfort, and confidence on the water. Additionally, our brands are seeing an increase in consumers who are looking for versatility from their boats to perform a wide variety of on-water activities. Deck boats offer a great solution to fit this need as an ‘all-in-one’ package for cruising, fishing, and on-water activities. By continuing to listen and incorporate feedback from our customers, dealers, and partners, we look forward to welcoming the next generation to the on-water lifestyle and serving their needs for years to come.”
“The increase of new boaters over the last few years has put a large focus on creating products that are easier to use,” added Kelby Phelps, the marketing manager of G3 Boats. “An easier to use or more intuitive product benefits veteran boaters as well as novice boaters which makes it a popular trend currently and for the next few years.”
Joe Antonneau of Bentley Pontoons concurred with these assessments. “The number of new boat buyers is at an all-time high. This is very encouraging for the marine industry and it plays well with our sales and marketing mantra of ‘affordable, luxurious’ boats. We are positioned well to take full advantage of these new buyers. Secondly, we are noticing a significant spike in female buyers. Our opinion and viewpoint is that women have always enjoyed this wonderful sport of boating, but now we’re seeing them become much more integral and influential in the sales process. On many occasions, our dealers are reporting that they have only spoken to the woman regarding the transaction and that is new, good news.”
High Demand, Limited Supply
With this surge of new boaters, demand for boats is incredibly high and many manufacturers have a limited supply of inventory.
“We expect high demand for pontoons to continue through 2022,” predicted Greg Knight, the marketing director of Avalon and Tahoe Pontoons. “We expect demand to stay at maximum build capacity levels for the foreseeable future.”
“The demand for boats is going to be high still in 2022,” agreed Ben Duke, the general manager of Godfrey and Hurricane. “We expect to be chasing inventory for quite some time.”
“With the demand curve being up and the supply curve being down, the ability to have regional shows is being affected greatly,” described South Bay’s regional sales manager, Mike Higley. “Many shows are having to refocus on selling the lifestyle and excitement of boating due to the lack of stock product in the field. This is forcing the hand of many dealers to have in-house sales or customer appreciation events on a smaller scale. Dealers are finding that even though they may sell fewer units, the money saved by not incurring all the show expenses coupled with the higher margins they are able to keep are making for record profits on fewer units sold.”
Focus On Quality Time
Industry leaders are also seeing a clear focus on quality time, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has made people explore new ways to have fun with their families while social distancing.
“With the pandemic, people seem to have changed their mind around boating,” observed Jean-Philippe Martin Dubois, the consumer experience and marketing director of Princecraft Boats. “It seems to have become more popular than traveling in some regions. People enjoy summer on the water and can self-isolate themselves with friends and family versus going to an all-inclusive resort. The trends of traveling won’t come back for the next couple years and we really think that boating is going to be a new way of enjoying great summer days.”
“Although the pandemic has been a difficult situation for all of us, we’re continually weathering through it,” shared Bob van Vollenhoven, the vice president of sales and marketing at Stingray Boats. “More and more people are discovering that getting out on the open water on a Stingray model is a great way to spend important time with their family and friends. As we’re all experiencing supply chain issues due to the pandemic, Stingray is working tirelessly to produce and deliver boats for our growing customer family.”
“We expect to see continued strong retail demand throughout 2022,” noted Ritch Ragle, Sea Ray’s director of North America sales. “While social distancing may no longer be the driver, quality time with friends and loved ones will continue to propel our business forward. The Sea Ray SDX models are the perfect combination of style and performance, with exceptional storage and convertible seating. They are designed to maximize and extend your day on the water.”
“The evolution of pontoon boats continues to outpace other styles of boats within the industry,” added Joe Dorris, the president of PlayCraft Boats. “There isn’t a better option out there currently that allows your family to enjoy boating with the comfort, luxury, and performance that pontoon boats offer today, which I believe will continue to be the trend for 2022 and beyond. All manufacturers are doing a superb job at building boats for any facet of boating you desire.”
Multifunctional Seating Versatility
Another trend manufacturers continue to see is the preference for multifunctional seating and layouts that allow boaters more options for their space.
“The continued trend in the pontoon industry is the ability to maximize the usability of every corner of the platform for practical use, and then transforming that space for different boating applications,” shared Steve Huber, the marketing coordinator of Starcraft Marine and SunChaser Pontoons. “If you are spotting for a tow sport, out on a sunset cruise, or sitting at the sandbar, being able to change and adapt the layout with swing back seating is a true game-changer. The trend in the pontoon market is swing back seating and allowing the consumer to adjust the layout to how they utilize their pontoon. Additionally, offering amenities that make for easier, more enjoyable boating, such as power Bimini tops which are standard on every SunChaser that is 8-foot, 6 inches wide.”
“The top trend that I see in the industry is multifunctional seating,” concurred Kevin Bestul, the director of engineering at Trifecta. “These types of configurations help maximize the boater’s experience on the water, giving the boat owner flexibility throughout the day, from watersports, to cruising, lounging at the sandbar, and entertaining on an evening dinner cruise. Functionality is key, giving the flexibility to do everything with one boat, with family and friends.”
Revving Up The Horsepower
Higher horsepower also continues to rise in the boating world. Tim Allen, the vice president of Montego Bay Pontoons, has noticed this trend.
“A lot like the few past years, we see the trend to continue with larger, higher horsepower models selling the best at the retail level,” said Allen.
“We continue to see unprecedented demand with pontoons,” noted Shane Torzy, the director of sales and marketing at Crest Marine. “We expect to see higher horsepower across the space as consumers experience more time on the water. Crest makes the best pontoons in the industry for the days that matter most.”
“We feel like we continue to see a trend to higher horsepower, higher performing boats,” pointed out Joe Antonneau of Bentley Pontoons. “Our triple toon sales percentage continues to increase as does our average horsepower.”
Technologically Advanced Features
High tech aspects are also popular in the boating industry right now. For example, with the surge of new boaters, manufacturers like JC TriToon Marine are looking at ways to make their pontoons more user-friendly through technology.
“Recently we introduced the Auto/On Navigation lighting system to help avoid the danger and possible ticket for not turning on your lights in time to meet regulations. We also have our custom battery management system and 15-minute timer activated boat shutdown systems to prevent starting and battery issues,” shared Joe Sparks, the vice president and general manager of JC Mfg., TriToon Marine. “Added to that we have a rail activated light switch that automatically turns on your helm and boarding lights for safer and simpler boarding. We are continuing this trend with the launching of our boat thruster program and new hydraulic power assist steering program from QMI Multiflex. The four-corner thrusting systems helps even the most inexperienced boater with docking their pontoon boat and loading the boat on a trailer—two things that normally send chills through an experienced boater. With the simple intuitive switch system, you simply hit the arrow for the direction you want to move either the bow or the stern and it quickly moves you in that direction—very simple and easy to operate. The new hydraulic power assist steering system also provided by QMI Multiflex simplifies the steering system. The extra added attraction is silent. No more loud whining sounds every time you move the steering wheel.”
Garrett Koschak, the global product manager of Manitou Pontoons, concurs that technology is high on boaters’ lists of priorities. “Technology integration will continue to drive innovation in the pontoon industry. Customers and dealers are looking for that automotive level experience on their pontoon, and Manitou continues to focus on delivering industry-leading connectivity and technology solutions to our customers.”
“Top trends include digital displays, connectivity platforms and high dollar amenities,” agreed Kristen Monroe, the marketing manager of Apex Marine Inc. “Honestly, buyers are after whatever they can get their hands on since many dealers cannot keep boats in stock due to product demand.”
Maximize Boating Experience
Something else industry leaders have noticed is how boaters are seeking to maximize their experiences through space, entertainment, comfort and even customer service.
“We are building with more entertaining and comfort features,” explained Terri Nuechterlein, the director of marketing for Silver Wave Pontoons. “Pontoon boat use has dramatically increased, so having the amenities that allow the owner to enjoy a full day on the water is everything. From skiing, to the sandbar, to a sunset cruise, and off to dinner … the ability to enjoy everything on the water is paramount.”
“Consumers expect world-class service through the entire customer journey, from purchase to customer service,” added Ron Inman, the president of Premier Marine. “It’s our commitment at Premier Marine to make the whole journey a positive experience.”
Ability To Customize
The ability to customize vessels is also trending in the industry this year. “The deck boat market is one of the hottest trending boating segments in the market today and one of the reasons we believe is because of the ability to customize your boat,” stated Steve Huber, Starcraft Marine’s marketing coordinator. “Whether it is exterior colors, interior colors, or options, Starcraft allows the end consumer to build their boat to their exact wants and needs to fit their boating lifestyle.”
“We are seeing a strong trend in two distinct categories: customization and technology,” observed Rusty Kucher, the Harris Pontoon category director. “Boaters are excited to customize their purchase with colors that appeal to them, both on the interior and exterior. While this trend isn’t new, it is accelerating and become more important to our customers. The second trend we see rapidly accelerating is boaters desire to be seamlessly connected to their boat in terms of ease of information display and size of screens. A complementary feature to this is a strong desire for comfort technologies such as wireless phone charging, USB charging and other creature comfort technologies we have become so accustomed to.”
“Across the board, manufacturers are offering a variety of options, floorplans and new technology each year,” described Austin Curry from Landau Boats’ marketing department. “We expect to see continued growth in the pontoon segment as more sound systems, electronics, amenities and expanded horsepower options become available, allowing for even greater customization for each buyer. Pontoon boat customers will enjoy the ability to be more specific in boat and option selection to meet their needs and goals.”
Clearly there’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to boat trends in 2022. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find the dream boat that aligns with your preferences and these trends!