When you care about the customer’s boat buying experience, you’ll go the extra nautical mile to make sure the purchasing process makes sense and is as smooth as possible. It’s true that just as too many passengers can rock the boat, too many choices can overwhelm the consumer.

For a boat manufacturer with a fleet of options, the best solution is to streamline the model choices into a few set classes, which is why Qwest recently consolidated its listings from multiple trim levels and model lines to just three main classes: the E-Class, L-Class, and M-Class. This year also marks Qwest’s launch of the entirely new mid-line L-Class, as well as significant updates to both the entry E-Class and high-end M-Class.

Strategic Plans

Devising a five-year plan, Qwest’s marketing team set out to establish a solid foundation with its current models, which will not only create a user-friendly buying experience but also provide a framework to add in future new models.

Russ Hafner, vice president of sales and marketing said, “We felt it was of the utmost importance to hit reset and establish a solid foundation with our current model offering. One of our main objectives is to prevent buyer’s anxiety and make the buying experience far friendlier.”

Marketing Director Andrew St. Peter added, “The team worked tirelessly to create a clear division between the three product lines and bundle only the features customers want most. Most customers are just looking for a quality boat with usable features, so we focus on this with each model to start.”

The Entry-Level E-Class

Qwest’s entry-level class of pontoon boats are affordable without compromising on comfort and style. The E-Class is designed to offer a superb and budget-friendly boating experience whether you’re cruising around the lake or planning a weekend escape.

Featuring twin pontoons (with options to upgrade to triple), rich audio with a Clarion Bluetooth stereo and four speakers, and a sleek fiberglass helm, the E-Class has plenty of thoughtful details. Additionally, every outing is made enjoyable with the unique Ultra Flow V2 Furniture System and a 7-inch Garmin multi-function display provides excellent control and navigation.

Thoughtful new features for MY 2025 add further quality and style. With redesigned wall construction, new graphics, and an improved seat cushion hinged system, the E-Class offers exceptional value for those who seek style and affordability.

The All-New L-Class

Nestled in between Qwest’s budget-friendly E-Class and the maximal M-Class models, the mid-line L-Class strikes the perfect balance. Offering numerous must-haves, each L-Class pontoon is built with the Q2 two-tube hull, the Dometic XPA electric steering system, and a premium entertainment setup with a JL Audio Bluetooth stereo and four lighted speakers. Standard features include new exterior wall graphics, navigational and docking lights, and a sleek, fiberglass helm with a 9-inch Garmin multi-function display.

However, the L-Class models are able to remain as a well-priced mid line, without competing with the luxury line.

Russ said, “Our all-new L-Class is an amazing boat with great standard features but if you were to compare it to our flagship M-Class you would clearly see the difference. Our objective is to create enough separation in our model lineup for even a novice to identify our value, mid, and upper end models. And the 2025 L-Class represents our commitment to deliver exceptional quality and value while bridging the gap between affordability and luxury.”

The Top-Of-The-Line M-Class

With premium features and powerful performance qualities, the M-Class arrives easily at the pinnacle of the three classes. Qwest’s best features come standard, and every M-Class pontoon is built with the advanced Q3V Triple Tube Package, a 43-gallon fuel tank for extended journeys, and Dometic XPA cable-actuated electric steering system for smooth handling. Passengers will enjoy exceptional entertainment with the JL MM55 Media Master (Black Box) and six JL M3 LED lighted speakers. A sophisticated fiberglass helm, dual 7-inch Garmin multi-function displays, and Ultra Flow V2 furniture system offer superior comfort for every voyage.

The 2025 M-Class is also available in an exclusive Limited Edition package, featuring sleek cool-touch black fabric with vibrant red accents, blacked-out walls with satin black carbon fiber wrap, and striking red chrome trim. The Limited Edition M-Class is designed to make an impressive statement on the water.

“With the 2025 M-Class, we are thrilled to offer a pontoon boat that embodies luxury and performance in every detail. The M-Class sets a new standard for elegance and comfort,” Russ said.

Three Distinct Classes With Options

All three Qwest classes include improvements over last year’s models such as power Biminis with an upgraded design, Ultra-Flow V2 furniture for exceptional comfort, all-new steering wheels, and an improved Splash Pad design with new railings.

Under each class designation, boaters can make further choices with a range of sizes and models, including the RLS, Lanai, Splash Pad, Pro Family Fish, and Pro Sport. As a company, Qwest is determined to craft the perfect pontoon tailored to you and your boating needs, leaving each boater satisfied without desiring for more or less.

Customer & Dealership Friendly

By prioritizing customer feedback and preferences, Qwest has created a better buying experience that matches boaters with their ideal craft.

“There was very positive feedback from dealers on the change from Trim levels to Classes. It really helps align customers with the right class based on primary features such as hull type, performance, and price. Customers looking to upgrade from E-Class to L-Class, or from L-Class to M-Class find many of the features and options they are looking for included as standard,” Andrew said.

Dealers have noted the positive changes and rave about the benefits. At Pelican Point Marine, a dealership in Wagoner, Okla., general manager Jason Wallis said, “These changes have been great because it’s so much easier to communicate what the options are. Customers no longer get lost in a glut of choices.”

Another advantage is that Qwest offers more on each Class package without having to go up a trim level and a jump in price.

“With this new streamlined process, customers can pay for only the options they do want,” Jason said. “Under their old system, if a customer wanted more horsepower they had to jump up an entire trim level, adding unnecessary options and often pushing them out of their price range.”

Not only is the new system more affordable for customers, it’s also easier for the dealers to explain.

“This is so much better because as a dealer, we don’t have to go over a hundred different things. Sometimes if the customer has too much info, it gets overwhelming,” Jason added. Though he carries four other pontoon brands, he says that Qwest is by far the easiest to work with.

While custom ordering a brand new pontoon is an exciting prospect with the power to select every color, component, and amenity, sometimes having too many choices causes decision fatigue. Qwest’s change to three clear classes has been helpful to customers and dealers, too.

“Buying a pontoon today is daunting and can be very overwhelming. This consolidation has also been well received by our dealers. It eliminates confusion and allows the dealer to display, price, and sell pontoons with more confidence,” concluded Russ.

With a streamlined buying process and clearly delineated options, the only choice left to make will be which lake to boat on.