Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks
Editorial Correspondents
Shannon Mitchell, Lane Lindstrom
Advertising Executives
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Laci Thompson
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
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 2026 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
Everything changed in March 2024 when I was invited to São Paulo, Brazil, by the owners of VCAT Boats to see how pontooning was done in their country. On that amazing trip, I had a fabulous time and considered it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a bonus, I was now able to show off my first stamp in my renewed passport.
Just be sure all your enthusiasm doesn’t get in the way of your better judgment. Otherwise, you might become a focal point at your local lake—and not in a good way. Nobody wants that sort of negative attention. Here are some rookie mistakes you’d do well to avoid when taking your new pontoon boat on its maiden voyage.
Offering 30 percent more shade than traditional Biminis, the SureShade Power Bimini Top from Lippert may be the easiest way to shade your pontoon. Enjoy instant shade at the push of a button with effortless deployment.
With its DIY-friendly installation, it integrates seamlessly with your existing pontoon by mounting to most pontoon rail profiles. Its patented telescoping sunshade systems provide pontoon owners with more choice, comfort, and convenience, delivering superior on board sun protection. (www.lippert.com)
Putting the throttle down on the 600hp VREX
By Brady L. Kay
It’s an overcast day on the Atibainha River with not another boat in sight. We have the water all to ourselves and I’m excited to be on the latest VREX pontoon from VCAT Boats. I’ve been on plenty of twin-engine pontoons during my 25-year career in the industry, but I’ve been promised that the dual 300hp outboards from Suzuki on this performance model will surprise me. I like those kinds of surprises, so that’s why I’m here.
I get behind the wheel and as we’re slowly creeping away from the loading docks on this unfamiliar body of water, I scan the horizon in an attempt to locate a sign or really anything posted that might indicate we’re still in a no wake zone. Fighting a language barrier, I turn to VCAT’s engine specialists Wagner Nobre to see if we’re clear to go by giving him a hesitant thumbs up. He prefers to go by Waguinho, and he smiles and makes the motion for me to hammer down the throttle since he doesn’t speak much English. I’m in Brazil and my Portuguese is limited to very basic greeting phrases, yet it’s clear Waguinho, with a big grin on his face in anticipation, is ready for me to send it.
In addition to the main hotel area, this resort also features four vacation homes, two separate event buildings on the property, and convention and meeting space within the hotel. Oakwood Resort is located a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids and Cincinnati, making it the perfect location for visiting the Midwest.
By Rebecca Blackson
Whether you’re in need of a custom dock, pier or boat lift with all the bells and whistles or a simpler design, Pier Perfection will work with you to bring your vision to life. No matter how simple your design may seem, they treat every job as a custom install perfect for your needs. If you’re unsure of what you want or what’s available, you can find links and ideas on their Design Your Boat Lift webpage.
Built to the same quality and performance standards as the high-end models offered by the Indiana-based manufacturer, the Aria is a price-conscious boat for families looking to get into boating on a budget that still lets them experience luxury.
With deep maroon rails and striking black accents, the stunning Bennington 23SSB marks a bold and refreshing change from a world awash in grey boats. When considered with its dynamic styling and signature bow sweep that gives the impression of speed even at the dock, this S Series Bennington showcases a beautifully modern design. Available in additional striking colors like Anthracite, Luminous Blue, Metallic Silver, and Orange Flare, your Bennington is sure to stand out on the water.
Sold as a two-pack and available in black, deep blue and burgundy, the fenders retail for $169 and are truly effortless to use. You just hang it from its pontoon railing hook and then pull the strap to secure. No knots, no hassle, no kidding.
If you plan to grill, you need three grilling tools in your arsenal: a spatula, tongs and a fork. Toadfish offers all three individually, or you can buy them as a complete Grill Set Bundle.
Made of the highest-quality stainless steel, the bundle will elevate your grilling game with its quality and craftsmanship.
Each tool is perfectly balanced with soft-touch inlays to sit securely in the hand. The ultimate spatula has a strong, perfectly thin, flexible tip with just the right amount of flex for anything from seafood to burgers. Grab and flip anything with the ultimate tongs, which feature a taper-sharpened flat front to act as a spatula when you need it and a pronged top edge for gripping. The ultimate grill fork has exceptional strength and added control for carving.
The set retails for $88, but I’ve been told you can save some money by using the code BRADYKAY15 when you order online.
The JBL RALLYBAR features excellent sound and dynamic multi-color LED lighting. The $879.95 sound bar has Bluetooth connectivity, plus USB and AUX inputs, so you can play whatever you like and it’ll all sound great.
You’ll enjoy hi-resolution audio from wired audio sources, plus JBL Original Pro sound tuning and digital sound processing. Amp up the fun and energy with the built-in multi-color LED lights. Pressing the light controls on the RALLYBAR’s bottom panel will sync your music to dynamic light patterns, making your evening on the water feel like a rock festival.
With eight total speakers (four woofers, two tweeters, and two passive radiators) and a 150-watt amplifier, the 21-inch RALLYBAR is an impressive solo act and did the trick for our boat. But if you want more, you can also use the built-in broadcast mode to connect to other RALLYBAR family products and crank your favorite playlist through multiple soundbars. With Party Mode, you can connect up to two Bluetooth devices to the RALLYBAR and play music from one device at a time. The RALLYBAR is IP66-rated for water and dust resistance, plus it’s built tough for life in the outdoors. JBL’s innovative mounting kit design means you’ll have multiple position combinations on board.
Since humans have been seafaring for tens of thousands of years, it stands to reason that they’d build up notions on how to avoid storms, drowning, and just bad luck in general. And like a lot of fears, they aren’t always based on logical links between cause and effect.
