Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks, Issac McAdams
Editorial Correspondents
Dan Armitage, Shannon Mitchell
Advertising Executives
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Lavon Horne
Designer Laci Thompson
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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
Vice President Ryan Harris
Treasurer Clayton Ward
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The definition of milestone is an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development. I guess this month qualifies as a milestone for me as I reluctantly acknowledge my birthday and another successful trip around the sun.
I also recently celebrated my 25th anniversary at Harris Publishing and even though this gig as publisher and editor of Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine comes with a lot of great perks, I still face day-to-day challenges like everyone else. The reality that I’m getting older is hitting me a little harder this year as the candles continue to pile on my cake. But with my big “milestone” day coming up, I was recently asked what I wanted for my birthday. I simply replied, “The Perfect Day.”
Barletta isn’t chasing trends. We’re setting them.
Boat Fix provides boaters with 24/7 monitoring and live support, much like AAA for the auto industry. No matter the boat or boat brand including pontoon and deck boats, Boat Fix offers real-time tracking, security alerts and maintenance assistance, ensuring owners stay connected to their vessels even when miles away.
Costa infuses every pair with a passion for adventure and a deep respect for our blue planet. Whether cruising along the coast or capturing that perfect wave, these shades transform every moment into a journey of discovery. So gear up, dive in, and let the world reveal its hidden hues because through Costa’s lens, the water is always in focus. (www.costadelmar.com)
e-mail: sales@jcpontoon.com
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
e-mail: sales@jcpontoon.com
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
For those in central Indiana, enjoying gorgeous days on the water such as this one are possible thanks to this full-service marina that rents and sells boats and is located just 20 minutes northeast of Indianapolis.
The Ameses are one of those couples — they handpicked Long Lake as the ideal retirement spot and moved here with just a few more years left of working. It’s the quintessential retreat everybody dreams of: a charming cottage on a small lake. Add in a community filled with kindhearted friends and a high-quality Crest pontoon that waits at their own private dock…well, they’ve pretty much got it made.
Six neoprene handles with integrated knuckle guards ensure a secure grip, no matter how choppy the ride becomes. One of the standout features is the patented Speed Safety Valve, which allows for quick and easy inflation and deflation, so you can control your speed without worry. Constructed with a heavy gauge PVC bladder and protected by a durable, double-stitched nylon cover, the Mach 3 is built to endure countless summers of fun. Its design isn’t just about performance; it also blends comfort and reliability to offer a classic yet innovative watercraft that the whole family can enjoy. (www.airhead.com)
The new Self-Boot Power Bimini, the brainchild from Commercial Sewing, turns this level of ease into an attainable reality. The innovative Bimini gives you all of the style and shade coverage of a traditional cover with none of the trouble.
What’s more, collecting your own live bait can be as much fun as fishing with it, and is a great way to get and keep kids involved in the activity while saving some coin in the process.
Until now.
Manitou has created a way to have the best of both worlds—spacious seating inside the boat and a mammoth-sized swim deck—with the Cruise 22 MAX. While most pontoon swim decks are a foot or two zigzagged around a transom and a traditional outboard engine, this Manitou offers unobstructed views across the water and extreme space to soak up the sun.
To prevent saltwater intrusion and corrosion inside the reel, the Battle IV includes its new Hydro Armor seal system that adds pivotal seals into the reel. Built with a full metal body, it’s a reel that was designed to handle everything from inshore to offshore fishing.
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When I was growing up, my family always connected the two activities. My dad was both an avid biker and a proud captain of his sailboat, so he made every weekend excursion to the lake a dual recreational opportunity. Every time we went boating, we also brought along the bikes. Try this with a family of seven and trailering becomes a bit of an ingenious Tetris game: one truck, one camper, one sailboat, seven people, seven bikes, and plenty of bungee cords.
