Pontoon Speed Record Set
(And Why Boat Buyers Should Be Aware)
Not Just For Multiple Engines
Solution to create the ideal out-of-sight, below deck anchoring experience.
ANCHORING SOLUTION
Who is this Solution for?
E-Z Anchor Puller’s Retractable Pontoon / Tritoon Anchoring Solution was designed for any pontoon and tritoon brand or style. These systems were developed for boat owners who want a better anchoring experience that is easy to operate at the helm, long lasting and discreet. Because the retractable anchoring solution is supported by the structural integrity of your pontoon or tritoon’s C-channel cross members, it is a hidden, out-of-the-way investment ready to work at the push of a button!
How does it work?
The patent-pending Retractable Pontoon / Tritoon Anchoring Solution is powered by our Hero Series Drum Anchor Winches. Once installed, hold the rocker switch at the helm to deploy your river or mushroom anchor. The Hero anchor winch spools out our anchor rode at an average 100 ft. per minute while an internal spring in the Retractable system’s square tube raceway releases the bowsprit to smoothly and efficiently release the anchor and rope into the water at an average 100 ft. per minute.
Which Winch Do I Pair with my Solution?
The winch you select (Hero EX-1, Hero EX-2 or Hero EX-3) depends on the length of your pontoon and the amount of rope you need for your anchoring needs. While this varies across the United States, E-Z Anchor Puller recommends 3X the length of anchor rope to the depth of the body of water. If chain is needed, we recommend no more than ¼” diameter.
Scan the QR code to start exploring the Retractable Solution manual and see which winch is best for your pontoon.
Are there Optional Accessories?
We provide a plethora of optional add-ons, including the wireless remote control, waterproof wifi camera, river and mushroom anchors and an electronic fast fall solenoid system that doubles deployment speeds.
Explore these options & scan here:
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Heather Magda Serrano, Roy Sparks, Annie Carbutt, Julia Brunette
Editorial Correspondents
Dan Armitage, Sky Smith, Bill Gius
Advertising Director
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Advertising Executives
Robin Witbeck, rwitbeck@pdbmagazine.com
Administrative Assistant Robin Witbeck
Marketing Director Cameron Bischoff
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Chloe Adelizzi
Production Jim Donovan
www.harrispublishing.com/pontoon-deck-boat
Publisher Greg Larsen
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Production Manager Janet Chase
Circulation Manager Chuck Harris
Controller Clayton Ward
Production Janet Chase
Founder Darryl W. Harris
President Jason Harris
Vice President Chuck Harris
Vice President Ryan Harris
Vice President Greg Larsen
Treasurer Clayton Ward
Secretary Janet Chase
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Also publishers of Houseboat and Great Lakes Boating magazines.
So when I heard a co-worker say on a very cold boating trip last fall, “It’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey,” I immediately wanted to call him out for making up such an odd saying, but instead I did a quick search so I didn’t embarrass myself. Turns out this saying is legit and in fact it’s boating related, similar to a lot of words that we use today.
Back before Captain Jack Sparrow sailed the Black Pearl, cannonballs on old wooden warships were stacked into pyramid shapes. At the base of each pyramid was a large, cupped tray. Made of brass, this tray was called a “monkey” and it held the iron cannonballs in place. During frigid weather the brass tray would contract, causing the stack of cannonballs to spill. As you can see, the weather aboard a ship was literally cold enough “to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.” Thanks, Google, for saving me on that one.
s human beings, we’re always looking for that sense of belonging and connection. Boaters are no exception to this rule. We crave the connection that comes from creating friendships with like-minded pontoon enthusiasts and we love throwing around ideas to make our days out on the water even better.
This is where social media and Facebook groups really shine. They give us the opportunity to meet other people that share our passion for boating and allow us to discuss ideas and learn from the more seasoned pontooners out there.
Kindred Spirits
One great Facebook group for pontooners is Pontoon Junkies!!! Members of this group all enjoy sharing their love for boating and seeing what others are up to on the water.
Departments | No Wake Zone
NO WAKE ZONE | PLACES, FACES, VIEWS, NEWS, PRODUCTS & MORE
Where’s The Paddle?
Bombora Dog Vests come in four sizes and are designed for unrestricted movement—in or out of the water. Covered in a soft but durable polyester fabric, layered and segmented flotation form the PFD naturally to the body and offer protection to the belly region. A padded neck collar and three Delrin quick-release buckles allow for a custom fit for all-day comfort.
The Dog Vests feature a sewn-in D-ring for attaching a leash. Large padded and reinforced webbing grab handles on the back provide the ability to easily assist the dog back onto the boat. Side pockets are perfect for storing leashes, poop bags and other essential gear.
Bombora Dog Vests are available in two color combinations: Tidal turquoise/white and Sunrise blue/yellow/red with varying sizes for dogs up to 90 pounds and retail for $45 each.
Quotes from this issue
“The doctor’s words had a powerful impact on Russ. He listened. He bought a boat.” Page 18
“In May of 2020, he purchased the 450R Mercury Racing engine for the boat and hit 93.8 mph with the Hypertoon, before hitting the 94 mph record in April 2021.” Page 40
“‘I’d like to just stay in this spot for a while…’ Yamaha Helm Master EX: ‘Okay.’” Page 42
ne day late in the summer of 2021, 65-year-old Russell Doyle found clarity on the St. Joe River near his home in Bristol, Ind. He looked down into the calm water and saw all the way to the bottom.
“I saw the fish moving, the rocks at the bottom, everything. Everything was all so still and perfect. It was a real Zen moment,” he remembers.
It wasn’t only the water that was clear that day, though. There was something in Russ’s perspective that had transformed from a previous way of being, something he credits in large part to purchasing his Godfrey pontoon and spending time out on the water.
“Everything is different now,” he admits. “Being on the water out in nature surrounded by family, I only wish I’d done this sooner.”
hose new to boating may not realize just how many options they have when it comes to selecting an anchor. Many decide to narrow their options based on storage space and convenience or mere affordability, which can lead to frustration if the anchor you choose doesn’t get the job done right. To avoid mistakes like these, it helps to consider the following factors when choosing an anchor.
Boat Size & Weight
As a general rule, the longer and heavier your boat, the larger and heavier your anchor will need to be. If lugging a heavy anchor around seems like a problem, consider purchasing a lighter-weight option that can still do the job, such as a Danforth or fluke anchor or others of a similar style, which have incredible holding power for their small size and minimal weight.
If you happen to have your eye on an anchor that falls into the heavier category, don’t immediately eliminate the option. The benefits of the particular anchor just may outweigh its weight. Definitely don’t opt for an anchor that’s too small for your boat in the name of convenience. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you have a sufficient anchor for your size boat.
Truth be told, a good anchor can bring you a great deal of peace of mind if it means your boat stays in place when you’re fishing for the day or you decide to take an afternoon swim. And isn’t peace of mind the same thing as satisfaction?
We’ve rounded up our top anchors to help you find yours so you can relax and be at ease when it comes time to drop anchor. We’ve got you covered.
Simply put, if it can be tested and it applies to our favorite type of boating, you’ll find it in this section. And the one thing each review has in common is they were all tested and evaluated by one or more of our qualified PDB staff members.
Simply put, if it can be tested and it applies to our favorite type of boating, you’ll find it in this section. And the one thing each review has in common is they were all tested and evaluated by one or more of our qualified PDB staff members.
f you haven’t bitten the bullet yet and bought a new boat for the upcoming season, it’s not too late. And wouldn’t it be great to have more than just Valentine’s Day to get excited about this month?
Bennington has got you covered on that front. With a variety of choice models to select from, it’s impressive when you think of all this Indiana-based manufacturer has to offer. Its 23 LSB Swingback, 27 RXFBWA T2, and 24 RTFB Fastbacks all stand as testaments to its wide variety. Having had the opportunity to test drive each of these three models recently, I can honestly say it’s hard to pick a favorite.
23 LSB Swingback
The 23 LSB Swingback we tested has the stainless-steel docking lights upgrade along with the blackout deluxe anodized railing. The luxury continues from the exterior to the interior with the diamond pressed seats and elegant look.
In the bow you’ll find comfortable plush seating and the seat bases are designed with channels built in so water can drain out of the boat. Bennington also vents the bottom of the seat bases so that if you place wet lifejackets in them, they won’t get moldy.
can recall the first time I heard the phrase, “YETI-ready.” I was talking with Bill Fenech, president and founder of Barletta Pontoon Boats, and he was giving me the highlights of his brand-new pontoon that was being released at that time. Among the highlights were cupholders built specifically to hold YETI-sized mugs. He held one in his hand, placed it in the cupholder and exclaimed that all of his boats are “YETI-ready.” Now when I think of the YETI brand, I always make the connection to Barletta.
YETI is the extremely popular brand that other cooler companies seem to compare themselves to. So when it came time for a new cooler I decided not to go with one that claimed to be “as good as a YETI” but instead just went with the trusted YETI cooler and its well-respected vacuum-insulated panels.
I went all in, really all in and got a high-end luxury model cooler that I didn’t even know existed until I started shopping around. Combining two YETI icons, the cold-holding power of the Rambler Drinkware and its iconic Tundra Cooler, I went with the YETI V Series Stainless Steel Cooler.
y deepest apologies to my friend for whom I originally ordered the EDC Essential Kit. Once it arrived after placing my order I just couldn’t part with it. I ended up getting him something else because of lack of time. Before you judge me, you really need to take a closer look at this kit from TRUE UTILITY.
This is a great product from a company which was born out of the desire to do a lot with a little. By eliminating unnecessary bells and whistles, TRUE has designed tools that are compact, easy to use and get the job done, and this kit has it all.
very boater has their preferences and that includes an opinion on what the ideal flashlight on board should be. Some prefer a spotlight for long distance viewing of channel markers and hazards in the water at night, while others would rather have a more traditional flashlight for on-board use. Don’t worry: there’s not a wrong answer. This is where Streamlight comes in with a wide variety of lights that are sure to please any boater.
We recently tested the ProTac HL 5-X flashlight as well as the Waypoint 300 Spotlight. We selected these two lights because they’re both rechargeable, waterproof and seemed to be a great fit for boaters. After a thorough testing, we found we were right. Boaters will love either.
ears ago if a pontoon could reach the 20 mph mark it was considered fast. Today speed numbers continue to climb and it may surprise you just how fast these pontoon boats can really go. Once thought to be impossible, activities such as tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding and other water sports can now easily be done with pontoons.
How fast a specific pontoon can go depends on a number of factors including the tubes beneath the deck, the size of the engine, and the load the boat is carrying for starters. Pontoons aren’t usually known for their speed, but the manufacturers are clearly doing what they can to change that.
Ronnie Alstott is also striving to change that view as a consumer who is passionate about pontoon boats. In April, a new record for the fastest single-engine pontoon boat was set. It was an accomplishment achieved by Ronnie, at the age of 74, as his 24-foot, 3,000-pound Hypertoon pontoon reached a water-shaking speed record of 94 miles per hour.
oater (touching the location on the plotter): “I’d like to just stay in this spot for a while…” Yamaha Helm Master EX: “Okay.”
(A few minutes later) Boater: “Now I’d like to just slowly go up the channel here along this line of waypoints.” (Boater uses touch screen on plotter to assign waypoints.)
Helm Master EX: “Okay.”
Well, the Yamaha Helm Master EX doesn’t really talk to you but it’s an extremely agreeable helm control system. And it truly is more than what had been seen as an “engine control system.”
Yamaha’s latest iteration of Helm Master delivers a “convergence” of their latest engine throttle and shifting technology mated with the digital power steering for single-engine applications. Everything is done by your single main mover, not the kicker and not a trolling motor.
By Dan Armitage
By Dan Armitage
inding fish – or the structure or conditions that hold them – is only one part of the catching process. Once fish or productive-looking water is located using sheer luck, past experience, sonar, catching or a combination of all four, it behooves anglers to remain within casting distance of the targeted zone. Even when trolling, many anglers use the on-the-go method to locate fish or structure or conditions such as current breaks or edges where fish might be found feeding. Once they locate an area they think will hold fish, trollers will switch tactics to casting in order to better concentrate their fishing efforts to the “spot on the spot” in hopes of hooking-up.
Keeping the deck or pontoon boat in place over or near a productive fishing spot is relatively easy when there’s no wind or current; otherwise, high profile craft such as pontoon boats especially can be a challenge to keep in place. I argue that pontoon boats seem to be affected by current more than traditional-hulled craft as well, but any boat is subject to the forces of wind and current and should be outfitted with ground tackle – read that anchor and line – suitable to hold it in place in the face of the harshest conditions likely to be faced on the waters in question. And have a backup to boot!
In fact, the ability to properly anchor a boat in an emergency situation is so important that most states require adequate ground tackle be aboard all recreational watercraft. Any boater who has faced a situation when the ability to anchor their craft meant the difference between a momentary distraction and an all-out disaster understands why.
ow many of you use an anchor on your pontoon? Do you know about anchors? For example, what style you need, how much weight you should use, or how much rope and chain is needed? And to do it right, do you know the scope?
If you don’t know, don’t feel bad. Typically, we buy the anchor the boat salesman says we need. Surely, they know, right?
I have an anchor stuffed in a front storage area. It has a bunch of rope and bit of chain. Basically, the anchors I know about are the mushroom, Danforth, Navy, and folding grapnel. Oh, and the CQR, whatever that means. I am pretty sure the one I have is called the “Navy” style. I guess it could be a “Union” style or even a “Byers.” Okay, I don’t really know what I’m talking about. Anchors are anchors and I do have one on my pontoon. But the fact is I don’t use it that often.
Every now and then if I beach the pontoon, I have been known to walk up the beach and stick the anchor in the sand to keep me beached on the shore. I have used it a few times when we have decided to stop and enjoy the location. But on our lake that isn’t very often. There are usually too many waves or too much wind and we just float, letting the current or wind take us where it wants.
What I think I want is one of those electric-powered anchors mounted on the front of my pontoon such as the EZ Anchor Puller (www.ezanchorpuller.com). All I need to do is push a button and it drops in the water; flip another switch and it rolls back up to the deck. This could save me the time of coiling the rope and letting it dry before I stuff it back into the compartment. Plus, what if the anchor is covered with mud? Better it is dripping outside the pontoon than stuffed in the compartment stinking up the area under the seat.
Boating Tips & Observations with
Sky Smith
Sky Smith
ow many of you use an anchor on your pontoon? Do you know about anchors? For example, what style you need, how much weight you should use, or how much rope and chain is needed? And to do it right, do you know the scope?
If you don’t know, don’t feel bad. Typically, we buy the anchor the boat salesman says we need. Surely, they know, right?
I have an anchor stuffed in a front storage area. It has a bunch of rope and bit of chain. Basically, the anchors I know about are the mushroom, Danforth, Navy, and folding grapnel. Oh, and the CQR, whatever that means. I am pretty sure the one I have is called the “Navy” style. I guess it could be a “Union” style or even a “Byers.” Okay, I don’t really know what I’m talking about. Anchors are anchors and I do have one on my pontoon. But the fact is I don’t use it that often.
Every now and then if I beach the pontoon, I have been known to walk up the beach and stick the anchor in the sand to keep me beached on the shore. I have used it a few times when we have decided to stop and enjoy the location. But on our lake that isn’t very often. There are usually too many waves or too much wind and we just float, letting the current or wind take us where it wants.
What I think I want is one of those electric-powered anchors mounted on the front of my pontoon such as the EZ Anchor Puller (www.ezanchorpuller.com). All I need to do is push a button and it drops in the water; flip another switch and it rolls back up to the deck. This could save me the time of coiling the rope and letting it dry before I stuff it back into the compartment. Plus, what if the anchor is covered with mud? Better it is dripping outside the pontoon than stuffed in the compartment stinking up the area under the seat.
