Jim Dorris 1944-2022 - Performance Legend Remembered
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Pontoon Power: A Look at the Industry's First V10 Outboards
How Much Horsepower Do I Really Need? Experts Share Their Opinions
Stop, Don't Do It! 10 First-Time Boat Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
February 2023
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www.ezanchorpuller.com/tritoon | Toll Free: 1-800-800-1640

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February 2023 | Volume 28, Number 2
CONTENTS
Features
18
PONTOON POWER
Mercury Launches Industry’s First V10
24
DON’T DO IT
10 First-Time Boat Buyer Mistakes To Avoid
30
OUR 10 ROUNDUP
Entry-Level Model Options
PDB TESTED
36
ULTRA-WONDERFUL
Barletta Cabrio 22UC
42
FXR PRO FISH
Women’s Derby UPF Pullover
FROM THE BOW
DEPARTMENTS
boaters on the water
COVER PHOTO BY: Brady L. Kay
Pontoon and Desk Boat Logo
PONTOON & DECK BOAT STAFF
Editorial

Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Heather Magda Serrano, Roy Sparks, Ethan Hunt, Iris Corbett, M.J. Hansen

Editorial Correspondents
Dan Armitage, Sky Smith

Advertising

Advertising Director
Jason Huff, jhuff@pdbmagazine.com
Advertising Executives
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Robin Witbeck, rwitbeck@pdbmagazine.com

Marketing

Marketing Director Stephanie Woods

Circulation

Circulation Director Chuck Harris

Production

Lead Designer Lavon Horne
Production Jim Donovan

To subscribe, go to:
www.harrispublishing.com/pontoon-deck-boat

HARRIS PUBLISHING GROUP ADMINISTRATION

Publisher Brady L. Kay
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Production Manager Janet Chase
Circulation Manager Chuck Harris
Controller Clayton Ward
Production Janet Chase

HARRIS PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION

Founder Darryl W. Harris
President Jason Harris
Vice President Chuck Harris
Vice President Ryan Harris
Treasurer Clayton Ward
Secretary Janet Chase

NMMA

Copyright, PDB magazine is published 11 times per year by Harris Publishing, Inc., sub rates, back copies, foreign, reproduction prohibitions, all rights reserved, not responsible for contents of ads and submitted materials, mail permits printed in Idaho Falls, ID.

The basic subscription price is $19.97 for 11 issues. Cover price is $3.95. Canadian and Foreign subscriptions add $20.00 per 11 issues. U.S. funds only. Limited back issues are available for $5.00 each.

Copyright 2023 by Harris Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Call 800-638-0135 to purchase a subscription, to correct your mailing label, or to order back issues.

Harris Publishing
corporate office

Harris Publishing, Inc.
520 Park Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(800) 638-0135 • Fax (208) 522-5241
www.pdbmagazine.com

Also publishers of Great Lakes Boating magazine and Diesel Tech magazine.

By Brady L. Kay

Captain’s Chair

“Known for his large personality and huge imagination and as a true innovator, I’ll always think of Jim as a true pontoon performance pioneer who forever changed the way families enjoy their time on the water.”

Brady Kay sitting in the drivers seat of a boat in a blue Pontoon and Deck Boat t-shirt

Remembering Jim Dorris

It has been a few months since our close-knit industry was shaken to its core with the unexpected news of the passing of a true pontoon icon, a legend if you will. Jim Dorris, the founder of PlayCraft Boats, died on December 9, leaving a void in our hearts that can never be filled.

I waited almost a week before going on social media to announce this sad news, partly out of respect for his family, but mostly out of denial. I guess I just wasn’t ready to come to terms that this industry giant that I’ve known for more than 20 years had really been taken from us at the young age of just 78.

Better Boater title
By Ethan Hunt
Size Match
How much horsepower do I really need?
Size Match
How much horsepower do I really need?

I must admit I enjoy going fast when the opportunity presents itself and I love the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair. However, when it comes to boats, it’s important to understand some engine sizes are a better fit than others and it really does come down to your own specific needs.

Now, most pontoon owners probably don’t need an engine that’s big enough to power an 80-foot yacht, “probably” being the key word here. Let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of having a one engine or a twin setup on your boat and to see how much horsepower you’ll actually need.

NWZ typography

NO WAKE ZONE

Where’s The Paddle?

a magnifying glass over a paddle
A paddle is hiding inside each issue of PDB and the names of the first readers to find it are printed in an upcoming magazine. Good luck!

As soon as you find the paddle, email its location, your name, and hometown to paddle@pdbmagazine.com. Paddle on!

different sized containers of different purposed Peek Polish

Lustrous Restoration
The Peek Polish from Sudbury brings new life to stainless steel, chrome, brass, bronze and other boat surfaces. Its four-in-one action cleans, polishes, restores and protects 38 different solid materials. It was even awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment and is used in Buckingham Palace. Odor-free, non-toxic and non-flammable, the highly-effective formula works on all metals, fiberglass, glass, plastics, isinglass and painted surfaces. Available in a paste or liquid, it’s applied sparingly with a damp or dry cloth and then polished. (978-532-4019 // www.sudburyboatcare.com)

different sized containers of different purposed Peek Polish

Lustrous Restoration
The Peek Polish from Sudbury brings new life to stainless steel, chrome, brass, bronze and other boat surfaces. Its four-in-one action cleans, polishes, restores and protects 38 different solid materials. It was even awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment and is used in Buckingham Palace. Odor-free, non-toxic and non-flammable, the highly-effective formula works on all metals, fiberglass, glass, plastics, isinglass and painted surfaces. Available in a paste or liquid, it’s applied sparingly with a damp or dry cloth and then polished. (978-532-4019 // www.sudburyboatcare.com)

Where’s The Paddle?

a magnifying glass over a paddle

A paddle is hiding inside each issue of PDB and the names of the first readers to find it are printed in an upcoming magazine. Good luck!

As soon as you find the paddle, email its location, your name, and hometown to paddle@pdbmagazine.com. Paddle on!

JC TriToon Marine logo
Forty-five years in the making, today’s JC TriToon soars over the water as one of unequalled technology and comfort in the world of pontoons. Let JC TriToon introduce you to extraordinary boating!
Suzuki boat engine attached to a boat on the water
Find your local dealer* today
*Not for sale in California.
Suzuki Marine & JL Audio link
JC Manufacturing, Inc. | North Webster, IN 46555
e-mail: sales@jcpontoon.com
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
Forty-five years in the making, today’s JC TriToon soars over the water as one of unequalled technology and comfort in the world of pontoons. Let JC TriToon introduce you to extraordinary boating!
Suzuki boat engine attached to a boat on the water
Forty-five years in the making, today’s JC TriToon soars over the water as one of unequalled technology and comfort in the world of pontoons. Let JC TriToon introduce you to extraordinary boating!
Suzuki boat engine attached to a boat on the water
Find your local dealer* today
*Not for sale in California.
Suzuki Marine & JL Audio link
JC Manufacturing, Inc. | North Webster, IN 46555
e-mail: sales@jcpontoon.com
Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
Mercury V10 outboard
Pontoon Power
Mercury launches industry’s
first V10 outboard
By Brady L. Kay

It wasn’t that long ago when a release of something as big as the industry’s first-ever V10 outboard would sadly exclude the pontoon segment. A big engine like this would be considered of no interest for the average pontoon owner, but fortunately with performance pontoons continuing to dominate the boating industry, those days are clearly in our wake.

In our extremely biased and tainted perspective, we could make an argument as to why Mercury Marine’s all-new 5.7L 350hp and 400hp Verado outboard engines were specifically designed just for the pontoon industry, but we won’t.

Don’t Do It
10 Mistakes to avoid as a first-time boat buyer
By Heather Magda Serrano

Buying a new boat can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first boat. Odds are you don’t want to make any rookie mistakes. Who would? Check out these 10 mistakes to avoid as a first-time boat buyer and save yourself some hassle.

1. Not Taking Future Needs Into Account
If you’re buying a boat for the long term, then you’re going to need to think ahead. If you have small children now, think about how they’re going to want to use the boat when they get older. If your family and friends have varied interests when it comes to water sports and activities, try to define what you plan on doing and get a boat that can handle those sorts of activities. Plus, most boats are designed with a specific purpose, so don’t buy a fishing boat if you plan on wakeboarding the majority of the time.

Our 10 Roundup department heading
By Ethan Hunt
Jump
Into
Boating
entry-level model options
By Ethan Hunt
Jump
Into
Boating
entry-level model options

Starting something new can often be a bit tricky. However, with the help of tutorials, 101 classes, beginner’s guides, and countless other starter options, trying something new becomes a bit easier. When it comes to boating, most experienced boaters would agree an entry-level boat would be the best option for beginners trying to get their sea legs. From easy controls to a simplistic design, an entry-level model is a good boat for beginners. For those wondering where to start, here are ten entry-level boats to help you get out on the water.

PDB 350 Tested badge
Ultra-Wonderful
Barletta Cabrio 22UC
By Heather Magda Serrano
PDB 350 Tested badge
Ultra-Wonderful
Barletta Cabrio 22UC
By Heather Magda Serrano

It’s no secret that one of the best weeks in our office is Shootout week—the week the PDB staff get to leave the paperwork at the office so we can head out and test the latest and greatest pontoon and deck boat models. It never disappoints. Especially when we get to test a superb vessel like the Barletta Cabrio 22UC.

It makes sense that this model is so popular with its spectacularly versatile Ultra-Lounge. This lounge can transform into five different seating arrangements, offering something for everyone in any given situation, not to mention the super comfortable chaise lounges in the bow.

PDB Badge-351
FXR
PRO FISH
Women’s Derby UPF Pullover Hoodie
By Stephanie Woods
GEAR92
  • COMFORT19/20
  • FUNCTION47/50
  • DURABILITY10/10
  • DESIGN8/10
  • PRICE8/10
PDB Badge-351
FXR PRO FISH
Women’s Derby UPF Pullover Hoodie
By Stephanie Woods

Known best in the snow and motocross worlds, FXR has jumped into boating with its Pro Fish lineup of lightweight clothing with Sunshield, a 50 plus UPF rating line of clothing. We got to be one of the first to try the new-for-2023 Women’s Derby UPF Pullover Hoodie that retails for $59.99. I love the texture of the shirt as well as the Lavender Camo / Bone color, which is purple at the top and then it gradually fades into a deeper and darker purple.

GEAR92
  • INSTALLATION19/20
  • FUCTION47/50
  • DURABILITY10/10
  • DESIGN8/10
  • PRICE8/10
ADVERTISERINDEX
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Advertiser
Page #
  • Boatmate Trailers34

www.boatmatetrailers.com

  • Conrad Marine43

www.conradmarine.com

  • EZ Anchor Puller3

www.ezanchorpuller.com

  • Godfrey Pontoon Boats7

www.godfreypontoonboats.com

  • Harris Boats11

www.harrisboats.com

  • Hurricane Boats27

www.hurricaneboats.com

  • JC TriToon Marine16

www.jcpontoon.com

  • KICKER Audio8

www.kicker.com

  • Playcraft—Pontoon Deck Boats17

www.playcraftboats.com

  • Skysmith Specialty Insurance8

www.skysmith.com

  • Starcraft Marine29

www.starcraftmarine.com

  • Stingray Boats47

www.stingrayboats.com

  • Sylvan Marine5

www.sylvanmarine.com

  • Suzuki Motor2

www.suzukimarine.com

Tackle box typography
Winter Crappies
By Dan Armitage

As with most multi-species anglers of a certain vintage, I concentrate on my favorite panfish during the traditional time of year when crappies are spawning in the shallows among the wood and brush early each spring. Most any bite-size bait – live or fake – dropped down a couple feet when water temps top 50 degrees is going to get attention from any crappies in the area, and it can result in “no brainer” catching.

However, once that window closes with warming waters, most opportunistic anglers such as me move on to target gamefish species that are more available as the spring progresses, and may not give ‘slabs’ another serious thought until the next spring.

By Sky Smith
STAYING IN ‘TOON
Boating Tips and Observations with Sky Smith
Boat Warranties
Sky Smith Headshot

I recently had an issue with my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I just passed the 100-thousand-mile mark, and my engine was starting to make a ticking sound. The sound was coming for the top end, which would indicate lifters, camshafts (overhead cam) or valve type of issues, which of course made me think about the warranty and all those extended warranty phone calls I hung up on. It also brought back memories of another issue I had years ago. If I told you this story already, sorry for the repeat.

The details aren’t important, but the cooking of a coconut in the microwave and the resulting loud bang, put our microwave out of commission. And its age proved to be a major factor; it was just too old to buy parts for it. I discovered this when the repairman opened the door, which was jammed shut by the coconut explosion. The unit was a one-piece (range, oven and microwave) unit, which was popular at the time the house was built.

Pontoon and Deck Boat
Thanks for reading our February 2023 issue!