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 Director
Jason Huff, jhuff@pdbmagazine.com
Advertising Executives
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Robin Witbeck, rwitbeck@pdbmagazine.com
Marketing Director Stephanie Woods
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Lavon Horne
Production Jim Donovan
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Publisher Brady L. Kay
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
Treasurer Clayton Ward
Secretary Janet Chase
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Also publishers of Great Lakes Boating magazine and Diesel Tech magazine.
By Brady L. Kay
“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.”
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.
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.
NO WAKE ZONE
Where’s The Paddle?
As soon as you find the paddle, email its location, your name, and hometown to paddle@pdbmagazine.com. Paddle on!
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)
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 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!
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.
first V10 outboard
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.
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.
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.
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.
PRO FISH
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.
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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.
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.
