Pontoon and Deck Boat June 2025 by Harris Publishing

PONTOON & DECK BOAT STAFF

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Brady L. Kay

Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson

Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks,

Editorial Correspondents

Dan Armitage, Shannon Mitchell

ADVERTISING

Advertising Executives

Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com

Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com

CIRCULATION

Circulation Director Chuck Harris

PRODUCTION

Lead Designer Lavon Horne

Designer Laci Thompson

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

HARRIS PUBLISHING GROUP ADMINISTRATION

Publisher Brady L. Kay

Executive Editor Brady L. Kay

Circulation Manager Chuck Harris

Controller Clayton Ward

HARRIS PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION

Founder Darryl W. Harris

President Jason Harris

Vice President Chuck Harris

Vice President Ryan Harris

Treasurer Clayton Ward

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LEAD OR GET LEFT BEHIND

When it comes to performance, innovation, and style, Barletta knows how to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why we developed the industry’s first-ever center-mounted twin engine pontoon boat. Our reimagined design delivers more than just power—it unlocks next-level functionality, enhanced safety, and a ride experience unlike anything else on the water. Barletta isn’t chasing trends. We’re setting them.

WHY CENTER-MOUNTED?

BOATER

IT’S POSSIBLE ON A PONTOON

When you’re healthy, it feels like adventure is there for the taking—surely there are endless lake days and plentiful chances for a river trip. But what about when life happens—when you or a loved one faces a disability? Does that mean it’s time to give up the activities you once loved? Perhaps not.

Years before I began working for Pontoon and Deck Boat magazine, my aunt Colleen had already discovered the expansive possibilities of a pontoon. And that mattered, since by then she was relegated to a 500-pound motorized wheelchair during her final years battling ALS.

BY REBECCA BLACKSON

She had spent a lifetime enjoying her annual river rafting run. Before her diagnosis, Colleen and her husband Brian had spent more than 30 years rafting the Green River, which cuts through the spectacular red canyon walls of Flaming Gorge, Utah. While the reservoir made by Flaming Gorge Dam is popular for trout fishing,

my aunt and uncle loved running the river.

boarding gates and the stable platform as a result of a flat deck. Many manufacturers are willing to make further adjustments so that boating can be even more accessible for customers with wheelchairs. Add in the considerations of the one-level flooring and open spaces, and wheelchairs can easily maneuver through a pontoon’s “living room.”

Beginning as a teenager, Brian had already spent years on Green River when he married Colleen. The summer after their wedding, he brought her along and she loved it, too.

“Colleen loved Flaming Gorge as much as I did, and we spent thousands of hours on the river. We went once or twice every year, making the 7-mile run multiple times we were there,” Brian said. As their family expanded, they eventually brought all four of their children, once they were old enough. It became an unmissable family tradition and a great way to connect with nature.

“Throughout the years on the river, we’ve seen all kinds of animals,” Brian said. “Moose, deer, and otters were often there. One time an osprey dove within two feet of our raft to catch a fish. It was unbelievable. Another time we saw an owl that had landed on a log protruding from the water. We paddled within feet of it. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.”

Depending on the height of the river, the run would take the family anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours to finish. Once, they had their four-year-old granddaughter Kelsy aboard when an unexpected wave crashed over the raft and soaked everyone to the skin. Kelsy started crying and Brian tried to reassure her saying, “This is fun! This is an adventure!” Kelsy harrumphed and said, “Well, I don’t like fun!” Yet at the end of the trip, she jumped out of the raft and told a handful of fishermen at the bank, “We had SO much fun!”

Because Colleen also loved hiking, sometimes she would drive the truck to their designated pick-up spot, and hike more than 3 miles up the riverbank to catch up with the rafters coming down. They’d have a life jacket ready for her, and she’d be able to jump in the boat and finish the run with the group.

That all changed when Colleen was diagnosed with ALS when she was 52; she quickly lost her ability to walk. When the following summer came around, she placated herself by telling her family that she’d sit on the riverbank in her wheelchair while they made their run. “I’ll miss out on the fun,” she told her husband. “But at least you can still go.”

Not one to be deterred, Brian thought this was unacceptably sad and he looked for a way they could ALL spend time on the water. He said, “We looked at renting a boat, but we knew it would be too hard to get her into a speed boat. Then we asked about renting a pontoon. It was perfect because we could use our ramp to roll her right onto the boat.”

Alongside the benefits of extremely comfortable seating, pontoons have always offered extended accessibility, especially with their wide

This was the perfect solution for a family fighting for those last shared memory-making experiences. They rented a pontoon Cedar Springs Marina with a Bimini for shade, and Colleen was able to wheel aboard. With plenty of room for everyone, their children and grandchildren came, and their two toy poodles. The family spent the day on Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

“We had such a great time,” Brian said. “Colleen loved it! She thought it was great getting out on the lake. We cruised around Cart Creek Bridge and the kids did some cliff diving off the bridge. We did a little swimming and some fishing, too.”

It was a day to bring a semblance of normalcy to their lives and to enjoy an adventure together as a family, even if it wasn’t on the river. Like many times before, they made new memories. They stayed within a few miles of the dam and also took the boat to some nearby spots for geocaching, another one of their shared hobbies. Brian remembered, “We found a few geocaches while we were there that you could only reach by either hiking a long way or getting there by boat. We had a lot of fun and even caught a few fish. At one point when I was driving the boat, the dog hopped on my lap and helped me drive.”

In a blog she kept throughout her illness, Colleen wrote, “I love to go river rafting down the Green River at my favorite spot in the whole world, Flaming Gorge. We have been going there for many years. Once we pulled over to shore by some huge boulders and everyone got out to jump. Ever since then all my kids have jumped off some cliff or other. The last few summers that I have been in my chair we have used a pontoon boat on the lake. What a great place to be!”

Looking back on that time, Brian said, “We have a lot of good memories. And the pontoon was a good memory. Although Colleen wore a life jacket, I should have been more concerned that she was strapped to a heavy wheelchair. The first year she just had her seat belt. But the second year, she also had a chest belt to help hold her upright. But I had enough faith in the pontoon boat that I wasn’t worried about it sinking.”

The trusty, flat-bottomed pontoon boat made a great day possible, heavy wheelchair and all. Even if the boating trip looked different than the adrenaline rush of a river run, it was still a happy day on the water.

Disabilities can change our lives in so many ways, and may make us want to give up things we’ve always loved. Sometimes, though, we just need to adapt. I’m so glad a pontoon made that possible for my aunt and uncle.

A CAPTAIN IN YOUR POCKET

With the help of the U.S. Coast Guard, BoatBot is providing an easy and free way for boaters to have instant access to important safety information 24/7, where they need it most–on the water. BoatBot’s AI-powered Pocket Captain app works as a supplement to boating safety courses and study materials; yet they are always available for boaters simply by asking a question. The Pocket Captain provides boaters with a readily available resource for safety questions, empowering them to make informed decisions on the water. (www.boatbot.ai)

SNUG SHOES FOR ROGUE WAVES

Two new waterproof and stylish shoes from Huk will provide a secure fit while delivering unbeatable waterproof protection against the elements. The Men’s Rogue Wave Shoes offer an easy-on style engineered for all-day comfort. The non-marking traction pattern guarantees stable footing even on the slickest boat decks and breathable mesh liners will keep these shoes dry on the inside.

The Women’s Rogue Wave Clog blends an easy slide-on silhouette ideal for quick transitions with comfortable, waterproof performance designed for all-day wear. The neoprene-rubber upper and durable rubber sole provide a flexible, waterproof barrier, perfect for wet and messy conditions at the dock or in the garden. The non-marking Grip-X outsole pattern delivers superior traction on slippery surfaces, ensuring stability and confidence with every step. (www.huk.com)

ZEBRA MUSSEL BUSTER

Say goodbye to freshwater scale buildup with Zebra Mussel Buster, the powerful new descaling solution from Trac Ecological. Designed for recreational boats, it’s fast, effective, and dependable to keep your vessel in top condition with minimal effort. The safe and biodegradable freshwater scale remover can be safely re-circulated through freshwater water-cooling systems, dissolving zebra mussel exoskeletons, rust, and mineral deposits including calcium and lime scale.

(www.trac-online.com)

“REELY” GREAT IDEA

Safeguard your spinning reel investments with DAIWA’s new NEO Reel Covers. Designed to protect a reel while mounted on a rod, the durable and fitted neoprene cover cushions your reel against everyday hazards, prevents them from accidentally unwinding your line, and keeps handles from wedging under the bail of another reel. The reel cover’s mesh sides let you spray water right through, rinsing the reel even while in the pouch, and afterwards offering ventilation so it dries out. There’s also a cleverly included exterior ID pocket for naming each reel to keep them identifiable. (www.daiwa.us)

WHERE’S THE PADDLE?

GARMIN UPGRADE BOOSTS SAFETY

With a new, free software update for select chartplotters, Garmin’s AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a warning messaging feature designed to increase situational awareness and help reduce the risk of collisions on the water. With this update, Garmin GPSMAP and ECHOMAP chartplotters will now display addressed and broadcast warning messages (AIS Message types 12 and 14) from a connected AIS-capable device, in addition to collision avoidance alerts. These messages will appear on screen to alert boaters who are within range of potential safety hazards, including certain floating objects, as well as when nearing or entering the North Atlantic in whale seasonal and dynamic management areas. (www.garmin.com)

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! In our April issue the paddle is on page 43 on the floor (shown in the photo below) next to the Starcraft deck boat in our Miami Boat Show recap feature. Here are the only readers to successfully locate it:

Danny Criner, North Chesterfield, Va.

Rich Christensen, Townville, S.C.

Ken Braun, Hartford, Wis.

Marcus Rosehill, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Tobias Reigns, West Chester, Ohio

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

Boating is a world away from the office, and that’s just how it should be. Rob and Molly Campbell long ago discovered the relaxing qualities of spending a day on a boat, often bringing along their two youngest sons, Wes and Max, and their curly-haired dog Merle Haggard (named after the famous country singer).

Obviously fans of country music, the Campbells are also big fans of boating. Their oldest son, SGT Hayden Campbell is a combat medic with the Army 101st Airborne Division. He’s currently deployed and they can’t wait for him to come home and join them on the boat.

“It’s hard to pinpoint what my favorite thing is about boating,” Rob said. “I did know the first time I was ever on a boat that I would always have one. You feel grounded with nature on a boat, and the stresses of the world fall away. Plus, everyone’s happy on a boat.”

PHOTOS BY BRADY L KAY

Attentive to details, Rob works as a commercial flooring estimator and is keen on keeping things nice. “He’s definitely the pickier of the two of us,” Molly laughed. “He has an eye for quality and detail and likes to keep things in good shape for the resale value.” She works at a local Catholic school, and is happy for weekends and evenings to unwind with a good book, preferably out on the boat.

Molly spends her summers boating on Long Lake, Mich., where the Campbells currently dock and cruise their boat. “I grew up in Midland, but we never spent a summer day there,” she said. “We would pack up the car and come up here. My parents both grew up on the finger lakes in upstate New York, so boating is definitely their thing. And because we spent so much time on this lake, I feel like I know it like the back of my hand.”

Her father still lives on Long Lake and is an unashamed collector of boats. From fishing boats to cabin cruisers and speed boats, he could rarely pass a “for sale” boat on the roadside without buying it. Though he spent 50 years on his 21-foot cabin cruiser, Bob at age 85 no longer has the mobility to climb aboard. Which is one more amazing thing about Rob and Molly’s pontoon.

“The ease where he can get in and out of our boat has given him a second life at boating. Some of our favorite nights are when Bob can join us and we spend the evening cruising the lake,” Rob said.

NEVER SAY NEVER

By his own admission, Rob wasn’t raised with money. And unlike Molly, his father definitely didn’t keep a fleet of boats at the ready. Rob said, “I never thought in my lifetime that I would buy a new

boat.” Instead, they opted for used ones, owning a Bayliner with an aft cabin for 6 years.

Rob had also never considered owning a pontoon until one year he was hit with a shot of envy while on the water. Each year Traverse City’s Cherry Festival features an air show, which many people watch from their boats, lined up all around Grand Traverse Bay. This inlet of Lake Michigan offers a great view for the show. About five years ago, someone pulled up next to them in a brand-new pontoon. Rob couldn’t get over his excitement saying, “That thing was so nice! They had a large family spread out on it and it wasn’t even cramped. I was sold on pontoons that day. I’ll never go back to an open bow.”

During the covid pandemic when everyone flocked outdoors and scrambled to buy up new boats, Rob and Molly felt almost crowded out of their favorite lake. Time on the beach was no longer fun because of the masses of people. It got too much for Rob, who finally declared, “That’s it, we’re buying a pontoon!”

Once the seed was planted, it was all too easy to find the ideal boat. The Campbells have long been friends with Jeff and Jamie Hirsch, who just so happen to own a nearby boat dealership, BoatCraft Sales. Although the dealership carries another pontoon line as well as Landau, it was Landau’s Island Breeze that caught their eye.

EASY BREEZY

The couple purchased a 2020 Landau Island Breeze and enjoyed it for a few summers before deciding it was time to trade it in. Well, that and Rob’s boss kept bragging about how cool his Simrad touchscreen was.

The Campbells traded in for a newer model, a 2021 Landau Island Breeze with nearly enough updates to push it into Landau’s Signature Series, the Atlantis. Their new pontoon has upgraded decking, a jump seat for the perfect configuration, and of course, a Simrad chartplotter.

“It’s so cool to have this much technology on the boat,” Rob said. “It does everything—engine monitoring, smartphone connection, sound system control, GPS, sonar technology—it almost does too much!” When visiting a different lake, Rob can import the chart and have the lake’s imaging right at his fingertips. He can also conveniently mark fishing spots.

While Rob enjoys the technology, Molly is a huge fan of the space. “It really is a floating living room. It has all this space and cubbies for storage. We can put so much stuff away. Things are so much tighter on even a 20-foot open bow boat. I just want comfortable seats, a smooth ride, lots of space to put stuff,” she said.

Though they own a trailer and occasionally take their Landau to different lakes to meet up with friends, they are lucky enough to keep the boat docked all summer at Long Lake since Molly’s father lives on the lake and has a private dock.

“We live an 8-minute drive away, just down at the end of the bay,” Molly explained. “We’re spoiled having the boat so easy to launch, but it’s worth it,” she said. “All you have to do is come down and get in—it’s so easy!”

DIVING IN

Their 12-year-old son Max claims his favorite thing about the boat is getting a chance to drive, but it’s jumping from the LilliPad diving board where you’ll find him most often. “The diving board is such a fun addition to the boat. We’ll be out boating and meet people on the water who are thrilled by it. Sure enough, an hour later their kids will be diving off of it, too. We’re glad to invite people aboard to try it out because it’s fun to see it get used,” Rob said.

Great for both kids and adults, the energy-canceling diving board means you won’t rock the boat when jumping off. The heavy aluminum diving board is rated for up to 250 pounds, and comes with a handle for stability. You might be surprised by the height once you’re up there, though.

“It’s funny how many people are shocked that it’s so high out of the water,” Rob laughed. “It looks a lot different when you get on top of it than from down on the deck. We’ve had people of all ages chicken out, and plenty of over-confident people do an absolute belly flop. No matter what, we always have a great time on the water because of it.”

EASYGOING EVENINGS

Exploring the lake with other boats, the Campbells love to escape the clamor and stress of the daily grind.

“Our KICKER stereo is great, and I definitely don’t feel the need for an upgrade. We mostly get out here to escape the noise, not to blast music,” Rob said. He’s also pleased with the Suzuki 150hp outboard, noting that it has plenty of power to pull tubes or a kneeboard.

Molly’s favorite thing, though, is to try to lengthen the day, not speed it up. She said, “The evening sun is just gorgeous. I love to lounge here and read. It’s funny because people come out here during the day, but in the late afternoon everyone goes home to make dinner. We stay out until 7 or 8:30. And we’ll catch the most beautiful sunset. The wind will die down, there’s no one else around. We really make the best of it.”

While most people are sitting home watching TV, the Campbells are on the bay. How lucky is that?

PREMIUM KICKER UPGRADE ADDS ELECTRIFYING SOUND GOOD VIBRATIONS

BY REBECCA BLACKSON | PHOTOS BY JBALE PHOTOGRAPHY

When Chris Griner bought his brand-new Godfrey Monaco last year from Anderson Powersports, he had a sinking realization that the factory grade stereo simply wasn’t going to cut it. It was a gorgeous boat — deep black and vivid green with black powder coated rails — but for a man who cares about details and rocking his boat with music, the run-of-the-mill factory install lacked the power and oomph he was used to.

As the owner of a vehicle detailing shop, Chris is used to looking after the most elite boats and cars in Lake Havasu, Ariz. His company, Detail Specialties, offers detailing, restoration and high-end coatings to restore and protect a vehicle’s appearance. Their deep clean detailing and expert paint correction can make a vehicle look and feel brand new. Their popular ceramic coatings add a thin but high-performing varnish that protects against the elements and adds gloss and depth to a vehicle’s paint coat for years to come.

For someone who loves fine-tuned finishes like these, it’s hard to settle on a rudimentary stereo that sounds as flat as a headset.

Chris also knows from personal experience the kind of sound possibility with a full KICKER system.

The Monaco pontoon from Godfrey is actually Chris’s second boat. He also owns a 2024 Eliminator Daytona—a powerful racing speedster—and last year had the same shop install a full premium upgrade to a KICKER system. Also in his favorite colors of black and green, the Eliminator is equipped with six KICKER horn-loaded speakers and a 12-inch Solo X subwoofer. “It’s a small boat, but it puts out a lot of sound,” Chris said.

It helps that Chris is great friends with Jeff Cuvelier, owner of Elite Audio. The two have been friends for a decade, so when Chris approached Jeff for an audio expansion on his new Monaco, Jeff had a few suggestions.

PROVIDING TUNES FOR TOONS

With years of expertise, Elite Audio in Lake Havasu is a family-owned marine audio shop experienced in providing highquality upgrades. Owned by Jeff Cuvelier and Christyne Kappeli, the shop has long been impressed with KICKER’s electrifying sound options.

Chris has also been won over by KICKER’s sound quality. In fact, it’s the only brand of stereo he owns, no matter what he’s driving.

“I have KICKER in everything I own: both of my boats, a side-by-side, and a sandrail for off-roading. Other systems just don’t have this quality of sound,” he said.

When he and his family are ready for a party on the water, they want to bring the right music with a rocking stereo system.

Chris said, “We listen to a little bit of rock, a little bit of hip hop, but mostly electronic dance music—Vegas-style dance music with a great beat.”

Lake Havasu has a handful of spots where boaters love to hang out, and Chris and his family enjoy meeting others there. And as long as he’s the early arrival, his stereo can choose the tunes. “If you’re there first, then your music is what everyone is going to be listening to,” he said. “Unless Jeff pulls up. He has an incredible stereo system in his boat!”

THE KICKER INSTALL

While Chris initially approached Jeff about an audio expansion, they quickly realized a full premium upgrade would be a better fit for his pontoon. Chris uses his boat as part of his lifestyle and his detailing business. The Monaco isn’t just for cruising; it’s a floating showcase reflecting the high standards Chris brings to both life and work.

“Chris and his family are excellent examples of people who have fully embraced the boating lifestyle over the years and settled on a pontoon that fits them just right,” said Jeremy Bale, the National Brand Manager at KICKER Marine Audio. “The install is looking great and is going to sound absolutely amazing!”

In just over a week, Elite Audio replaced the full sound system in Chris’s Godfrey. The premium upgrade included KICKER’s newest M-Class marine speakers from its Premium Series. These 8-inch mid-range and high-frequency speakers marry acoustic performance with durability. Additionally, the 11-inch tower speakers offer the loudest and clearest volume

outside and inside of the boat, and the Premium Marine amplifiers can withstand the summer heat in Arizona and beyond.

Using superior materials, KICKER’s M-Class Premium Speakers have tough carbon-fiber-infused mid-range cones, audiophile tweeters, and glass-filled nylon woofer baskets for highly accurate sound reproduction. They’re also fully weatherproof and UV-resistant, with an IP66 rating that shrugs off splashes, sprays – even a highpressure washdown - without missing a beat.

For a booming base, Elite Audio placed two 12-inch MWE12 subwoofers in a custom-built enclosure made of birch wood, which is fully resin coated and wrapped in matching marine grade vinyl. These subwoofers have unmatched bass in a boat and are specifically made for a small enclosure.

The stereo system includes a digital display KMC5 head unit that is viewable in direct sunlight, two remotes for easy access to skipping tracks and adjusting volume, and the best quality KICKER marine Zero Gauge (0AWG) wire, fuses, fuse holders, distribution blocks, RCA cables, and speaker wire.

It’s acoustically everything Chris would ever need. And after only a few times out on the water, Chris is thrilled with the performance of the new sound system.

“It’s awesome and sounds great. Instead of being overpowering, it’s literally kind of perfect,” he said.

TOONFEST PONTOON REGATTA

With beautiful weather in sunny Arizona, Lake Havasu is a place where you can boat year-round. And lately, pontoons have surged in popularity.

“The pontoon scene has completely taken over the power boat scene here. Pontoons are all the rage, and especially ones with big power,” Chris explained.

Dual and triple engines are a common sight on the lake, and like most boat owners, they love to check each other out. This led Chris and a few friends to plan a pontoon meet-up on a massive scale.

With his friends Ryan and Tyler, Chris started RTC Events and planned ToonFest 2025, the area’s first annual pontoon regatta, poker run, and boat show this past March. The exciting two-day event was packed with fun both on and off the water. Owners, manufacturers, and dealers of pontoons packed Havasu Riviera Marina to strut their stuff and show off their latest models, powerful engines, and of course, rocking stereos.

With 115 boats participating in the registration-only regatta, and many more attending, Chris felt the first year was a thrilling success. Chris said, “It was our first event and I’m so happy with the way it turned out. The feedback was awesome, so I know next year will be even larger.”

The pontoon scene in Havasu will make waves beyond the regatta. With events like ToonFest gaining momentum and boating enthusiasts like Chris raising the bar, great sound is quickly becoming the benchmark. As Chris’ set-up proves, better boats really do start with better sound.

THE TALK OF THE DOCK

BY BRADY L KAY

Despite the countless number of luxury boats on display at the Venetian Marina, one particular vessel seemed to stand out in the sea of sameness. Known as the world’s largest boat and yacht show, the Miami International Boat Show draws over 100,000 attendees each year to the state of Florida and the Venetian is just one of the six locations for the five-day extravaganza.

We were instructed to look for the Volvo Penta flags that would be lining a selection of slips located on Dock 3 to help us find the high-end pontoon we had come to review. After spending the first two days inside the Miami Beach Convention Center, we were looking forward to finally escaping that part of the Miami Show and getting out on the water. The tall and black Volvo flags lining the dock were helpful, but it would have been even easier if Melissa Stewart, the marketing communications manager at Volvo, would have just told us to look for the boat with the biggest

Boat Outfitters

www.boatoutfitters.com

Miami Boat Show

www.miamiboatshow.com

Mercury Marine www.mercurymarine.com

Paradigm Boats

www.paradigmboats.com

Rockford Fosgate www.rockfordfosgate.com

Volvo Penta

www.volvopenta.com

an impressive wake. It truly is a very unique boat.”

VOLVO PENTA TECHNOLOGY

In a complete shift from rear propulsion, the partnership with Volvo has provided a way for Paradigm Boats to re-imagined and create the perfect waves, smooth cruising, and improved safety by relocating the stern drive’s props to the front of the drive rather than the rear. With two forward-facing, counter-rotating props, the new Duoprop pulls you through the water instead of pushing you, eliminating propeller exposure at the rear and providing maximum boating control.

“We’re exclusive to Volvo with all of our forward drive models,” states Scott. “Volvo has been an awesome partner for us and has

been with us since day one. We believe in their technology.”

As we move past the Miami skyline, Scott explains how busy he’s been during the Miami Boat Show. His days are spent providing rides to attendees and that’s probably his favorite part about being at this show.

“We’re excited to start getting boaters into this new vessel and see how it changes their perspective on what’s possible on water,” explains Scott. “By combining the best in both water sport and leisure applications, our partnership with Volvo Penta upholds our high standards for craftsmanship and quality, delivering an unparalleled level of smoothness and maneuverability.”

DIALED IN

For the perfect wake and wave specific to each individual rider, the Watersports Control system allows you to customize separate settings and speed preferences for 21 specific profiles, as well as personalize the boat’s speed and trim to create the optimal wake.

“We have our joystick surfing so with that feature you can easily control the wake,” added Melissa. “With an adjustable angle of thrust, you can draw the stern lower into the water and fine-tune your surfing wake on the fly.”

As we had the chance to play around with it ourselves, we also discovered you can switch to Tow Mode to automatically accelerate your pre-set engine speed and adjust for your tow load. The intuitive engine system quickly compensates when your skier turns sharply, and keeps your engine at the set rpm.

Another advantage over traditional outboard boats is you can back up to your surfer, which is something Scott didn’t fully recognize or appreciate at first.

“You don’t need to make a big loop and come back to your skier when they’re down,” said Scott. “We didn’t really know what we had until someone pointed this out to us. That’s a pretty cool feature.”

BEYOND THE SURF

Supplying faster acceleration and thrust, the Damascus 266 Surf is ideal not only for wakeboarding and water sports, but also for tranquil cruising.

“We’ve discovered a new market here in Florida, our line makes for a great Intracoastal boat as well,” says Scott. “Not everybody wants a surf boat but they want a boat that can withstand saltwater for longevity with a fiberglass hull versus a pontoon. Yes pontoons do run down here but salt water is hard on boats. Ours is a 100 percent fiberglass hull and the boats are all built in our facility in Arizona.”

Ideal not just for speedy water sports, serene leisure cruises are also now possible as the Forward Drive’s orientation means less noise and exhaust and the roomy deck space ensures plenty of area to stretch out. Adding the optional Powertrim Assistant will keep you on plane with a perfectly trimmed drive for a smooth ride. With a system that automatically adjusts your boat’s motor trim to the optimal running attitude, you will appreciate an even better acceleration increase in speed and comfort.

“Plus when you have more people on one side of the boat you can balance out the weight easily,” shares Scott. “I simply throw a little more ballast in it and it levels it out and it can all be done from the helm.”

OUTBOARD OFFERINGS

For those looking for outboard power, Paradigm offers the exact same layouts and floorplans but with single or dual offerings from Mercury Marine.

“We just did an autopilot joystick boat with 400hp twin Mercury outboards and we’re working on an ambassador boat that will have twin Mercury Racing 500s, a carbon fiber tower and it will still have the galley in it with dual consoles.”

Both Volvo and Mercury have a great fit for the propulsion, but Paradigm has also teamed up with others including Boat Outfitters, a division of Teak Isle to ensure the storage space inside is being maximized.

“We work with Teak Isle and another great partner for us is Rockford Fosgate who is also based in Arizona,” says Scott. “It’s all about relationship building for us. We’re a family-owned business and we like to have that close relationship with our vendors.”

BIG SMILE CRUISING

As part of our cruise during the Miami Boat Show we had the opportunity to really put the throttle down and get a feel for the combination of the Paradigm hull with the Volvo Forward Drive and it did not disappoint. The sharp turns felt effortless as the boat handled like it was pivoting on its rear end. Top speed with the 430hp V8 from Volvo is around 50mph, which is realistic speed when running wide open on a lake versus Biscayne Bay, a lagoon located on the Atlantic coast.

Our cruise left us with big smiles on our faces as it opened our eyes to the possibilities as the Paradigm line perfectly blends pontoon comfort and amenities with a true competition surf boat. The Arizonabased manufacturer is just getting started, but is quick to point out he wants to be known as a custom boat builder.

“We really only want to build 100 to 200 boats a year with a combination of surf boats and high-end luxury pontoons; that’s where we want to stay,” concludes Scott. “We want to be a custom boat manufacturer, not a production boat manufacturer.”

Once word gets out about this unique boat, the CEO might be in need of a new plan as well as a larger facility to satisfy the demand.

BY REBECCA BLACKSON

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

IDEAS FOR THE BOATER IN YOUR LIFE

It’s time to celebrate Father’s Day, which means we get to show extra love to our dads, grandpas, husbands, and other paternal figures in our lives. What better way to show you care than with a well-chosen gift for the boating men in your life? We’ve handpicked high-quality and sea-worthy products that will be appreciated by any boating or outdoor enthusiast on your shopping list.

BENCHMADE KNIFE

Surprise your dad with an exceptional cutting tool that lasts a lifetime: the Mini Adira knife from Benchmade. Evolving from a small machine shop into a world-class U.S. manufacturer pushing the boundaries of knife design and innovation, Benchmade has worked to perfect the most dependable cutting companion, especially when it’s the pocket knife you reach for daily.

The versatile Mini Adira is a heavy-use Every Day Carry built for tasks in wet environments. This pocket-ready fisherman’s folder features a 3.21-inch drop-point blade made of CPM-MagnaCut stainless. The Adira uses an AXIS Lock mechanism with stainless steel springs for corrosion resistance, plus high-visibility colored details and a useful orange lanyard for easy access. As a new variant from the popular Water Collection released last year, the Adira is available in a darker Black with Blue Titanium Steel blade, in both serrated and non-serrated styles.

With a handle thickness of just over half an inch and weighing less than 4 ounces, the Adira will be easy to take along anywhere. From prepping bait on a hook to slicing lines for a new rig, the Mini Adira will be loved by your dad both on and off the water. (www.benchmade.com)

THE CUSTOM CAPTAIN

For the guy who has everything, customizing a gift with an image of his own pontoon is a unique way to surprise him. The Custom Captain can help make your dad the envy of the dock with over 55 pieces of merchandise in their online store, all ready to be imprinted with the design of your choice. Founded by lifelong boaters, The Custom Captain’s tailor-made gear can stand up to salt, wind, and waves with excellent sun protection and durability.

Simply upload a photo and The Custom Captain’s team of artists will hand draw your boat and bring all of the best details to life. With customer satisfaction guaranteed, you have unlimited revisions until your artwork is 100 percent perfect the way you want it.

Choose the perfect gear for your dad—from mugs, dri-fit shirts, hats, jackets, tumblers, and more. Also among their best-sellers are hoodies, boat flags, beach towels, and coasters. With this commemorative gift, your dad can enjoy mementos of his ‘toon wherever he goes, but especially when out on the water. All items are print-to-order and ship within 10 days of ordering. Whether you’re casting lines off the coast of Florida, cruising a lake in Montana, or just enjoying a sunset sail with family and friends, The Custom Captain will make sure you’re geared up and ready to go. (www.thecustomcaptain.com)

MAGMA PONTOON GRILL

Fewer things could be more delicious than a hot, grilled dinner while you’re out boating. And luckily, a grill on a pontoon is now almost as common as a ski pylon. For over 45 years, Magma has been making quality grills for outdoor adventures, and the Party Size Marine Kettle3 Combo Stove & Gas Grill would make a splendid addition to your dad’s pontoon.

This versatile, portable grill can be mounted on square pontoon rails, or on Magma’s double locking pedestal mount. Made of mirror polished, 304 marine-grade stainless exterior, the grill has a finish to resist corrosion in even the harshest environments. The user-friendly ignition system is powered by a single AAA battery, and a heavy-duty inner safety shell keeps the outside of the grill cooler and guards against discoloration.

The swiveling control valve/regulator is designed to connect to 1-pound disposable propane fuel canisters and allows for quick, safe canister exchanges. The grill can also be easily adapted to any existing on-board LPG (propane) or CNG (natural gas) fuel system. The patented heat distribution system and burner directs more heat to the cooking surface while being virtually blow-out proof due to a venturi tube design.

Additional features include a balanced hinged lid that won’t slam shut as the boat rolls, a polished, stainless-steel “Stay Cool” handle with air cooled supports, and a stainless-steel L-bracket and clamp assembly to provide easier, more positive level mounting. The Kettle3 Combo is a grill, stove, or oven allowing you to cook hot, delicious meals on board your pontoon. Magma also offers a large selection of mounting options (sold separately) to customize the grill for your needs. (www.magmaproducts.com)

PLANO WEEKEND TACKLE BAG

Help your dad gear up for his next fishing trip with the Weekend Tackle Bag from Plano. This handy bag is durable, designed to be reliable in all kinds of weather, and will keep tools and lures perfectly organized.

The molded and sturdy base gives the bag a waterproof foundation, keeping gear dry on wet docks, boat decks, and shorelines. Gear can be secured and organized in the large main compartment while providing visibility and quick access to essentials.

Die-cut tool sleeves take organization to the next level by securing tools during transport, which prevents unwanted shifting and offers easy retrieval. Your dad will quickly find what he wants instead of having to rummage around in annoyance.

Quick access side pockets are convenient for frequently used items, and a daisy chain feature provides versatile attachment points to expand your storage options. Fasten additional gear or accessories to personalize your bag setup, ensuring you have everything you need within arm’s reach.

Made from 600D polyester with spray proof backing, the tackle bag is both durable and water-resistant. The heavyduty molded tooth zipper will hold up to frequent use, and a textured zipper pull means you can open and close the bag effortlessly.

MUSTANG SURVIVAL LIFE JACKET

With buoyancy, automatic self-righting, and high-visibility features, the brand-new Atlas 190 DLX Life Jacket from Mustang Survival is a perfect choice for all boaters. The lightweight jacket has an ergonomic design that sits off the neck for all-day comfort, with a fit tailored for both men and women and offers an impressive 42 pounds of buoyancy when inflated.

With Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT), the life jacket will provide buoyancy when needed while preventing unintentional activation. It only inflates when submerged beyond 10 cm (4 inches), ensuring protection against accidental inflation from rain, spray, splashes, or humidity. Exclusive ADAPT Technology optimized airway protection and turning. Bladder lobes turn wearers face-up, baffle barriers deflect waves, and a wide head pillow maintains the ideal face angle.

Designed to perform, the Atlas life jacket is functional safety optimized with an integrated safety line tether point, removable leg strap, built-in AIS and PLB storage. The water-activated light and PLB are ideally placed for visibility and transmission work with the spray hood. (www.mustangsurvival.com)

The Weekend Tackle Bag includes two StowAways ideal for organizing lures, hooks, and bait, though the bag has the capacity to hold up to four. An adjustable shoulder strap allows for extended hauling as your dad spends the day out fishing smarter, not harder.

(www.planooutdoors.com)

REAL DEAL BRAZIL TARP HAT

Give your dad the most unique and rugged hat out there—the Real Deal Brazil recycled-tarp hat made from the tarps of Brazilian cargo trucks. This rough-and-tumble fedora is perfect for the adventurous outdoorsman in your life.

Constructed from recycled canvas tarp used to transport goods throughout the forests of Brazil, the Real Deal hat is handcrafted in a remote town in equatorial Brazil, where recycling informs nearly every aspect of production, from the salvaged tarp scraps being applied as patches on other hats right down to the heavy wire hidden within each brim. That thin band of steel, reclaimed from trash-bound old truck tires, adds yet another element of uniqueness, allowing you to shape your own RDB pretty much any way you please.

Every hat is made using recycled materials which creates a one-of-akind look that cannot be replicated. From color shifts to wild and jagged stitching, ragged patches, stains, frays, punctures, and even occasional ink marks, every uncommon characteristic of the original RDB hints at the story of its prior life as a lonely truck tarp, and its rough journeys through harsh elements in the starkly shifting climates of Brazil. It’s such a cool history for a hat to have that a short version is printed inside each crown.

The authentic, rugged, and effortlessly cool hat comes in five sizes, but since the heavy canvas does not float, be sure to secure it on a windy day. (www.realdealbrazil.com)

GARMIN QUATIX 7 PRO

Plot your paradise on and off the water with the quatix 7 Pro smartwatch. This high-performance smartwatch was designed for your marine lifestyle and is loaded with features—a bright AMOLED display visible in sunlight, a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and a bright LED flashlight.

In smartwatch mode, you have up to 16 days of battery life, so you can explore remote destinations and leave your charger at home. Receive emails, texts, and alerts right on your watch when paired with your compatible device, breeze through checkout lines with Garmin Pay, and download songs and playlists from your music accounts.

With the ability to connect to your compatible chartplotters, Force trolling motors, and more, you can navigate and view data — including water depth, engine RPM, wind, and custom data—from your wrist. The quatix 7 Pro smartwatch supports premier coastal charts featuring integrated Navionics data, freshwater maps of the U.S., and TopoActive maps from around the world to keep your explorations on track. And if you’re ready to step off the boat for a round of golf, you can access full-color CourseView maps for more than 43,000 golf courses around the world.

See your energy levels throughout the day, monitor your sleep and heart rate, and get personal insights on how daily activities and high stress impact your energy. With Garmin’s built-in sports apps, you can also use preloaded sport profiles to track the activities you love. Out on the water, you can track your wakesports activities and create videos of your rides with Surfline Sessions technology. (www.garmin.com)

Most bass anglers practice catch and release fishing, handling their catch with care and releasing it quickly so that it may be hooked and fought another day.

RELIABLE RELEASING

BY DAN ARMITAGE

A combination of one of the most productive months to go fishing, free no-license-required fishing days offered by many states, and the fact National Fishing & Boating Week is celebrated each June means that lots of folks will be introduced to the sport this month. While most of the related activities will be focused on teaching people how to catch fish, I’m going to skip that subject for once, and discuss what to do after that act. You have two choices: keep the fish to eat or let it go back into the water. The latter is referred to as catch and release fishing, or C&R. This is when the fish is unhooked and released to (hopefully) survive and thrive and perhaps be caught another day.

C&R is a popular practice among anglers today in both fresh and salt water, especially when targeting gamefish species that are sought and caught simply for the sport they offer at the end of the fishing line and are rarely kept to eat. While many of the most popular released species are found in salt water, such as bonefish, tarpon and billfish, plenty of freshwater fish are more respected for their fight than as table fare and are often released by the anglers who target them, including bass, muskellunge, pike, carp and trout. Some fishermen release their catches voluntarily, others are regulated to do so when wetting a line in waters that are designated as “catch and release only,” where anglers must return to the water every fish, or designated species, they bring to net.

Also practiced when anglers catch species for which the season is closed, or when the fish’s size is outside the allowable limits for keeping, C&R is an important conservation tool.

For example, to assure future stocks of the popular species, several states close bass fisheries in the spring when the fish are spawning. Anglers who catch a bass at this time must immediately release it so that the fish can return to the nest and continue to protect its eggs or proceed with other activities related to spawning. Minimum, maximum and slot size limits are also imposed on some waters for targeted fish species at certain times of the year, and caught fish that fall outside of those allowable limits must be released.

The reasoning behind releasing a caught fish is to allow it to return to the population and continue to benefit. A released fish’s capacity to do so is dependent on how healthy the fish remains after being set free. A fish that has been gut hooked, dropped on a boat deck, kept out of the water too long, or mishandled before being released isn’t likely to survive, let alone get back to assuming its intended role in the local ecosystem.

Studies show that most of the released fish that don’t survive are hooked deeply and/or are handled roughly during the removal of the hook. Hooking a fish deep inside the mouth can tear the gills or puncture the gullet or stomach lining, and rough hook removal can

(Above) This young angler knows the proper way to hold a fish, supporting the belly and the head horizontally, for a quick photo before releasing his catch.

compound the damage. That has led some experts to recommend cutting the line as close to the hook as possible on deeply hooked fish, leaving it embedded rather than trying to extract the hook. The argument for that method is that the metal hook would eventually rust away, or the fish’s enzymes would eat away at the metal or that tissue would grow around the hook and render it a non-issue.

Other studies have shown that simply cutting the line is not always the best solution because hooks left behind can impede feeding and cause infection. The latest recommendation from some biologists is to do what you can to remove all hooks, even those deep inside a fish, with the absolute minimum of handling.

One of the best ways to reduce deep hooking and excessive handling in the first place is by using circle hooks when fishing with bait, which fish tend to swallow deeper than when fooled by artificial lures. Traditional J-type hooks impale a fish wherever the point comes in contact when the angler pulls on the line to set the hook – including deep in the throat. Circle hooks, on the other hand, are designed to wrap around a fish’s outer jaw structure, an area composed of bone and membranes with few blood vessels. When a fish inhales a baited circle hook and turns to run, the angler reels the line tight – not setting the hook with a yank – and the hook slides back out of the throat and

AVALON GEOFISH 23 CLX

If you are seeking a pontoon model with premium fishing and comfort features, I recommend a good look at the GEOfish line from Avalon. There are several excellent choices, and I have chosen the CLX 23-footer to highlight simply because it’s the first model to pop-up on the website, while representing the entire line. Beyond looking great, standard equipment for the helm alone includes a wash down

(Above) Most muskie anglers release their catch boat side, often using special cradle nets so the fish can be unhooked and released without being removed from the water.

catches around the edge of the jaw. Studies have even shown that the hook-up ratio with circle hooks can be higher than with J-hooks when used for species such as striped bass, catfish, and several saltwater gamefish. Upon release, the circular hooks are easier to remove because the hook eye and line are already outside the fish’s mouth.

Some fly fishermen reduce release stress by using barbless hooks or crimping down the barbs on flies tied on conventional hooks. You can do the latter with hooks used for bait fishing or on lures. Another stress-relieving tactic some anglers employ is replacing their lures’ treble hooks with single hooks.

The best advice I have to share when pursuing fish that you intend to release is to use heavy enough line and tackle to keep the fight short, so the fish doesn’t wear itself out to the extent that it may not survive once you do set if free, and to minimize the time the fish is out of the water and being handled during the release. I cut the line off and leave hooks that are deeply embedded in a fish’s mouth and hold fish in the water until they are recovered enough to swim out of my hands on their own. If it’s a large fish, I’ll stay in the area for a minute or two to make sure the fish can stay down on its own and doesn’t surface again; if it does, I repeat the revival process until the fish succumbs or swims off to live – and fight – another day.

kit with sprayer and pump, tach, volt, and fuel gauges, 12-volt power receptacle, GPS speedometer, Fusion RA-210 radio with four Fusion EL speakers, SeaStar hydraulic tilt steering, USB charging port, a battery selector switch and a removable windshield protecting a slick sport low back driver’s chair anchoring a playpen that boasts suspension seating featuring flow-through ventilation and creative storage areas.

Avid anglers will appreciate dedicated fishing chairs with locking seat bases, a Garmin 72SV GPS/color fishfinder/depth finder, rear fishing center with rod holders and recirculating livewell, as well as a tackle center.

If you like what you see here, check the Avalon GEOfish website for the other pontoons in the line, which may offer a model dialed-in to your fishing/cruising needs.

BY SHANNON MITCHELL

FROM THE SWIM DECK

THE SNACKLE TACKLE BOX

Full disclosure: I never go fishing. Which is amusing because my maiden name is actually Fisher. As a word lover, it isn’t lost on me how wonderful an aptronym this would be if I did enjoy fishing, but alas, it is not to be. My grandfathers were both avid fishermen—one loved angling along the bank of a river, and the other spent summer days fishing from his small motorboat with his sons in tow.

One of those sons was my dad, but since he didn’t catch the fishing bug, my growing up years never included stringing worms on hooks and rummaging through an ancient tackle box for lures and bobbers. My friends in college gave me the nickname Fisher of Men, but that was about a different kind of angling and is probably a story for another day.

Once I caught a handsome husband, I found myself on a fishing adventure or two, but I was much happier to sit on the bank, crack open a novel, and admire the wildflowers than dip my line in the water. I’ll happily eat any fish that my husband catches (so long as he cleans and cooks them himself) though I’m generous enough to fry up some potatoes to go with them. (I’m not that persnickety.)

I think that I just can’t get over the gross factor of fishing. Slimy, scaly fish flopping

around and gasping for their last breath, mashed worm guts oozing over a barbed hook, and that quintessentially disgusting tackle box that seems to have come from generations past because it’s covered in dirt, grime, fish innards, and rusty lures. Maybe some of the anglers out there are neat nicks and keep their tackle boxes pristine and all of their fishing lines untangled, but I’m having trouble envisioning it.

My husband owned a single creel for the first 22 years of our marriage. Just the one. It had a front pocket for a lidded cup of worms and a few lures, and a large pouch for those floppy fish. I didn’t allow this thing in the house. It smelled of fish water and dead things and was molded into an odd shape from drying out in weird angles. Last winter, a bottle of liquid garden fertilizer spilled on it in the garage and the creel literally rotted to the floor. This gave me the perfect gift idea for my husband’s next birthday: a brand-new tackle box.

And oh, did I have fun shopping for this thing. I don’t know if you’ve looked at brand-new tackle boxes recently (admit it—your tackle boxes are nauseatingly filled with fish muck and tetanus lures), but think about a wonderful organizing caddy that’s squeaky clean. The possibilities are endless for what you could corral in these things. In fact, the minute I brought this new tackle box home and set it on my counter, my children swarmed around it and oohed and ahhed like it was a present for them.

“Oh, what a neat box! Is this for Legos? Please say it’s for Legos!” my daughter begged. (Dear reader, we have so many thousands of Legos and such a glut of compartmentalized containers to keep them in that it’s annoying how often these tiny building blocks remain scattered across the floors of my house so that I step on them constantly. Which is to say: another organizing box for Legos is not going to solve the root problem.)

At the same time, I also purchased a handful of seed packets for the garden and put them in the box temporarily, so my son exclaimed, “It’s a seed organizer!” Which is of course another fabulous idea that my gardening self loves.

But put it to the Internet to invent the most ingenious idea of all: a snack box for when you’re out boating. And not just any snack box, but a snack box with a silly name: THE SNACKLE TACKLE BOX. I dare you to say that out loud and not giggle.

Now, once you throw away your revolting, crusty, corroded tackle box and buy a brandnew hygienic one, just think of all the fun munchies and nibbles you could stow in the little compartments, the fold-out trays, and the tiny drawers.

It’s as charming as a charcuterie board and far more portable. Wouldn’t this be the perfect way to carry food on board your boat? Everything would be contained in one convenient box (with a handle!) and without stray Tupperware or plastic baggies to worry about. And the presentation will be awe-inspiring when you unveil the layers of goodies in the box’s fold-out trays.

You could pack this pretty box with pretzels and pepperoni and provolone. You could cram this thing with crudites — carrots and cucumbers and celery. You could fill it with fresh peppers and fruit and French macarons. Or, you could go hog-wild on the teeter-totter rhymes and stuff your snackle tackle with Fiddle Faddle, Laffy Taffy, and Reese’s Pieces.

Remember to tuck in a handful of gummy worms because no self-respecting boater would carry a tackle box without some sort of wiggly jiggly grub. I definitely prefer the candy kind, though.