The Fun Never Stops with Pontoon Boats
Credit goes to the manufacturers who recognized that many families want a boat that is easy to maintain, stable, safe, and carries all their friends, family, and gear in relaxed comfort.
Ambrose Weeres is widely credited with inventing the pontoon boat. In 1952 he theorized that a platform fastened to two columns of steel drum barrels welded together would be more stable than conventional boats. With the help of a few dealers, the Weeres Pontoons became popular in the Richmond, Minnesota, and the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” area where Weeres owned a mill.
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At nearly the same time, brothers Ernie and Pete Harris in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had been seeing people making rafts and boats out of 55-gallon barrels and aluminum drop tanks from airplanes. What they saw intrigued them, but they thought that they could do better. In 1957 the brothers started producing Harris FloteBotes with “fencing” and custom steel tubes. They also added a motor mounting bracket that allowed the motor to be raised and lowered.
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Harris Pontoons had a significant impact on the pontoon industry by introducing built-in, upholstered bench seating in the '60s. It was an innovation that changed the perception of pontoon comfort. They continue to grow the design and innovation as modern style and technologies evolve.
In the late '80s, companies began experimenting with different ways to improve performance. Various combinations of lifting strakes and center pontoons (tri-toon design) created pontoon boats that handled better than traditional boats both in cornering and in choppy conditions. Many models of tritoons can exceed 60 miles per hour on open water and are excellent boats for tow-sports.Today there are a wide variety of pontoon boats from simple day boats to luxurious cruising machines complete with head, shower, and entertainment bars. ”Pontoons are enjoying immense popularity right now because these boats are literally like taking the comforts of your living room on the water,” explained Aaron Kramer, MarineMax Pensacola Store Manager. “And frankly, many pontoon models outperform traditional sport boats and can be set up for fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, cruising, with floor plans that can include kitchens, bars and sport towers. They are the best boats for what people love to do on their boats. Having a blast!”
MarineMax offers Harris pontoon boats at several local MarineMax stores. Check with your local MarineMax for availability.
Take a Glimpse into the World of Pontoons
From the Helm | Boating Broadcast - Harris Pontoons
Crowne Series
The elite Crowne series boasts sleek lines, premium construction, elegant detailing, dramatic power, and agile handling, as well as a magnificent array of standard amenities and modern floorplans for truly inspired onboard entertaining.
Grand Mariner Series
Harris Pontoons
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Harris Pontoons | Crowne Series
Harris leads the industry in progressive innovation and style with the luxurious Crowne. A sleek fiberglass exterior delivers an aerodynamic look, setting Crowne apart on the water. The long established luxury class has been redefined. -
Harris Pontoons | Grand Mariner Series
The Grand Mariner Series is all about power, versatility, and technology innovation. The sleek look of this model show the modern luxury with the models ranging from 23-27 feet. Shade and tower options are available with ultra and ion towers or a full Bimini to fit your style. -
Harris Pontoons | Solstice Series
The Solstice series can handle a multitude of boating activities such as relaxing on the water, towing water sports, or cruising around to the best restaurant. It is filled with modern features with technological advances to make your life easier. The diverse floorplans options make it simple to choose the best entertaining space for your family and friends. -
Harris Pontoons | Sunliner Series
The versatile, elegant, and performance-driver Sunliner Series is the epitome of all Harris Pontoons. -
Harris Pontoons | Cruiser LX Series
This spacious model is ideal for a casual cruise or a nature filled fishing adventure. The diverse floorplans lets you pick the adventure best for you. Storage will never be an issue with lots of compartments by the helm or under the loungers to store fishing equipment or swimming loungers. -
Harris Pontoons | Cruiser Series
Harris Pontoon's Cruiser Series combines comfort and style with luxury amenities with a wide selection of layouts to find the best one for your needs. The attention to detail guarantees happiness when all are aboard.