Having fun, relaxing, entertaining, lots of space, & satisfaction for the whole family. All that, along with the awesome inspiration, from designers like Rachel Parteko go into the making of a Harris Pontoon Boat. One of the top brands of luxury Pontoon Boats on the water today. Harris provides value throughout every model, Teammates like Rachel are where it all starts. Many people don't realize just how much thought goes into the conceptual aspect of design creation. Especially when your building someone's future living room on the water, there's no room for error. 
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It's a Family thing, Rachel and her team understand the precious cargo that will be using this boat. Taking all precautions to make sure that Comfort, Fun & Safety are all highly considered. She knows how important it is to give the consumer exactly what they want in their boat. Like Rick Fikes, owner of a 2013 Harris Solstice 220. 22' with 115HP Mercury: Big, stable, fast, versatile...cruises through rough water, easy to anchor and fish, great to entertain while watching the fireworks from the river.....even easy to tow a tube! #LivingTheToonLife 
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This video is a behind the scenes look at what goes into the design  of a Harris Pontoon Boat. Including the use of 3D conceptual tools to bring out all of the best options, prior to manufacturing. Having the 3D technology also helps streamline the process, as well. Contact your nearest Harris Dealer for your next boat, knowing you'll get exactly what you paid for!  #LivingTheToonLife ​

Picture Credit - Harris Boats 

Rachel Parteko - Design Engineer - Harris Boats
Sharing what goes into the design of a high quality, luxury Pontoon Boat. 

Picture Credit - Harris Boats

Picture Credit - Harris Boats

Picture Credit - Harris Boats

Getting out of the element is always important while out on the Pontoon Boat. Either the desire for some shade to reflect that hot sun, or the next rain shower that rolls thru, to the cold windy ride back to the dock ? The solution: Get Enclosed!

Check out some of these enclosures, from our friend Rick Olster of North American Waterway - Ultimate Boat Covers. Not all Pontoon Boats are the same, and when it comes to protecting your investment, having the right cover, is very important. We have done our research on boat covers, one thing is for sure though, a cheap cover is exactly that.  The biggest challenge with any boat cover is standing water. This happens when they do not fit properly, or lack the support to maintain runoff. Thus causing mold & mildew, as well as deterioration of the fabric. On a Pontoon Boat, there are many places that water can collect and become stagnate. It's not always fun trying to deal with a boat cover that is strapped to the sides, while a couple hundred gallons are pushing down on the helm. Not Good!
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The solution is getting the Right Cover, and having the Right Support system. A good cover will also allow for ventilation under the cover to reduce the build up of mold or mildew. Rick uses a dual purpose support pole that is very effective for keeping the water out, while letting the air travel under as well. 
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At Ultimate Boat Covers, they can produce exactly what you need, or replace your existing cover systems. Rick has over 40 years of experience in the boat canvas business, a 5th  generation canvas maker.  With 7500 custom canvas patterns available, Rick makes it easy for you to go to there website, fill out a form with your boats information and get a quote for a new system. Click here to see the types of covers and enclosures they offer for Pontoon Boats. They are located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada and they ship anywhere in the world as well. From full enclosures with clear sides that can be rolled up like on this beautiful South Bay or the split design with the half enclosure on the SunTracker, will help keep you out on the water much longer enjoying family & friends #LivingTheToonLife 

Picture Credit - Ultimate Boat Covers 

Picture Credit - Ultimate Boat Covers ​

Picture Credit - Ultimate Boat Covers 

Picture Credit - Ultimate Boat Covers ​

Picture Credit - Ultimate Boat Covers ​

Have you ever wanted to replace that old carpet on your Pontoon Boat ? Do you like the look of the new style woven vinyl flooring found on almost all high end Pontoon Boats ? Most importantly you want to know what it takes to replace the flooring in your boat? Well, look no further than right here on this episode of Ship Shape TV with our friends from Infinity Woven Products, LLC. 
They are the manufacturer of the Luxury Woven Vinyl flooring. In this episode John Greviskis (Founder of Ship Shape TV) takes on the very task of removing and replacing the old carpet flooring on his Crest pontoon Boat. Along with John, is Warren McCrickard (VP of Sales & Marketing) of Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl.
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​Upon removing all of the fencing, seats, and helm station. It's time to start with the tearing off of the old carpet. This is the part most of us are really dreading. Large scraper(s) will be required, as well as a second person to help pull while you scrape.  Warren gave the guys a very creative tip on how to remove the bulk amount of carpet, by using the truck and a rope to pull it away. It Worked Great! 
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So many Pontoon Boat owners today want to upgrade to the more modern flooring. Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl is just what you want, and need to re-cover your "Living Room on the Water"  decking.  

The Infinity LWV is made of Polyester Core Yarn, that's wrapped in a PVC sheath. Giving protection from mold or mildew, as well as stain resistant, and uv fade protection. This flooring is great for any boat, it's easy to keep clean and does not trap moisture like most commercial carpets used in marine installations.
There are many different styles, & textures to choose from on the Infinity collection page This is not like any other outdoor flooring! It's very durable, and comfortable to walk on. The two most important factors when choosing a quality flooring.​For those who may want to tackle this project on their own, Infinity offers a "Mat Kit Template", for a pre-cut selection that works well for many applications.  If you would like to have it professionally installed ? check the Find a Dealer Page for the nearest location to serve you best.  Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl, is one of the most unique and  sustainable products available in the marine industry.Finally a solution to upgrading that ugly carpet! #LivingTheToonLife ​​

Video Credit: Ship Shape TV & Infinity LWV

Picture Credit; Infinity LWV 

Picture Credit; Infinity LWV ​

Picture Credit: Infinity LWV

Picture Credit: Infinity LWV

Picture Credit: Infinity LWV

On Saturday September 29, 2018 Got Water Marine of Lake Havasu, Arizona held their second annual customer appreciation regatta. This event was co sponsored by Avalon & Tahoe Pontoon Boats, a well known brand of luxury Pontoon Boats.
Vaughn Hoskins, owner of Got Water Marine has a recipe for success in AZ. It's called: Great Customer Relations!
Exactly what this event was all about. This year's Avalon regatta  brought out MANY  Avalon owners to the lower section of the Colorado river, on Lake Havasu. Like, first year attendees, Donnie & Karen Rhodes, who pulled up onto the beach with their beautiful black & white Avalon. 
Quote: We had been looking forward to this event since we took delivery of  our Avalon, said Donnie Rhodes.  We've had a nice time meeting and  chatting with people. We are in the process of moving from San Diego, CA to Lake Havasu, AZ so meeting new friends with the same passion, is always good.
​Donnie did his research, he knew what he wanted, Well kinda > That was  until he talked with other Avlon owners from San Diego to Yuma, all referring him to Vaughn at Got Water Marine, he has an outstanding reputation with his Avalon customers.           
I started making a list of things I would need for the new boat, options & etc. Only to find out Vaughn has everything you need packaged into the deal. He has done the R&D for these units and knows exactly what his customers like and need. 
​We were welcomed into the Got Water Family even before we made the final purchase. We’ve made many new friends thru Got Water Marine.
This is what it's really all about: Vaughn sells the lifestyle of Pontoon Boat ownership. His customers see the value in the relationships they have developed, both at the dealership and on the water with family & friends. Having a manufacturer like Avalon to support this strategy is a win for everyone. Jim Wolf CEO of Avalon Pontoons is doing a great job promoting their brand like no other. 

Avalon Pontoons & Got Water Marine Regatta Video 

Picture Credit- Donnie Rhodes

Picture Credit - Got Water Marine 2018 Regatta 

Picture Credit - Got Water Marine 2018 Regatta  

There is nothing like going fishing from your living room, especially if you are an owner of a SunCatcher Pontoon  Boat. The SunCatcher V22 RF Model, This boat takes going fishing to a whole new level, with luxury & Comfort ability being at the forefront. The V22 RF is a perfect choice to get you and the family to your favorite fishing spots. This boat is set up for nice comfortable cruise, with large forward loungers, and lots of room. Plenty of space for storing the coolers, tubes, fishing gear and more. A built in live-well will keep you fishing for extended periods, without running out of bait (unless you're, not so good at catching)  Built-in rod holders, a rear fishing station, and two comfortable rear seats. There is plenty of room to fish and move around. Power this ride with a 115hp Yamaha to get you where you need to be, in a timely fashion. 

In Okalahoma, look no further than Blackbeard Marine, with three locations Tulsa, Oklahoma City, & Kingston as the resource for Sales & Service for your new SunCatcher Pontoon. 
Now if you really want to step it up a notch ? The SunCatcher V322 F Model is just right for you. This boat is fully loaded with all of the amenities like the V22 RF , however, the forward, dual consoles offer much more room to fish from. Allowing for more family or friends to go along and share the adventure.
​For more Pontoon Boat industry updates go to www.livingthetoonlife.com #LivingTheToonLife 

Picture Credit - SunCatcher Pontoons by G3

Picture Credit - SunCatcher Pontoons by G3

                                                            SunCatcher V322 - F 

SunCatcher V22 - RF 

The Acquisition Is Complete!  
On October 1st 2018 MCBC Holdings, Inc.MCFT (NASDAQ) the parent entity of MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC and NauticStar, LLC announced the completion of their agreement to acquire Crest Marine, LLC  a well known manufacturer of Pontoon Boats in the U.S.
We previously wrote a blog post about this transaction, and how this brand expansion will impact the industry in a positive manner. The current consumer demand is growing at a rapid pace, many manufacturers are taking notice of the opportunities. Having the ability to diversify their offerings, will be a huge strength going forward. Thus positioning MasterCraft into a much stronger role as an industry leader, entering:
The Fastest Growing Segment of Recreational Boating. Crest will continue operating from the Owosso, Michigan manufacturing facility. 
​The Pontoon Boat industry is being exposed like never before. The boats being manufactured today, offer a whole new experience that consumers  are becoming addicted to. Promoting the lifestyle that comes with a Crest ownership is easy, It's Contagious! 
Everyone needs a Pontoon Boat, they just don't know it... Yet! We are looking forward to seeing prosperous adventure by this transaction. #LivingTheToonLife 

Picture Credit: Crest Pontoons

Picture Credit: MasterCraft Boats