Genmar Holdings, Inc. (Genmar) has introduced a revolutionary tri-hull pontoon boat, constructed using the company’s patented Roplene‚ process and introduces several new features, including a full-size bathroom and a lifetime limited warranty on the hull, even for saltwater use.
“The Windsor Craft ultra pontoon is the most comfortable and technologically advanced pontoon boat on the water,” said Genmar Chairman Irwin Jacobs. “Despite mature designs and a lack of durability in saltwater, the pontoon segment of the boating industry has grown more than 50 percent during the past five years. The Windsor Craft alleviates concerns about saltwater corrosion and offers a level of comfort and style previously unavailable in a pontoon boat. It’s taking the pontoon boat to the next level,” Jacobs said.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), pontoon boats accounted for approximately 18.6 percent of the sales of outboard-powered boats during 2001 as compared to only 12.2 percent of sales in 1997.
Roplene is a patented dual-wall construction system made by rotomolding marine-grade polyethylene. This advanced technology was developed by Triumph Boats in the company’s hometown of Durham, N.C., in the heart of the famous Research Triangle, birthplace of many technology triumphs. Rotomolding allows Genmar to build higher quality, stronger boats with limited lifetime warranties at a lower cost for the boating consumer.
In addition to the durability and strength of its Roplene construction, the Windsor Craft ultra pontoon has enhanced performance characteristics, said Jacobs. “We worked with the best multi-hull designers in the industry to develop a boat that runs well in a variety of water conditions.
The Windsor Craft features planing hulls with bows designed to cut through the water efficiently and eliminate spray,” he said. The design team that created the hull of America’s Cup champion Stars & Stripes — Morrelli & Melvin — worked with Jay Hood, president of Triumph Boats, and the Triumph design and engineering team, on the new boat.
The Windsor Craft ultra pontoon also features the Ultra Cabana® and deluxe captain and passenger areas. The Ultra Cabana functions as a sun platform, but easily expands upward into a full-size bathroom and changing area with wall switches that operate a light and forced-air ventilation system. The design is so unique that Triumph Boats has applied for a patent on the cabana. The helm seat features a fold-down armrest and bolsters for back support, and all passenger seating is rotomolded for exceptional comfort and durability. The fully featured dash is set in simulated burl wood.
The Windsor Craft ultra pontoon has abundant storage as well. There are two large storage areas in the floor of the boat; one is 98 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 14 inches deep (762 cu. ft.), and the other is 82 inches long, 20 inches wide and 14 inches deep (638 cu. ft.). An anchor locker is in the floor of the bow and a water tank is located in the floor at the stern of the boat. Besides all the in-floor storage areas, several additional storage compartments are built into the seats, including a beautifully designed storage console for glasses, dishes, flatware, beverages and more in front of the driver’s console.
According to Jacobs, production of the Windsor Craft ultra pontoon will be limited during the 2004 model year and only 100 specially selected dealers will carry the new line.
Unlike fiberglass, the Roplene hull material is naturally buoyant. In fact, while a Triumph boat isn’t the only brand that can be sawed in two and still float, it is the only one that can be easily fused together again. There are more Roplene boat advantages, too. Generally lighter than fiberglass models in the same lengths, they can run faster and more efficiently with less power. They provide comfortable, dry and quieter rides.
About Genmar Holdings, Inc.
Genmar, with approximately 6,000 employees and 12 manufacturing centers in the United States and Canada, is the world’s largest builder of recreational boats and the industry’s technological leader with the development of VEC™ Technology and the VEC Shield™ finish, the Roplene® process, the Genmar FirstMate™ customer care service and the Genmar Integrated Vessel System. Genmar boat brands include Aquasport®, Carver®, Champion®, Crestliner®, Fish Hawk™, Four Winns®, Glastron®, Genmar® by Zodiac, Hydra-Sports®, Larson®, Lowe®, Lund®, Ranger®, Seaswirl®, Stratos®, Triumph® and Wellcraft®.
By: Troy Bergstrom, Genmar Holdings
