Barletta Pontoon Boats, a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries, was honored with the 2024 Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show® Innovation Award. This prestigious accolade, presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI), recognizes Barletta's groundbreaking center-mounted twin-engine pontoon boat. This industry-first innovation highlights Barletta's commitment to pushing the boundaries of marine technology and enhancing the boating experience.
Innovation and Recognition
The driving force behind Barletta's success is its dedication to leveraging consumer insights to deliver transformative innovations that advance the marine industry. Jeff Haradine, President of Barletta, emphasized the company's mission, stating, "At Barletta, we’re committed to leveraging consumer insights to deliver game-changing innovation that drives the marine industry forward." The new twin-engine pontoon boat is designed to offer enhanced performance and safety, providing boaters with a smoother and more powerful ride, while also creating a safer environment for swimming. Haradine expressed gratitude for the recognition, thanking the Minneapolis Boat Show, NMMA, and BWI for the Innovation Award.
Unique Design and Features
The new twin-engine pontoon boat is initially available in the Lusso 25 Ultra-Lounge and Meridian floorplans for the 2024 model year. Unlike traditional designs where twin engines are mounted on the outer tubes, Barletta has positioned the two engines in the center of the transom. This innovative design choice offers significant performance and functionality improvements, including a smoother ride and a safer, more usable space at the stern of the boat. The functional aft deck features two pet-friendly, wide-step boarding ladders, providing easy and safe access for entering and exiting the water.
Barletta offers the twin-engine pontoon boat with engine options of 350 and 400 horsepower, with the boat rated for a maximum of 450 horsepower per engine, resulting in a total power configuration of 900 horsepower. This powerful setup ensures an unparalleled boating experience, combining speed, stability, and safety.
Market Position and Future Plans
Barletta's innovative approach and dedication to family-focused marine products have firmly established it as a leader in the pontoon segment. The company's latest innovation marks its third Innovation Award win in the pontoon category since its founding in 2017. This consistent recognition underscores Barletta's commitment to redefining the pontoon segment and delivering exceptional products that resonate with consumers.
Looking ahead, Barletta plans to continue its trajectory of innovation and market leadership. The company aims to introduce more pioneering products that enhance the boating experience and meet the evolving needs of consumers. By focusing on quality, customer satisfaction, and dealer relationships, Barletta is poised for sustained growth and success in the marine industry.
About Barletta Pontoon Boats
Founded in 2017, Barletta Pontoon Boats quickly emerged as a premium marine manufacturer with a reputation for high-quality, innovative products, unparalleled customer experience, and strong dealer relationships. Headquartered in Bristol, Indiana, Barletta is the fastest-growing company in the pontoon segment, supported by an expansive network of dealer partners across the United States and Canada. The Barletta lineup includes the Reserve, Lusso, Corsa, Cabrio, and Aria series, each designed to offer a unique and luxurious boating experience.
Barletta's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operations. The company's focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has earned it a loyal following and numerous industry accolades. As Barletta continues to grow, it remains dedicated to delivering products that enhance the boating experience and exceed customer expectations.
About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products, known for its iconic brands including Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar, and Barletta. These brands are synonymous with high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and commercial community outreach vehicles. Winnebago Industries is committed to advancing sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key component areas, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.
With multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida, Winnebago Industries employs nearly 7,500 people. The company's focus on sustainable innovation and quality has solidified its position as a leader in the outdoor recreation industry. Winnebago Industries' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO.
Barletta Pontoon Boats: Innovation Journey
2017: Company Founding
Barletta Pontoon Boats established as a premium marine manufacturer
2024: Twin-Engine Innovation
Launched center-mounted twin-engine pontoon boat, winning Innovation Award
Continuous Innovation
Committed to advancing marine technology with consumer-focused designs
The Impact of Innovation on the Marine Industry
Barletta's center-mounted twin-engine pontoon boat is more than just a new product; it represents a significant advancement in marine technology. By addressing key performance and safety concerns, Barletta has created a boat that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern boaters. This innovation reflects the broader trends in the marine industry, where technological advancements are driving improved performance, safety, and user experience.
The center-mounted twin-engine design offers several advantages over traditional configurations. By positioning the engines centrally, Barletta has enhanced the boat's balance and stability, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable ride. This configuration also frees up space at the stern, creating a more functional and user-friendly area for passengers. These improvements are particularly important for families and groups, who benefit from the added safety and convenience.
Enhancing the Boating Experience
Barletta's commitment to innovation extends beyond the mechanical aspects of its boats. The company places a strong emphasis on creating a holistic and enjoyable boating experience. Features such as pet-friendly boarding ladders and spacious aft decks demonstrate Barletta's attention to detail and understanding of customer needs. By prioritizing both performance and comfort, Barletta ensures that its boats provide a superior experience for all passengers.
The new twin-engine pontoon boat is designed to appeal to a broad range of boaters, from seasoned enthusiasts to newcomers. The powerful engines and advanced design features make it an ideal choice for those seeking high performance and excitement on the water. At the same time, the boat's safety features and user-friendly design make it accessible and enjoyable for families and casual boaters.
A Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
One of the key factors behind Barletta's success is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. The company places a strong emphasis on listening to customer feedback and using these insights to drive innovation. This customer-centric approach ensures that Barletta's products meet the evolving needs and preferences of boaters.
Barletta's strong dealer relationships are another important aspect of its business strategy. By working closely with a network of trusted dealers, Barletta ensures that its customers receive the highest levels of service and support. These partnerships are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and building long-term loyalty.
The Future of Barletta Pontoon Boats
As Barletta looks to the future, it is committed to continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence. The company plans to introduce new models and features that further enhance the boating experience. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and maintaining a strong focus on customer needs, Barletta is well-positioned for continued growth and success.
Barletta's vision for the future includes expanding its product lineup to cater to a wider range of boating enthusiasts. The company aims to develop new models that offer unique features and capabilities, ensuring that there is a Barletta boat for every type of boater. This expansion will be supported by ongoing investments in research and development, as well as a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Barletta Pontoon Boats continues to set the standard for innovation in the marine industry with its latest center-mounted twin-engine pontoon boat. This groundbreaking design not only enhances performance and safety but also provides a more enjoyable and functional boating experience. The recognition from the 2024 Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show® Innovation Award underscores Barletta's commitment to excellence and its role as a leader in the pontoon segment.
As Barletta looks to the future, it remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative products that meet the needs of modern boaters. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and dealer relationships, Barletta is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the marine industry. Whether through groundbreaking new designs or enhanced customer experiences, Barletta Pontoon Boats is committed to making the joys of boating accessible to all.