OREANDA-NEWS. August 24, 2016. It's no secret that the pontoon market has been the fastest growing boat segment over the past 12 months.  According to the NMMA, the pontoon segment grew eight percent in 2015 and is on pace to match the same growth 2016.  Boaters around the globe are migrating to higher horsepower engines for their pontoons, forcing many to declare -- "this isn't your grandfather's pontoon anymore."

See how Forest River and Mercury Marine have helped spur that growth in a new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN1BlERYHgw

"It's really driven by the consumers through our dealer network across the country and Canada," said John Sweeney, Forest River marketing director. "If you look at just the sheer numbers of percentages, we're installing more Mercury product on our pontoons than any other brand."

"In my mind, that Verado puts something quiet and smooth on the back of the boat," said Barb Niedergerke of Glencove Marina in Missouri. "It has the performance, the hole-shot, and the top end. It has everything that that pontoon boater is going to need."

Boat builders have been enjoying the pontoon wave as SSI data shows that new U.S. pontoon registrations have increased every year from 2009 until today.

"The growth of the pontoon market has been great for Mercury Marine," said David Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation's Vice President & Chief Technology Officer and vice president – product development, engineering and racing. "Our mid-range offerings as well as our high horsepower outboards are an ideal power option for pontoons, and we expect that growth to continue."

"We've got these wonderfully made boats with attention to detail and then we are able to put this power on the back that really gives our customer this nice package," said Niedergerke. "It has a good warranty & good performance; it's just a really good match."

About Mercury Marine

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A \\$2 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury propellers; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; Attwood marine parts; Land ‘N Sea marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.