OUR HERITAGE
Harris isn’t a pontoon industry leader by simple chance. Any one of the following qualities would place Harris a step ahead of the competition. When you combine them all, our boats are a true force to be reckoned with.
The Legacy Begins
1956—Founded as Harris Manufacturing by Peter and Ernie Harris.
1957—Harris produces the world’s first pontoon boats manufactured on an assembly line. This passion of the Harris family is trademarked “FloteBote"
1959—Harris patents the “Dolphin” pontoon nose cone, designed to slice through water without requirement of splash fins.
1964—Harris FloteBoat becomes the first manufacturer to electrochemically protect its aluminum perimeter fence from corrosion through a process known as aluminum anodizing.
1971—Harris FloteBote introduces the first pontoon boats powered by sterndrive propulsion.
Innovation in Manufacturing
1983—Harris Manufacturing purchases Kayot Corporation, America’s second-largest manufacturer of fiberglass deck boats at the time. With this merger Harris FloteBote, Inc., has two distinct brands; Harris FloteBote and Kayot.
1985—Harris FloteBote brand introduces the Heritage Model – the first pontoon boat with an extended deck, creating a sun lounge over the transom and engine.
1986—Previously traded on Nasdaq, Jim Poiry, and his immediate family, purchase the outstanding shares of Harris FloteBote, Inc., and return the company to the private sector.
1987—Harris FloteBote introduces the Royal Heritage, the first boat of any kind with all rotational-molded furniture bases. The Royal is also the first with rounded bow seating setting a styling trend lasting more than a decade.
1987—Harris FloteBote introduces the first aluminum, wood-free transom.
1988—Harris patents an interlocking aluminum extruded deck system.
Setting the Standard
1990—Harris introduces a new FloteBote model called the Classic CF, or “Circle of Fun”, the industry’s first pontoon boat with a rear entry gate.
1993—Harris introduces the HP Classic, a high-performance FloteBote with lifting strakes.
1999—Harris patents their Total Torque Reduction (TTR) system.
1999—Harris patents the first power bimini top that raises and lowers with the flip of a switch.
Defining the Market
2000—Harris Flotebote, Inc., becomes one of the first pontoon manufacturers to become Marine Industry Certified (M.I.C.) as part of an industry-wide program to enhance customer satisfaction.
2004—Harris FloteBotes invents and patents a changing room in the rear seat that does not compromise the spacious interior room or stern entrance.
2007—Harris FloteBote awarded the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates award for “highest in Customer Satisfaction with Pontoon Boats”.
2013—Harris is awarded the 2013 NMMA Innovation Award for the all-new Crowne Model line. The NMMA Innovation Award honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring to the market outstanding new and innovative products for the boating industry.
2016—Harris celebrates its 60th anniversary of engineering and manufacturing luxury pontoon boats.
