New 2009 Harris FloteBote

Harris Flotebote Marine

Harris Flotebote Marine is now celebrating its 52nd Anniversary producing the highest quality pontoon boats in the industry. As one of the nation’s first pontoon boat manufacturers, we offer a history filled with design innovation, distinctive styling, unsurpassed comfort, and superior construction.


Founded in 1957 by two brothers, Pete and Ernie Harris, Harris Manufacturing produced the first pontoon boats manufactured on an assembly line and trademarked them FloteBote. Many of the Harris FloteBote firsts are considered to be standards in the industry even today. For example, the “Dolphin” nose cone was designed to slice through the water without the requirement of splash fins. Harris was also the first to electrochemically protect the aluminum fencing from corrosion through a process known as anodizing. Many more firsts and patents have come to pass since we first embarked on this journey to produce the best pontoon boat in the world. The company has continued its strong traditions by offering unique styling, luxurious comfort, and design innovations that place Harris FloteBote among the elite pontoon boat builders in the world today.


In 2005, Harris FloteBote became part of the Brunswick Corporation, a Fortune 500 company. Brunswick is the world’s largest producer of marine engines and boats. At twice the size of the next largest marine company, Brunswick’s strength and expertise gives Harris FloteBote the resources to employ the industry’s best people and allow them to fund the ideas, innovations, and investments required to be the industry leader.


Harris FloteBote has an outstanding reputation for quality, safety, and integrity for the past 50 years. We are supported by many of the top dealers throughout the country. These dealers are backed by Harris Kayot’s quality and a reliable service department focused on our customer’s satisfaction.


We employ the highest caliber people and utilize only the best suppliers of materials and components. Every Harris FloteBote pontoon is a reflection of our commitment to quality craftsmanship and luxurious recreation on the water.


Some milestones of Harris FloteBote

1956 - Founded as Harris Manufacturing by two brothers—Pete & 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 invents the "Dolphin" pontoon nose cone, designed to slice through water without the requirement of splash fins.

1964 - Harris becomes the first manufacturer to electrochemically protect its aluminum perimeter fence from corrosion through a process known as aluminum anodizing.

1971 - Harris introduces the first pontoon boats powered by sterndrive propulsion.

1983 - Harris Manufacturing purchases Kayot Corporation, America's second-largest manufacturer of fiberglass Deckboats at the time. With this merger, Harris Flotebote, Inc., has two distinct brands; Harris FloteBote and Kayot.

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.

1998 - Harris introduces the TTR (Total Torque Reduction) deck riser. This Patented system facilitates a more efficient manufacturing process, increases durability and improves aesthetics.

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.

2005 - Brunswick Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, acquires Harris Flotebote Marine. Brunswick Boat Group is the world's largest manufacturer of pleasure boats.
2006 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the sixth year in a row.
2007 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the seventh year in a row.

2007 - Harris FloteBote awarded the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates awarded for "Highest in customer satisfaction with Pontoon boats".

2008 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the eighth year in a row.

2008 - Harris FloteBote introduces the brand new Grand Mariner series to the lineup.