Excellence in Pontoon Boat Design
Harris FloteBote accepts only the best, whether in design concepts, building materials or performance results. Step onboard our pontoons and discover the exceptional craftsmanship of plush leather-like Nautolex vinyl treated with easy-cleaning PreFixx. Experience the muscular elegance of Harris FloteBote's luxury automotive-inspired helm design, and enjoy the absolute satisfaction that comes from never settling for second best. Pontoons are a great way to get your family out on the water, and Harris FloteBote has the right pontoon boat for every lifestyle and budget (see model lineup).
Keep reading for a detailed look into the manufacturing process of a Harris FloteBote pontoon. Or you can view our Construction Video by clicking the link on the right.
Harris FloteBote Luxury, Family & Value Pontoon Boats
Harris FloteBote has a long tradition of satisfying it's customers with a ride that resembles that of a luxury sedan, yet allowing for handling that will ensure a quick, but safe, return to a fallen skier. The keys to this success lie in the design and construction of the running surfaces.
Standard Tubes
The Harris FloteBote pontoon starts with 5052 marine grade aluminum alloy sheet that is hard enough and thick enough to resist surface damage, but not so hard and thick that it will fracture. Each cylinder section has a crimped end to allow for an overlapping joint to the adjacent section with 20% more weld surface at the joint. Every section contains a baffle that is completely welded to provide a water tight section in the tube assembly.
Every tube has a minimum of 3 sealed sections (6 per boat) and tubes longer that 22' have 4 sealed compartments (8/boat). This provides added security that you can get safely home even if you puncture one of the tubes. Sections are air tested to ensure integrity from compartment to compartment, and every tube is subjected to at least 3 air checks to verify the integrity of each and every weld before it passes to the next manufacturing process.
Every tube has an additional support in the motor mount area to absorb the stresses of the motor and its mounting. Each tube also has a full length keel that provides a full 3/8" of impact protection, as well as keeping the tube and boat running straight and true. Every tube has a full length mounting bracket (TTR-Total Torsion Reduction system) that was designed and developed by Harris FloteBote engineers (US Patent # 6302042) on both the inside and outside surfaces to provide a structure that will absorb and distribute the forces created by hard running and rough water, resulting in a smooth, reliable ride.
Harris FloteBote developed the one-piece dolphin nose over 50 years ago and the concept is still utilized today. While it is more expensive and labor intensive, the design allows for sharper water entry for greater efficiency, and controls the spray at higher speeds without having to resort to "add on" fins, that are bent up easily and unsightly. Each nose has a cross brace where it joins to the cylinder for additional strength, as well as a stiffening crimp to absorb the forces of rough water. For added swimmer safety, all our edges are bead-welded to assure there are no sharp edges to cause injury.
All Harris FloteBote tubes are 25" in diameter, and each is caustic-etched and acid-polished at the end of the process to provide the attractive matte finish, which is free of process oils, weld smoke and leak check solutions.
Decking and Wiring
Tubes and cross members are "squared" to assure that the tubes are parallel to each other and that the structure is square to the tubes. Then the tubes are attached to the cross members with 3/8" carriage bolts and self locking flange nuts. There is a full C-channel at the front and rear of the boat to provide support for the bow and rear rub rails in event of contact at the dock.
The patented tube riser bracket (US Patent #6302042) allows us to spread the forces over the entire length of the tube. It allows us to adjust center of gravity for different models without creating a new number for the tube. It also allows for a clean exterior styling without the addition of a cover-up skirt. It allows for efficient service and replacement should there ever be a need. All wiring is properly supported and protected under deck.
Decking is 7-ply, high tensile strength, with tongue and groove joint and carries a lifetime warranty against warp, rot, or delamination. Through the deck, water intrusion is controlled by utilizing a 3-step design. Butyl rubber tape is applied to every cross member where there is a deck joint, polyurethane sealant is applied to the groove of the decking material, and then the tongue is inserted into the groove, to provide a mechanical seal. The deck is attached to the cross members with ¼" specially designed tek screws, which provide for a joint that will not ever loosen, regardless of conditions.
The deck is finished with a patented side rub-rail (US Patent # 6234098). Harris FloteBote does not use rub-rail corner caps on any of its models. All corners are formed into the rub rails, eliminating the potential for tearing the caps off at the dock.
Carpet and Flooring
All deck joints are sanded and urethane sealed. All divots created by the fastener heads are filled and sealed. This prevents lines and pock marks from showing through the carpet in the future. Carpet is applied utilizing an environmentally and operator friendly water based adhesive. All carpeting is made of marine-grade polyester fiber that is woven to Harris FloteBote designs with bi-level patterns. All carpet has a rubber coating applied to the back side for higher durability and water resistance.
Thick and durable flooring alternatives to carpet are available such as non-slip TPO (thermal poly olefin) and elegant faux teak.
Fence Fabrication
All fence paneling is carefully painted on both sides using automotive-grade alkyd enamels. Harris FloteBote paneling is processed through rollers to add an "imperial crimp" which adds rigidity to the fence, and some models are also run through another set of rollers to provide an embossed surface. Both processes minimize the appearance of minor dents and scratches.
The fence panel is mounted to the inside of the fence rail tubing, which provides additional margin for error when docking since paneling is not the first point of contact. The fence panel is also mounted into the welded rail sections utilizing foam tape at any place where the panel will contact the support structure.
All custom designed graphics are specified with "hy-tack" adhesive systems that resist delaminating and peeling in environmental extremes, resulting in optimal appearance for years to come. We enhance our application process with a roller device that applies heat and pressure to the graphics to maximize adhesion.
Upholstery Vinyl and Foam
Only the highest quality materials are selected and used in our upholstery. Harris FloteBote manufactures much of its upholstery needs in-house. We do this to control the critical fit and finishes of our upholstered parts. Cutting of all soft goods is done by a computer-controlled "Gerber" cutter, which provides cut parts with great detail and repeatability. This allows upholsterers to provide components that are well tailored to the specified model with an impeccable fit and finish.
Harris FloteBote vinyl is manufactured with Prefixx, a finish that is easy to clean and resists staining. Some models also use premium Torino vinyl that looks and feels like leather. Many different types of stitching are employed to provide both visual detail and high strength in critical areas. High quality Poly-Matic thread is used to provide long term reliability. This thread is oval shaped, which resists cutting of vinyl in high stress areas, and non-woven vinyl is used that resists tearing at the seams.
Harris FloteBote chooses seat foam to provide both comfort and support. Many different shapes and harnesses are used in the construction for optimized comfort, and all seating foam is high density so that it resists degradation over time. All foam is biocide treated in order to inhibit the growth of mildew and other organic problems.
Furniture
The premium seats offered on the Harris FloteBote line are second to none. Built sturdy to last long, each roto-cast or fiberglass seat base is designed specifically for durability, convenience, and style. The Crowne models boast fiberglass seat bases with style lines, as well as pillow mat lining the inside of all seat bases to prevent items shifting and allow for more air flow beneath moist items. New for 2010, the Royal Heritage is built with custom-designed Flex-Steel furniture with two standard incliners in the bow.
Our Super Sunliner pontoons use double-walled roto-cast seat bases which offer a built-in drainage system and protection from mold and mildew. All other Harris FloteBote models use single-walled roto-cast which are built sturdy and molded to hold all your wet and dry items on-board. Underneath almost every seat cushion is ample storage space, perfect for all the towels, shoes, clothing, books, snacks, and water toys you might bring with you for a day on the water.
Harris FloteBote pontoons have a custom-designed 5-step boarding ladder that was built with comfort in mind. Five padded steps reach deep into the water and the double-wide platform step at the top makes getting in or out of the water easier. Tall, wide handles are provided for your convenience.
Covers and Tops
Most canvas covers and tops are cut on the Gerber cutter and sewn in house. All canvas is fit on the boat to assure proper fit and finish. Patterns are stored on the computer making future service much more reliable. Covers are made from solution dyed, polyester which allows them to be light weight and provides for a cover that protects the boat from the elements, but still breathes to resist mildew.
Covers are designed to fasten to the bow fence and attach to the boat using the Harris "EZ Clip" system (US Patent #6588361). It allows the cover to attach and detach easily reducing the amount of time and effort typically expended on covering a pontoon. A bow cover extension is standard for those who want to cover the bow decks of the boat.
Bimini tops are designed with a convenient "quick release" system which allows the top to be opened and locked into position in a matter of seconds. Our tops are designed to virtually eliminate rattling, even at higher speeds and rough water conditions.
Service and Reliability
Harris FloteBote has had an outstanding reputation for quality, safety, and integrity for over 50 years. Harris FloteBote produces much of its own furniture, aluminum components, covers, Bimini tops, and walk-on tops in-house for the best quality, fit, consistency, and serviceability. A limited lifetime warranty is available on structural components.
Harris FloteBote is owned by the Brunswick Corporation, a service-oriented business dedicated to the marine industry and supported by top dealers world wide. These dealers are backed by Harris FloteBote's quality and a reliable service department focused on our customer's satisfaction.
Cruiser by Harris
The Cruiser by Harris models do not follow all the same manufacturing processes as Harris FloteBote pontoons. Tubes are built with welded-on splash guards and mounted to the deck with full-length tube risers only on the outside of the tubes. The inside risers are spaced. Mooring covers use a snap-system and Bimini tops on the X-series do not use quick-release. See your local Harris FloteBote dealer for complete details.
|
Links of Interest
|