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FORT WAYNE, Ind. – January 20, 2022 – Harris Boats, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today announced a new chapter in its luxury pontoon boating lineup offering single-engine joystick piloting with Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls in partnership with Mercury Marine. Offered as an option on the Harris Crowne, Grand Mariner, and Solstice Pontoon model series, Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) for Single-Engine Pontoons provides the same precise 360-degree control historically has only been available on multi-engine integrations. Through Mercury’s newly launched JPO system, boaters can have more confidence in docking and maneuvering in close quarters with single engine joystick capabilities as a first-of-its-kind feature within the industry.
“The JPO for Single-Engine Pontoon system, the newest engine advancement from Mercury, was a natural fit for our brand as we strive to deliver premium and industry-leading customer experiences for our owners,” said Chris Bernauer, President, Harris Boats. “The Harris brand has a legacy of performance, style, and unparalleled technology, and we’re excited to offer this first-of-its-kind feature providing our community of boaters complete control at their fingertips to promote comfort and convenience on the water.”
Through Mercury’s JPO for Single-Engine Pontoons, Harris will offer electro-hydraulic steering on 250HP+ Verado engines and use integrated bow and stern thrusters that are positioned under the deck, deploying, and stowing as needed. Once deployed, the thrusters work in coordination with the boat’s single outboard to provide unprecedented control.
Available for model year 2023, the new joystick piloting system offers:
Precise, 360-degree control: Simply and efficiently maneuver sideways, diagonally, forward, backward or rotate in place.
Combined commands: The system enables simultaneous actions, such as rotating and moving sideways.
Luxury design: The intuitive joystick delivers optimal comfort and smooth, quiet operation.
“Pontoons have represented one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry and we are thrilled to partner with some of the most well-respected OEM’s in the industry, like Harris Boats, to offer joystick capabilities,” said Tyler Mehrl, Mercury category manager for controls and rigging. “Our new JPO for Single-Engine Pontoons system provides an opportunity to enhance the on-water experience for pontoon owners by removing some of the barriers and stress that comes with maneuvering tight situations, which can now be done with ease and confidence.”
Harris Boats will feature the joystick piloting system at the upcoming Minneapolis Boat Show January 20-23 and the Miami International Boat Show on February 16-20.
About Harris Boats:
Since 1957, Harris Boats has been crafting pontoons that complement the way boaters live on the water. From the Cruiser series to the Crowne, uncompromising comfort, luxury, and performance are standard. All so you can live your best lake life with friends and family—and make new memories on the water.
