// MARKET TRENDS
Hall ' s Sport Center was ranked number 20 on Boating Industry ' s
2024 Top Dealers list.
Buyers are gravitating toward affordability or upgrade considerably, as Hall noted the dealership’ s continuous high end pontoon sales.
“ There has been an especially high demand for Harris premium offerings,” added Brian Athmer, president of Harris Boats.“ Consumers have responded positively to the significant effort and investment we have made on our interiors. Boaters value using the highest quality materials, innovative designs and packing the boats with features, storage and flexibility.”
He said customers prioritize any feature that simplifies or enhances the boating experience.“ The 2026 Sunliner is a strong example of meaningful innovation in action. Its cooler drawer, dedicated shoe storage and multifunctional furniture directly address real challenges consumers want to eliminate.”
Innovation drives interest
Manufacturers are responding to the demand for functional and aesthetic innovation, rethinking layouts, seating and helm technology to offer significant changes and upgrades.
“ I think you’ re starting to see pontoon sales increase but not just for no rhyme or reason,” Hall said.“ It’ s because the product is getting much better. Product got stale – the stuff from 2019 to 2023 all looked the same. So it took a couple of brands to really go back to the drawing board and say‘ Hey, let’ s really change it and come out with a new series.’”
He noted Bennington’ s entry-level M Series and flagship QX Series.“ Bennington came in and redid everything from the flooring up,” Hall said about the M Series.“ New flooring, new rails, new colors, new seats, new cushions and design, and a brand-new helm that is all touchscreen.”
He expects Bennington’ s QX Series to perform well in 2026 too. Like the M Series, it features new rails, updated interior colors, a windshield and an all-new helm and co-captain touchscreen helm.
“ We’ ve seen manufacturers be open to innovation, from efficiencies in manufacturing to integrating new features and designs,” Schraedly added.“ Not everything works, but some innovations have really moved the industry forward.”
Bennington’ s approach, for example, has included standardizing builds to allow dealers to compete on price without devaluing the brand.
18 january 2026 www. boatingindustry. com