http://www.manitoupontoonboats.com/blog/ | A brief history of Pontoon Boats and how they came to be today.

2. WHO INVENTED THE PONTOON BOAT?
The pontoon boat was invented by Ambrose Weeres in 1951, in the
town of Richmond. The idea came about when a friend asked Ambrose
to create a contraption out of tubes and oil barrels that would float in
water. Ambrose successfully constructed the boat-like structure, and it
was sold before he had the chance to name it!
The first boat was christened as “The Empress.”

3. WEERES INDUSTRIES
In 1952, Ambrose founded Weeres Industries which led to a
rise in the demand for these iconic yet simple boats.
As the demand for these boats grew, Weeres aimed to
improve them, turning them into ideal family-sized boats.
Shortly after their creation, the Winona Daily News named
the Weeres pontoon boat “Boat of the Year” in 1955.

4. FAME For AMBROSE WEERES
In 1990, Minnesota State Legislature issued a resolution that
stated that Ambrose Weeres was officially recognized as the
inventor of the pontoon boat and was subsequently elected
into the Minnesota Marina Hall of Fame in July 1991.
Ambrose was dubbed “Mr. Pontoon,” a nickname that stayed
with him until his death in 1991.

5. CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENT
As the popularity of Weeres’ pontoon boats increased, a number of
other entrepreneurs were coming up with various ways to improve the
existing pontoon.
In 1957, a rival company made changes to the design and feel of
the pontoon by adding the following:
• Protective fences to prevent anyone from falling off of the boat.
• A motor mount to raise and lower the motor.
• Aesthetically pleasing tubes instead of airplane barrels.
• The 1960’s brought about upholstered pontoon furniture and seats.

6. INFLUENTIAL PONTOON DESIGNERS
As the demand for pontoon boats increased, many influential companies
decided to join in on the craze. Each manufacturer brought forward a new
design element that set the new boat apart from its predecessor.
In 1958, the world’s first pontoon boat was created and presented at the
World's Fair in Chicago. This new design caused a spike in the demand for
pontoon boats and played an influential role in boosting a countrywide
demand for the boats.

7. THE EVOLUTION OF THE PONTOON BOAT
From a floating barge to a unique, innovative and luxurious vessel, the
evolution of the pontoon has gone from strength to strength. Today, the pontoon
is used as a platform from which to soak up the summer sun, cast a fishing line
or spend hours on end relaxing and entertaining friends and family.
1951 - 2014
Pontoon boats are now available in a variety of designs – from simple to
luxurious and trendy. These modern-day marvels can even travel at 60 mph on
the open water, which provides an ample amount of luxury and speed!

8. FEATURES OF MODERN PONTOON BOATS
Modern pontoon boats are equipped with numerous features,
including:
• Hydraulic Power Assist Steering
• A 300HP Power Engine
• High-tech amenities such as cell phone outlet, USB functionality, and
advanced audio
• Energy-saving LED lighting

9. FROM SIMPLE TO LUXURIOUS
Today, pontoon boats are equipped with luxury fittings and accessories that
make the vessel unique. These features can include:
• On-board carpets
• A beverage and food cooler
• Dinette table(s)
• Fully upholstered luxury furniture
• A fully equipped sound system that supports various multimedia

10. CONTACT US
Manitou Pontoon Boats is a leading pontoon manufacturer with countless
awards behind their name. With new V-Toon® technology, Manitou is an
innovative and modern manufacturer that offers top-quality pontoons.
If you are looking for state-of-the-art pontoons, visit
www.manitoupontoonboats.com or give Manitou a call at 800-999-9788.

11. SUMMARY
From a simple barge to a luxury vessel, pontoon boats boast an
interesting history. Created in 1951, the pontoon boat has traveled a
unique journey that tells a tale of dynamic innovation and
entrepreneurship. Read through the history of the pontoon boat here.