Harris Kayot Marine is now celebrating its 51st 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 Kayot’s employees are committed to ensuring that Harris FloteBote customers are completely satisfied. As a result, Harris FloteBote’s customer satisfaction ratings are consistently among the highest in the industry. See Awards. Not only are we focused on quality, but all of our pontoons meet or exceed safety and construction standards established by the United States Coast Guard, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the American Boat and Yacht Council.

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.

Harris FloteBote Milestones

• 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, HarrisKayot, Inc., has two distinct brands; Harris FloteBote and Kayot.
• 1985 - Harris FloteBote brand introduces the Heritage Model—the first pontoon boat with an extended deck, creating a sunlounge over the transom and engine.
• 1986 - Previously traded on Nasdaq, Jim Poiry, and his immediate family, purchase the outstanding shares of HarrisKayot, Inc., and return the company to the private sector.
• 1987 - Harris FloteBote introduces the first aluminum, wood-free transom.
• 1987 - Harris FloteBote introduces the Royal Heritage, the first boat of any kind with all rotational-molded furniture bases. The Royal is also the first with rounded bow seating, setting a styling trend lasting more than a decade.
• 1988 - Harris patents an interlocking aluminum extruded deck system.
• 1990 - Harris introduces a new FloteBote model called the Classic CF, or "Circle of Fun," the industry's first pontoon boat with a rear entry gate.
• 1993 - Harris introduces the HP Classic, a high-performance FloteBote with lifting strakes.
• 1995 - Harris introduces the Liberator, designed for accessibility and use by people who are physically challenged or have special needs. Most of its features are available on several models today.
• 1998 - Harris introduces the TTR (Total Torque Reduction) deck riser. This Patented system facilitates a more efficient manufacturing process, increases durability and improves aesthetics.
• 1999 - Harris patents the first power bimini top that raises and lowers with the flip of a switch.
• 2000 - HarrisKayot, 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.
• 2001 - HarrisKayot, Inc., becomes a charter member of a group of manufacturers desiring to Index Customer Satisfaction through a program sponsored by The National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA).
• 2001 - Harris introduces the Cruiser series of FloteBotes, offering more affordable boating with industry-leading quality, construction and features.
• 2001 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award.
• 2002 - Harris FloteBote introduces the Crowne. Its unique interior and exterior design again redefines what is possible on a pontoon boat.
• 2002 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the second year in a row.
• 2003 - HarrisKayot, Inc., reenters the Sport Boat market with its Z Series models, while at the same time introducing three new fiberglass Deckboats, all under the Kayot® brand name. This doubles in one year the Kayot® brand's product offerings.
• 2003 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the third year in a row.
• 2004 - Harris FloteBote invents and patents a changing room in the rear seat that does not compromise the spacious interior room or stern entrance.
• 2004 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the fourth year in a row.
• 2005 - Harris FloteBote redesigns the Classic which adds even more value and style to this top-of-the-line FloteBote series.
• 2005 - Brunswick Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, acquires Harris Kayot Marine. Brunswick Boat Group is the world's largest manufacturer of pleasure boats.
• 2005 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the fifth year in a row.
• 2006 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National Manufacturers Association Customer Service Index (CSI) Award for the sixth year in a row.
• 2007 - Harris FloteBote awarded the National 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".