Though the weather is still cold outside, it is already time to start thinking about the lake season across Alabama. Boat manufacturers are already starting to promote their most popular models, and local marinas and dealers have stepped up to showcase exactly what we can expect to see for sale in the coming months.
Falcon F215 Bassboat
The F215 has been redesigned for the 2024 year with specific attention paid to the width of the bow area, and Buck’s Island will be the only dealer in the region selling the new model. The F215 is truly a dream to fish out of. Featuring some of the largest overall deck space in the industry, the F215 will allow you and a partner to fish in space and make your co-angler smile all day. Like their other models, the F215 features Falcon’s signature forward-opening front rod boxes with an ample front storage separated by two lids. The ride and overall comfort of this boat is second to none, with plenty of performance to get you there in comfort.
Barletta Lusso
One of the top-tier pontoon boats from Lusso, the Barletta brings it all to the water – luxury, speed, comfort and fun. Designed with you, and your on-water experience, in mind, the Barletta Lusso models offer something for everyone. A classic and stylish rail-set, ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable furniture, a sleek helm loaded with technology and leg room, pet-friendly amenities … the list goes on and on. And with a variety of deck layouts, you can find the perfect boat for you. Rambo Marine in Westover can help you pick out the Lusso model – and other Barletta boats – to fit your needs.
Bass Cat Caracal STS
In line with the growing trend in wide-body bass boats, Bass Cat has stepped up their game with the Caracal STS. They employed a wide-body flow of the existing Caracal while stretching the platform into the newest STS (Soft Touch Series) hull design. What you now have is a 96-inch-wide machine, redesigned inside and out, destined to overachieve in all aspects when compared to other 20-foot bass boats in this class. The model name stretches back decades, and this one in particular will leave a profound mark in the Caracal lineage. Like the Falcon, you can find the Bass Cat at Buck’s Island.
Excel Bay Pro Elite 220
In the fishing world, center-console boats hold a special place, and Excel Boats offers exceptional boats, especially in the Bay Pro lineup. The Pro Elite has the widest deck in their lineup. From top to bottom, customers pick Excel because they pay attention to detail. Every detail, from paint quality, welds, heavy-duty seat vinyl, fiberglass console, non-slip floor and more are what you would expect from an Excel. The all-new console has everything and it is where it should be. The dash will accommodate up to a 12-inch fish finder/nav unit. It has room for a 3-inch Bluetooth radio and extra accessory switches, and the new compact gauge set is arranged perfectly. Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell is the place to go to grab one of these fantastic fishing boats.
Nitro Z20 Pro
The NITRO Z20 Pro gives you a host of the most popular high-performance upgrade options at an incredible value. The brain of this fish-catching powerhouse is two new Lowrance HDS LIVE fishfinders networked together—and to a new Lowrance Ghost trolling motor, giving you the power to find fish and stay on them while the competition is still searching.
The basis of the Z20 is Nitro’s NVT hull—a design that uses a series of parabolic curves instead of traditional strakes, resulting in a hull that’s faster, gives more lift while on plane and improves handling. The Z-CORE seating system with Force Flex suspension and contoured frame, designed in collaboration with Kevin VanDam, gives you the most comfortable ride in Nitro’s history. To check out the Z20 Pro, visit Sylacauga Marine & ATV.
Tahoe T21
Another great boat at Sylacauga Marine is the Tahoe T21. A classic multi-use bowrider, this boat promises loads of fun on the lake. Step into the Tahoe T21 and be amazed. Feel the stability, the power, the smooth coursing of its POWERGLIDE hull with HYDROSTEP strakes as you and up to 10 companions fly across the waves. Note the operational ease and efficiency of its TAHOE CRUISE digital dashboard and switch panel; crank up the KICKER stereo with Bluetooth technology. Need some splash time? Tahoe has got you covered, with a removable ski tow pylon, anchor locker, aft swim platforms and telescoping boarding ladder. And of course, you’ll find smart storage galore.
Sylvan X3 CLZ DH
Combining comfort and handling, the Sylvan Mirage line of pontoon boats is a great option if flexibility is what you are looking for. Featured at Skier’s Marine in Westover, the X3 CLZ DH, this pontoon is a great buy. With its long list of standard features – including Sylvan’s exclusive SPX PR20/25 Performance Package, Performance Shield, low-profile sport console, black anodized rails and deck trim, hydraulic steering, docking lights, a third tube and more – the Mirage X Series is one of the most family-friendly options on the water.
Sunchaser Eclipse
Featuring some of the more affordable pontoons on the market, Sunchaser gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Its plush interior, upgraded upholstery and executive helm station elevated on a raised platform for an enhanced sightline are only the beginning of what set Eclipse apart. Premium standard features like extended stern platforms and full-height panels, high back helm chairs that swivel, slide and recline, X-Treme Performance Strakes and third tube technology put Eclipse in a class of its own. For the latest from Sunchaser, visit University Marine in Pell City.
Starcraft SLS
Another great pontoon boat for the value is the Starcraft SLS series. Starcraft pontoon boat innovation continues with the SLS, featuring HMX tubes. With strategically placed strakes, HMX tubes give you better lift, less surface drag, increased speed, faster planing and a tighter turning radius. In short, it’s one exciting ride. Like most of the pontoon platforms these days, the SLS comes in a number of different seating and floor plans. To find the perfect fit for you, check out the Starcraft SLS at Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell.
Yamaha AR Series
If you are looking for boats tailored to the wakeboarding and other tow-behind excitement, Yamaha put together some great packages with its AR series of boats. Available in several different lengths, the Yamaha AR’s have a distinctive styling that will stand out on the water and have a number of affordable setups that won’t break the bank. They come with additional storage and other features that make these wake boats much more versatile than many similar tow-oriented watercraft. Rambo Marine has a variety of AR series boats ready for customers to come see.
Mastercraft XT23
One of the biggest names in tow-behind boats, Mastercraft does not disappoint with its XT23. Another boat featured at Skier’s Marine, the Mastercraft XT23 is a 23’4”-long bowrider with a beam of 8.5 feet. It can seat 16 people and has a draft of 0.76 meters. The XT23 can reach speeds of up to 40 knots. MasterCraft’s SurfStar system truly shines on the XT23 as it can pump out the friendliest waves for kids or deliver waves for pros with maximum height, pop, and length. Inside the boat, the XT23 boasts unrivaled ergonomic comfort, ample storage, and the renowned MasterCraft fit-and-finish.
Avalon Catalina
With a focus on style and a huge range of premium features, Avalon has created some truly remarkable boats with its Catalina line. The Catalina is a stylish and sophisticated mid–range offering that turns heads and quickens pulses. Its DNA includes the same construction, quality and style found in Avalon’s master collection boats; this model is equipped with core features and then can be personalized with as few or as many additional features as you like. This amazing pontoon is available in eleven different layouts. Poor House Branch Marina on Stemley Road in Talladega has a number of Catalinas in stock ready for customers.
Coach RFC
Coach Pontoons’ top seller is its RFC line, and for good reason. Billed as the SUV of the Coach lineup, the RFC pontoons are a solid combination of flexibility and performance. RFC layout maximizes seating and lounging with its perimeter furniture layout. This open layout is perfect for small and large groups. No one gets stuck in a corner seat and ample room for all your toys with underseat storage. Extended rear swim platform and easy-access stainless steel retractable ladder provide great rear access to and from the water, and the ski tow bar is designed for added strength for your watersports needs. You can find your RFC at Poor House Branch Marina.
Bennington 22 SSR
Bennington continues its tradition of creating striking pontoons with the 2024 22 SSR line of tritoons. The line comes with a large variety of design styles, including narrow beam widths. The Quad Bench configuration maximizes storage, seating capacity and lounge space. Many floor plans feature a sleek Fastback stern with speakers that extend your entertainment space. Features include options like bamboo vinyl flooring, stainless-steel-rimmed cup holders and custom gauge cluster designs with zebrawood accents. Visit Woods Surfside Marina in Cropwell to check out the new model year.
Bennington 24 LXSBA
If you are looking for a premium tritoon, the Bennington 24 LXSBA, also available at Woods Surfside, should top your list. There’s a timeless charm found within the LX Model boats, a blending of superb craftmanship, rugged build quality and premium finishes that are familiar, yet distinctly a cut-above. When you step up to the LX Model of boats from Bennington, you’re automatically enrolled into their premium features club: extras like the voyager helm with locking glove box and 12v and USB charging station, vinyl-wrapped bench bases and larger, bolder side Bennington emblems. And the swingback design, introduced several years ago, allows users to face forward or backward depending on the position of the backrest.
Honda BF350 Outboard
Regardless of what kind of boat you have on the water, matching the right engine to your watercraft is a must. New for this year from Honda is the powerful V8 BF350. University Marine is one of several regional dealers that specializes in Honda motors and points to the BF350 as a top contender. The all-new Honda BF350 V8 is truly a landmark achievement: Honda’s first-ever production V8 engine for use on either land or water. Designed to meet the needs of today’s families who want larger boats and the ability to journey farther from shore, the Honda BF350 was created to deliver maximum power with impressive fuel efficiency.
EZ Dock
With all the different varieties of personal watercraft on the market, EZ Dock has PWC storage solutions to fit them all. River’s Edge Marina in Cropwell, which also specializes in boat rentals and is home to the Tiki Hut, is one of the top local EZ Dock dealers in the region. Designed both for saltwater and freshwater applications, their PWC ports’ self-adjusting designs make loading and unloading effortless, no matter what type of waterfront on which your home or business is located. EZ Ports are the perfect solution for those looking for an easy-to-access, drive-on port to keep their PWC high and dry.
