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.”

WHO INVENTED THE PONTOON BOAT?

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.

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.

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.

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.

1951 - 2014

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.