Welcome to HarrisKayot

HarrisKayot^® has been producing some of the highest quality pontoon boats in the industry. Our history is filled with design innovations, many are now standards throughout the industry. For example, we originated the superior dolphin nose tube design that allows the boat to slice through the water for a drier, more comfortable ride.

HarrisKayot Inc. continues to lead the pack by introducing new ideas and enhancements including holding several safety patents. We listen to our customers to learn what new features are on their wish list. Harris FloteBote is a family-owned business, so we bring a more personal set of values to our work. The Poirys and the entire HarrisKayot family continue their commitment to producing the industry’s best pontoon boats.

History | Industry Involvement | Quality Statement

HarrisKayot 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*.”

1957	Kaye – Yacht, Inc. Begins its journey into the Boating world with the introduction of its *Kayot* pontoon boat brand (Pronounced the same, yet with simplified spelling).

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 electro-chemically protect its aluminum perimeter fence from corrosion through a process known as aluminum anodizing.

1970	*Kayot’s* Gem subsidiary expands into the marine electronics business, producing marine and CB radios.

1970	Kayot opens a new division dedicated to producing small, open-bow runabout boats and fiberglass hulled houseboats.

1971	Harris introduces the first pontoon boats powered by sterndrive propulsion.

1976	*Kayot*, making its own molds, develops a line of fiberglass deckboats, launching 15, 17 and 20 foot models available in sterndrive or outboard propulsion.

1977	This line of deckboats was instantly successful and *Kayot* quickly became the nations #2 producer of fiberglass deck boats, second only to Viking.

1982	Kayot and Harris Manufacturing, Inc. a Fort Wayne, Indiana boat builder, join forces to produce a new deck boat, called the K 200 Limited that later, Popular Mechanic’s Magazine selects as “Boat of the Year.”

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.

1983	*Kayot, now a national leader in pontoon boat and deck boat production, joins Harris Manufacturing, Inc. through a cash-option merger. Harris, the first to produce pontoons (called FloteBotes*) on an assembly line, is a recognized as a quality and innovation leader in the boating industry.

1983	HarrisKayot, Inc. goes public as a result of the merger and is traded on NASDAQ. The company now 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.

1986	Jim Poiry and his immediate family, purchase the outstanding shares of *HarrisKayot*, Inc. stock and return the company to the private sector.

1986	Kayot introduces the Ultima and sets a new pinnacle in deck boat styling and performance with its new modified “V” hull.

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 rotationalmolded furniture bases. The Royal is also the first with rounded bow seating, setting a styling trend lasting more than a decade and beyond.

1988	Harris patents an interlocking aluminum extruded deck system.

1988	*Kayot* introduces the K 180, a smaller boat, that with its side-vent air scoops and extraordinary performance, again sets a new benchmark in speedboat styling.

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.

1994	Kayot introduces the Ultracat, a unique, high performance catamaran deck boat designed to handle rough water. This boat, now modified somewhat and called the Legend, is the roomiest 24’ deck boat on the market today.

1995	Harris introduces the Liberator, designed for accessibility and use by people who are physically challenged or have special needs. Most of these 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.

1998	*Kayot* introduces the 22V, one of the first true deep V deck boats with a low step-in profile, and replaces the Ultima as the world’s finest, all-around performance deck boat.

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.

2000	*HarrisKayot* Inc. becomes one of the first boat manufacturers to become Marine Industry Certified (MIC) as part of an industry wide program to inhance 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	*HarrisKayot* Inc. becomes a charter member of a group of manufacturers desiring to Index Customer Satisfaction, through a program sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

2002	*Harris FloteBote* introduces the Crowne. Its unique interior and exterior design again, redefines what is possible on a pontoon boat.

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 product offerings.

2003	*HarrisKayot*, Inc. continues to carry the tradition of Quality, Innovation and Leadership with one thing in mind …..CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.