Lewmar and Polaris Marine have been shortlisted for a prestigious Boating Builders Association (BBA) Award, recognising their collaborative development of the innovative Pontoon Dock Assist System.
The nomination, in the "Solution Between a Builder and its Supply Chain" category, celebrates a partnership that brought together Polaris Marine's expertise in pontoon boat design and manufacturing with Lewmar's industry-leading knowledge of docking systems, controls and electric thruster technology.
Developed for the Godfrey and Bennington pontoon boat brands, the Pontoon Dock Assist System was designed to address one of the most common challenges faced by boat owners: low-speed manoeuvring and docking. Purpose-built specifically for pontoon boats, the joystick-controlled system enables precise vessel movement in multiple directions, giving operators greater control and confidence when approaching docks and navigating tight spaces.
The project is a strong example of how close collaboration between boat builders and suppliers can drive innovation. From concept development and engineering through to testing, validation and production integration, teams from both companies worked together to create a market-first solution tailored specifically to the needs of pontoon boat owners.
The resulting system not only enhances the docking experience but also helps make boating more accessible to new and less experienced owners by reducing the stress often associated with manoeuvring larger pontoon vessels.
The BBA nomination recognises both the innovation behind the product and the strength of the partnership that brought it to market. By combining complementary expertise and maintaining a clear focus on solving customer challenges, Lewmar and Polaris Marine have delivered a solution that is setting a new benchmark for pontoon boat handling.
The winners will be announced during the Boating Builders Association Awards ceremony at Metstrade on 18 November, where leading companies from across the recreational marine industry will be recognised for outstanding achievement and innovation.
