Interesting trend seems to be developing- the use of molded plastics for
certain specialty hulls rather than fiber reinforced plastic....(aka
fiberglass). There will be no shortage of opinions, for sure.

Here's a press release from a major US boat builder.

WINDSOR CRAFTä FROM GENMAR
WILL REVOLUTIONIZE PONTOON BOAT SEGMENT

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Genmar Holdings, Inc. (Genmar) has introduced a
revolutionary tri-hull pontoon boat, constructed using the company's patented
Ropleneâ process and introduces several new features, including a full-size
bathroom and a lifetime limited warranty on the hull, even for sal****er use.

"The Windsor Craft ultra pontoon is the most comfortable and technologically
advanced pontoon boat on the water," said Genmar Chairman Irwin Jacobs.
"Despite mature designs and a lack of durability in sal****er, the pontoon
segment of the boating industry has grown more than 50 percent during the past
five years. The Windsor Craft alleviates concerns about sal****er corrosion
and offers a level of comfort and style previously unavailable in a pontoon
boat. It's taking the pontoon boat to the next level," Jacobs said.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), pontoon
boats accounted for approximately 18.6 percent of the sales of outboard-powered
boats during 2001 as compared to only 12.2 percent of sales in 1997.

Roplene is a patented dual-wall construction system made by rotomolding
marine-grade polyethylene. This advanced technology was developed by Triumph
Boats in the company's hometown of Durham, N.C., in the heart of the famous
Research Triangle, birthplace of many technology triumphs. Rotomolding allows
Genmar to build higher quality, stronger boats with limited lifetime warranties
at a lower cost for the boating consumer.

In addition to the durability and strength of its Roplene construction, the
Windsor Craft ultra pontoon has enhanced performance characteristics, said
Jacobs. "We worked with the best multi-hull designers in the industry to
develop a boat that runs well in a variety of water conditions.

- More -

Windsor Craft, add one

The Windsor Craft features planing hulls with bows designed to cut through the
water efficiently and eliminate spray," he said. The design team that created
the hull of America's Cup champion Stars & Stripes -- Morrelli & Melvin --
worked with Jay Hood, president of Triumph Boats, and the Triumph design and
engineering team, on the new boat.

The Windsor Craft ultra pontoon also features the Ultra Cabanaä and deluxe
captain and passenger areas. The Ultra Cabana functions as a sun platform, but
easily expands upward into a full-size bathroom and changing area with wall
switches that operate a light and forced-air ventilation system. The design is
so unique that Triumph Boats has applied for a patent on the cabana. The helm
seat features a fold-down armrest and bolsters for back support, and all
passenger seating is rotomolded for exceptional comfort and durability. The
fully featured dash is set in simulated burl wood.

The Windsor Craft ultra pontoon has abundant storage as well. There are two
large storage areas in the floor of the boat; one is 98 inches long, 20 inches
wide, and 14 inches deep (762 cu. ft.), and the other is 82 inches long, 20
inches wide and 14 inches deep (638 cu. ft.). An anchor locker is in the floor
of the bow and a water tank is located in the floor at the stern of the boat.
Besides all the in-floor storage areas, several additional storage compartments
are built into the seats, including a beautifully designed storage console for
glasses, dishes, flatware, beverages and more in front of the driver's console.

According to Jacobs, production of the Windsor Craft ultra pontoon will be
limited during the 2004 model year and only 100 specially selected dealers will
carry the new line.

Unlike fiberglass, the Roplene hull material is naturally buoyant. In fact,
while a Triumph boat isn't the only brand that can be sawed in two and still
float, it is the only one that can be easily fused together again. There are
more Roplene boat advantages, too. Generally lighter than fiberglass models in
the same lengths, they can run faster and more efficiently with less power.
They provide comfortable, dry and quieter rides.

About Genmar Holdings, Inc.
Genmar, with approximately 6,000 employees and 12 manufacturing centers in the
United States and Canada, is the world's largest builder of recreational boats
and the industry's technological leader with the development of VECâ„¢
Technology and the VEC Shield™ finish, the Roplene® process, the Genmar
FirstMateâ„¢ customer care service and the Genmar Integrated Vessel System.
Genmar boat brands include Aquasport®, Carver®, Champion®, Crestliner®,
Fish Hawk™, Four Winns®, Glastron®, Genmar® by Zodiac, Hydra-Sports®,
Larson®, Lowe®, Lund®, Ranger®, Seaswirl®, Stratos®, Triumph® and
Wellcraft