By: Ashley Lizzi on February 9th, 2022
What is Barletta DNA? (The Golden Thread)
The term DNA is something you’ve most likely heard in a science class or your favorite forensic drama on late-night TV. I distinctly remember learning about DNA in that one scene in Jurassic Park when they’re explaining how they recreated dinosaurs.
We all know the gist of what DNA is but do you know the impact it can have on a person, a living being, or even a brand? When you Google the term, the literal definition of DNA is:
A self-replicating material that is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information. The fundamental and distinctive characteristics or qualities of someone or something, especially when regarded as unchangeable.
Since about 1993, I haven’t put much thought into DNA and it’s not something I ever felt the need to understand in-depth until I joined the team at Barletta Boats, that is. Barletta DNA runs through every series built which are the Lusso, Corsa, and Cabrio.
It wasn’t something that Barletta had set out to create but rather blossomed out of the experience and knowledge that the entire team brought to the table when the company started. While curating what would become the Lusso, innovation, and thoughtfulness are what led to the production of the first boat ever built.
The team knew they were working to create a pontoon boat that had never existed in the industry before. With that in mind, nothing was off the table. The craftsmanship included out-of-the box features and quality construction from all different facets of manufacturing.
As they continued to build the brand, the DNA came together and was implemented into every boat that’s been built since 2017. I’m going to walk you through the makeup of the Barletta DNA so that you know what you’re getting no matter which series you choose.
Quality Pontoon Construction
The way a Barletta is built has so much thought behind it. The team didn’t just examine the way a traditional pontoon boat is built and run with that blueprint. They took bits and pieces of construction from different industries.
For example, when building the frame, they didn’t just start with C channel cross members. To get the most strength possible, they turned to the same construction that’s used in commercial-grade buildings such as skyscrapers.
Double I-beam cross members sit atop extra-sturdy M brackets that have fat pads holding them onto the toons. These features ensure a sturdy-built frame and are more heavy-duty than any other chassis in the industry.
Aside from the strongest frame of any pontoon brand, Barletta includes the same level of care through the entire production process. For example, each toon is built in-house for quality assurance. We also bend every rail in-house then send them out to be anodized.
Once the parts are in place and assigned a HIN, the assembly process begins. Most would consider the boat complete after the engine is hung, but there’s still one more step that only Barletta includes before the boat is shipped to the dealer.
The final stop on the production line is the PDI, or pre-delivery inspection, process. This process includes a checklist of over 200 inspection points for our trained specialists to go through on each boat. That’s right, every boat that’s built goes through PDI before it’s shrink wrapped and shipped out.
The PDI process is in place to ensure that the same Barletta quality translates to the dealer after the boat ships out by making each boat showroom- ready before it leaves the factory. From start to finish, each Barletta is carefully crafted while it moves down the production line.
The quality of materials used, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the pre-delivery inspection put Barletta’s construction a step above the rest. So, what does a heavy-duty pontoon frame have to do with performance? Take a Barletta for a spin and you’ll experience the smoothest riding pontoon boat in the business.
The Smoothest Riding Pontoon Boat
To achieve the smoothest, quietest ride on water, the team started with the frame as I mentioned above. The way it’s built with such heavy-duty materials creates a solid structure for the rest of the frame to sit upon.
Between the double I-beam cross members and the extra-strength M brackets, you will find the Barletta exclusive VIP Technology™. VIP stands for vibration isolation pads. The pads are secured to each M bracket then the cross member goes on top to be fastened down.
These pads ensure that there is no metal on metal within the frame which eliminates rattle and creates that smooth, quiet feel you get when cruising through waves on a Barletta. Other thoughtful features throughout the rest of the structure add to the quality ride.
Dual-stage lifting strakes help get the boat on top of the water quickly and full-length wave tamers knock down any residual spray from the chop. That coupled with heavy-duty nose cones which are reinforced internally will leave you in awe with how comfortable every ride is on a Barletta.
The performance you can expect from any Barletta in the lineup is second to none. It starts from the very beginning of the production line when the frame is built, but it doesn’t end there. Versatility also plays a role in creating this one-of-a-kind ride.
Versatile Pontoon Floorplans
What’s great about Barletta’s lineup of floorplans is that it’s small but mighty. We don’t offer 100 different floorplans that each has only one main function. Instead, the team has thoughtfully crafted a total of four different layouts between all three series that cover the market and offer something for every boater.
In the Lusso series, Barletta offers the Ultra-Lounge, Quad-Lounge, and the Ultra-Entertainer. This is the same exact floorplan offering that is in the Corsa series as well. That makes three floorplans, there’s an extra one offered in the Cabrio series.
The Cabrio class offers those same floorplans plus the Cast-N-Cruise fishing pontoon boat. So you see, a total of four different models that offer variation as each one can either include a co-captain’s chair or chaise lounge next to the captain.
We can’t talk about versatility without talking about the famed Ultra-Lounge. Easily the most popular floorplan out there, the Ultra-Lounge gives you the best of many worlds. With chaise lounges in the bow for individual seating or lounging, the best spot is actually in the stern.
The Ultra-Lounge can be manipulated into five different seating positions. Want to sit upright facing either direction? Maybe you want a daybed to catch the rays on. Or a mix of both where you get to lay back with a headrest for the perfect view.
This floorplan is our best-selling and most versatile of the bunch and rightfully so, you get so much functionality out of one boat. It allows everyone on board to have their perfect spot. Of course, the Quad-Lounge is also a fan favorite.
With chaise lounges all around the perimeter, anyone on board can kick back and relax. This floorplan also offers a seat for each individual so if you need max seating capacity, this model is for you.
If you’re like me and do a lot of entertaining on the water, there’s one floorplan you should consider. The Ultra-Entertainer embodies a comfy cruiser with the perfect bar-height table and stools.
To make this floorplan more versatile, you will find the Ultra-Lounge in the stern and a multifunctioning flip bench seat opposite the bar stools. The seating configuration and table couldn’t be more perfect for families that have lunch at the sandbar or the 21 and over crowd that host cocktail hour at sunset.
Lastly, the Cabrio Cast-N-Cruise covers all bases when it comes to the ultimate fishing pontoon boat. With a large livewell, rod and tackle holder, and two captain’s chairs rear-facing off the stern, fishing is made easy and everyone else can kick back on the front chaise lounges.
Each floorplan was built for max comfort and versatility. Between the four layouts offered, there is something for every type of boater. Making your outing as easy as possible was at the forefront of every product that has been developed at Barletta.
Convenient Pontoon Boat Amenities
Convenience items such as a power bimini, stow-away table, built-in trash can, USB ports in every corner, and others are just the start of how much time and effort was put into creating the ultimate on-water experience.
What’s even better about these features is that they all come standard with every series. That’s right, you will get more standard features within the Barletta lineup than any other pontoon brand out there.
The team knew that sifting through options that should come standard in the first place, was not what they wanted for their owners. Have you ever been to a restaurant where the menu is 10 pages long and it’s impossible to narrow down just one thing to order?
That’s exactly what Barletta is helping you avoid by including these amenities as standards. They not only thought of everything for your human passengers, but pets were also at the top of that list.
Pet-Friendly Pontoon Boats
The Barletta team thought of the entire family while crafting each feature. Fur-babies were no exception and you won’t find a more pet-friendly boat on the market. What makes these components even more special is that they all come standard within every single series that Barletta builds.
To make sure your pet is comfortable you will find built-in pet dishes, intentional shady spots, lots of space to sprawl out, tear-resistant marine vinyl, and the all-new Doggie DockView. Even the short-legged friends have a view with this innovative feature, you can ask my boat dog Chunk. It’s Basset Hound friendly.
Between creating a ride that is unbelievable until experienced and making sure the entire crew has everything they need built right into the boat, Barletta wants to make sure you are taken care of even after purchasing your first pontoon.
[Learn more about the most pet-friendly pontoon in the industry: Read More]
Best Customer Experience in the Pontoon Industry
Not only are quality and innovation at the forefront of the Barletta brand but there’s an entire team in place to make sure you get a top-tier customer experience. Once you own a Barletta, you’re a family member for life.
That starts with the purchase of your boat, is continued through the best dealer network in the industry, and is backed by the Customer Service team in Bristol, Indiana at the Barletta factory.
The Barletta Customer Service team will go above and beyond to support you while you work with your dealer. Like with any man-made product, issues can come up. That’s why Barletta selects dealers that treat their customers like family.
By thoughtfully selecting dealers who align with Barletta’s vision, the service team is able to build strong relationships with the dealer service teams that you will be working with. Ultimately, we’re all working to make sure you’re taken care of after the sale.
Barletta’s goal is to stay accessible and help whenever possible. That’s why the team started the first-ever Holiday Hotline so Barletta owners can call directly into the factory. On all major boat holidays such as July fourth, Barletta has a team of in-house trained technicians standing by to answer your call morning to night.
This hotline was created to alleviate any issue that the service team can help tackle over the phone so that you spend more time on the water with the ones you love. That’s just one example of Barletta’s service after the sale.
Another prominent feature of Barletta’s owner support is the top-tier warranty that comes with every boat. It is a limited lifetime structural and ten-year bow to stern warranty that will rival any other brand in the industry.
The Barletta DNA Runs Deep
Everything I mentioned came together to create a brand that has taken the marine industry by storm. Whether you choose the Lusso, Corsa, or Cabrio, your pontoon boat will have all of the attributes of Barletta DNA.
You can expect better quality, a smooth ride, convenient amenities, versatile floorplans, the ultimate customer experience, and pet-friendly features. That’s the Barletta way and if you haven’t experienced it yet, I recommend taking one for a test drive, checking out our YouTube channel, or talking to one of our Barletta family members.
Other helpful information:
How Barletta Pontoon Boats are Built
Learn more about Barletta DNA here: Barletta DNA
