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Godfrey Pontoon Boats Receives Minneapolis Boat Show NMMA Innovation Award for 2026 Sanpan Pontoon

Feb. 16 2026 Announcements By Julia Johnson

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Elkhart, Ind. – Godfrey Pontoon Boats, manufacturer of premium Godfrey pontoon boats and Hurricane deck boats, legendary innovator in versatile deck boat designs, announced today its 2026 Sanpan model has been awarded the 2026 Minneapolis Boat Show Innovation Award in the pontoon category.

 

Organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)SM and judged by members of Boating Writers International (BWI), the awards recognize innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured, benefit to the marine industry and consumers, practicality and cost-effectiveness. The NMMA and BWI announced the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards at the new Industry Breakfast Briefing and Awards Presentation on January 22 at the Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show.

 

The 2026 Sanpan features a new design, built with precision and purpose. The redesigned rail frame combines sleek, modern aesthetics with durability to deliver a secure, stable ride while elevating the overall look of the boat. An updated helm offers a 12-inch multifunction display, intuitive digital switching with all lighting controls on one screen, and a custom user interface. For frequently used functions, Godfrey has added six tactile push buttons for the perfect blend of modern technology and practical design, offering effortless operation of every boat function. An innovative push-button entry door system opens smoothly and secures firmly with magnetic hold-open technology, for easier boarding and exiting.

 

Other features of the new Sanpan include:

  • Grand Luxe Arch with integrated canopy: Power‑actuated movement and instant push‑button shade combine comfort, convenience, and a dynamic aesthetic.
  • New center tube and centrally located fuel tank: Enhances flotation, performance, and carrying capacity.
  • NytCruz Auto Navigation and Anchor Lights: Automatically activate when needed, allowing boaters to focus on enjoying their time on the water.
  • Premium comfort features: Ergonomic furniture with Soft Touch vinyl, optional Cool Touch seating that remains comfortable in direct sunlight, and a new heated-and‑cooled helm seat for all‑season enjoyment.

 

“The Godfrey Sanpan exhibits many of the most contemporary features of what is expected by the discriminating pontoon boat buyer in 2026,” said judge Bill Gius. “Power options, controls, creature comforts, electronics and sound technologies make it an exemplary platform for all around boating enjoyment.”

 

“We’d like to offer our sincere gratitude to the NMMA and the BWI judges for selecting Sanpan for this prestigious award,” said Lori Szczypiorski, Director of Product Management and Marketing, Godfrey Pontoon Boats. “The Godfrey team engineered this pontoon to help boaters relax and enjoy every moment. We’re confident Sanpan customers will appreciate the thoughtful details that went into this redesign, both large and small.”

 

For more information on the 2026 Sanpan, or Godfrey's entire lineup of industry-leading pontoons, please visit www.godfreypontoonboats.com.

 

About Godfrey
Godfrey Marine, a division of Polaris Industries, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a full offering of pontoons. Godfrey pontoons is renowned for quality and innovation throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Godfrey is focused on the manufacturing of boats that offer the best time on the water and are fun for the whole family.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com