Barletta’s decision to introduce Seakeeper Ride to the pontoon market marks a genuine shift in how these boats perform underway. For the first time, pontoon owners gain access to active stabilisation technology that directly targets comfort, control, and confidence once the boat leaves the dock.
The partnership between Barletta Boats and Seakeeper brings Seakeeper Ride to pontoons as an industry first. Until now, active underway stabilisation has largely been reserved for monohulls and larger powerboats. Pontoons, despite their popularity, have remained underserved in this area.
Seakeeper Ride works by actively managing roll, pitch, and yaw while the boat is moving. Using onboard sensors and proprietary software, the system automatically makes real-time adjustments without any input from the skipper. On boats up to around 55 feet, it can reduce pitch and roll by as much as 70 percent. The result is a ride that feels calmer, more settled, and far less fatiguing, particularly when running into chop, crossing wakes, or carrying uneven passenger loads.
To integrate the system properly, Barletta worked closely with Seakeeper’s engineering team to reengineer parts of the aft running surface and develop a dedicated mounting solution. This ensures the system performs at its best without compromising deck layout, comfort, or Barletta’s existing construction advantages, including its dual I-beam chassis and Vibration Isolation Pad technology.
On Barletta pontoons, the Seakeeper Ride software has also been refined to allow the boat to bank naturally into turns while remaining level as people move around the deck. Steering feels more precise, and the boat requires fewer constant corrections, particularly in unsettled conditions.
The industry has taken notice. The Barletta and Seakeeper partnership received a Boating Industry Innovation Award at the 2026 Minneapolis Boat Show, recognising technology that delivers real, tangible improvements on the water.
For New Zealand buyers, this technology is within reach. Seakeeper Ride is available locally through Absolute Marine, while Barletta Pontoons are represented in New Zealand by NZ Powersports. Initial availability covers the 23 Lusso and 25 Lusso models, with broader rollout planned.
For pontoon owners who value comfort, predictability, and reduced fatigue underway, this represents a meaningful step forward rather than a cosmetic upgrade.
