Hot off the heels of the 2025 Toronto International Boat Show, and after recently attending Ottawa’s Boat & Outdoor Show, powerboating enthusiasts like me are invigorated about what’s new for the 2025 powerboating season in Canada. Plus, the brand-new Canadian Canoe Museum is open for business! Boaters can access it from the nearby Trent Severn Waterway, named a top place to travel by the New York Times in 2025. There's never been a better time to get out on the water!
In 2025, powerboat manufacturers in Canada are embracing sustainability and innovation—while powerboat enthusiasts look to shop for Canadian-made products. Electric and hybrid boats are becoming more prevalent, offering quieter and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fuel-powered models. This year, boat maker’s move towards more lightweight materials will improve fuel efficiency and performance. Additionally, there's an increased focus on eco-conscious boating practices, with more manufacturers offering energy-efficient designs and promoting cleaner waterway initiatives.
Recreational powerboating is a way of life in this country, an activity enjoyed by 15 million Canadians, with more than one in five owning at least one watercraft. Ontario alone boasts the most committed boaters in the country, with 40% of all residents participating in boating and watercraft activities, such as fishing, water-skiing and cruising. Lodge owners, knowing that folks in the north love being on the water, continue catering to watersport enthusiasts, which requires copious travel to, and from, different lakes and rivers throughout the year. Ontario truly is the province’s powerboating capital with our north country shining as one of the province’s hidden gems.
With a growing trend this year of shopping at home, powerboat enthusiasts in Northern Ontario looking to purchase a new craft, will be pleased to know there are copious domestic options (and if you're looking for a handmade canoe, you've got options too!). Several renowned boat manufacturers are based right here in Canada, including Princecraft, famous for their aluminum fishing and pontoon boats; Henley Boats, offering quality sea-worthy boats with a lifetime warranty against hull cracking. Other notable Canadian manufacturers include Rossiter, a leading manufacturer of luxury powerboats. Together, these companies contribute to Canada's thriving boating industry, offering a range of vessels designed for leisure and sport, while maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and innovation.
Princecraft boats are still being produced in Princeville, Quebec as were when they began back in 1954. Known for exceptional quality and specializing in aluminum fishing boats, pontoon boats, and deck boats, Princecraft emphasizes innovation and attention to detail. With features like corrosion-resistant materials and advanced welding techniques, Princecraft offers excellent value for outdoor enthusiasts seeking long-lasting vessels for various water activities. New this year, is the Princecraft Vectra 23L Pontoon, sure to be hit among the ‘party barge’ crowd. Also new in 2025, is the Princecraft Sport 175, a 17.5-foot fishing vessel featuring plenty of storage, live well, large open casting deck and powered by 150 hp Mercury outboard.
Perhaps the most exciting new product for 2025 is Princecraft’s awesome new Vogue RL Luxury Pontoon, touted as ‘next level’ elevated experience for the brand,’ and they certainly deliver. The new Vogue RL model is available in 25’ and 27’ configurations, giving boaters the option to cruise in a larger pontoon, and have extra friends come for the ride. The new Vogue 27RL model can accommodate up to 13 passengers. “The Vogue provides our customers modernized style, ease of convenience, and an affordable pontoon that is unlike anything we have ever brought to market,” said Rodier Grondin, President of Princecraft. Standard features on the Vogue include an extra large stern swim platform, stainless steel boarding ladder, stainless steel recessed cleats, under-deck spray shield, lifting strakes, large 185 L gas tank, plus ample in-floor storage.
Henley is the oldest aluminum boat manufacturer in Ontario and the only company building heavy aluminum boats with lapstrake sides. For over 40 years, Henley Boats have been designed and built without compromise in Manitoulin Island. Henley uses the best materials, most modern welding methods and patented ‘lapstrake-style’ hull sides, which are guaranteed for life. New for 2025, Henley’s Manitou boat is in production as we speak. Designers at Henley are busy working on a new windshield design to complement the already bulletproof hull. Do yourself a favour this year and check out these incredible Ontario-made watercraft: https://www.henleyboats.com/
Powerboat enthusiasts will inevitably be towing their craft to, and from, their next destination this year and should be aware of their boat trailer’s ‘carrying capacity’. Essentially, the total weight your boat trailer can sustain, safely and efficiently, while towing is called carrying capacity. This is referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and is stamped on every boat trailer. To determine the total weight your trailed boat can haul, take GVWR minus the weight of the trailer itself. As a simple rule, a single-axel boat trailer is rated to haul approximately 3000 pounds (GVWR) and weigh approximately 600 pounds on its own - the carrying capacity of this trailer would be 2400 pounds (3000 lbs – 600 lbs). Keep in mind; that this 2400-pound capacity includes your boat, engines, fuel tanks and any/all gear stored in your boat during travel. Towing safely is always of utmost concern so be sure you have a tow vehicle powerful enough to haul your beloved powerboat. Safety is always of utmost concern on and off the water.
Happy powerboating in Ontario’s north country this year and I will see you on the water!
