Yamaha Launches MIC-Developed DockPoint® Pontoon at IBEX

October 6 - 8, 2026 | YMUS | Product

Yamaha Marine demonstrated the power of its Marine Innovation Center (MIC) to bring innovative solutions to the U.S. market with the introduction of DockPoint® Pontoon at the 2026 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), Oct. 6-8 in Tampa, Florida. Developed specifically for the pontoon market, DockPoint Pontoon reflects the MIC team’s commitment to identifying opportunities, collaborating with boatbuilders and delivering products that enhance the boating experience. The introduction at IBEX provided an ideal platform to connect directly with pontoon builders and highlight Yamaha’s ability to turn market needs into innovative boating solutions.

“DockPoint Pontoon demonstrates the power of the Marine Innovation Center (MIC) to identify opportunities, accelerate product development and bring innovative solutions to the U.S. market faster,” said Ben Mallett, Vice President, Marine Development, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.

“Our MIC team is focused on understanding what boaters want and working closely with builders to develop products that make the boating experience even better,” said Andrea Tetto, Director of Marine Business Planning, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, “The pontoon market presents a unique opportunity for this kind of targeted innovation, and having builders here at the show gives us an ideal platform to showcase DockPoint Pontoon, gather valuable feedback and strengthen the relationships that help move great ideas into the hands of boaters.”

DockPoint Pontoon integrates Yamaha’s Helm Master® EX joystick outboard control system with Jet Thruster technology to deliver full maneuverability for single-outboard pontoon boats. Developed in collaboration with Holland Marine Parts, the maker of Jet Thruster, the system allows captains to use one joystick to move forward and in reverse, maneuver laterally, rotate in place and make precise adjustments during docking and other low-speed maneuvers.

During the show, DockPoint Pontoon also attracted the interest of key trade media representatives, who responded favorably to the new product. Leveraging a working model of the product in the Yamaha booth, Yamaha Marine’s engineering team and product experts led in-depth demonstrations, giving journalists a complete explanation of how the jet thruster and Helm Master EX joystick work together. Journalists who participated in DockPoint Pontoon demonstrations represented marine industry publications, including IBI News, Trade Only Today, Boating Magazine, Pontoon and Deck Boat, and Panbo.

The launch of DockPoint Pontoon at IBEX highlights the power of the MIC to unite specialized expertise, foster innovation, and transform groundbreaking ideas into market-ready products. By introducing DockPoint Pontoon to key boat builders, industry leaders and media alike, Yamaha reinforced the MIC’s role in driving innovation and shaping the future of boating.

Nicholas Genesi, Yamaha Motor U.S.A. (YMUS)