Please reach us at info@thebowmate.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
As our business grows we plan to be available in all Pontoon Boat sales locations and online.
Please vist your local pontoon boat sales store and ask if they carry The Bow Mate. If they do not then request they do as this will save you shipping costs as well as assure you it is being assembled and fitted correctly to your boat.
At this time The Bow Mate is available directly from our production headquarters in Indianapolis IN. Email us at info@thebowmate.com
The Bow Mate is proudly manufactured and assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Until your local pontoon dealer carries the Bow Mate, your purchase will be available through either local pickup or shipment.
If you are located outside the area where local pickup or installation by Bow Mate personnel is practical, shipping will be the available option.
We are currently evaluating two shipping methods:
All packaging, handling, and shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@thebowmate.com.
Our goal is to produce models that will fit ALL pontoon boats. We are designing into the product the ability for it to be adjustable.
At this time we are focused on a handful of makes and models so please be patient with us. We may actually request your help in assisting us with providing dimensions we may not have.
The completion of the Dimensional Document and submittal to info@theboawmate.com will allow us to ensure the current designs will either fit or not fit your model of pontoon.
The installation or modification of any boat part, purchased from THE BOW MATE Inc., may void or otherwise adversely affect your factory boat warranty. Always check federal, state, and local laws before installing your boat parts. It is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of the product for their use, and the user shall assume all legal, personal injury risk, and liability and all other obligations, duties and risks associated there with.
Yes it most certainly is. All aspects of the invention of The Bow Mate are covered in the patents that have been filed.
The width of the bow mate ranges between 92" and 96", depending on your make and model and method of shipment.
Its depth varies depending on the Make and Model but averages about 17"
The present design is A 100% Marine Grade materials that are either anodized or powder coated with a variation of SS or Zinc coated hardware depending on salt or fresh water use. Future designs will offer varying materials that will encompass varying shapes.
The Bow Mate will be protected with an anodized protection coating, however, like all materials that are exposed to water, sun and the elements, there can never be a guarantee that visual surface imperfections may occur during the life of the product.
It is assured though that the structural integrity of The Bow Mate will not be sacrificed.
The Bow Mate has been intelligently designed for the ease of replacing small accessory items.
Some of these are readily available at your hardware store, however we highly recommend contacting us to obtain the correct OEM replacement.
We will be offering replacement parts once our new webstore is complete. Please email us at info@thebowmate.com
Yes you will need to be aware and alert that your pontoon boat now has a new location for its forward corners. The Bow Mate protrudes beyond your boat deck which you now need to allow for when docking or rafting up.
Docking Guide Poles are used to give you a visual indication of where those new corner locations are.
Learn them, Practice knowing where they are and utilize other passengers to provide verbal and visual signals when nearing other objects, docks or boats.
We will be making educational videos that will provide tremendous tips on Installing, Removing, Launching and Docking with The Bow Mate.
While these are still in progress, please connect with us at info@thebowmate.com and we will provide you with what is available today.
Review the below image to understand how to attach the rope to the Bow Mate, loop it around the platform and then secure it to the front gate latch.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate until you are familiar with all Safety, Underway, Anchoring, Mooring, Docking, Rafting Up, Installation, Removal, Launching instructions.
Do NOT launch The Bow Mate with it in a DOWN position. Doing so may catch the trailer guides causing damage to The Bow Mate, your boat and your trailer.
Do NOT trailer with it. The continuous banging from bumps and holes in the road will only risk damage to it and your boat.
Do NOT head Underway with it in the Down position. Damage to The Bow Mate and your boat can occur as well as to passengers.
Do NOT head Underway without tying off / securing The Bow Mate to the Front Rail of sorts. The risk of The Bow Mate swinging into a Down position is high and can cause damage to The Bow Mate and/or your boat.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate as a diving platform. Injury and/or death can occur.
Do NOT overload The Bow Mate. Although it is made from Aluminum metal and is very strong, The Bow Mate is made to hold a max of 3 persons / 500lbs.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate to Anchor, Moor, Dock, Tie Off, Raft Up or fasten any other floating heavy object from. Water Floatation items are acceptable.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate Hinge Pins or your front pontoon Eyelets / Cleats to Anchor, Moor, Dock, Tie Off, Raft Up when The Bow Mate is installed.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate until you are familiar with all Safety, Underway, Anchoring, Mooring, Docking, Rafting Up, Installation, Removal, Launching instructions.
Do NOT launch The Bow Mate with it in a DOWN position. Doing so may catch the trailer guides causing damage to The Bow Mate, your boat and your trailer.
Do NOT trailer with it. The continuous banging from bumps and holes in the road will only risk damage to it and your boat.
Do NOT head Underway with it in the Down position. Damage to The Bow Mate and your boat can occur as well as to passengers.
Do NOT head Underway without tying off / securing The Bow Mate to the Front Rail of sorts. The risk of The Bow Mate swinging into a Down position is high and can cause damage to The Bow Mate and/or your boat.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate as a diving platform. Injury and/or death can occur.
Do NOT overload The Bow Mate. Although it is made from Aluminum metal and is very strong, The Bow Mate is made to hold a max of 3 persons / 500lbs.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate to Anchor, Moor, Dock, Tie Off, Raft Up or fasten any other floating heavy object from. Water Floatation items are acceptable.
Do NOT use The Bow Mate Hinge Pins or your front pontoon Eyelets / Cleats to Anchor, Moor, Dock, Tie Off, Raft Up when The Bow Mate is installed.
THE BOW MATE®
LIMITED WARRANTY
3-Year Limited Warranty
Built for the water. Backed by Bow Mate.
Bow Mate LLC warrants to the original retail purchaser that THE BOW MATE® product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal recreational boating use, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of this Limited Warranty.
The warranty period begins on the original date of purchase.
THE BOW MATE® is designed for use in the marine environment. Proper installation, use, inspection and maintenance are important to maximizing the life and performance of the product.
1. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY — STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Bow Mate warrants the structural components of THE BOW MATE® for three (3) years from the original date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship.
Covered structural components include:
· Aluminum platform planks
· Aluminum structural components
· Mounting brackets and structural mounting components
· Permanent mechanical assembly components
· Bolted, screwed and fastened structural connections
· Other permanent structural components supplied by Bow Mate
If Bow Mate determines that a covered structural component has a defect in materials or workmanship during the applicable warranty period, Bow Mate LLC will, at its discretion:
· Repair the defective component;
· Replace the defective component; or
· Provide an appropriate replacement component.
The warranty does not guarantee that the product will remain free from normal wear, cosmetic deterioration, corrosion or environmental effects for the duration of the warranty period.
2. ONE-YEAR WARRANTY — HARDWARE, FINISHES & NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
The following components are warranted for one (1) year from the original date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship:
· Stainless-steel hardware
· Zinc-coated hardware
· Powder-coated components
· Anodized components
· Webbing straps
· Carabiners
· Buckles
· Clips
· Other non-structural or wear components supplied by Bow Mate
This warranty covers manufacturing defects.
It does not guarantee that hardware, finishes, straps or other non-structural components will remain free from normal wear, fading, discoloration, corrosion or environmental deterioration.
3. FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER HARDWARE
Bow Mate offers different hardware options based on the intended environment.
Freshwater Applications
Zinc-coated hardware is designed and supplied for freshwater applications.
Zinc-coated hardware is not intended for saltwater or brackish-water use.
Zinc-coated hardware is not warranted against corrosion or deterioration resulting from use in saltwater or brackish-water environments.
Customers using THE BOW MATE® in saltwater or brackish-water environments should use the stainless-steel hardware option.
Saltwater Applications
Stainless-steel hardware is recommended for saltwater and brackish-water applications.
Stainless steel is more suitable for marine environments; however, stainless steel is not corrosion-proof. Staining, discoloration, surface corrosion, pitting or other deterioration resulting from environmental exposure is not considered a manufacturing defect and is not covered by this warranty.
4. FINISHES
THE BOW MATE® may incorporate anodized aluminum and powder-coated components.
Anodized and powder-coated finishes are warranted for one (1) year against defects in materials or workmanship, including abnormal finish failure determined by Bow Mate to have resulted from a manufacturing or application defect.
Normal environmental deterioration is not covered.
This includes, but is not limited to:
· Fading or color change caused by sunlight or UV exposure
· Normal discoloration
· Oxidation
· Surface weathering
· Scratches and scuffs
· Chipping or damage caused by impact or use
· Finish deterioration caused by saltwater, freshwater or other environmental exposure
· Damage caused by improper cleaning
· Damage caused by harsh chemicals, solvents or abrasive cleaning products
Marine environments can accelerate the deterioration of finishes. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help preserve the appearance and extend the service life of THE BOW MATE®.
5. SEADEK® MATTING
SeaDek® matting offered as an optional THE BOW MATE® upgrade is manufactured by SeaDek and is subject to the applicable SeaDek manufacturer's warranty.
Bow Mate does not provide a separate or additional product warranty for the SeaDek® material itself.
Warranty claims relating to the SeaDek® matting should be handled in accordance with SeaDek's applicable warranty procedures.
When Bow Mate installs the SeaDek® matting, Bow Mate may assist the customer in coordinating a warranty claim when appropriate.
Any issue determined to result from Bow Mate's installation workmanship may be addressed separately by Bow Mate.
6. WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This Limited Warranty does not cover damage, failure or deterioration resulting from:
· Normal wear and tear
· Normal aging of materials
· Cosmetic scratches, dents, abrasions, scuffs or surface marks
· Improper installation, removal, storage or maintenance
· Misuse, abuse, negligence or improper operation
· Use beyond the published load capacity
· Impact with docks, pilings, trailers, ramps, boats, rocks or other objects
· Trailering with THE BOW MATE® installed
· Use of THE BOW MATE® for anchoring, mooring, towing, docking, tie-off loads or any purpose other than its intended use
· Commercial, rental, charter or passenger-for-hire operations
· Unauthorized modifications, alterations or repairs
· Installation or use of non-approved components
· Fire, flooding, storms, lightning, accidents or other acts of nature
· Improper storage or transportation
· Damage caused by customer-supplied accessories or third-party products
· Damage resulting from failure to follow Bow Mate installation, use, care or maintenance instructions
7. CORROSION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
THE BOW MATE® is designed for use in a marine environment. However, exposure to freshwater, saltwater, brackish water, sunlight, humidity, temperature changes, chemicals and other environmental conditions may cause normal deterioration of materials, hardware and finishes over time.
The following are not considered manufacturing defects and are not covered by this warranty:
· Corrosion
· Oxidation
· Staining
· Pitting
· Galvanic corrosion
· Salt buildup
· Surface deterioration
· Normal finish deterioration
· Fading or discoloration
· Weathering caused by environmental exposure
Corrosion or deterioration resulting from contact between dissimilar metals is also not covered.
This includes, but is not limited to, corrosion resulting from contact between stainless-steel hardware and aluminum components when affected by environmental or galvanic conditions.
Zinc-coated hardware used in saltwater or brackish-water conditions is specifically excluded from warranty coverage for corrosion or resulting deterioration.
8. PROPER CARE & MAINTENANCE
Proper care and maintenance will help extend the life, appearance and performance of THE BOW MATE®.
Saltwater & Brackish-Water Use
After use in saltwater or brackish water, thoroughly rinse THE BOW MATE® with clean, fresh water to remove salt and other deposits.
Salt buildup can accelerate corrosion and deterioration of aluminum, finishes and hardware.
Drying
When practical, wipe THE BOW MATE® dry after rinsing or allow it to dry thoroughly.
Removing accumulated water and salt deposits can help extend the life of components and preserve the appearance of the product.
Cleaning
Clean THE BOW MATE® periodically with fresh water and mild soap.
Do not use:
· Abrasive cleaners
· Harsh chemicals
· Solvents
· Aggressive polishing compounds
· Abrasive pads or materials
These products or methods may damage anodized or powder-coated surfaces.
Inspection
Owners should periodically inspect:
· Mounting hardware
· Fasteners
· Straps
· Carabiners
· Buckles and clips
· Mounting brackets
· Aluminum components
· Other components for signs of wear, corrosion, loosening or damage
Any component showing significant damage, excessive wear or deterioration should be repaired or replaced before continued use.
Storage
When THE BOW MATE® will not be used for an extended period, store it in a clean, dry location when practical and avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to moisture, salt and other corrosive conditions.
Failure to properly care for or maintain THE BOW MATE® may result in accelerated wear, corrosion or deterioration and may affect warranty coverage where such condition or damage is determined to have resulted from improper care or maintenance.
9. COMPATIBILITY AND INSTALLATION
THE BOW MATE® is designed to fit a wide variety of pontoon boats.
The owner is responsible for verifying compatibility with their specific vessel and ensuring that the product is properly installed according to Bow Mate's installation instructions.
Bow Mate LLC is not responsible for damage resulting from:
· Pre-existing structural deficiencies
· Damage or deterioration of the vessel
· Unauthorized modifications to the vessel
· Improper installation
· Installation on a vessel or trailer that is not compatible with the product
· Failure of the vessel, trailer or other supporting structure
· Conditions existing on the vessel before installation
The installation of THE BOW MATE® does not alter or replace the boat manufacturer's warranty.
10. LOAD LIMIT
The maximum rated capacity of THE BOW MATE® is:
500 lbs. (225 kg) OR THREE (3) ADULTS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
The published load limit must not be exceeded.
Exceeding the published load limit constitutes improper use and is not covered under this warranty.
The load limit applies to the total combined weight placed on THE BOW MATE®, including people, pets, equipment and other items.
11. INTENDED USE
THE BOW MATE® is designed as a recreational water-access and platform accessory for compatible pontoon boats.
THE BOW MATE® is not designed or warranted for:
· Anchoring
· Mooring
· Towing
· Docking
· Tie-off loads
· Supporting a vessel
· Use as a diving platform
· Use as a rescue platform
· Any other purpose outside its intended recreational use
Improper or unintended use is not covered by this warranty.
12. TRAILERING
THE BOW MATE® is not warranted for damage resulting from trailering with THE BOW MATE® installed.
Before trailering, the owner should follow Bow Mate's instructions regarding removal, securing and storage of the product.
Damage caused by contact with a trailer, road surface, loading equipment, ramps or other objects during transportation is not covered.
13. COMMERCIAL AND RENTAL USE
This Limited Warranty applies to normal recreational boating use by the original retail purchaser.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by Bow Mate LLC, this warranty does not cover products used in:
· Commercial operations
· Rental operations
· Charter operations
· Passenger-for-hire operations
· Other commercial or revenue-producing applications
Bow Mate LLC may offer separate warranty terms for approved commercial applications.
14. WARRANTY CLAIMS
To initiate a warranty claim, the customer should contact Bow Mate LLC and provide:
· Proof of purchase
· Date of purchase
· Product information and serial number, if applicable
· Photographs of the claimed issue
· A written description of the problem
· Any additional information reasonably requested by Bow Mate
Claims should be submitted to: Email: info@thebowmate.com
Bow Mate LLC reserves the right to inspect the product or affected component before approving a warranty claim.
The customer may be required to return the product or affected component for inspection.
If Bow Mate determines that a covered defect exists, Bow Mate LLC will, at its option:
· Repair the affected component;
· Replace the affected component;
· Provide an appropriate replacement part; or
· Refund the original purchase price of the affected component.
15. SHIPPING, REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION
Unless otherwise required by applicable law or specifically agreed to by Bow Mate LLC, the customer is responsible for reasonable costs associated with:
· Removing the product
· Packaging the product
· Shipping the product to Bow Mate
· Reinstalling the product
· Travel or transportation expenses
· Haul-out expenses
· Towing expenses
Bow Mate LLC will determine the appropriate remedy for an approved warranty claim.
16. ORIGINAL PURCHASER AND PROOF OF PURCHASE
This Limited Warranty applies to the original retail purchaser of THE BOW MATE® product purchased directly from Bow Mate LLC or through an authorized Bow Mate dealer.
Proof of purchase may be required to establish warranty eligibility and the beginning of the warranty period.
Unless otherwise required by applicable law, this warranty is non-transferable.
17. WARRANTY PERIOD
The applicable warranty period begins on the original date of purchase.
If a component is repaired or replaced under this warranty, the replacement component is covered only for the remainder of the original applicable warranty period.
Repair or replacement does not restart or extend the original warranty period.
18. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Bow Mate LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising from the sale, installation, ownership, use or inability to use THE BOW MATE® product.
This includes, but is not limited to:
· Damage to boats or other property
· Loss of use
· Travel expenses
· Haul-out expenses
· Towing charges
· Transportation expenses
· Lost income or business
· Other incidental or consequential expenses
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Bow Mate LLC's liability under this Limited Warranty shall not exceed the original purchase price paid for the THE BOW MATE® product giving rise to the claim.
Nothing in this Limited Warranty is intended to exclude or limit liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under applicable law.
19. DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, this Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties.
Any implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the duration of the applicable express warranty period to the extent permitted by law.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to every purchaser.
20. STATE LAW
This Limited Warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights. The purchaser may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so certain limitations contained in this warranty may not apply to every purchaser.
BOW MATE LLC
THE BOW MATE®
Indiana, USA
Warranty Support:
info@thebowmate.com
Website:
thebowmate.com
WARRANTY QUICK REFERENCE
3 YEARS
Structural Bow Mate Components
· Aluminum structural components
· Platform planks
· Mounting components
· Permanent mechanical assembly
· Structural fastened connections
· Manufacturing defects
1 YEAR
Hardware, Finishes & Non-Structural Components
· Stainless-steel hardware
· Zinc-coated hardware
· Powder coating
· Anodized components
· Webbing straps
· Carabiners
· Buckles
· Clips
· Other non-structural components
SEADEK®
Covered by the SeaDek manufacturer's warranty
IMPORTANT
Zinc-coated hardware is intended for freshwater use only.
For saltwater or brackish-water applications, stainless-steel hardware should be used.
Saltwater care: Rinse with fresh water after use and, when practical, wipe dry to help reduce salt buildup, corrosion and environmental deterioration.
MAXIMUM LOAD
500 lbs. (225 kg) OR THREE (3) ADULTS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
Print and Complete.
Email to info@theBowMate.com
Customer Name: ___________________________
Address: __________________________________
City: _____________________________________
State: ______________ Zip: _________________
Phone: ___________________________________
Email: ____________________________________
Date Purchased: ___________________________
Dealer / Seller: ____________________________
Pontoon Boat Make: ________________________
Pontoon Boat Model: _______________________
Boat Year: ________________________________
THE BOW MATE Serial Number: ______________
Customer Signature: _______________________
Date: ____________________________________
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