Fred Cotey, an icon in the marine industry who helped develop changes in pontoon design, performance, safety standards and engineering, has died.
“Fred’s vision and work within the industry will be greatly missed, but the standards he set will carry on to future generations of boaters,” says Bob Menne, President of Premier Marine. “He was a true ambassador of boating.”
Cotey began his career in with Luger Boats where he designed and developed fiberglass boat kits. He then worked as a production manager for HydroStream developing and building high-speed performance boats. He spent eight years with Forester Boats before moving to Premier Marine in
1992.
At Premier, Cotey spearheaded the development of the PTX performance package to accommodate the power and size of stern-drive engines in pontoons. In 1994 Premier introduced the PTX package to the outboard market, setting the standard for performance, handling and ride across the industry.
Cotey served on the American Boating and Yacht Council (ABYC) committee to write the ABYC H-35 standard that regulates the powering and loading capacity of pontoons. He also participated in setting marine industry safety standards as a member of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) committee.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday at Nativity of Mary Church in Bloomington, Minn.
