10 Best Pontoon Boats
Choosing the best pontoon boats from a very crowded field is no easy task. Among all the top pontoon boat brands and all the different models on the market, each of the 10 on this list offers something special (listed from A to Z).
- Barletta Cabrio 24UE
- Bennington QX Sport
- G3 Suncatcher Elite 324SS
- Harris Sunliner 230
- Ingenity 23E
- Manitou Explore 22 MAX
- Playcraft Powertoon X-Treme 3000
- Sea-Doo Switch
- Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX
- Sylvan L-1 DLZ
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1. Barletta Cabrio 24UE
This mid-range pontoon is designed for entertainment ( UE stands for Ultimate Entertainer). The interior highlight is a high-top table accompanied by two upholstered swivel stools plus an aft ultra-lounge that can be converted to five different seating/lounging positions.
Other features include a power Bimini top, 6-speaker Hertz Marine audio, Lowrance Hook4 GPS/depth sounder, and a cell phone charging station. Options include a stunning Blackout Package.
- Estimated MSRP range: $118,232
Visit Barletta Pontoon Boats to learn more
2. Bennington QX Sport
Bennington QX Sport is beautiful inside (and out). This 25-foot Bennington tritoon makes a real statement on the lake. Molded fiberglass deck sides incorporate sweeping details that are mimicked in the Roswell sport arch.
The interior is finished with extraordinary detail. Standard features include a built-in commercial-grade refrigerator, premium Rockford Fosgate audio with two subwoofers and up to 400 horsepower on the transom. Hop on it for a thrilling performance.
- Estimated MSRP range: $159,000
Visit Bennington to learn more
3. G3 Suncatcher Elite 324SS
Ready for plush? The 23-foot 10-inch tritoon Elite 324SS features luxurious full-length twin aft loungers, wrap-around bow furniture, and a contoured mid-ship lounger. All seating is contoured and deeply cushioned, with armrests and drink holders.
The captain gets a high-back helm seat facing a command center equipped with a Yamaha multi-function gauge, power steering and custom tilt wheel, Garmin GPSMAP 743XSV navigation display, and Polk UMC1 audio powering four Polk DB652 speakers.
- Estimated MSRP range: $89,999
Visit G3 Suncatcher to learn more
4. Harris Sunliner 230
This is a new line of Sunliner pontoons offering boaters amazing features in a mid-price series that’s a great value. Fit and finish, and materials are all top-notch.
The 23-foot 5-inch Sunliner 230 is offered with a choice of nine-floor plans and a long list of options to customize your pontoon for your budget and the way you want to have fun on the water.
- Estimated MSRP range: $98,644
Visit Harris Boats to learn more
5. Ingenity 23E
The Ingenity 23E brings electric power to the pontoon segment. Its flat deck rests on a fiberglass hull propelled by a sterndrive powered by a standard 63 kWh or optional 126 kWh battery.
The top speed is reportedly 30 mph. Boaters can enjoy up to 14 hours of use at cruising speeds, and recharging time can be as quick as one and a half hours using an 80 kW supercharger or four hours at 25 kW DC, and it takes 10 hours using 240V/50A current. The design is modern, and the performance pur-fect.
- Estimated MSRP range: $242,800 MSRP
6. Manitou Explore 22 MAX
The sleek shape of the stamped aluminum sides is bedazzling, but the real story is out of sight: the latest Explore series (and lower-priced Cruise models) are powered by an exclusive new 150-hp Rotax S150 outboard motor that tucks under the expansive rear MAX Deck.
The design eliminates the sound and space intrusion of a traditional outboard motor.
- Estimated MSRP range: $66,530 MSRP
7. Playcraft Powertoon X-Treme 3000
This big pontoon maxes out power and size. A full 30 feet long and available with power options up to twin Mercury Racing 450R outboards, this performance tritoon can reach a top speed of over 75 mph.
A large-diameter center tube and lifting strakes keep the boat both stable and agile. Tubes are designed to pack air under the deck, lifting the entire boat to reduce drag and increase speed. Interior accommodations are luxurious. And of course, there’s plenty of room.
- Estimated MSRP range: $269,900 MSRP
8. Sea-Doo Switch
The Sea-Doo Switch is the pontoon reimagined. For starters, its hulls are plastic, not aluminum. The propulsion is by jet drive, rather than the outboard motor. Control is through a handlebar, not a steering wheel.
The Switch series is comprised of eight models in three lengths (13 to 19 feet) and three trim levels. The deck is covered in large plastic tiles, each with slots that accept modular seat and table components so you can rearrange the interior to suit any activity. The largest models weigh less than 3,500 pounds on the trailer with fuel, readily towable with a mid-size vehicle.
- Estimated MSRP range: $21,799 MSRP
Visit Sea-Doo Switch to learn more
9. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX
The original and still most popular fishing pontoon, the 20-foot Bass Buggy is rigged with an aerated live well, rod holders, and fore and aft casting decks with fishing chairs. An optional fishing package adds a Lowrance HOOK2 4x fish finder and Minn Kota PowerDrive trolling motor.
Weighing about 3,000 pounds on its trailer, this pontoon is easy to tow with a mid-size vehicle. This is a stable fishing platform that’s great for angling with kids, and also offers all the elbow room you’d like for cruising.
- Estimated MSRP range: $24,995 MSRP
Visit Sun Tracker to learn more
10. Sylvan L-1 DLZ
This 20-foot 10-inch pontoon is easy to tow, and even with a max of 125 horsepower on the transom, will be easy on fuel. There’s room for 10 passengers, so nobody is likely to get left on the dock, and the interior layout features a pair of curved lounges forward – great for conversation – and a swing-back aft seat for sun lounging at the sandbar.
The curved rails in the side fence and multi-color upholstery add some flair to this mid-range model.
- Estimated MSRP range: $48,995
Visit Sylvan Marine to learn more.
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Charles Plueddeman is a self-employed writer and photographer based in Wisconsin. A staff editor and contributor to Boating Magazine since 1986, he is the author of its “Off My Dock” column. In the marine realm he specializes in engine technology and trailerable boats. His editorial work has appeared in many national publications, including Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Playboy, Popular Science, Cycle World, and Harley-Davidson Enthuisast.
