Who makes the best pontoon boats?
- Bennington. Bennington was founded in 1997 by a small group of industry veterans, including Patrick Call, Steve...
- Avalon. Avalon has been manufacturing quality pontoon boats since 1972. Their boats are reliable and have a...
- Harris. Harris has been in the business of building pontoon boats for over 60 years. The company prides...
Full Answer
What are the best pontoon boats out there?
Who makes the best pontoon boats?
- Bennington. Bennington was founded in 1997 by a small group of industry veterans, including Patrick Call, Steve Vogel, and Richard Strefling.
- Avalon. Avalon has been manufacturing quality pontoon boats since 1972. ...
- Harris. Harris has been in the business of building pontoon boats for over 60 years. ...
- Sylvan. ...
- Sun Tracker. ...
- Premier. ...
- Manitou. ...
Why should I buy a pontoon boat?
Buying a Pontoon Boat or a Deck Boat?
- Style. This is perhaps the most subjective part of comparing pontoons and deck boats, and it all comes down to your personal tastes and what turns your head.
- Handling. With a fiberglass, V-style hull, you typically would compare the handling of a deck boat to a similarly sized open-bow boat.
- Versatility. ...
- Ease Of Operation. ...
Why are pontoon boats so popular?
Top 5 reasons pontoon boats are becoming more popular
- Plenty of storage. Pontoon boats are more spacious than speed boats or motorboats, so there’s more places for storage. ...
- Easy for beginners and families. In addition to having more space for families, pontoons are perfect for beginning boaters. ...
- Longer lifespan. ...
- Plenty of customization options. ...
- Perfect for everything. ...
What is the best prop for a pontoon boat?
These include:
- High Vs Low Prop Pitch
- The Holeshot
- The weight of your boat
- Prop Slip
- Existing prop
What is the top of the line pontoon boats?
5 of the best pontoon boats on the market right nowBest luxury pontoon boat: Bennington QX.Best all-round pontoon boat: Harris Crown 270 SL TE.Best fishing pontoon boat: Sun Tracker Fishin Barge 20 DLX.Best watersports pontoon boat: Bennington 25 RX Sport.Best cruising pontoon boat: Tahoe 2585 Grand Tahoe QL.
Is 2 or 3 pontoons better?
Three-tube pontoons are very stable and typically have bigger engines with more horsepower when compared to traditional two-tube pontoons. The additional buoyancy and better weight distribution created by the third tube allows for more people, more entertainment options and better handling at higher speeds.
Which pontoon manufacturer has best warranty?
Share. There's a reason Bennington reigns supreme when it comes being the number one brand in the pontoon industry – the company's focus on customer service and experience is unparalleled. Its 10-year warranty is further proof of that.
Which is better pontoon or Tritoon?
Both pontoons and tritoons are good for a relaxing day on Rice Lake and are also great for fishing. While a tritoon theoretically offers greater stability, you're unlikely to notice the difference on small bodies of water.
Do I really need a Tritoon?
If you're boating on small, smooth water, a bitoon is more than enough. For big, rough water with a large engine, I do recommend exploring a triple tube, or tritoon, boat. Nearly every manufacturer will offer this option in each class they build.
What is the advantage of a Tritoon over a pontoon?
By adding a third tube, a tritoon pontoon boat allows for higher horsepower and dual engines, faster speeds, improved stability, and overall more exciting options for activity on the water.
Are Sweetwater pontoon boats good?
Sweetwater. When you want a beautiful and comfortable pontoon boat, but don't want to break the bank, the Sweetwater line of pontoons might be the perfect option. These boats are packed with convenient features and offer you a wide array of seating options and layouts so you can choose exactly how you want to cruise.
Who makes lifetime pontoons?
Smoker Craft, Inc., the leading boat and pontoon manufacturer is offering an unbeatable warranty program that is sure to give the brand a true competitive advantage in the boating world.
Are South Bay pontoons good?
South Bay pontoon boats are the industry leading pontoon. The interior is top quality (especially in the 500 series), the three tubes that make up the hull (tritoon) distributes weight evenly which means it can handle more horsepower, and there is no family member who is uncomfortable on this boat.
Are Bennington good pontoons?
Both Premier and Bennington Pontoons have quality in their structure and development. To secure the tubes, Bennington Pontoons offer THRU-BOLT™ technology. This will keep your boat calm and stable for quiet, smoother rides. Premier Pontoons, however, guarantees unparalleled performance with the PTX Hull Technology.
How fast does a 150 hp pontoon go?
A 150 HP motor on a pontoon boat has an average top speed of 38.2 MPH, but speeds range from 35 MPH to 43.7 MPH.
Can Tritoons handle rough water?
Can Tritoons handle rough water? Generally speaking, pontoons can handle much better in choppy water than other recreational boats since they have at least two hulls, providing more stability to the boat than one hull could.
Who owns Premier pontoon boats?
Company History: One of the only pontoon boat companies that’s family-run and owned is Premier. Since 1992, the Menne family has managed the brand. They created Premier to combine their engineering prowess with beautiful style and a “classic design.”
How many people can fit in a pontoon boat?
The pontoon can fit 12 passengers and reach well over 125 HP. With tables, a mounted ski tow, a power canopy, and deck trim that’s anodized, this boat looks as good as it runs. 4. Harris. Company History: Another pontoon boat that’s often called the best is Harris.
How long is the Avalon pontoon warranty?
This is accompanied by their standard five-year warranty, which the company says is comprehensive.
Where did Bennington pontoon boats start?
The company got its start in 1997 when Patrick Call, Steve Vogel, and Richard Strefling began it in Indiana . Although this brand is newer, they’ve carved out their own unique niche in the world of pontoon boats.
How long is a boat warranty good for?
That means a greater boat lifespan, better weight distribution, and more strength. With a warranty good for six years or more , you’re covered for labor, parts, a transfer to another owner, electronics, upholstery, carpets, boat structure, the hull, and other components.
Does the stern deck have a ski pylon?
If water sports are your thing, then you’re gonna love the expansive stern deck, which comes equipped with a ski pylon as well as a boarding ladder. An optional rear stereo remote along with a pair of speakers can be added for more fun and convenience.
Can pontoon boats take saltwater?
Pontoon boats were NOT designed to take on big waves and saltwater. Instead, they were made for calm inland bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. However, there are a few models on the market that let you bring them into the sea.
Be ready to learn about the best pontoon boats available in the market!
If you are new to the world of pontoon boats, buying a good boat for yourself can be quite confusing.
1. Bennington
Bennington was founded in 1997 by a small group of industry veterans, including Patrick Call, Steve Vogel, and Richard Strefling. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Bennington is the world’s premier luxury boat manufacturer.
3. Harris
Harris has been in the business of building pontoon boats for over 60 years.
4. Sylvan
Sylvan traces its history back to 1948 when it was founded as a pontoon and houseboat manufacturer near Sylvan Lake in Wolcottville, Indiana.
5. Sun Tracker
Launched in 1983, Sun Tracker helped create the modern pontoon boat segment with its famous Bass Buggy, Fishing Barge, and Party Barge models.
6. Premier
Bob Menne, a professional snowmobile racer and Forester Boat executive, launched Premier Pontoons in 1992 in Wyoming, Minnesota. Since then, the Menne family has managed this brand.
7. Manitou
Lanette VanWagenen, Steven VanWagenen, and Tom Schupbach started the Manitou Pontoon Boats in 1985.
Pontoon Boat Reviews
Pontoon boats have become one of the hottest, arguably most exciting segments of the boating market.
2021 Starcraft CX 25 DL Bar
Pontoons with actual “belly up to the” bars have been done before, but the emphasis on the cocktail in cocktail cruise often results in losing precious interior space when it’s not party time. Starcraft’s CX 25 DL Bar manages to offer up the best of both worlds.
Aqua Patio 250 Express
Here's a pontoon that is clearly targeted to appeal to the younger consumer. Just look at the edgy styling. Rather than classic perimeter fencing, the 250 sports molded fiberglass seating modules fore and aft. Forward, they give this party barge the sleek and sexy lines of a runabout.
Premier 220 Cast-a-Way
Plenty of entertaining gets done aboard a pontoon, but these versatile platforms also see a lot of one other favorite pastime—fishing. Premier’s Cast-a-Way caters to the latter crowd with a composite fish station aft with an integrated livewell, and two flanking fishing chairs.
Cypress Cay Seabreeze SL 230
A price-point model is attractive when you’re signing the paperwork, but no one likes a stripped-down look at the dock. Cypress Cay strikes a nice balance with the Seabreeze SL 230. Within, upholstery sports the same suede-like finish found in the brand’s higher-end models.
Manitou 23 Legacy SHP
A recent trend has been to configure triple pontoons so that they mimic the handling of a V-hull. Manitou’s patented V-Toon technology pairs 23” diameter outer pontoons with a 27” center tube, dropped a full 5” lower, to allow the Legacy to bank and carve into a corner like its fiberglass counterparts.
Harris Grand Mariner SL 250
Bulky engine enclosures were once standard issue, partly to drown out a noisy two-stroke engine. Today’s four-strokes are clean and quiet, so Harris completely opened up the stern of the Grand Mariner SL 250. A large, low-profile sunpad is positioned aft.
Sylvan 8525 Mandalay Bar
Sylvan avoids the traditional round pontoon; instead, the manufacturer’s 27” tubes are constructed to feature an actual V-shaped bottom, featuring a keel and chines. They dub the design “Revolutionary Planing Technology,” and it helps both performance and handling.
Sweetwater SW 1880
With so much horsepower and so many amenities available, it’s easy to forget that pontoons don’t have to be big, nor do they have to be fast… or expensive. Sweetwater’s SW 1880 is a relatively small, simple pontoon that comes with a standard 50 HP outboard for just over $22,000.
What is the strongest segment of the boat market?
Pontoon boats have been one of the strongest segments in the boat market in the recent years. They are comfortable, versatile, and easy to operate; plus you can have so many add-ons to furnish your pontoon boat.
What is a pond king?
Pond King is the “king” (yeah I went there) of mini pontoon boats. They make a number of models of pontoon boats that are made to fish on small ponds. Their boats are American made and of high quality, so I would be doing my readers a disservice if I didn’t mention them.
Is it hard to buy a pontoon boat?
Thus, it becomes difficult to buy a pontoon boat, when you have a limited budget and when you still want the best option. After you have asked yourself “How much money can I spend” then we can start breaking down the best pontoon boat for the money into a few different price brackets and then decide accordingly.
2022 Bennington 30QX
The Bennington 30QX features single or twin engine options that can propel it to speeds of over 60 mph, along with over 30 feet of boat available in up to 20,000 different color combinations. It’s packed full of standard equipment with plenty of upgrades to choose from.
2022 Harris Grand Mariner 250
The Harris Grand Mariner line has a completely new look for the 2022 model year, and the Grand Mariner 250 is sure to be a favorite. It now features sweeping lines, a sleek electric tower with some very cool lighting to jazz up your evening cruises, and an interior complemented by luxurious soft-touch vinyl.
2022 Lowe SS 210 CL
Lowe has been known for building affordable quality pontoon boats for years, and the new 2022 SS 210 CL brings gobs of features into a very affordable price range with a starting point under $34,000.
2022 Premier 310 Escalante
The Premier Escalante is ideal for big families who want to enjoy big fun at the lake. This double-decker boat features a 12-foot upper deck with extra seating, a Bimini top, and a water slide – yes, a water slide! – so it makes the ultimate party barge when you want premium entertainment on the water.
2022 Princecraft Brio 2.0
Princecraft already held the distinction of building some of the first electric pontoons on the market, but for 2022 they’ve rejuvenated the Brio line and renamed it Brio 2.0. Available in 17′, 19′, and 21′ models, the Brio 2.0 is propelled by Torqeedo electric motors (producing about five to 20 horsepower) and offers an optional solar panel array.
2022 Regency 230 LE3
The Regency 230 LE is a high-performance luxury machine, with a 250 horsepower Mercury Verado outboard on the transom and a triple-log XP3 performance package with strakes, a nose cone, and spray deflectors below the deck.
2022 Sea-Doo Switch Compact
Sea-Doo has literally rocked the pontoon boat world, with the introduction of its Switch. This is the only pontoon boat around that’s propelled by jet power and rides atop three of Sea-Doo’s Polytec tubes.
The 10 Best Pontoon Boats To Buy In 2019
Largest tritoon ever by Premier Pontoons. 350 Escalante with swim deck extension!
Bucks Bag High Adventure Pontoon Series
The Bucks Bag High Adventure Pontoon Series is a good middle of the road inflatable fishing pontoon boat. It also has a steel frame, with the pontoons made of PVC coated polyester with an internal vinyl air bladder. It has its own patented Line-Lock anchoring system, making anchor release and retrieval quick and easy.
Best Pontoon Boat Brands
If you think that pontoon boats are still the same simple, box-shaped boats, floating on the lake at low speeds, you should definitely reconsider. Over the past two decades, these boats have seen a massive change in their design, facilities, and comfort level.
Free Boat Buyers Toolkit
In addition to the videos, youll want to grab a free copy of the Boat Buyers Toolkit. Its packed with checklists, questions to ask and a sea trial checklist to ensure you dont make a major mistake.
Why Suntracker Partybarge And Bass Buggy
Although SunTracker pontoons are on the cheaper end of the pricing spectrum, they do deliver a good value for boat owners. They are able to sell for a cheaper price for a number of reasons.
Evaluating The Best Pontoon Boat Brands And Manufacturers
There are pontoon boats to fit every budget from economy to luxury models. Boat manufacturers carry multiple brands to cater to the variety of needs on the market. Be sure to compare objectively when deciding to buy a pontoon boat.
Cypress Cay C 171 Cruise
Youd rather have a smaller boat thats loaded to the gills with every conceivable option and accessory, as opposed to a larger one with less glitz and glam? Then its time to check out the Cypress Cay C 171, which sits under the $18,000 mark with a 50 horse Mercury FourStroke on the transom.
