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Reading Time: 17 minutesLast Updated on January 10, 2026 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
10 Best Pontoon Boats
Key Takeaways
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- Versatility and Safety: Pontoon boats are known for their spaciousness, stability, and safety, making them the premier choice for family getaways and lakefront property owners.
- Luxury vs. Value: The market ranges from high-end “luxury” models (such as the Harris V270 or Regency 250 LE3) that feature toilets, showers, and kitchens to “value” models (such as the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy) that prioritize affordability and fishing utility.
- Performance Evolution: While traditionally known for being slow, modern pontoons like the Crest Classic 24 and Manitou XT now offer high speeds (35+ mph) and enough power for water skiing and agile handling.
- Customization: Many manufacturers now offer extensive customization, allowing buyers to choose specific floor plans, engine sizes, and color schemes to match their personal style.
- Innovation in Power: The Princecraft Brio E 17 represents a shift toward sustainability, utilizing an electric “Torqeedo” motor instead of a traditional gas engine, ideal for environmentally conscious users or restricted waterways.
- Durable Construction: Most top-tier models utilize stainless steel and aluminum construction, often backed by significant warranties (ranging from 10 years to lifetime) to ensure long-term durability.
Pontoon boats are spacious and among the safest on the water, making them perfect for a family getaway. They’re also relatively easy to use, and there are no significant issues with owning or maintaining one.
They’re comfortable to wear and last a long time. When you make a significant purchase, nothing is more important than the product’s durability. Generally, pontoon boats are durable.
They’re not the fastest boats on the water, and handling performance can suffer along with that speed, but if you need a good, safe, reliable boat for your family, a pontoon boat is the only option.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite models. Remember that each boat has some positives and negatives, and finding the perfect one for your family will always depend on your needs. Let’s take a look at these beauties!
Top Pontoon Boats
1. Harris V270 Pontoon Boat
The Harris V-270 is a premium pontoon boat that redefines innovation on the lake.
The V270 is available in five sleek color options, typically in blue or gray. This makes it look good whether you’re up close and personal or off in the distance across the lake.
While pontoon boats aren’t known for their speed or handling, this Harris model isn’t exactly a traditional model. It steers well, and top speed is quick; it’s imposing for a pontoon boat.
The center console has two helm seats, and the moonroofs and lighting could set the mood at any time of day.
The ladders on the Harris model are unbelievable. You have three points of entry and can access the boat anywhere you need to. Whether you need a retractable version or the permanent side, you can get out of the water and up to the ship, no matter where you are.
One of the most notable features of this pontoon boat is a complete toilet. The toilet is a pump-out model, and it’s not only a toilet for comfort on the water; it also includes a shower and a sink.
This is their proprietary technology, and seeing it in action is quite impressive. The galley also features high-quality appliances, including a fridge and freezer, as well as a faucet and sink.
Additionally, everything on this boat is durable and sturdy. This boat is a premium product built to last, and I expect it will endure through a child’s early years.
While all this premium technology is fantastic and there might not be a better boat to get you on the water, the price is appropriately matched. This will cost you a pretty penny, but if you need luxury on the water, you can find it here with the V270.
Pros:
The V270 is a model of luxury. Its most impressive features include a functioning toilet, high-end appliances such as a fridge and freezer, and a sleek design both on board and from the outside, making this boat from Harris the king of the pontoons.
Cons:
This boat has so much going for it that finding a downside is hard. However, one big problem is the price tag. If you’re not willing to spend a lot, this product may not be suitable for you.
2. Crest Classic 24
One of the most significant benefits of pontoon boats is their ability to accommodate large groups.
This model from Crestl accommodates more than 15 people on deck, making it ideal for family gatherings, friend gatherings, or anyone else you want to bring on board.
This pontoon redefines what you must expect from a boat on the water. Its top speed exceeds 35 mph, which is impressive. That’s a boat that can cover some distance and get you exactly where you want to be, all in comfort and style.
It has a smooth feel in the water. If you’re speeding up into the 30s, there’s going to be a rush, but overall, the performance and handling never really suffer for how fast you’re going. The boat controls well, and that’s a big compliment to those who designed it; that’s no small feat. Consumers should feel impressed when they put themselves in the Captain’s chair.
The boat is laid-back, allowing everyone on board to sit comfortably. The seating is exceptionally comfortable and should make both experienced veterans and first-time riders feel at ease.
The Crest design depends on you. Their website offers a wide range of options for designing your boat. That means you can apply your colors to the boat, choose from different layouts, and set everything up as you want.
That’s good, because you should have everything exactly as you want it at your price. For fishermen, there are model options that you can choose, specifically designed for those who want to get out on the lake and get “gone fishin’.”
The outside still has a very traditional pontoon feel, so this is a beefed-up version of the old conventional boats you see on the water. However, the design still feels trendy even with the old standard shining through.
Everything seems to be well-built with aluminum and stainless steel construction. This durable boat should last for years if you take good care of it when in use.
The fuel tanks hold up to about 35 gallons, depending on your specific layout, which shouldn’t affect where to go.
Pros:
The Crest nicely represents a premium pontoon boat. It handles and drives exceptionally well. No matter the group size, everyone should find a comfortable space and seating, which is especially helpful for multi-family groups. Additionally, you have a sturdy boat that should last a long time.
Cons:
The price tag can be a bit much for some, and if you’re going all the way for a luxury boat, you may want to see a bit more differentiation from other models
3. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX
Sun Tracker has an excellent reputation and is known for selling high-quality products. Does the Bass Buggy measure up?
This boat strikes the right balance between value and price. It doesn’t cost as much as the premium models, but it offers many high-quality options.
This is a smaller pontoon boat designed for fishing activities. You don’t have to be a fisherman to enjoy this boat, but I think families who choose this model will prioritize fishing above all else.
The trade-offs you make when stepping down from premium models are all sacrifices that I think are worth it. For example, this boat operates at about half the speed of high-end ships. However, when you start to think about it, what’s the rush of getting somewhere in a pontoon boat anyway?
The Bass Buggy travels at 12 – 20 mph, which is plenty of speed to get you moving at a decent pace and around the lake to your favorite spot.
Another key benefit for those concerned about price or spending is that Sun Tracker offers a lifetime warranty on the boat’s parts. You certainly can’t complain about that if you’re looking for durability.
The ladders pull out for easy access, and everything, from the flooring to the chairs to the actual structure of the pontoon boat, is strong, giving you a lot of confidence when you take it out into the water.
Pros:
The Bass Buggy is a great model for families seeking a good balance of quality and price in a fishing pontoon boat. Its high-quality construction makes it a solid, stable boat, and its design is well-suited for a family to relax and catch fish on the lake.
Cons:
This starts to sound like nitpicking, but the Bass Buggy doesn’t have the speed of the top-end models or the carrying capacity. You’ll have to set your expectations accordingly, but the Bass Buggy doesn’t have any significant red flags.
4. Lowe SF212 W
This offering from Lowe Boats has a quality feel from the moment you look at it.
Looking at the SF212 W, you’ll realize you have options everywhere. Even for something as simple as the exterior, seating, and interior color options, you can get a boat that looks exactly like you want it to. Additionally, you can adjust your price up or down using multiple engine options.
This is a mid-sized offering from Lowe and is ideal for families, especially those interested in fishing. The design resembles a premium boat, with comfortable seating throughout the deck. The ship can accommodate up to 13 people, so those with larger families or who enjoy going out with extended family don’t need to worry about seating.
The two pedestal seats on the boat highlight the fishing aspect, and I could see people enjoying the lake with this one. Lowe guarantees its products with long-lasting warranties, so you know you have a well-built pontoon boat.
Also, on board, you’ve got some great features that add a bit of fun, like a Bluetooth-supported stereo system. The fuel tanks hold up to 30 gallons, so refueling and getting wherever you need to go on the water shouldn’t be a concern.
There are phone charging stations, plenty of drink holder areas for everyone to enjoy a cold drink, and a dinette table. No matter what options you’re looking for in your mid-sized pontoon boat, I don’t think it’s lacking in the Lowe SF212 W.
Pros:
This is a high-quality offering from Lowe Boats. The color schemes look sharp when you compare and contrast them, so you’ll get the result you want. The boat is spacious, providing ample room for family members or fishing activities. Nice features like cupholders and stereo speakers add to the fun atmosphere.
Cons:
It may be too expensive for price-conscious buyers, and you may need to add the premium features they want.
5. Regency 250 LE3
There’s no doubt about what Regency has to offer. If you look at their website, it says “LUXURY PONTOON BOATS” in all caps right up front and center. You know what? They’re not wrong. This LE3 is a pretty luxurious model with a lot to offer.
Let’s be clear: this is an expensive model for a pontoon boat. Having a boat that delivers precisely what you want at this price would be ideal.
This pontoon boat can hold up to 15 people, which is a massive size for a pontoon boat. It’s a great model for throwing a party on the lake.
In addition, your party friends will be highly comfortable because they’ll be sitting on plush couches that would be comfortable if you put them up in your living room, much less a pontoon boat.
The boat also looks impressive. It almost looks like a pontoon boat ate another one, and now it’s a super pontoon boat or something. That might not make sense, but you must see this model to believe it.
The seating also offers ample storage for whatever items your party guests want to bring, so it never feels cramped aboard the LE3.
You’ll find all the hook-ups you’d expect here, including USB phone chargers and a Bluetooth connection to get your party rocking.
If you’re going to get into the water, you also have a fold-down ladder for easy access.
One of my favorite features in this Regency model is the rear-view camera. This technology is increasingly taken for granted in newer cars; why not add it to pontoon boats as well? There’s a camera mounted on the console to let you know what’s going on back there, to avoid any collision, and to make backing into space a nice and easy task.
Regency knows its reputation is staked on the quality of these pontoon boats, so it offers warranties that include “bow to stern” protection for the first ten years and lifetime warranties on other parts of the ship.
The Captain’s and co-captain’s chairs are something to be felt, letting you feel the power of this luxury item you’ve bought.
For example, dealers can purchase additional accessories and minor items, such as a barbecue grill, and add them.
This boat is almost too beautiful to believe, and for the price tag, you better believe it’s a great boat. Whether the cost and value work for you is your decision, but I’m here to tell you I do not doubt the quality of this boat.
Pros:
This pontoon is full of positives. The party atmosphere and comfortable setting make it an excellent venue for hosting others. With a large capacity (both for people and storage), you have a boat that can comfortably take multiple families out on the water.
All the LED lighting and exterior design create a luxurious boat. Warranties give you peace of mind that your purchase is protected, and you also have a rear-view camera to help your Captain if needed.
Cons:
The price tag sticker is probably the first place to start with the negatives. Some add-ons can add to that price, so that’s a bummer as well. For example, I’d like to see premium color upgrades included, but I understand if they need to add a separate charge.
6. Larson Escape 24 Twin
This model isn’t content to look and feel like other pontoon boats. The Larson Escape wants to do things differently, and I like their bold choices.
First, it doesn’t offer the biggest party or family outing on the market, but it makes up for it in style.
Yes, this is still a pontoon boat model, but it hardly resembles one. It has an intriguing design of its own.
Most buyers likely don’t want this pontoon boat, but I can see many younger customers being interested, as it’s not the typical barge-style pontoon.
The boat performed well in both speed and turning tests. Some design differences did not cause issues, which is a positive sign for interested buyers.
All the seating areas on board are well-designed to look out over the different areas of the boat, and the back seats are particularly well-designed for watching a skier in the back.
You also have a nice built-in trash & sink component to clean up any messes on board.
Everything on board, from the steering wheel to the seats to the lighting, feels well-made. It should give you a nice sense of ownership as you take this fine boat out on the lake.
Pros:
The excellent design is the biggest strength of this Larson Escape. Everything is well put together and feels like a luxury model, at a price point that’s not quite as high as some higher-end boats. I could see many people drawn to this one because it’s different.
Cons:
This isn’t the pontoon boat for everyone, that’s for sure. Some sacrifices have been made to achieve their design choices, and the price tag may deter some buyers, given the performance numbers you’re seeing here. It’s not a con to say something is “good,” but at this price, “good, not great” is a bit of a drag
7. Princecraft Brio E 17
Okay, now we’re getting into the interesting stuff. This model from Canadian manufacturer Princecraft is probably one of the most intriguing products I’ve ever seen, let alone in a narrow category like pontoon boats.
The Brio E 17 isn’t advertised as just another pontoon boat; it wants you to know it’s as different as possible.
First, let’s start with the most obvious thing: It’s built around the electric motor that powers the boat. Known as a “Torqeedo,” this is a compact version of the massive, high-end pontoon boats you may have seen. It’s designed to be environmentally friendly, helpful for those who aren’t allowed to use traditional gas engines, or both.
Your first thought may be similar to mine: Electric and water don’t mix well. That’s not the case here, and obviously, you’re pretty safe riding in a Brio E 17.
As I mentioned, it is a smaller model than some other pontoon boats, with a capacity of about six people, making it comfortable. For smaller families, this could be a big plus because you’re not buying a ton of boats that you don’t need.
On the boat itself, you can keep general boating or water equipment in several different storage areas. One area is designed specifically for fishing rods, indicating that Princecraft wants to encourage fishing families to use this boat as well.
Although Princecraft’s unique pontoon model is smaller, the company has not sacrificed quality. The boat is made of an aluminum alloy, ensuring high quality over the years.
The controls and options for the electric engine seem fairly intuitive and easy to use. I don’t foresee many issues for those with at least some experience operating boats when switching to this electric engine. Of course, you will want to learn about the model.
To access some of the more fun features, is this an electric pontoon model? We have standard outlet plugs and a Bluetooth hookup for playing great music through a stereo. On top of that, you’ve got an electric horn as well for some warning or celebration shouts. As you party, you’ve got drink holders, so you always know where to put those cold drinks, and the interior lighting looks fine.
The furniture on board is all very high quality. The storage space under the seats is adequate and should provide families with a place to store their water gear.
Maybe the scariest part of this boat? There is no price listed on the Princecraft website, and you must request a quote for your potential pontoon. Usually, if you have to ask…
Pros:
The Brio E 17 redesigns so much about pontoon boats; it’s not even funny. Using an electric motor as they’ve done is insane, and I want to compliment them. A family can fit comfortably on the boat, and it handles well because it does not have a gas engine onboard.
Cons:
Well, it’s certainly not like those other pontoon boats. This model sacrifices power and size to use an electric motor. While that’s all part of the design, you must know that this boat is not the best pontoon boat for large groups. The price may be a concern, as it’s not posted on the manufacturer’s website, which is typically a negative sign.
Manitou XT
Another pontoon boat, another model that is quite different in style. Manitou is making some bold choices here, and I believe the market will reward them for it. This pontoon boat has some serious swag.
Even in Manitou’s marketing materials, the advertising targets young, stylish people who are out on the lake to enjoy themselves. I’d keep that in mind while reviewing this boat’s details.
The XT is designed to be somewhat of a monster. The boat has a mix of performance, design, style, and just plain power that you’re not supposed to see in a pontoon boat. It almost isn’t a pontoon boat, honestly. If nothing else, it’s not like anything else on the market.
It’s not often you see a pontoon boat explicitly advertised for skiing, but here we are.
Many floor plans, options, and specifications vary across these models. That’s excellent news for customers who know exactly what they want and can customize their XT to suit them.
The boat has all the standard features you expect from a premium pontoon boat package. There are plenty of drink holders, outlets, and USB charging stations. Drinks and phones are pretty important!
You also have an interior that feels like a party; I can’t imagine any guests or family members not having a good time while riding in the XT.
The construction aligns with this design; you’ve got something here that should last a long time.
The most important recommendation I can make for this XT model is to review the online photo galleries. This is a boat of beauty, and you should see it in person (High-Definition will do if you’re shopping online) to appreciate its scale.
When you consider the available color packages, you understand that this boat is designed to be shown off often.
Pros:
Manitou has built something great here. This boat’s design is unlike any other on the market, and the custom finishes make it even more unique. You can match exterior colors to furniture colors and create a spectacular look. Additionally, this boat performs exceptionally well.
You’ve got a ton of speed and handling that can’t be matched by other pontoon boats in this category. The number of floor plans they offer allows customers to customize this boat exactly how they want. This one can’t be topped if you’re young and looking to have fun with a pontoon boat model.
Cons:
This is another model where the price tag can become an issue. I could also see some people feeling somewhat paralyzed by the number of options here. If you’re not an experienced boat owner, you may not know what you need and may need more help purchasing.
9. Sylvan M-Series
Sylvan Marine is an Indiana company that offers something interesting to the pontoon boat market.
This boat’s excellent combination of luxury and performance makes it one of the best models in the industry.
With its distinctive design, the M-Series can almost feel like a house on the water. Its seating, flooring, and even the countertop around the sink make it feel like a floating home.
Even a group of adults should feel comfortable and have enough space when navigating an M-Series boat. It’s designed with luxury in mind, and the designers want you to feel relaxed no matter what you’re doing on board a Sylvan.
The driving helm is incredible. Its look conveys a sense of luxury and that the Captain is in full command.
In addition to all of these luxury features, these M-Series boats can crank up some horsepower. They’re fast, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll be a little overwhelmed by the power they’ve managed to put into this boat model.
The standard convenience features, such as chargers, speakers, and a radio, are included.
The tables are spacious enough to accommodate drinks, which enhances the ambiance.
The gas tank weighs over 50 gallons, and even though this is a high-powered bad boy, that should still be plenty of fuel for any trips you’re trying to take on this pontoon.
Pros:
The Sylvan M-Series boats are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, delivering a luxurious ride. The power and handling are top-notch, and you get what you pay for here as far as a premium pontoon boat goes.
Cons:
The main negative I have with this boat is more of a feeling than anything concrete. I’m not sure this boat model did enough to set itself apart from other premium pontoon boats, which all seem to have a specific purpose. I would recommend looking and seeing if you feel the same way—something almost feels missing here, even if I can’t quite put my finger on what it is.
10. Premier Pontoons Encounter
From Premier Pontoons, this “Encounter” model lets you explore nature on the lake and see what fun you can encounter! That’s a simple premise, so let’s look across their boat to see how they did.
The first thing you notice about this boat is how comfortable it seems. I don’t think it’s interested in competing on capacity or in having the most features packed into a pontoon boat, but it does what it wants to do well.
All of the sitting areas feel well-designed. There is a nice dinette-style area with drink holders and wraparound seating, where families will feel at home.
The area with the fridge and sink is quite well done. Nothing is better than being able to access a cold drink while you’re out on the lake, and I think Premier Pontoons has hit on something big with their area.
They also have a few areas where you can spread out and lounge rather than sit all the time. You can get comfy on these boats, and if you need to nap out in the sunshine, you should be able to do that on an Encounter.
The driving helm area feels nice, and the displays are powerful and intuitive. The GPS rests just to the left of the steering wheel for easy vision, so you can see what’s going on without sacrificing any driving performance. They designed mounts that way for cars, so it only makes sense that Premier would set up their boat captains the same way.
This boat’s performance is almost unbeatable. It turns easily and slices through the water with significant power.
The fuel tank capacity is also quite large, so even with the powerful engines, you know you’ll be full up for long enough not to be in danger.
I like the spacious Encounter model from Premier Pontoons.
Pros:
The quality of this boat is evident both inside and out. It handles water well so that you won’t have any performance issues in that environment. The driver’s helm is well laid out and centrally located. Being able to stretch out and take up a ton of space on board a boat might be unmatched by any other pontoon boat.
Cons:
Some pontoon boats do luxury better; there’s no doubt about that. This isn’t a shoddy model, but it’s not the best. It’s right in line on value, but others may look to different models for features that better match their needs.
Final Thoughts
Pontoon boats continue to evolve with diverse options for every budget and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to host lakeside parties, enjoy quiet fishing mornings, or cruise in eco-friendly style, there’s a model tailored to your needs.
From luxury cruisers to minimalist fishing platforms, today’s pontoon boats blend comfort, performance, and innovation, making them a top choice for water-loving families and outdoor adventurers alike.
