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Last Updated on October 25, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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10 Best Pontoon Boats
When planning your next trip to the lake, you’re probably thinking about boating.
Key Takeaways
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- Harris V270: This is a luxury model with innovative features such as a full toilet, shower, sink, fridge, and freezer and durable construction, though it’s quite expensive.
- Crestliner 240 Rally DX: This model offers spacious seating for over 15 people, excellent handling, and a customizable design, but it comes with a high price tag.
- Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX: This affordable, designed-for-fishing model offers good value and durability, though it lacks the speed and capacity of higher-end models.
- Lowe SF212 W: This versatile mid-sized boat offers customization options. It is suitable for families and fishing but may be pricey for some.
- Regency 250 LE3: This is a luxury party boat with plush seating, ample storage, and advanced features like a rear-view camera, but it is expensive.
- Larson Escape 24 Twin: A uniquely designed boat offering good handling and luxury features, but it may not appeal to everyone.
- Princecraft Brio E 17: An environmentally friendly electric pontoon boat with high-quality construction but smaller and may lack power.
- Manitou X-Plode: A stylish, high-performance boat designed for activities like skiing, with various customization options.
Summary
Pontoon boats are ideal for families looking for a spacious, safe, and durable option for lake activities. They offer a comfortable and reliable experience, though they may not be the fastest or have the best handling performance. Each model has unique features and trade-offs. For instance, the Harris V270 is a luxurious but pricey option with innovative amenities, while the Crestliner 240 Rally DX provides ample seating and customization at a high cost.
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX offers good value for fishing enthusiasts, and the Lowe SF212 W balances quality and customization for family use. The Regency 250 LE3 is perfect for hosting large groups in luxury, whereas the Larson Escape 24 Twin boasts a unique design but may not appeal to everyone.
The Princecraft Brio E 17 stands out with its electric engine, though it’s smaller and less powerful. Lastly, the Manitou X-Plode combines style and performance, ideal for young, active users.
Pontoon boats are a great asset for any family serious about the outdoors or who might have some lake-front property.
Pontoon boats are spacious and one of the safest on the water—perfect for a family getaway. They’re also rather easy to use, and there are no major problems with owning and maintaining one of these beauties.
They’re quite comfortable to be on and last a long time. When you make a major purchase, nothing is more important than that product’s durability; generally, pontoon boats will last a long time.
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 V270 is a premium pontoon boat that redefines innovation in boating on the lake.
With 5 sleek color options, the V270 generally has a blue or gray finish. 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 very well and the top speed gets going, it’s crazy impressive for a pontoon boat model.
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 anywhere you need to get on the boat. Whether you need a retractable version or the permanent side, you can get out of the water and up on the boat no matter where you’re at.
One of the craziest features of this pontoon boat is a full toilet model. The toilet is a pump-out version, but it not only has a toilet for comfort on the water but also a shower and a sink.
This is their proprietary technology, and seeing it in action is quite amazing. The galley also has some amazing appliances, like a fridge and a freezer, but it also comes with a faucet and a sink.
Not only that, but everything on this boat is durable and sturdy. This boat is a premium product built to last, and I could see it lasting throughout a child’s early years.
While all this premium technology is amazing, and there might not be a better boat to get you on the water, the price matches appropriately. 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, amazing appliances like a fridge and freezer, and a sleek design 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 prepared to spend a lot, you might not find that this product is for you.
2. Crestliner 240 Rally DX
One of the biggest benefits of pontoon boats is putting many people on board.
This specific model from Crestliner fits over 15 people on deck, which is amazing for a great time with family, friends, or with all that space, whoever else you want to bring on board.
This pontoon redefines what you must expect from a boat on the water. Its top speed reaches well over 35 mph, one of the most impressive things I’ve heard about statistics. That’s a boat that can clear some distance and get you exactly where you want to be—all in comfort and style.
It has a smooth feel in the water. Obviously, 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 extremely comfortable and should make experienced veterans and first-time riders feel nice and cozy.
The Crestliner design depends on you. Their website has a ton of options for designing your boat. That means you can put your colors on the boat, pick from different layouts, and set everything up how you want.
That’s good because you should have everything exactly how you want it for 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 traditional 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 you for years if you take good care of it in the water.
The fuel tanks hold up to around 35 gallons, depending on your specific layout, which shouldn’t cause problems regarding where to go.
Pros:
The Crestliner nicely represents a premium pontoon boat. It handles and drives quite well. No matter what size group you put on board, they should all find comfortable space and seating, a nice plus for multiple-family groups. On top of that, 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 a great reputation as a brand and is known for selling great products at this point. Does the Bass Buggy measure up?
This boat hits the sweet spot 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 that want this model will gravitate towards fishing more than anything else.
The trade-offs you make when stepping down a bit from premium models are all sacrifices that I think are possible. For example, this boat drives about half the speed of those high-end boats. 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 big feature for those who might be concerned about price or spending is that Sun Tracker offers warranties on parts of this boat for the product’s lifetime. 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 and will give you a lot of confidence when you take it out into the water.
Pros:
The Bass Buggy is a great model for families looking for a good balance of quality and price for a fishing pontoon boat. Its quality construction makes it a solid and stable boat, and its design is pretty nice for a family just relaxing and catching those fish out on the lake.
Cons:
This starts to sound like nit-picking, 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 major red flags.
4. Lowe SF212 W
This offering from Lowe Boats has a quality feel as soon as you start to look at this boat.
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. On top of that, you have many different engine options to adjust your price higher or lower as you see fit.
This is a kind of middle-sized offering that Lowe has on the market, and it would be quite good for families, especially those who are interested in fishing.
The design looks like a premium boat, with comfortable seating all over the deck.
The boat can accommodate up to 13 people, so those with larger families or those who like to go out with an extended family needn’t worry if they buy this boat model.
The two pedestal seats on the boat highlight the fishing aspect, and I could see a variety of people being happy out on 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 can hold up to 30 gallons, so fueling up and getting wherever you need to go out 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 each, so you’ll get something you want. The boat feels spacious, so you have plenty of room for family members or fishing activities. Nice features like cupholders and stereo speakers add to the fun atmosphere.
Cons:
It may be a bit much for price-conscious people, and you may have to add some premium features you 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 quite the luxury model with a lot to offer.
Let’s be clear: this is an expensive model for a pontoon boat. Having a boat that gives you precisely what you want for this price would be best.
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 extremely 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 amazing. 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 along, so it never feels too 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 starting to be taken for granted on newer cars, so why not add them to pontoon boats, too? 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 boat.
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 extra accessories and minor things like a barbeque grill and add them on.
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 play out is for you to decide, but I’m here to tell you I don’t have any doubts about the quality of this boat.
Pros:
This pontoon is full of positives. The party atmosphere and comfortable setting are fantastic 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 outside design lead to a luxurious boat. Warranties help you know that your purchase is protected, and you even have a rear-view camera to help out your Captain if he or she needs it!
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 have to add a separate charge for that.
6. Larson Escape 24 Twin
This model isn’t content to look and feel the same as the other pontoon boats. The Larson Escape wants to do things differently, and I like their bold choices.
First, that doesn’t allow for the biggest party or family outing on the market, but they make up for it in style.
Yes, this is still a pontoon boat model, but it hardly looks like it. It’s got an intriguing design that is all its own.
Most buyers probably don’t want this pontoon boat, but I can see a lot of younger customers being interested, as it’s not quite the “barge” style of pontoon.
The boat handled quite well in both speed and turning performance tests. Some of the design differences did not cause problems, which is a nice sign for interested buyers.
All the seating areas on board are designed well to look out over the different areas of the boat, and the back seats would be 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 like a nice product. 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 for not quite the price tag of some of those 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 get to their design choices, and the price tag may push some people away just based on some of the performance numbers you’re getting 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 being like all the other pontoon boats; it wants you to know it’s as different as physically possible.
First, let’s start with the most obvious thing: It’s built around the electric engine used to power the boat. Known as a “Torqeedo,” this is a tiny version of those massive high-end pontoon boats you may have seen. It’s designed to be either friendly to the environment, useful to those who aren’t allowed to use traditional gas engines, or maybe a bit of 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 quite safe riding in a Brio E 17.
As I mentioned, it is a smaller model than some of the other pontoon boats checking in with a capacity in the 6-person range to be 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, so you can see 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 from an aluminum alloy that will give it 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 problems with those who are at least somewhat experienced in taking boats out trying to switch to this electric engine. Of course, you will want to learn about the model.
To get to some of the more fun features, this is an electric pontoon model, right? So, we have standard outlet plugs and a Bluetooth hook-up for playing great music through a stereo (AM and FM are also included if preferred). 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 underneath the seats feels fine and should give families somewhere to put their water gear.
Maybe the scariest part of this boat? There isn’t a price listed on the Princecraft website, and you have to request a quote from them for your potential pontoon. Usually, if you have to ask…
Pros:
The Brio E 17 re-designs 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 on the boat quite comfortably, 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 much power and size to trim down to be powered by an electric engine. 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 or may not be a concern because it’s not posted on the manufacturer’s website, which is usually a negative sign.
8. Manitou X-Plode
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 X-Plode 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 advertised specifically for skiing, but here we are.
There are a lot of different floor plans, options, and specs that change between those models. That’s great news for customers who know exactly what they want and can customize their X-Plode to make it perfect for 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 quite important!
You also have an interior that will feel like a party; I can’t imagine any guests or family members not feeling like they’re having fun while out and riding around on the X-Plode.
The construction matches all of this design work; you’ve got something here that should last a long time.
The biggest recommendation I can give for this X-Plode model is to check the photo galleries available online, this is a boat of beauty and you should see it in person (High-Def will do if you’re shopping online) to understand the magnitude of this boat.
When you consider the color packages available, 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 others on the marketplace, and the custom finishes really add to that. You can match exterior colors with furniture colors and create something spectacular. On top of that, this boat performs like a monster.
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 being a bit paralyzed by all of the 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 boating models in the industry right now.
With its amazing design, the M-Series can almost feel like a house on top of 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 absolutely awesome. Its look inspires a luxurious feeling and a feeling 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 here, like chargers, speakers, and radio stereo, are all included.
The tables feel spacious enough with room for drinks, adding to the feel.
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 made with great attention to detail to give consumers 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 the other premium pontoon boats, which all seem to have a specific purpose or goal. I would recommend looking and seeing if you feel the same way—something almost feels missing here, even if I can’t quite pinpoint 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 based on capacity or having the absolute most features jam-packed onto 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-type area with drink holders and a wrap-around seating space where families will feel comfortable.
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 out rather than just sitting down 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 their boat Captains up the same way.
This boat’s performance is almost unbeatable. It easily turns and slices through the water and has a lot of power to make that happen.
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.
At the end of the day, I like the spacious Encounter model from Premier Pontoons.
Pros:
The quality of this boat is evident as you look on the inside and out. It handles quite well through the water so that you won’t have any problems with performance in that area. The driver’s helm is laid out nicely and centrally. 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 for value, but other people may look to different models for features that better match their needs.
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