Best Pontoon Boats Reviewed

The Sea Doo Switch is a unique pontoon boat. In fact, it’s more like a ski boat with a lot of space and versatility for fishing, sports and entertaining.

With a steering platform inspired by jet skiing, the Switch is so unbelievably customizable. The Sea Doo Switch Compact is the entry-level model that also represents one of the most affordable boating packages with upgradable quality, we’ve ever seen.

This unique boat is just plain amazing.

The Bennington pontoon boat family, featuring the acclaimed SX22 model, offers a range of durable, speedy, and enjoyable pontoons and tritoons. Some say these boats are like the luxuriousness of a Cadillac limousine, boasting superior comfort and performance capable of outshining the competition.

We explored the SX line, which is notable for its customization possibilities, including color variety, seating configurations, and even optional accent lighting. While the starting price for a basic SX model is around $20,000, the price can rise to approximately $60,000 for fully equipped, high-powered, larger versions.

That may seem like a lot, but Bennington stands behind their pontoon boats with a 10-year guarantee and you get something quite special.

The Cruise and Explore models from Manitou Pontoon Boats are all new and redesigned for the 2023 model year. New materials, luxury car-inspired exteriors with tech and customizations demonstrate a beautiful and versatile pontoon.

There’s a brand new Rotax stealth outboard motor, a low-profile two-stroke engine that sits on the waterline under a wide-open aft platform. It can be trimmed completely out of the water. This revolutionary propulsion unit can be doubled-up for some serious advantages.

A Max Deck covers the Rotax-S motors with a platform that is just huge. It also features the BRP LINQ system we know from premium Sea Doos, compatible across all BRP vehicles.

The Crestliner 240 Rally DX comes with 5 different configurations. So whether you want to entertain your friends, have some quality time with your family, do some water sports or go fishing with your mates, you’ll most likely find a layout that suits your boating needs.

The seating configuration will, as mentioned, depend on which floor plan you end up choosing, but here are some of the standard features: bow and stern pillow top chaise lounge furniture with storage underneath as well as drainage channels*, a woodgrain table with cup holders, a stainless-steel boarding ladder, flip-up cleats, and a 10’ Bimini top.

Additionally, a sturdy fiberglass molded helm console with an MB Quart GMR-3 Stereo with AM/FM and Bluetooth connectivity, USB and Auxiliary inputs, 4 speakers, polished aluminum steering wheel with tilt steering, a 12V outlet, a lockable glove box, and plenty of space to mount your electronics.

An optional ski tow bar can be added as well as a plethora of other features.

If you eventually go for one of the Fish models (FC & FS), these are some of their exclusive features: a 15-gallon aerated livewell with light and pump, washdown system, lockable rod storage, and tool holders.

Powered by a Single 150HP FourStroke Mercury outboard, the Crestliner 240 Rally DX gives a solid performance with a top speed of 37 mph.

*Not available on the FC and FS floor plans.

The Pure Pontoon is an all-new, electric pontoon boat from Pure Watercraft. Pure Watercraft has previously made and designed the Pure Outboard, a 50-horsepower-equivalent sleek outboard built for a wide range of vessels.

The Pure Pontoon is the company’s first boat in partnership with General Motors. GM supplies their 350-volt, 65 kWh battery packs used in the Chevy Bolt EV automobile. The boat will be built in the company’s brand-new, state-of-the-art production plant in West Virginia.

Powered by single or dual Pure Outboard motors, the enormous battery pack gives users enough range to spend an entire day on the water. And that time will be spent with very little noise, no fumes, and no maintenance worries.

The boat holds up to 10 people, and the twin-engine variant cruises 23 to 30 miles per hour.

If you’re looking for a pontoon that is simple, practical, and affordable, we present you the Princecraft Vectra 21 RL.

Built by popular demand and available in three colors, this 21-foot vessel comes with plenty of features and enough space for the whole family to enjoy a day out cruising on the water.

We should start by mentioning what gives this boat the RL initials, which stands for rear lounger. A 2-position adjustable backrest that allows you to face aft and watch the kids swim or face forward and hang out with your friends and family.

The sundeck is quite spacious and it comes with a stainless-steel boarding ladder and a ski tow bar.

Its interior space is optimized with plenty of storage room under all lounges including an ice chest. Plus, a standard Bimini top for all-day comfort, a large table, rotocast furniture bases as well as durable and easy-to-clean plush upholstery.

Another great thing about this boat are the walk-thru gates which are spring-loaded so it shuts automatically.

The helm station offers a rotomolded console with an acrylic top, a 12V outlet, an AM/FM/Bluetooth Jensen Stereo along with 4 waterproof speakers.

With the Mercury 115 Pro XS outboard, the Princecraft Vectra 21 RL has a top speed of 36 mph.

Small in size but big in comfort and versatility, this is the Lowe SS 210 CL.

The CL in the name stands for Conversion Lounge, which allows for a variety of seating configurations in the aft section of the boat. It’s a great area to relax, sunbathe, and watch the kids swim. Plus, its stainless-steel rails make it a safe place to be even when you’re cruising.

The bow of the boat offers comfortable seating and a cocktail table with four cup holders, making this space perfect for dining and entertaining.

The helm station is acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement and it houses all your standard features including a Jensen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, a waterproof LCD screen, hydraulic steering with a padded tilt steering wheel, a 12V outlet and a USB port.

Also, plenty of storage underneath the seats, a boarding ladder at the stern and a large Bimini top providing shade to all the members of your crew. The ski tow bar in this model is an optional feature.

Rigged with a Mercury Fourstroke 150 outboard, the Lowe SS 210 CL rewards you with a smooth ride and a top speed of 37 mph.

The SunChaser Geneva 22 LR PSB is a great choice for family fun under the sun. Plus, its price, security, and comfort make this ‘toon even more attractive.

It features two facing lounges at the bow and then you have what gives this boat the PSB initials: a port swing back, which is an adjustable backrest that allows for versatility in cruising or lounging.

Abaft, a spacious lounge area with a foldout table and plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and soak up the sun.

But if you want to hang out in the shade, there’s always the 8’6” Bimini top to protect you.

And the family fun is not complete without hitting the water. The large deck is fitted with an aluminum boarding ladder and an optional under deck ski tow bar.

At the helm station, a fiberglass console completed with a tilt Verona steering wheel, a 12V outlet, a Jensen MS3A Stereo with Bluetooth compatibility, Auxiliary port, and speakers.

The SunChaser Geneva 22 LR PSB also comes with a pop-up changing room, four bolted deck cleats, and all the seats have rotocast plastic bases with drainage channels.

The Yamaha 115 outboard gives this boat a good performance with a top speed of just over 28 mph.

The Starcraft SLS series is a middle-of-the-road pontoon boat line that represents an outstanding value for the boater. In short, these boats come loaded with great options and are available in various sizes and layouts to suit anyone. You can spec out your SLS as either a 1 (21’8″ LOA), 3 (24’8″ LOA), or 5 (26’8″ LOA).

Further, the 3 and 5-series boats are available in dual-console, dual-helm, or rear lounger versions. We like the Q, which has the large double swing back sun lounge aft and another swing back up front.

It’s designed with a HMX Third Tube for faster planing and a more efficient ride that can do surprisingly well on 150 hp. The ski pylon comes standard, making this a great family boat for long days in the sun and playing on the water.

Zip through the water in style and enjoy the many perks of the pontoon lifestyle with the Avalon 2585 Catalina Elite.

A retro-inspired exterior and a sumptuous interior design are what makes this boat unique and classy.

It features plenty of seating area throughout the boat including a companion side bench, all covered with soft-to-the-touch vinyl upholstery. Plus, a Grey wood large thermoform table, a Bimini top, a changing room, and loads of storage space.

But unlike most pontoon boats, its seat bases aren’t rotomolded plastic, but welded aluminum frames, which increase storage space and offer superior drainage and ventilation.

The fiberglass sculpted helm station is equipped with an Infinity Bluetooth stereo system, a Garmin GPS unit, a 12V outlet, USB and Auxiliary inputs, mechanical tilt steering, and a black soft-grip steering wheel with chrome spokes.

It also comes with an extended rear deck area, a stainless-steel boarding ladder, four stainless U bolt cleat clamps, inside fencing, and six speakers as well as a subwoofer. The ski tow bar in this model is optional.

It packs plenty of performance when powered by a Suzuki 200 SS outboard with a top speed reaching just over 38 mph.

The Hampton 2680 DC is the very definition of high performance and luxury in a pontoon boat.

Built with a fiberglass hull, this vessel works its wonder both in freshwater as well as in a saltwater environment.

It features a spacious upscale interior with plush luxury seating to match. Plenty of storage under the seats and enough room to carry up to 12 passengers.

Also, three convenient boarding doors, a stainless-steel boarding ladder, and a top-notch stainless-steel Bimini top to provide your guests with even more comfort.

If water sports are your thing, an optional ski pylon can be added.

But the highlight of this boat has got to be the lounge area in the aft section. It comes with a large table, ample storage below it, and a stainless-steel sink. How cool is that?

At the helm station, the Yamaha gauges are standard as is the Simrad display. Plus, a 12V outlet, room for your stereo, and a sporty padded tilt steering wheel with NMEA BUS connection to the outboard.

Pushed by a Yamaha V8 350 HP, the Hampton 2680 DC can reach speeds just over 50 mph.

High-quality amenities and great performance go hand in hand on the Barletta L23QCSS.

Whether you want to cruise, waterski, entertain or a combination of them all, this versatile and sophisticated pontoon boat got you covered.

Designed to give you and your friends loads of comfort and space, it features a quad layout with two sets of facing lounges both at the bow and the aft sections, a dual captain’s chair, a power Bimini top that goes up and down with a push of a button, a dinette table, a changing room, and lots of storage space both underneath the seats and in some backrests.

The elevated helm station comes with all your standard navigation features as well as plenty of legroom for the captain. But the highlight of this section is definitely the retractable dog dish so your pet doesn’t get left out of the fun.

Additionally, a curved stern with a lot of deck space, a convenient stereo remote, two speakers, a stainless-steel boarding ladder as well as a ski-tow/bumper-holder combo.

Equipped with a Mercury 250 FourStroke outboard this pontoon boat can run at speeds up to 45 mph.

Simple yet elegant, the Harris Solstice 250 SLEC is another great option for those who like comfort, high performance, and a bit of technology.

The Harris Solstice 250 has distinctive floor plans, the SLEC stands for single lounge entertainment center. 

At the aft section, you’ll find the single lounge, which offers you a variety of seating arrangements. You can recline forward or backwards or convert into a big sun lounger pad. It also comes with cup holders on both sides, a stereo control, a USB port, a 12V outlet as well as a built-in cooler, creating a nice space to hang out with your friends while the kids go for a swim.

The extended aft deck boasts an in-water seat, a stainless-steel boarding ladder, and a ski pylon.

The elevated helm station features among others, a Simrad display, a wireless phone charger, AM/FM audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and the CZONE digital switching, which provides you with control over all the boat’s systems.

Another cool feature is the flip-top helm console that gives you access to all the wiring, electronics, and steering components.

And next to the captain’s chair is the entertainment center, which comes with a sink, a flip-up table, and the space for a small refrigerator.

Other features worth mentioning are the long twin lounges at the bow with loads of storage space underneath, a changing room, and a Bimini top providing shade for those in the cockpit.

Powered by a Mercury Verado 350 outboard, the Harris Solstice 250 SLEC presents an excellent performance with a top speed over 51 mph.