Table of contents for Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide 2026 in Boating

1. Your winter boat cover didn’t ventilate well during the off-season, and now your boat’s interior is green with mold and mildew. What’s your next move? A. Clean all upholstery and carpet/decking with mold and mildew cleaner, preferably in the sun so the bleaching effect is greatest. Be sure to wash off all the cleaner as soon as you’re done scrubbing, so no bleach residue remains. B. Oil everything down with WD-40. C. Use furniture polish and carpet cleaner. D. A, B and C. 2. You never winterized last fallÑall you did was throw a tarp over the boat. Now you’re worried that you might encounter problems when getting your boat ready for the season. What might be some of the problems awaiting you? A. Your battery will likely be…

SEAKEEPER RIDE FOR CATS Seakeeper Ride is now available for power catamarans with software optimized to improve handling and enhance stabilization. We tested a Freeman 28 cat equipped with the system, and were impressed with the inward banking as the boat cornered with Ride, as opposed to outward banking without it. The system also resulted in greater comfort while running into a head-sea, and it eliminated any hint of stuffing or bow-steering while blasting down-sea. Pricing was unavailable at press time; seakeeper.com GARMIN GPSMAP 9000XSV Garmin’s new top-of-the-line GPSMap 9000xsv MFD series is available in 10-, 13- or 17-inch touchscreen models, each boasting Garmin’s integrated xCHIRP traditional sonar, UHD scanning sonar, Wi-Fi connectivity for software and 4K resolution. Each is preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ charts with Auto Guidance+ technology, as…

INADEQUATE CABLE SEALING Cables for antennas and lights penterate hardtops. Cables for transducers and trim tabs routinely penetrate a boat’s hull and transom. It’s imperative that the holes for these cables and wires are sealed to prevent water from coming in. Water entry creates mildew and corrosion at best and can sink a boat at worst. The GPS/fish finder cable routing of a new boat (pictured, right) won’t sink the boat. But it will cause problems. The cables run through a hole in the helm top to the inside of the console. The hole is covered by a mini cowl vent, which is a tried-and-true item for this purpose except it is not used correctly here. For one thing, the helm slopes aft and so the vent is mounted in…

Salt, sand, and debris take their toll on your outboard’s water-pump impeller, housing, and related parts. Despite many “I’ve never replaced the water pump” stories, good preventative maintenance practice includes replacement of the pump and housing at regular intervals—annually is best. Because every engine is different, these instructions are general. Buy a service manual, such as a Seloc manual, for your specific engine before attempting this job. Then budget an hour or so to remove the gear case, replace the pump, then reinstall the gear case. 1 Disconnect the shift cable under the engine cowl. It will be easy to see if your helper shifts the control as you watch the cable. There also might be a shift-rod connection to address. Most Mercury and Yamaha engines have a shift-rod connection…

SPECS: LOA: 28'4" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): NA DRY WEIGHT: 6,000 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14/3,822 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 112 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Single or twin outboards to 1,000 hp If you’re looking for a pontoon that combines thrilling performance with incredible comfort, the Balise Halo 26L is designed to do just that. It’s a high-end, luxury pontoon that you can rig to your liking. Start by choosing your preferred power, from a single 350 hp Mercury outboard all the way up to twin Mercs that unleash 1,000 total horsepower. With that kind of power, this Balise becomes a performance boat that can hang with anybody on the lake. No matter which you pick, you’ll feel confident at the helm. Twin-outboard models make docking effortless with a Joystick Piloting System, while…

SPECS: LOA: 27'8" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): 3'0" DRY WEIGHT: 4,300 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 13/1,775 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 60 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury 400 XL DRIVE/PROP: Mercury Revolution X 17.25" x 20" 4-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 2.08:1 FUEL LOAD: 40 gal. Starcraft’s SX 25 Q DC continues to evolve. The latest iteration solidifies its flagship status with new exterior finishes, interior design, and amenities. It’s the boat’s rock-solid feel and handling, however, that left us thoroughly impressed. The exterior makeover starts with molded fiberglass panels that give the boat a modern feel. Minimalist docking and navigation lights are well integrated into the design. RGB accents illuminate the brand logo topside as well as under deck. Our test boat’s steel-blue finish topside was carried over onto the pontoons below.…

SPECS: LOA: 26'8" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,250 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14/1,975 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 60 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Yamaha F300 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 3 /4" x 15" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 45 gal. SunChaser’s Eclipse 25 SB DH is a versatile, family-friendly pontoon that mixes a variety of premium features with impressive performance and customizable design. For 2026 a few new factors come into play, including a new mixed floorplan to further personalize the boat to buyer. Forward, twin couches create both a social or leisure-friendly seating area. Pack in a group or stretch out solo. Cup holders and USB charging ports await. Roto-molded seat bases enhance the design, being color-matched to the vinyl above. Amidships find twin high-back captain’s chairs…

SPECS: LOA: 25'9" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): 1'5" DRY WEIGHT: 3,670 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 18/3,400 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 63 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury 250 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7" x 16" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 20 gal. The Monaco 235 Single Flip Lounge occupies a sweet spot in Godfrey’s multi-tier lineup, coming in at a midrange price, but with more than its share of luxurious amenities. The latter only increases for 2026. From a stylish raised-helm design to versatile new furniture choices to even the performanceminded pontoon configuration below deck, the Monaco outruns its coverage. Our test boat’s blue-and-black matte finish cut a sporty look at the dock. You might not immediately notice the tinted SeaView window that occupies most of the bow gate, but the…

SPECS: LOA: 25'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,100 lb. (with engines) SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 17/2,335 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 58 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Single outboards to 400 hp; twin outboards to 800 hp total The 2026 Avalon Carbon Excalibur QLSW with its custom paint on carbon walls and tower creates an unmistakable silhouette. The windshield is as functional as it is beautiful, and knowing Avalon, we’re sure it’s sturdy and set at just the right height and angle. The new floorplan with flip-flop aft benches allows guests to face the water or face each other in conversation. Views and sociabilty: The Avalon designers obviously spend weekends on the water. The now-standard Lillipad Easy Step Ladder ensures easy boarding for your crew. The stainless-steel pull-up cleats with smoked chrome finish further…

SPECS: LOA: 25'2" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,050 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 13/2,620 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 54 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Single outboard engine to 250 hp The new Crest Conquest 230 SLS is pontoon that’s both easy to own and built for fun on the water. It’s a 23-foot boat designed around versatility, whether you’re cruising with the family or spending the day anchored in a cove. The real centerpiece of the SLS layout is its smart design at the stern. It features a swing back lounge that easily shifts from a forward-facing seat to a rear-facing lounger. This is perfect for watching tubers and skiers or just enjoying the view off the back of the boat. This layout also includes an extended rear deck, giving you extra…

SPECS: LOA: 24'4" BEAM: 8'5" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,465 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/2,424 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 58 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Suzuki 200 hp DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Suzuki 16" x 18.5" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 2.5:1 FUEL LOAD: 36 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. New to the Viaggio lineup for 2026, the Lago Z22B offers midline affordability with top-line power, performance and luxury features. Rigged with a Suzuki 200 outboard, the Lago Z topped 36 mph and hit 30 mph from an in-gear idle in 11 seconds. Note that this 200 is Suzuki’s 4-cylinder model (it also offers a V-6 200) so the acceleration and speed are more reflective of the lower price of this engine. We saw best fuel economy at 15 mph and 3,000 rpm, for 3.5…

SPECS: LOA: 23'10" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,783 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 12/4,556 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 46 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Yamaha 300 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Yamaha 15⅓" x 15" Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 34 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 225 lb. The new SunCatcher Elite 324 SL Diamond Arch pontoon delivers a great blend of G3’s signature sturdy construction, fleet-footed performance and luxury amenities. With 300 horsepower and the triple tubes, it has performance and added passenger-carrying capacity. The big powerplant is thrifty, burning 7.2 gph at 3,500 rpm. It’s quiet, too, allowing for normal-volume conversations. The SunCatcher Elite 324 SL’s undercarriage features triple elliptical foam filled 23-by-25-inch-diameter logs with performance-lifting stakes and a full length undershield to reduce drag from water rushing off…

SPECS: LOA: 20'10" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 1,915 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 10/1,405 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 21 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Suzuki 50 four-stroke DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Suzuki 11.5" x 11" 3-blade aluminum GEAR RATIO: 2.27:1 FUEL LOAD: 20 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. Forest River’s Dockside 20DF hits two targets effectively: entry-level pontooners, and angling enthusiasts. The lightweight 20-foot twin-toon platform comes standard with a Suzuki DF 50 outboard, but buyers can opt for a 90 horsepower to get to the fish faster. Mercury and Honda outboards are also available. With the Suzuki 50, top speed is an even 20 mph at 6,000 rpm twisting a standard 11-inch pitch Suzuki aluminum propeller. That speed comes up in 9.7 seconds from an in gear idle start. You might not get…

Selecting the appropriate marine power is crucial for achieving optimal boat performance. US Coast Guard regulations guide this process on some boats, but among larger vessels over 20 feet in length overall, the calculation is guided both by regulations and by builder experience. Adhering to the manufacturer’s capacity plate is vital to avoid over powering, which can lead to balance, buoyancy, and safety and handling issues. For monohull boats under 20 feet, Coast Guard regulations specify a formula based on boat length, transom width and transom height and factors such as manner of steering equipment to determine maximum horsepower. What’s more, different types of boats require varying horsepower. For instance, easy-going pontoon boats run happily on 50 hp while performance-pontoon guys want 300 hp or more. Flats skiffs tend to…

Rudy Socha had recently moved to South Carolina when he noticed nonprofit groups doing the hard work of removing trash from beaches where tourists visited. But he also noticed that there was a lot of garbage where fewer humans and more furred, finned and feathered creatures hang out: the tidal marshes of the state. Creosote-soaked decking and abandoned boats littered the coast, and no one was doing anything about it. So in 2010, the same year he moved to the state from Ohio, Socha founded Wounded Nature-Working Veterans, a nonprofit aimed at removing larger debris from harder-to-reach areas. Now, the group is on track to be the first warm water state to rid its coastlines of large debris, including boats. We asked him about his efforts on the water. What…

BIRD-B-GONE BIRD REPELLER 360 THE STOP: Seagulls need a place to land onboard or they’ll move onto the next boat, and this spinning system mounts tiny sails on the ends of a 6-foot-diameter metal rod to catch the breeze. It comes with many mounting options including a portable sandbag base if you don’t want to hard-mount it. THE FLOP: When the wind dies down and the repeller is not spinning, seagulls can land. Although Bird B Gone offers a solar-powered version ($87.99). PRICE: $56.99; westmarine.com BIRD-B-GONE BIRD REPELLENT FLASH TAPE THE STOP: Now that CDs have ceded to streaming services, it’s hard to find shiny things, but this inexpensive tape is easy to install on towers, hardtops and rails to create a shiny distraction for the birds so they don’t…

Hydraulic steering systems are so super reliable that boaters may forget about them. But if you were to lose steering, you’d be put in a dangerous—perhaps life-threatening—situation. For this reason, hydraulic steering systems require regular maintenance and inspection. Use these tips—along with the steering-system manual—to help maintain your boat’s hydraulic steering. If at any point you feel in over your head, trust that instinct and call a professional. CHECK FLUID LEVEL Note: sidemount and splashwell-mount cylinders must be fully retracted. For all types, fluid is checked and added through a port on top of the helm unit. Clean the helm first to prevent dirt or grit from falling into the port. If your helm is mounted with the shaft vertical or nearly so, the fluid should be within ½ inch of…

Consider this special issue a celebration of pontoon boats, both in how far they’ve come and in how far they’re going to continue to evolve. Pontoons have become integral to the fabric of boating, with so many styles and types to suit the needs of all kinds of boaters around the world. If you want to go fast, entertain, day cruise, fish, enjoy watersports or all of the above, there’s a pontoon in these pages that’s got you covered. Take a look at the 28 pontoons we reviewed for 2026, and pick the one that satisfies your boating soul.…

SPECS: LOA: 27'11" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): 2'0" DRY WEIGHT: 4,719 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 13/1,833 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 116 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINES: Twin Yamaha F350 DRIVE/PROPS: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 1 /4" x 19" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 52 gal. In simple terms, Bennington’s 27 QX looks fast standing still. Its sweeping fiberglass bow architecture gives it an aerodynamic profile. An extruded aluminum top rail does likewise. Additional design cues include sculpted fiberglass side panels that incorporate a dramatic swoosh, a billet Bennington logo, integrated louvers, and an aft mesh accent on the sides at the stern. Even the fuel fill gets sexy sleek, now covered with an automotive-style gas door. Form, however, doesn’t sacrifice function. Example? Designers were tasked with adding much of those curvy…

SPECS: LOA: 27'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,850 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14/1,906 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 70 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury Verado 425 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 18" x 20" 4-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 49 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. Alera Marine’s M25L tested extremely well. Fitted with a Mercury V-10 Verado outboard, the M25L stormed to 30 mph in 6.4 seconds and hit 52.5 mph at 6,500 rpm. Handling was tight and light; response was very sharp for a near-28-footer. The big Mercury drank fuel at 5.1 gph, which calculates to 2.7 mpg, which is good economy. The 25-inch-diameter outer tubes are baffled and pressurized; the center 25-inch tube is fitted with storage and the fuel tank. The outer tubes are protected with…

SPECS: LOA: 26'3" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,082 lb. (without engine) SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 12/4,048 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 33 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury 200 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.3" x 14.6" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1 FUEL LOAD: 11 gal. Bennington’s M Series is about customizing it your way. Colors, floorplans, accessories—everything’s on the table. New trim levels and even more layouts are available for 2026, including the combo found on our test boat, the 24M Sport Lounge with the Luxe Trim package. We noted pillow-top seatbacks, bolsters at the seat edges for support, and fold-down armrests. Tucked into lumbar region cutouts are trays for phones with voltmeter-equipped USB/USB-C charging ports and the requisite cup holders. Roto-molded seat bases include storage for gear. In an upscale touch, speakers…

SPECS: LOA: 25'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,100 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14/2,150 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 58 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Yamaha 300 four-stroke DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series 151 /2" x 17" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 58 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. Avalon always dresses to impress. The Excalibur LTD Flex Lounge Windshield showed up for testing with a single Yamaha 300 outboard and romped to 30 mph in 6 seconds flat and hit a 49.5 mph top speed at 6,000 rpm. It’s thrifty, too. Best cruising speed was at just under 21 mph, burning 6.1 gph which calculates to 3.4 mpg. With the proven 27-inch-diameter tubes and Waveglider performance package, the LTD provided stable handling in lake chop and turns. An extended foredeck grants easy…

SPECS: LOA: 25'4" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): 2'8" DRY WEIGHT: 6,939 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 16/2,520 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 104 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: PCM 6.2 465 hp Inboard DRIVE/PROP: V-Drive/OJ 15.5" x 16.5" 3-blade nibral GEAR RATIO: 1.72:1 FUEL LOAD: 46 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 525 lb. Montara calls its Evo 25 the next “evolution” of the unique pontoon wakeboat hybrid. The boat builder lists Boating’s 2023 Boat of the Year among its accolades. Like the original, the Evo features pontoon-style amenities topside but swaps out aluminum tubes for an aluminum, modified-V hull below that carries its beam well forward. Twelve-foot-long ballast bags are tucked into that hull both port and starboard. Rather than outboard or sterndrive, a PCM V-drive provides the power. The result is a boat that can…

SPECS: LOA: 25'0" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): 2'7" DRY WEIGHT (APPROX.): 5,900 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 12/1,624 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 62 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Mercury outboards 300 to 500 hp, including Verado 300 (standard), Verado 400, and Racing 500R The Revel RS25L isn’t your grandfather’s party barge—it’s a high-performance watercraft that accelerates like a Ferrari, turns like a Porsche and delivers the smooth ride of a luxury SUV. The Revel RS25L combines the spacious comfort of a pontoon with the exhilarating performance of a sport boat. Push the throttle forward and at approximately 35 mph, the boat breaks loose and steps up onto that pad, surging forward with acceleration reminiscent of that delivered when the secondaries open on a Holley four-barrel carburetor under the hood of a muscle car. Our Mercury…

SPECS: LOA: 24'2" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,104 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/1,537 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 52 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Single outboard engine to 200 hp The Ranger 223FC blends serious angling with family comfort. Ranger calls it “Built to Fish Hard and Cruise Easy,” and after a close look at the layout and construction, that tagline rings true. At a spacious yet manageable 24 feet, 2 inches overall, the 223FC strikes a confident stance. Triple 26-inch-diameter pontoons, formed from 0.100-gauge 5052 marine alloy, provide durability. Ranger’s reputation for rugged build quality is expressed in stout logs, clean welds, and a deck that feels solid underfoot. Fishing features anchor the design. Both bow and aft stations are thoughtfully arranged to let multiple anglers work without crowding one another.…

SPECS: LOA: 23'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 2,716 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/2,237 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 27 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury 115 Pro XS DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/14" x 14" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 2.38:1 FUEL LOAD: 20 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 220 lb. The Princecraft Vectra 23 QL captured my attention: It’s high on features and low on price. (Though the $6,100 upgrade to Mercury’s sporty Mercury Pro XS 115 with Command Thrust gear case gets our recommendation.) Measuring 23 feet, 6 inches it accommodates up to 11 people, so invite the crowd. Crafted from 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy, the Vectra 23 QL will hold up over time delivering confidence to owners. Its V-shaped aluminum engine pod and sealed pontoon bulkheads, complete with top-mounted air plugs, further ensure…

SPECS: LOA: 20'5" BEAM: 7'10" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 2,609 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 46.5 gal. PASSENGER/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 10/1,485 lb. STOWAGE CAPACITY: 206 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: 300 hp Rotax 1630 ACE PUMP/IMPELLER: High-pressure pump with 161 mm stainless-steel impeller FUEL LOAD: 46 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 450 lb. Sea-Doo’s Switch Cruise continues its category-defying success, offering elements of a pontoon and a PWC, and now with more horsepower. The boost comes in the form of a variant of Rotax’s 300 hp ACE 1630—a supercharged, 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. Our test boat topped out at 39.4 mph—4 mph faster than the previous 230 hp offering. Equally important is its ability to be less affected by passenger load, especially as the Switch approaches its maximum 10-passenger capacity. Along with that increased horsepower is…

The young man attending the gas dock in Frankfort, Michigan, seemed befuddled. “So you just crossed Lake Michigan on a pontoon boat,” he said. “Why would you do that?” I thought about this for a moment and just shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess because it’s a nice day.” The kid slipped the nozzle into our fuel fill and switched on the pump. He stood back and looked us over some more: three guys on the far side of middle age and a 22-foot pontoon. “So now what are you going to do?” he asked. “I don’t know,” I replied. “I guess gas up and go back to Wisconsin. It’s still a nice day.” This little adventure was a goofy idea. Quite literally. The instigator was our friend Malcolm “Goofy”…

Which trends helped accelerate the popularity of boating since this magazine was founded in 1956? One might point to a booming post-WWII economy and greater consumer buying power, the onset of fiberglass boat construction, or perhaps the introduction of the modern sterndrive. By the way, it was the Volvo Penta Aquamatic debuting at the New York Boat Show in 1959. But as a trailer boater with a proud chip on my shoulder, I say that one of the strongest catalysts was the expansion of boat-launch ramps across America. These would eventually make it easy for the everyday boater to access just about any waterway, negating the need to pay for a slip at a marina. I view launch ramps as the great democratization of boating. Before this, pleasure boating was…

In Las Vegas, the Bellagio Resort & Casino is one of the major players on “The Strip." Who knew you could boat there? The casino sports fountains in an 8½-acre lake, which now hosts one of just 18 Riva Anniversario powerboats—a 33-footer that celebrates the Italian boatbuilder’s 180 years of legendary powerboats. Inspired by the lines of the famed Aquarivas that flit along the Riviera, carrying bikinied crumpets and champers from St. Tropez to Antibes, the Anniversario is crafted from mahogany planking with—wait for it—24 coats of hand-applied varnish. Powered by a pair of Yanmar 370 hp inboards with two-speed transmissions, it tops out at over 46 mph, although it’s unlikely to reach that speed on the lake. As if riding in a $2.2 million Italian speedster isn’t enough, the…

OPTIMA DIGITAL 1200+ 12-VOLT BATTERY CHARGER My Breakaway now features a combination of absorbed glass mat (AGM) and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. Oldschool, analog chargers can charge AGM starting batteries, but will have problems charging deeply discharged AGM house batteries. For the LiFePO4s, a special charger is needed. I’ve been using the Optima 1200+ 12-volt battery charger for a season now to maintain my boat’s batteries, as well as other batteries in my fleet of boats, vehicles, and equipment. This charger offers optimized profiles for AGM, lithium and flooded-cell chemistries, ensuring the fullest charge and longest life for batteries. The LCD screen provides a host of information both before and during charging, including voltage, charge status, state of charge, faults, and more. Special technology makes for spark-free terminal connections, regulates for…

Seakeeper’s Ride system stabilizes a pontoon boat in ways never before possible. Will Cimino, chief commercial officer for Seakeeper, explains the significance: “Seakeeper Ride has become a minimum expectation on monohull powerboats globally. It provides our basic functionality of pitch and roll stabilization underway. Because pontoon boats tend to turn flat, they feel less comfortable in turns and less maneuverable overall. Seakeeper Ride can dynamically cause the boat to bank into the turn, which gives you much more of a maneuverable feel. It makes you feel like you’re riding on a higherperforming monohull fiberglass boat.” Barletta modified the tubes in the Lusso 25 UE to accommodate Seakeeper’s actuators with rotary blades that resemble short ailerons. Barletta flattened the bottom of the tubes from approximately 1 foot forward of the back…

SPECS: LOA: 28'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: NA SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14/2,000 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 58 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Yamaha 300 four-stroke DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series 15.5" x 15" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 23 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. The 25 RTSBA’s Vantage-Point Captain’s View step-down bowrider design is truly a sea-change in design, offering better forward visibility over the heads of forward-seated riders. Rigged with a Yamaha 300, the R Bowrider accelerates to 30 mph in a cat-quick 5.1 seconds and hits a respectable 42.5 mph at the big end. Fuel economy of 3.6 mpg is delivered at a sightseeing-cruise speed of 16.4 mph where the range from the 58-gallon tank is 190 miles. Sound level is 75 dB(A), so living-room voice…

SPECS:LOA: 27'8" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 4,300 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 13/1,775 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 60 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Yamaha 300 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Yamaha 15.5" x 16" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 49 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. The G5 CLZ goes head to head with other pontoon boats at the top of the market. It’s a head-turner, loaded with advanced styling and digital features. Powered by a Yamaha 300, it posted a top speed of 41.7 mph, jumped on plane, and hit 30 mph in 6.5 seconds. Turning was sharp, with defined banking. It cruises at 19.4 mph getting 3.2 mpg. Its SPX PR25 Performance Package features triple 25-inch-diameter logs with lifting strakes. Topside, the new exterior perimeter surround is molded-in fiberglass panels and painted…

SPECS:LOA: 27'5" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 4,420 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/1,601 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 124 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINES: Twin Mercury Racing 500R FourStroke DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Ventera 15" x 21.5" 4-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.60:1 FUEL LOAD: 85 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. Godfrey Marine’s Sanpan 2700 Split Bench with Windshield, powered by twin Mercury Racing 500R outboards, hit30mphin3.2seconds, hitting 71.6 mph at wide-open throttle. We found the Sanpan remarkably easy to drive fast—it’s rock-steady at 70 mph. The iMPACT+ tri-toon configuration gives superlative tracking; the boat leans into turns, banking gracefully, even at speed. That the pontoon delivers awesome performance is but one reason we awarded Pontoon of the Year for 2025 to Sanpan. Godfrey went all-out for this top-line flagship, and it shows. Above deck,…

SPECS: LOA: 25'10" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,828 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/1,515 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 50 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury Racing 150R DRIVE/PROP: Mercury Enertia 13.5" x 14" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1 FUEL LOAD: 42 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. Harris’s Sunliner 230 Sport is an agile performer with Mercury Racing’s sporty 150R for power. It hit a 36-mph top speed and went 0-to-30-mph in 8.6 seconds; it’s well-equipped to plane a load of friends and pull watersports enthusiasts too. It’s also thrifty: The most economical cruising speed occurs at 3,000 rpm and just over 15 mph burning 3.9 gph—that’s 4 mpg for a 174-mile range from the 50-gallon tank. Pounding it through afternoon wind chop, we heard no rattling or flexing as we cranked…

SPECS: LOA: 25'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT (MAX): 1'1" DRY WEIGHT: 3,400 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 12/1,635 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 70 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury 250 Verado DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15" x 15" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1 FUEL LOAD: 35 gal. Alera Marine enters the pontoon market in impressive fashion with its 25-foot-6-inch Model M23Q. This tritoon is highlighted by stylish and stout 2½-inch extruded perimeter rails, accented by flat two-tone aluminum panels and aluminum billet pods housing navigation and dock lights. Step aboard, and plush furniture along with standard Roswell Marine audio maintain the premium feel for up to 12 friends and family. Alera’s Quad Chaise layout positions a foursome of couches around the M23Q’s perimeter. Flip-down armrests pair with a rarity—additional armrests cleverly worked into the…

SPECS: LOA: 25'4" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,885 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 12/1,733 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 52 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Single outboard engine to 250 hp The Regency 230 DL elevates the social experience as much as the ride. At 23 feet in length, the 230 DL is large enough to host a crowd, yet nimble enough to keep handling crisp. The layout centers on plush, wraparound lounges that invite guests to stretch out rather than perch. Multidensity cushions are wrapped in marine-grade vinyl and there’s premium woven vinyl flooring underfoot. Lockable stowage beneath the lounges keeps gear secure, while patented Stow More storage is built-in to the seat backs. At the 230 DL’s helm the Omni2 12-inch touchscreen consolidates systems control into an intuitive interface for engine data,…

SPECS: LOA: 24'4" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,560 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/2,398 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 58 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Suzuki DF200 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Suzuki 16" x 18.5" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 2.50:1 FUEL LOAD: 14 gal. For all of a pontoon’s big comfy couches, Viaggio notes passengers often fight over one unexpected seat—the co-captain’s chair. With its supportive armrests and personal space, it’s a favorite amongst couples, families and seniors. The Lago X22Q gives buyers not just one but four of them. Joining the helm seat, a trio of additional chairs occupy much of the surrounding deck. Passengers can face forward when under way, aft to keep tabs on watersports action, or swivel inward to gather around drinks at a pedestal table. Parallel couches forward await…

SPECS: LOA: 24'2" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 2,080 lb. (without engine) SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 11/1,500 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 32.1 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury 150 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.6" x 3" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.92:1 FUEL LOAD: 21 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 375 lb. Sun Tracker’s Party Barge 22 DLX is a high-value pontoon packaged at an attractive price point. With the optional Mercury 150 outboard, it’s out the door for just under $44,000. It tops out at 32 mph, accelerating to 30 mph in 8.7 seconds. It’s a fuel-sipper too—cruising at 16 mph nets just 3.5 gph, or 4.6 mpg. That’s a 130-plus-mile range from its 32-gallon fuel tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve. It turns smoothly and as tightly as you want, and takes late-afternoon…

SPECS: LOA: 23'5" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,500 lb. WEIGHT CAPACITY: 2,150 FUEL CAPACITY: 25 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Outboard engines between 9.9 and 500 hp The Tahoe LTZ Entertainer elegantly balances affordability with luxury, making it a popular choice for pontoon boat buyers seeking value and comfort. Imagine grabbing the wheel of this finely constructed Tahoe pontoon, designed with custom Deco wall panels and furnished with plush handcrafted seating. The LTZ Entertainer stands out, not just for its looks but for its tailored performance and amenities. You can personalize it to match your lifestyle—whether you’re planning a serene family outing or hosting an unforgettable party out on the lake. The versatile LTZ Entertainer is available in two lengths—23 and 25 feet—again, suiting different boat buyers’ needs. A distinctive…

SPECS: LOA: 19'0" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 1,600 lb. PERSONS/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 8/1,869 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 25 gal. AVAILABLE POWER: Single outboard engines 9.9 to 115 hp Imagine a pontoon boat that’s the nautical equivalent of your favorite playlist: reliable, mood-enhancing, and versatile. That’s the Aura QL in a nutshell. Available for a low price, it is backed by Avalon Pontoons’ long and vast experience. Innovation abounds. The Scanstrut phone holder and nano charger takes care of your phone. An innovative moveable backrest let’s you customize the seating. The sound system? The Aura QL comes equipped with JBL Flip 6 speakers that are—get this—portable. Take these babies from bow to stern or even onto the beach for your impromptu sunset dance party. (And yes, they synchronize through the JBL…

They had guts, those great mariners from the Age of Discovery. Though some are viewed today with a degree of controversy, the likes of Columbus, Vespucci, Cortés and Magellan still hold reputations as bastions of courage and exploration. How they did it—setting out on uncharted waters aboard creaking wooden sailing vessels, minds abuzz with apprehension of what might lie ahead, suppressing the lingering fear that they might never see land again—will always fascinate me. Few of us today will ever experience anything approaching that level of long-term anxiety afloat, thanks in large measure to today’s sophisticated marine electronics. They can tell you where you are, where you’re going, when you’ll get there, what’s lies underwater, what might get in your way, and where and when storms might strike. Today’s marine…