Best Pontoon Boats

‍What are the Best Pontoon Boats?

While there is a vast range of new pontoon boats to choose from, a few stand out among the crowded field, and we have listed the best of them below.

Best Pontoon Boat Overall: Harris Grand Mariner 250

Boating Industry has named this exquisite pontoon one of boating’s top products for 2022.

Harris boats redesigned the Grand Mariner for 2022 with stylish new accent lines and a sleek fiberglass topside. The use of fiberglass rather than traditional aluminum allows the pontoon to be much more stylish than the boxy pontoon shapes that are so frequent on the boating market.

Harris boats designed the craft with meticulous attention to detail, using soft-touch vinyl and luxurious furniture to keep passengers comfortable while providing ample storage space. The 27-foot length provides plenty of deck space, and retractable tables, stow-and-go compartments, cup holders, cubbies, and other features make this one of the best pontoons built anywhere.

A powerful 200 HP engine (the 450 HP is an option) is strong enough to get you across the water or pull your cousin who has suddenly decided to take up recreational water sports.

One of the best things about this pontoon boat is its standard features, usually reserved for more luxury boats. There are plenty of options and packages (like the stunning total lighting package that allows the driver to customize the nighttime appearance of their boat).

Regardless of how you outfit your new pontoon, you will still get a lot for the 120,000 dollars you are likely to spend. With all this value, we think it just might be the right pontoon boat for many American families.

Features:

Upgraded vinyl and furniture
200 HP motor
Fiberglass topside
27-feet length
Accommodates 10 13 passengers

Pros:

Overall best value for a pontoon boat
Seats 10 - 13 people
Fiberglass topside means sleeker look
USA-made pontoon boat

Cons:

None.

Price:

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website to build and price a Harris pontoon.

Best Pontoon Boat Mini: Sea-Doo Switch

You might think that no one would want a mini-pontoon boat, but the folks at Boating Magazine just named the Sea-Doo Switch compact - the “Boat of the Year” for 2023. This pontoon boat is fast and agile, easy to maneuver and dock, and has big enough kahunas to battle all the other pontoons on the water. The controls are not like other pontoon boats but instead are fashioned just like the Sea-Doos most of our kids have been riding for years. The boat has everything going for it. It's easy to board, ride and steer. (Even your teenager can motor it around the lake).

The Switch is technically a Tri-toon, with two outer tubes made of poly and fiberglass and filled with foam. The central tube is seven inches deeper and holds the fuel tank and the jet propulsion motors. It has a braking system and cruise control, so you don’t have to cramp your hand holding onto the throttle.

One of the best things about the Sea-Doo Switch compact is that the deck is made of removable tiles that can be rearranged and fashioned in any way that is needed. Benches and modular tables can be modified with the simple pull of a lever. The boat seats 5 to 10 people (although any more than five passengers on the 13’ version is a bit cramped). A sizeable rear gate offers easy access to the boat, making swimming easy. The Sport model comes with a retractable boarding ladder.

Add the fact that a Sea-Doo Switch starts at $21,995, which includes the trailer and you can tell why the award presenters decreed it to be one of the best in the pontoon boat world.

Features:

Sea-Doo Jet Ski Controls power the pontoon boat
Tri-toon Poly - fiberglass tubes
Bluetooth Stereo
Adaptable Deck Tiles make rearranging easy
Rear entry gate with stainless steel ladder and grab rails.
Upfront Price Includes Trailer

Pros:

Affordable pontoon boat
Great pontoon boat for small families
Excellent fishing boat
Tri-toon means more stability
Available in multiple sizes
USA-made pontoon boat

Cons:

Only 1-year warranty.

Price:

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website to examine TODAY’s PRICE.

Best Pontoon Boat Fishing: Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL Select

If you need something simple that sits four to six passengers and can cruise nimbly over the water, this Sun Tracker is one of the best fishing pontoons you can buy. Equipped with a 50 hp EPLT (Electric Start and Power Trim) four-stroke Mercury motor, this beauty is small enough to get close to the shallows for fishing but is strong enough to glide through the water for cruising to your favorite fishing holes.

The Sun Tracker boat is 8 feet wide, which provides ample deck space, and the dual front fishing chairs are a plus. A bimini top offers shade and is easily retractable.

There is plenty of storage space for tackle boxes, along with plenty of comfortable seating positions. An aft L-shaped lounging area provides space for Mom to get out on the water, while Dad entertains the kids with some serious bass fishing. Three entry gates allow plenty of access, and there is a rear step ladder with grab handles for swimmers.

Features:

Spacious Deck
7’ Bimini Top
Fiberglass console
Bluetooth Stereo
Removable Fishing chairs and rod holders.
Three entry gates with rear stainless steel ladder and grab rails.
50 HP four-stroke Mercury engine

Pros:

10-year bow-to-stern warranty - lifetime on structure
Affordable pontoon boat
Great boat for small families (no more than six passengers)
Excellent fishing boat
Solid pontoon tube construction
Available in multiple sizes
USA-made pontoon

Cons:

50 HP engine may be slower, upgrade if possible.

Price:

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website to examine TODAY’s PRICE.

Best Mid-Sized Pontoon: Lowe SF 212

The folks at Lowe Boats have known a thing or two about building pontoons since their inception in 1971. One glance at the SF 212, and you will understand why we chose it as one of the best pontoon boats. This pontoon can do almost anything you want with a 21-foot deck space and a walk-through that runs down the center of the deck. The boat seats 10 - 12 comfortably with rear loungers that have ample storage under the seats. A 1787 lb max passenger weight with TL is a bit light, but it is not enough of a shortcoming to get our blood boiling. Dual fishing stations are up front, and a sizeable sun pad on the rear makes swimming a breeze.

The SF 212 is powered by a more than capable 9.9 HP Mercury engine with a top speed of 25 mph (we would opt for the extra money to go with the 90 HP so that you can push the craft where you need it to go).

The boat’s physique is sleek and athletic, with a gorgeous center contrasting stripe flowing down the side. The steering console is first-rate, with handsomely defined gauges, wood tones, and stereo control. The rich tones throughout the boat’s interior and the standard amenities make this one of the best pontoon boats on the market. Add to it that you can get the boat for less than $40,000 (depending on the options) is even more of a reason to love it.

Features:

Ample storage
Great family pontoon boat
Dual Fishing Stations w/ Captains chairs and rod holders
Removable Table
Stainless steel ski tow bar
Stainless steel boarding ladder

Pros:

Affordable, good-looking pontoon boat
The walkthrough allows access to all areas of the boat quickly.
Solid Construction
USA-made pontoon

Cons:

Upgrade to the 90 HP engine if you can afford to do so.

Price:

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website to examine TODAY’s PRICE.

Best Affordable Luxury Pontoon Boat: Bennington LX Sport

When a group of industry insiders decides to branch out on their own and create a luxury pontoon company, you’ve got to figure that they will use their expertise to build one of the best pontoon boat brands in the market. That’s what happened in 1997 when Bennington Boats was founded. Since then, Bennington boats have consistently been on the top of everybody’s Christmas list, with their dedicated commitment to quality and innovative pontoon boat design.

We like the LX Sports as our pick for the best affordable luxury pontoon, even though it might not have all the bells and whistles as most pontoon boats. While not as expensive as the ultra-luxury Q-line, the LX Sport still has enough luxurious features to satisfy most pontoon owners. The sleek look begs you to hop on board and open up the impressive performance of the 150 Hp high-performance engine. Easy access, sporty docking lights, and the boat’s interior are plush and have the feel of the material used in much more expensive luxury boats. Other high-quality features like stainless steel pop-up cleats, a powered bimini top, and storage space everywhere you look.

A look around the interior shows off all the amenities you expect it should. Upgraded upholstery with embroidered accents and custom winged logos exude class. A removable table with built-in cup holders offers room for drinks. We love the elevated console because it gives the driver excellent visibility, making maneuvering the boat much more manageable. The 150 HP engine is enough to pull for those interested in water sports.

You can purchase a well-equipped LX Sport from many marine dealers for less than $90,000, which is a very reasonable price considering all it offers.

Features:

Sleek look for a pontoon boat
Upgraded upholstery with winged accents
Seats 13
150 HP motor
Multiple seating configurations
Stainless steel pop-up cleats
Stainless steel ski tow bars
Stainless steel boarding ladder

Pros:

Affordable for luxury pontoon
Bennington considered a quality boat maker.
Solid Construction
USA-made pontoon
Great fishing pontoon or party boat

Cons:

None that we can think of

Price:

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website to build and price a Bennington.

Best Ultimate Party Pontoon: Premier Escalante 350

Take a luxury pontoon, make it big enough to take the whole neighborhood out on the lake, and add a spacious top deck with a slide leading down to the water. As incredible as it sounds, you know what the Escalante 350 offers as the best luxury pontoon boat. One look will tell you that this is no ordinary luxury boat. The 36’ - 4” deck has plenty of seating, a galley complete with a fridge, and a changing room with a porta-potty. The cup holders are lit, and the bench seating on the main level is plush and supple, reminiscent of the kind of fabric you might see in other exotic high-performance boats.

The upper deck of 16 feet offers plenty of room for sunbathing, lounging, or sliding down the slide for a nice splash into the water. A 9’ powered bimini top coves the upper level in case your guests need more shade.

The helm has a wireless charging station for your phone and a refrigerated, lighted cupholder for your favorite soda. An electronic display helps illuminate the helm, and stereo controls offer easy access to adjust the JL Audio system with its six speakers and the subwoofer.

Underwater lighting and rail lights are all RGB, meaning your boat will look incredible traveling past your neighbor’s docks.

The Escalante is powered by twin Mercury outboard motors that produce 425 HP but surprisingly offer a very smooth ride. Lifting strakes are also an option and help in navigating rough waters. Should you decide that this sounds like the right pontoon party boat, Premier will be happy to sell you a new pontoon boat for under $300,000.