With the Roswell R1 Audio Spectre Arch, if Alera was trying to break into the pontoon segment with an impressive entrance, mission accomplished. Alera Marine Group is a new brand for 2026 by a team with over 200 years of collective boat-building experience. While the name might be new, the expertise behind its Model M 25L runs deep.

The list of standard features is extensive, with a few optional upgrades that make a significant impact, including that Roswell R1 Audio Spectre Arch. The dual power tower collapses forward and also deploys a 10-foot Bimini. The arch was custom-built for Alera, featuring two 10-inch square fiberglass tower speakers that provide a unique look, only overshadowed by their performance. The square speakers also project downward into the boat, so passengers will notice concert-level sound quality immediately. The audio upgrade also includes four 8-inch speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, a transom remote, two 8-inch aft speakers, and three amplifiers. If having amazing acoustics is a top priority for you, just wait until you hear this audio system from Roswell.

Technically, the Catalina line of pontoons is referred to as a sophisticated mid-range offering, but with the same quality construction and style found in Avalon’s higher-end models, you might mistake it for a more expensive version. Available in 11 layouts, the Catalina Versatile Rear Bench (VRB) floorplan has so much to offer.

The new exterior Sea Mist wall color quickly grabs your attention. It’s a fun and sporty look for this Avalon, especially when paired with the new EXP tower with panel inserts. Inside, the two-tone gray and off-white furniture welcomes you, but it’s the durable ULTRAFINE soft-to-the-touch vinyl that is truly impressive. Why? Because of its comfort.

Looking for the muscle-car equivalent in a pontoon boat? The sporty Corsa, with its aggressive stance and sleek lines, is worthy of a closer look. The versatility and long list of standard features will catch your attention, along with the plush, multi-function seating configurations.

Starting at the helm console, the sporty vibe begins. The dash is centered on two multi-function gauges, with a vertical row of push-button controls on each side of the tilt steering wheel. Also integrated is a wireless charging pad for your phone, with the Simrad 7-inch NSX chartplotter/multi-function display offset to the right and JBL audio controls below. On the side of the helm, there is a lockable glove box, and built into the raised helm platform are integrated pet food/water dishes that slide out when needed. Speaking of pet-friendly features, the Doggie-Dock View See-Through Acrylic panels for the gates and the extra-wide steps on the LilliPad Marine REVO boarding ladder are ideal for your four-legged friends.

The Lusso line represents Barletta’s premium luxury offering, though the manufacturer actually offers an even higher tier if you can believe that. At first glance, we feel Lusso’s refined features and upscale comfort set it apart in this segment of the pontoon industry.

High-end luxury is something Barletta takes seriously, and the best example can be found at the raised helm. It’s easy to see why the award-winning dash console draws so much attention. The lighted dash panel accent serves as the background for the 12-inch Simrad NSX Ultrawide touchscreen. Then, just to the right of the steering wheel, you’ll find the 7-inch Simrad digital display, with controls for the JBL Marine sound system below. The enhanced display for JBL stereo includes a total of six speakers with zone control, a subwoofer, and a 1500-watt amplifier. Trust us: the sound system perfectly matches the high-end theme Barletta is going for. Hidden storage compartments at the helm, along with a locking glove box below, round out the highlights from the helm.

Designed with enhanced performance and comfort in the mid-range segment, the M-Series continues to push the boundaries as a luxurious line capable of true customization. With a high level of fit and finish while still retaining the value of a more entry-level offering, the M-Series is quickly growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.

Featuring a dynamic silhouette with its distinctive exterior swoosh signature aft rail and bow sweep, this M24 is easily recognizable as a Bennington from a distance. Stepping aboard and being welcomed by the new Luxe trim package with upgraded plush seating, crafted with five distinct foam densities, only confirms it. The premium Vento upholstery offers a high-end look, featuring a soft, yet extremely durable, vinyl that provides true ergonomic support.

For model year 2026, the Bennington Flagship QX series has been completely redesigned with enhanced durability, usability, and sophisticated aesthetics. This series goes beyond luxury; it crosses into legacy status with modern features and top-of-the-line quality.

Bennington describes the exterior color as Metallic Luminous Blue, but it would be easier to just call it gorgeous. We absolutely love the color, and the additional storage located outside of the front gate in the bow offers an easy-to-reach place for anchors, fenders, and water toys. Just to clarify, the stylish vibe clearly outweighs the practicality of those pods.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and for Evotti, its “wow” factor comes standard on the 723 Convertible Stern (CS). New to the pontoon segment, Evotti Marine is led by pontoon veterans with 500 years of industry experience. At first glance, the high quality and solid construction make the all-new pontoon feel like it was built by a long-established manufacturer, and in a way, it was.

In its first year, Evotti is offering two different lines, and the higher-end 700 series comes standard with a 15-inch widescreen Garmin at the helm that beautifully dominates the dash. Just to the right of the sporty steering wheel are illuminated push buttons, and on the other side of the wheel are controls for the Fusion sound system. The audio sounds amazing, and because of the speaker covers, the six total speakers blend in and are hardly noticeable. Each pair of speakers from the bow, midship, and stern is in a separate zone, controlled from the helm and from the stern with a stereo remote unit.

Customizing a boat to your specific needs is valuable, and Godfrey streamlines this by offering packages that group popular options. This approach eliminates the need to consider each upgrade individually. This Monaco as tested reflects a thoughtful selection of features and options.

With the Back Porch option, you gain its 255 deck layout, but with a 235 playpen, which adds two more feet of additional space in the stern. For the new model year, Monaco refreshed the line with many new features, including the multi-position stern lounge. The lounger offers forward- or rear-facing options with ratcheting backrests, or you can lay the cushions flat. Below the large stern lounger is plenty of storage space, along with a hidden pop-up changing room.

Godfrey Marine offers an impressive lineup in the pontoon segment, from entry-level and price-point models to its top-of-the-line beauties. At a glance, it is clear where this fully loaded, twin-engine Sanpan stands. This is the manufacturer’s oldest series of pontoons, which began in 1958, and its evolution to the latest offering is amazing.

The push-button entry on the see-through bow gate is your first indication that this high-end Godfrey is unique and designed to impress. No lifting is required for this gate, and there is even a magnet on the floor to hold it open.

We love the symmetrical look with the full wraparound windshield, dual helm consoles, and plush seating in the bow. The cool-touch vinyl furniture in the darker Saddle color with a Cavern accent is just as comfortable on hot summer days as lighter-colored vinyl.

What immediately jumps out is the Sage green exterior with carbon fiber graphics in between. When paired with its midnight blackout package, this Godfrey’s high-end look grabs your attention. Sweetwater is supposed to be Godfrey’s price-point offering, but the only “entry” quality may just be the price as tested. All the standard features and key upgrades put it on the next level.

The DT in the model name stands for dinette table, and it’s the focus of the interior. The co-captain bench seat features a pivoting backrest, providing seating on both sides of the pedestal table. When you manually lower the table, the backrests come together to create a very large sunpad. Until this year, the DT layout was only offered in Sweetwater’s 2486 with a sink on the starboard aft rail. New for 2026 is the 2286DT, which features additional seating with a chaise bench behind the helm chair and provides more storage. There is even a Scanstrut ATMOS built-in air pump below the rear-facing chaise bench and a stereo remote located on the side. Don’t worry: you can opt for the sink unit as an option if you prefer.

If you are seeking the performance of a fiberglass deck boat that offers the space and amenities of a pontoon, stop dreaming. The FunDeck line from Hurricane delivers both, and it appeals to the boater who wants to have the best of these two worlds.

Starting with the exterior, the combination of black rails and panels with the oceanside blue insert color creates an attractive look for this hybrid. The wide SeaView bow gate is new and complements the interior. Atlas (light) gray soft-touch vinyl with Anchor (dark) gray accents tie in perfectly with the blue exterior.

With all options and upgrades, this deck boat is competitively priced and designed to meet the needs of consumers seeking a versatile day-use vessel. Hurricane engineers remain committed to ongoing enhancements, and although the SunDeck Sport is not a new model, it has been refreshed for the 2026 model year.

The new gel color block option accentuates the kinetic fluidity of the hull design, creating an exterior look that instantly grabs your attention. The Atlas gray furniture, accented with Panama Ice Pacific, perfectly ties in with the blue exterior gel coat.

When it comes to incorporating amenities into every square inch of a pontoon layout, there is loaded, fully loaded, and then there is JC TriToon loaded. The number of thoughtful features this manufacturer includes in its layouts is both amazing and pleasantly surprising. When you first step on board, you never know what fun amenity you might discover.

A new option this year for the extended stern swim platform is SeaStep power steps from SeaLift. The three 16-inch-wide step platforms can be extended into the water with yacht-level strength. The actuated steps, controlled from the helm console, help make boarding from the water effortless. Also controlled from the helm is the misting system from Mister-Comfort, which includes a full system for the floor for your passengers, as well as for the captain at the console.

If this vibrant green, twin-engine beauty looks familiar, you might recognize it from its award-winning presence at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) last fall. Its partnership with Voyager Safety Systems earned it an NMMA Innovation Award, but that is just one of many highlights on this SportToon.

Unveiled at IBEX, the thruster-activated docking camera system from Voyager Safety Systems, a division of ASA Electronics, is truly innovative. It is engineered to integrate with the Accuthrust aft and bow side thrusters, redefining docking safety and precision—complete with night vision technology for low-light conditions.

Looking for an exclusive model? Only 20 EVOs will be available this year through select dealerships, so the demand is sure to be high. EVO is a new boat added to the Montara lineup for 2026, offering a more luxurious, technologically advanced option. The aluminum wake-making hull, with the living-room comfort of a pontoon boat, creates a unique performance boat.

The EVO “EVOLVES” the appearance with new interiors, fence styling, and color patterns for an upscale vibe. A new split-back stern lounge accommodates both forward- and rear-facing passengers simultaneously.

The elevated helm is also new, with greater adjustability for captains of all sizes. The focal point on the dash is the offset 15-inch touchscreen that makes customizing wake shapes and navigating your RGB lighting simple and intuitive. The RGB system includes underwater lights, underdeck lights, speaker lights, and interior lighting, all of which are regulated by a four-zone controller. The Boston Acoustics sound system is managed via a Fusion head unit at the helm, powering 12 speakers and two subwoofers. There are additional zone-controlled stereo remotes for the audio in the bow and stern.

The only thing that could overshadow the aggressive, sporty look of the blacked-out exterior and interior is just how well this Qwest performs. The manufacturer is introducing its A.C.T. technology for model year 2026, and it clearly grabbed our attention.

A.C.T. stands for Advanced Center Tube. The new performance hull features a 5.25-inch deadrise between the inner and outer tubes, allowing the pontoon to bank into turns at high speeds, but we’ll get to the highlights of the performance shortly.

The all-black exterior, with integrated wall-mounted dock and navigation lights, ties in perfectly with the cool-touch black vinyl that dissipates heat faster than traditional vinyl, even on the hottest days. The red accent color completes the sporty vibe.

Launched earlier this year, Revel Boats is a new brand from the Correct Craft family. The RS25 pontoon, as tested, includes distinctive standard features and valuable options to enhance your on-the-water experience. Correct Craft was founded in 1925, and its experience and knowledge of the boating industry transition nicely into this new pontoon line.

Plenty of seating, ample storage, and premium features make the RS25 a blend of comfort and excitement. The comfortable aft lounge seat comes standard with four interchangeable positions to suit any activity, from socializing to tanning, and features back-to-back bench seating when you’re close to the 15-person capacity.

The Switch Cruise 21-300hp is a budget-friendly, value-driven pontoon with the heart of a personal watercraft. The modular, customizable line from Sea-Doo debuted in 2018, and for this model year, higher-horsepower options have been added. Since it’s now capable of higher speeds and quicker acceleration, we were excited to get behind the handlebars and try it.

You read that correctly: you won’t find a traditional steering wheel on this Switch, and that’s what makes it so much fun to operate. Similar to the handlebar steering found on Sea-Doo’s personal watercrafts, the captain has full control. The exclusive Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR) is the first braking system on a pontoon, and it greatly reduces stopping distances. It also provides more control and maneuverability at lower speeds around the dock.

As a family-owned and operated company, Splendor is best known for the performance of its catamaran hulls. The hull design was perfected generations ago and shines most when cutting across rough water. However, for this manufacturer, performance is only the beginning. The use of space, layout, attention to detail, and quality craftsmanship on this 259 SunStar should not be overlooked.

You can’t appreciate the stability until you step onto the bow. There is no side-to-side listing as with a non-catamaran hull. This is part of the secret sauce behind this proven hull that Splendor was founded on. There is a large platform for easy dock access with a well-hidden boarding ladder/anchor locker in the bow. As you step down into the boat, there are two large bench seats with recessed speakers and cupholders for your passengers upfront, plus USB ports to keep everyone comfortable and plugged in.

Starcraft is a manufacturer you can count on each year to push boundaries with new improvements, while keeping style and ease of use in mind. The Starcraft RX’s blackout exterior blends seamlessly from the panels and rails to the painted pontoons, creating a gorgeous offering.

The new standard power Bimini top completes the sporty vibe Starcraft is going for and matches perfectly with the new matte black panels and badging. Inside, the refreshed upholstery is off-white with gray accents and features diamond-pattern stitching throughout. There are two plush chaise lounges in the bow, each with a fold-down armrest and recessed cupholders.

It’s the little added details that often make the biggest difference, and there’s something about this SVX 231 IO that feels extra inviting. Maybe it’s how the black and grey interior flows so well with the exterior monochromatic hull with blackout badging. Or possibly the use of SeaDek flooring throughout, which is all custom-made on-site. Whatever it is, this deck boat clearly grabs your attention.  

As part of the executive package, the cool-touch black and gray vinyl dissipates heat faster than traditional vinyl. The dark-colored seats are gaining in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. The aggressive and sporty vibe they bring to a layout is now possible thanks to the cool-touch technology.

G3 Boats, a Yamaha Boat Company, offers several brands, including the SunCatcher line. Every SunCatcher Elite Series pontoon comes standard with a comprehensive list of always included features. What you see is what you get, which simplifies the boat-buying experience.

Every detail has been carefully refined in the reimagined Elite Series for the new model year, including a new fence design that pays homage to G3’s heritage through contemporary graphics, resulting in a modern and stylish look. Decorative rail designs feature curved angles and extrusions to enhance both strength and visual appeal.

For five generations and counting, Smoker Craft has served the marine industry by offering a range of quality boats, including SunChaser pontoons. Introduced in the late 1990s as a price-point boat, the evolution of this line to where it is today is quite impressive.

Starting with the exterior and the power Bimini, the painted pontoons and the black, white, and gray panels with a distinctive pattern give this boat character. As you enter from the bow, the new see-through front gate has a fun, yet practical feel to it. There are two chaise lounges in the bow, with a hidden pop-up changing room built into the back of the port one. It stands over 5 feet tall when fully open and stores easily when not being used. The two-tone white and gray vinyl used for the furniture is quite stunning, and the best part is that it’s extremely comfortable as well.

Offering versatile layouts has always been a strength for Sylvan, yet its latest offering seems to take things a step further. Boats are used differently based on the number of passengers and/or the activities focused on for that specific day. Luckily, this L-5 SLZ can easily adjust on the fly to meet those ever-changing demands.

Being released for the first time with its 2026 models, Sylvan has introduced a Platinum package that consolidates its best options to simplify the buying process. Instead of having to decide on which specific upgrades would add value to your boating experience, the package removes the guesswork by bundling its most sought-after options together. Highlights of the Platinum package include a LilliPad REVO boarding ladder, in-floor storage with SeaDek, a black see-through bow gate, a raised helm with SeaDek, fiberglass panels, and an upgraded windshield. That’s quite a list!

Veranda Luxury Pontoons is best known for its patented all-aluminum, all-welded interlocking deck system, but we’ll get to its overbuilt construction shortly. At a glance, the styling of the exterior fastback fence design and the carbon fiber accents on this new RELAX Versa lounge made a solid impression, standing out in a positive way.

Good news: the two-tone gray furniture with a quilted design accent is as comfortable as it looks. The integrated lumbar support, combined with wide cushions, provides comfortable seating with wood-free Rotomolded seat bases below. In the bow are two chaise lounges with recessed cupholders, integrated bumper storage, and plenty of room to stretch out. Speaking of comfort, the high-back captain’s and co-captain’s chairs slide, swivel, and recline, and both are on “high-rise” pedestals that hydraulically adjust the seat height.

A few years ago, the price-point Lago line was divided into its Z, X, and V offerings, with the Lago V being its true base entry-level model. We’ve been impressed by how this series has evolved, upgrading the standard features while offering a surprising number of options. Starting at under $40K before engine, the only thing entry-level about the standard V series might just be the price. It features a stout frame, fiberglass helm, blacked-out rails, matte fencing, and a number of available layouts.

For the 2026 model year, the décor offering for the Lago V has expanded, starting with the exterior, which features upgraded automotive-style decals. The accent stripe is one of 11 color options available, and it ties in perfectly with the tan and gray colored vinyl inside. With more furniture and flooring options available than ever before, you can truly customize the layout to your specific style.

What’s your favorite floorplan for a pontoon layout? Before you answer, take a look at the latest Q model from Viaggio. The Lago series is divided into three classes: V, X, and Z. At first glance, it’s easy to see why the luxurious Lago Z is the highest trim offering in the Lago series, just a step down from its flagship Diamante. The premium Z line includes standard amenities such as a raised helm, blackout decals, recessed speakers/cupholders, and diamond-pattern stitched furniture, all while featuring a base price comparable to a mid-line boat.

The Q or quad recliner layout is the focal point, with all four helm chairs designed to swivel and form a conversation area around an oval table. Each captain’s chair also slides and reclines, featuring movable armrests that provide next-level comfort for four people.