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Publisher Brady L. Kay
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
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By Brady L. Kay
THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
At the time I felt I was being punished and you couldn’t convince me otherwise. If not a cruel punishment, then at the very least some sort of rookie hazing or initiation for the new guy. For my first Shootout Boat Test assignment – well over 20 years ago – I got stuck doing the on-trailer inspection part of our test, which meant I spent my entire week in the parking lot while everyone else was down at the docks.
In my eyes it was absolutely the worst job I could be assigned. From my remote work station I could see the rest of the PDB magazine staff constantly leaving the docks and heading out on Lake Dora for the more exciting parts of our test, while I sweated it out in the parking lot in the Florida heat.
- Price as Tested$217,097
- Base Price$204,589
Truly loaded with amazing features, there is a lot packed into this 27-footer that may change your expectations of what a high-end luxury model should be.
Not a big deal, but we’d like to see a locking glove box at the helm for the captain to secure loose items such as wallets and keys while underway.
There are anniversaries and then there are milestone anniversaries, and clearly Avalon understands the best way to celebrate a big one. The Michigan-based manufacturer is celebrating its first 50 years in the pontoon industry with the release of its latest Excalibur, and “stunning” is the best way to sum it up in one word.
- Price as Tested$169,296
- Base Price$118,500
The long list of standard features is impressive, but it’s the little touches found on this boat that you can’t truly appreciate until you’re on the water that make it unique.
With the need to plug in our phones being high these days and an extra spot at the helm already available, a second wireless charger would be nice to at least offer as an option.
High-end luxury is something Barletta takes very seriously and the best example of its commitment to building a model worthy of its top-of-the-line reputation is this all-new Lusso. From the exterior rails and panels with stainless accent pieces to the thoughtful standard features to make time on the water better, this Barletta will amaze you.
- Price as Tested$138,057
From the overall color scheme to the plush seating, there is a lot to love about this 26 LX that as tested with all the options and upgrades makes a lot of sense.
There is a lot of extra space in front of the first mate chair that we’d like to see filled a little better or at the very least a wider port gate.
Brand-new for 2023, the LX Sport Line is being launched as the top of Bennington’s L Series and it clearly made a great first impression with our crew.
- Price as Tested$53,452
It’s all about the versatility and this Swingback provides multiple ways to get the most out of the boat including the helm chairs, pop-up table and swingback seating.
It’s a good-looking helm console with room to add a digital map or touchscreen if desired, but we would like to see some type of locking glove box built into the console.
- Price as Tested$92,286
- Base Price$41,285
The combination of the overall color scheme and the floor plan that includes a “back porch” are just two qualities that make this boat attractive to a variety of buyers.
Great storage options including under the helm, but we’d like to see some type of a glove box to store those smaller items such as keys and wallets.
for any pontoon boat
for any pontoon boat
Move sideways, diagonally, or rotate in place
Easy DIY installation • $5,695 for the complete kit
- Price as Tested$280,264
- Base Price$125,745
For those in the market for a high-end dream pontoon, take notice of this Sanpan that performs extremely well and is loaded with some amazing features.
With a capacity rating of 16, the pontoon should come standard with a trash can that is easily accessible for those nice long days out on the water.
It’s okay to toss around accolades such as “dream boat” when referring to this Sanpan from Godfrey Marine because it truly is an amazing high-end beauty that’s absolutely loaded with features you might not even realize are available on a pontoon.
- Price as Tested$195,613
- Base Price$118,097
The lighted Ion tower, color scheme and cool upgrades such as the joystick controls and amazing sound system set this boat apart.
The fiberglass bow maximizes the sporty look, but it doesn’t leave a lot of extra room to board since it’s close to the edge of the front deck.
- Price as Tested$92,386
- Base Price$69,191
The plush seating doesn’t disappoint; it’s as comfortable as it looks. Plus the performance as well as the features make it a great all-around boat.
There are three 12-volt outlets but only one USB port so it might be nice to add a couple more USB plugs so everyone can stay charged up while out for the day.
- Price as Tested$171,982
- Base Price$106,092
It’s a completely loaded deck boat with too many thoughtful amenities to list that has been designed to make your time on the water the most enjoyable possible.
There is an unbelievable amount of storage space on board, yet this boat could use a specific and designated area just for a trash can to help keep the interior clean.
Talk about sensory overload… we were absolutely blown away by all the features on board this 26-footer that quite possibly has more cool amenities per square inch than any other deck boat out there. It seemed the more we looked, the more we found – and the more we found, the more we loved.
- Price as Tested$184,853
- Base Price$155,352
This amenity-rich pontoon was born to entertain. As is, it has what you need to host a party with way too many cool features to even begin to describe.
The power Bimini has a rating for up to 55 miles per hour and what would really make it nice on a boat this long is a second one to keep more passengers shaded.
- Price as Tested$46,810
- Base Price$38,475
For a boat geared toward a specific price point we’re very pleased with all this pontoon has to offer including an impressive setup for fishing.
The USB and 12-volt outlets are a great addition to the helm, but we’d like to see them closer to the cell phone holder that’s directly across.
- Price as Tested$120,617
- Base Price$63,564
With the color scheme, tower and the plug-and-play amenities, there is a lot going for this new M-Class model that will appeal to a wide variety of boaters.
Plenty of storage below the seats, but with the tower and ski/bar we’d like to see an in-floor storage locker for your water toys be included in the standard features.
- Price as Tested$84,937
- Base Price$80,146
The ride and stability of the catamaran hull is its biggest selling point, but the layout and features up top are just as impressive.
A ski/tow eye is included, but a ski/tow bar or pylon really should come standard on a well-performing deck boat like this one.
- Price as Tested$87,110
- Base Price$50,070
This is a complete package with a nice blend of performance, style and a fully-loaded pontoon with the majority of the key features being standard.
A specific and designated storage area just for a trash receptacle is something we’d like to see on this boat, but otherwise there is a lot going for this Starcraft.
- Price as Tested$72,592
- Base Price$64,130
Added value is what sets this boat apart from others. It has a lot going for it that makes it not only attractive to first-time buyers but to seasoned veterans as well.
There are two USB ports, but with the popularity of cell phones this boat could use a couple more. Being able to plug in is just as important as a steering wheel for some families.
- Price as Tested$141,196
- Base Price$103,052
Clearly a modern vibe to a layout that takes full advantage of the latest technological advancements for an updated and great all-around offering.
While we love the look of the stainless stern gate, the design might be a little “too open” and it’s something to be aware of if you have younger children or small pets.
- Price as Tested$68,899
- Base Price$43,066
We call this Geneva a “box checker” because it’s a great all-around pontoon that brings a lot of value to the entry- and mid-level market.
We’d like to see a lockable glove box at the helm for storing your smaller items such as keys and wallets. We get it, it’s all about keeping the price down, but this would be a nice addition.
Are you ready to check some boxes? When shopping for a boat we all have a list of features we’d like to see and this brand-new model for 2023 has a lot going for it. It starts with the color scheme and how well it flows in harmony together. For example the standard black exterior rails with the blue graphic perfectly tie in with the accent colors on the seats. The boat is truly color-coordinated for a complete package and matches well with the optional Teak weave flooring.
- Price as Tested$67,334
- Base Price$42,758
Unless you’re a die-hard angler who fishes daily you should be able to appreciate how well hidden the fishing amenities are on this all-around great family boat.
It is available as an option, but a fishing-specific model really should come standard with a FishFinder. The good news is there is a space at the helm if you want to add one yourself.
- Price as Tested$265,471
- Base Price$231,541
With so many key features being included there is a lot to love, but the power of twin 400hp outboards with the Waveglider hull is clearly the biggest highlight.
The charging station in the bow is a great cubby to store your phone, but with a passenger rating of 14 this loaded high-end pontoon could really use a few more.
- Price as Tested$228,814
The patented, all-aluminum, all-welded interlocking deck system doesn’t get nearly the recognition it deserves. This is truly a solid platform and an overall well-built pontoon.
We’d like to see a locking glove box at the helm to secure those loose items. As is there isn’t really a good place to store your keys and wallets while you’re out on the water.
- Price as Tested$124,425
- Base Price$60,664
Well-built and feature rich, this beautiful pontoon has a nice mix of key standard features and what some might refer to as “must-have” upgrades that make the boat great.
Love the first mate chair but it doesn’t leave a lot of extra room where it’s positioned when using the port gate. However, the trade-off is a chair that is just as comfortable as the helm one.
Do It Without You
For starters I want to put a spotlight on our two event sponsors: BoatMate Trailers and BumperMate USA. BoatMate has sponsored our event for the past five years now and we truly appreciate their support. The trailer manufacturer specializes in high-quality marine trailers that are ideal for these luxury pontoon boats we test. The quality and attention to detail that go into each and every trailer are truly impressive.
BumperMate USA was a new sponsor for us and there were plenty of pontoons that could have used its fender holders that are practical and keep fenders within reach at all times.
