It makes sense that this model is so popular with its spectacularly versatile Ultra-Lounge. This lounge can transform into five different seating arrangements, offering something for everyone in any given situation, not to mention the super comfortable chaise lounges in the bow.
Tony Fenech, Barletta’s regional sales manager, mentioned that this is the most-built pontoon boat, and after testing it ourselves, it’s not hard to see why.
Moving into the bow of the boat you’ll find the chaise lounges with the comfortable bench seating. You can easily fit two or three people in a sitting position comfortably or one person could lounge and make use of the nice built-in armrests as well. Naturally every seat has storage underneath, which is convenient for stowing life jackets, rope and other boating essentials.
“As a new standard for model year 2023 we’re going to include two removable cup holders with nice inserts that can connect to the chaise lounge on the side,” shared Fenech. “Of course you could simply put them on the seat as well, but if you want the seat space, you can insert them to the side where they’ll be out of the way.”
Our PDB Tested section is compiled of pontoon and deck boats, new products, gear, tools, aftermarket accessories and more. Simply put, if it can be tested and it applies to our favorite type of boating, you’ll find it in this section. And the one thing each review has in common is they were all tested and evaluated by one or more of our qualified PDB staff members.
The chair also swivels out, can move back and forward, and has armrests you can raise and lower. As an option you can get an adjustable height pedestal as well.
On the Cabrio, the Lowrance Hook-5 is a standard so that’s going to be your chart and depth finder, and you’ll find the controls to the right of the steering wheel. Then just below it, you’ll find your controls for the premium Hertz sound system.
“Another thing I really love about our helms is that they’re very ergonomic,” explained Fenech. “Everything is placed in the right spot, so you’re not reaching for anything. The cup holder is nice and below the rail and the throttle is just in the right place in comparison to the steering wheel. It makes it so it just feels very natural to drive this boat.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Barletta without a pullout pet dish integrated into the helm, which is on a nice new slider system.
This model also has a generous in-floor storage that comes standard with the triple pontoon package. It has a nice wide door unlike a lot of other in-floor storage compartments you’ll find that come with those skinny little doors. Not on this model—Barletta gives you plenty of room to throw whatever you want down there–from life jackets to wakeboards–with about 6.5 feet of storage space inside.
You’ll also find a trash can hidden in the left chaise lounge. Barletta certainly makes the best use of space aboard this comfy vessel. Then of course the Cabrio sports the power Bimini which comes standard on all Barletta models.
Another pet-friendly standard you’ll find on the boat is the Doggie-Dock View, a see-through acrylic panel so pets can also take in the view through the port and bow gates. The windows on the gates are color matched on the outside, making it look nice and natural from the outside while still allowing your four-legged friend to have a view out their own little windows. It also comes in handy when docking since you can see through it, making it safer and easier.
It gives you a forward-facing seat with a rear-facing lounge, and a full rear-facing lounge. From the full rear-facing lounge configuration you can pop the cushions up, swing the backrest forward and you’ve got rear-facing and forward-facing seats. You can also lay the entire lounge flat for some ultimate sunbathing. Lastly, you’ve got your full forward-facing lounge. It’s easy to use and gives you plenty of seating options.
Then on the right side of the Ultra-Lounge you’ve got a battery switch that’s easy access. Plus you’ve got the extended deck in the back that comes standard on all Barlettas. With this extended deck you’ll find a very nice ski/tow cage and a very strong stainless steel ladder. The boat we tested also sported the optional American flag off the back, which is a very popular option and we felt it was a nice touch.
The Cabrio 22UC we tested included the safety stanchions and chains in the stern which allow you to legally use the Ultra-Lounge in the back while the boat is in motion.
Speaking of being in motion, the Cabrio handles like a dream. The steering was delightfully responsive and the boat banked well, contributing to an impressively high fun factor.
There is so much to love about the Barletta Cabrio 22UC, from the comfortable chaise lounges, to the ergonomic helm, to the versatile Ultra-Lounge, to the fantastic handling. This is a boat you definitely don’t want to miss.
- LOA:22’ 2”
- Beam:8’ 6”
- Ladder Measurement:46” deep
- Person Capacity:10
- Fuel Capacity:24 gals.
- Test Engine:Mercury 150L FourStroke
- Max Speed:33.3 mph
- 0-20 MPH:4.5 sec.
- Price As Tested:$92,804
- Base Price:$54,765
Barletta Cabrio 22UC
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