When everything in life is a trade-off (including boat buying), it can feel like you have to give up your wish list in favor of your budget, or vice versa. But not with the Barletta Cabrio. This perfectly placed mid-line model has it all, including plush furniture, sporty performance, and an affordable price tag.

Made for families, this cost-effective pontoon is not only gorgeous and comfortable, but also filled with the must-haves for superb on-the-water adventures. Barletta Regional sales manager Evan Sharpley said, “The Cabrio hits all the right notes at an unbeatable price. The plush furniture is next-level comfort, the raised helm is a standout feature at this price point, and the extended swim platform adds serious versatility. Add in a range of smart options, and it’s clear why the Cabrio continues to dominate.”

We had the opportunity to test a MY2025 Barletta Cabrio at our Shootout Boat Test last fall and we loved the versatile layout, pet-friendly amenities, and all-around sleek fit and finish quality.

Family & Pet-Friendly

Pontoons are built for family parties, and with its 12-passenger seating capacity, the Cabrio is crafted with adventures in mind. We loved the sporty vibes of the Quad-Lounger with the vibrant red rails and comfortable gray vinyl furniture. Designed for those who love to entertain, this Cabrio featured two chaise lounges in the bow and two in the stern. All of the seats were incredibly comfortable, especially with leg bolsters, lumbar support, tall seat backs, and fold-down armrests.

Beyond comfort for the family, Barletta’s pet-friendly amenities make the boat a true winner. Built-in food and water dishes are the perfect way to keep your pet cool on those hot summer afternoons. Three gates, all with pinch protection and gate stops, ensure a safe ride. Additionally, we loved the Doggie-View doors, which are not only great for pets but also make docking a cinch for the driver.

Quality Construction

Built with quality materials and attention to detail, each Barletta feels solid and strong. The heavy-duty build ensures a safe and sturdy ride, and the finish level has customers thinking the model is much more expensive than the actual price tag.

Salesman Damon Bundy at Boater’s Choice, a dealership in Brooklyn, Mich., said, “Most customers think the Cabrio is much more expensive than it is simply because the fit and finish is a step above what you normally get in a mid-line model. They notice that it’s well put together, and everyone appreciates that.”

Flexible Floorplans

Featuring five unique and versatile floorplans, Barletta maximizes the potential in each model. The Quad-lounge, which we tested, has four chaise lounges for the most available seating. The Ultra-Lounge features two chaise lounges in the bow and a wide lounger in the stern that can be configured a myriad of different ways. The Ultra-Entertainer boasts a high-top table and two upholstered swivel stools, along with additional multi-function bench seating. The Cast-n-Cruise model is stocked with fishing amenities for anglers, such as the most comfortable fishing seats in the industry, rod holders, a fish-center, and an aerated livewell.

On our tested Quad-Lounge model, we appreciated that the co-captain’s seat easily converted into a front or rear-facing lounger. We also enjoyed the LilliPad REVO Ladder and pop-up changing room on the port side, which would be perfect for family swimming parties.

The Smoothest Ride

Since a smooth ride is a comfy ride, each Barletta starts out with a frame built to glide through any type of water. Using vibration isolation pads, wave tamers, and heavy-duty nose cones, to name a few, we found our trip to be flawless. It was a sleek and rattle-free ride, where we accelerated from 0-20 mph in just under 5 seconds. We loved the performance quality, especially with the lifting strakes and full splash skin on our triple tube test model.

Damon said, “Our sales job is easy because most people like the Cabrio immediately, so it’s a nice product to offer to the consumer.” He also said the profile looks so great on the water, which often brings buyers into the dealership.

Convenient Amenities

Convenience is a priority so that your days on the water are a breeze. With the Cabrio’s power Bimini, you can deploy shade with the press of a button. Among nicer features that customers gravitate toward, Damon mentioned the retractable armrests, extended platforms, and easy-access trash cans. Many also appreciate the spacious in-floor storage locker, which has a larger opening and better utilized space than some other pontoon boats.

“Customers are always surprised at how much luxury they’re getting at such a value price and that’s why it sells so well. The competition may offer a few comfort amenities, but Barletta has all of them,” he said.

Evan added, “From the pet-friendly features to the LilliPad Marine Ghost Mounts, to that elevated helm—this boat makes you wonder why anyone would look anywhere else. If you’re paying close enough attention, you can’t find a boat of this quality at this price point anywhere else. It’s a winner – plain and simple.”

Commanding Helm

Each Cabrio has a raised helm bucket seat that slides, swivels, and reclines, keeping your captain at the forefront of the action. We loved the symmetrical look of the helm, complete with JBL stereo and four speakers and Simrad depth finder. Other handy features on our tested model were the lockable glove box, wireless phone charger, and fire extinguisher clipped safely out of the way but conveniently always on board in the event of an emergency.

‘Just Right’

With so many finishing touches and standard features, which usually sends a boat into the luxury price range, customers may wonder how the Cabrio stays firmly in the middle of Barletta’s lineup. Evan said, “It’s all about delivering choice and value at every price point without overstepping into the other series’ price points.”

Barletta dealers take note of what matters to consumers for the best approach to what comes standard and what are add-on options.

“We keep a close eye on take rates and bake those insights into the cost,” Evan concluded. “Our design team is skillful at dialing in what matters, balancing must-haves with customer feedback to rig these boats exactly the way people want them. From horsepower to capacity, the Cabrio lineup is thought through, top to bottom.”

Loaded with comfort, exceptional standards, and high performance, the Barletta Cabrio will set you up for successful adventures on the water so that every boat ride is note-perfect.