Pay Attention To This Electric Rear Bench
Deck Boats Built To Perform
What A $300K Boat Feels Like
You Better Believe It!
What A $300K Boat Feels Like
You Better Believe It!
Pay Attention To This Electric Rear Bench
Deck Boats Built To Perform
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Heather Magda Serrano, Roy Sparks, Annie Carbutt
Editorial Correspondents
Dan Armitage, Sky Smith
Advertising Director
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Advertising Executives
Robin Witbeck, rwitbeck@pdbmagazine.com
Administrative Assistant Robin Witbeck
Marketing Director Cameron Bischoff
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Chloe Adelizzi
Production Jim Donovan
www.harrispublishing.com/pontoon-deck-boat
Publisher Greg Larsen
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Production Manager Janet Chase
Circulation Manager Chuck Harris
Controller Clayton Ward
Production Janet Chase
Founder Darryl W. Harris
President Jason Harris
Vice President Chuck Harris
Vice President Ryan Harris
Vice President Steve Janes
Vice President Greg Larsen
Treasurer Clayton Ward
Secretary Janet Chase
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Also publishers of Houseboat and Great Lakes Boating magazines.
If you solely flip through the pages (or scroll through the digital version on VERTIQUL) and just look at the prices as tested on the boats we reviewed, you could be missing out. Often these boats are loaded with every bell and whistle imaginable so the prices with the maximum sized outboard(s) could look a little intimidating and cause your wallet to shriek. But before you move on to the next review, keep in mind that taking fewer options or going with a slightly smaller outboard engine could drastically drop the price, possibly to within your budget.
Also keep in mind that like other products in our country, pontoons seem to be a little more expensive than they were just a couple of years ago. The high demand for boats isn’t helping, but supply shortages and alarming material increases for these builders have added to the price of boats as the new prices basically mirror the rest of the rate hikes we’ve all been experiencing.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
(w/ 90hp Mercury)
Multi-purpose stern loungers are trending right now, yet we haven’t seen anything quite as impressive as this Electric Versatile Rear Bench Windshield (EVRBW) layout. Combine it with a sporty arch tower, a 450hp outboard and comfortable seating for up to 19 people, and you have a recipe for family fun.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
It may be hard to believe this fully-loaded, feature-rich Corsa is only Barletta’s mid-level line. Face it. At first glimpse you might mistake it as part of its high-end luxury series. With a long list of standard features and amenities, this manufacturer clearly wants to make sure you receive plenty of added value with this line, and it shows.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
Having extra space on board is one thing, but understanding how to make the most out of the spare room is another. This is where the 31-foot long, 10-foot wide Q30 really shines. As tested, there is a great blend of standard features and optional upgrades packed into every square inch of this model.
Berkshire
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
With a vibrant and eye-catching color scheme it would be easy just to focus on the look of this pontoon, but there is a lot more to it, including a versatile layout with a boatload (pardon the pun) of unique user-friendly features.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ Twin Yamaha)
In 1958, Godfrey established its name in the industry with the introduction of the Sanpan pontoon at the World’s Fair in Chicago, Ill. It’s safe to say there have been a “few” tweaks in the past 60 plus years, as those in attendance couldn’t even begin to envision the future of pontoons or have any idea that something as impressive as this 2022 Sanpan could even be possible.
(Boat and Motor)
First Impression
Hybrids aren’t a new concept, but it sure is impressive when a pontoon-like top combines with a deck boat hull for a fast and comfortable ride. Hurricane has been offering its “best of both worlds” FunDeck line for decades and they keep growing in popularity as the manufacturer continues to find ways to make them even better.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat and Motor)
First Impression
We can always count on JC to get the docks buzzing with excitement and the Indiana-based manufacturer came through and then some this year with its pontoon thruster system. It is built into the tubes on all four corners, so turning 360 degrees with minimal effort never looked so good.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat and Motor)
First Impression
When Manitou first introduced V-Toon technology and its SHP hull to the industry, the idea of this performance hull someday being paired with outboards totaling 900hp probably wasn’t even thought to be possible. Fast forward to 2022 and you have the makings of the ultimate performance dream pontoon, capable of reaching some amazing speeds.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat and Motor)
The secret to pontoon boats continuing to trend upward in the boating industry has a lot to do with well-priced offerings, such as this South Bay that doesn’t look or feel like an entry-level model.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
Building a solid and smooth-running deck boat would be enough for a lot of manufacturers, but for Splendor it’s only the beginning. The use of space, overall layout, attention to detail, and quality craftsmanship are what help make this 239 SunStar a popular option.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ 150hp)
Starcraft’s EXS Series puts third-tube performance within range of most budgets with its Sport Package coming standard and other upgrade packages available to help dial in your specific needs. It’s designed to perform well, but is a lot more than just your average performance-driven pontoon.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ 115hp)
If you’re wondering how this manufacturer is able to offer its SVX lineup of quality deck boats at such budget-friendly prices, you’re not alone. We’ve been raving about this series since it first debuted a few years back, and it’s clearly filling a need in the fiberglass segment. Price-point models such as this SVX 191 are helping potential buyers find their way into the boating lifestyle and helping our industry grow.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ 150hp)
The evolution of the SunChaser brand of pontoons has been enjoyable to watch. Its latest offering includes a versatile seating area in the stern with high-end touches throughout, providing just a glimpse of what this manufacturer has to offer from its entire lineup.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ 115hp)
Despite all the other great features and amenities on board, it’s the rear sitting area where you can truly transform the layout that will draw you toward this boat. It takes the concept of a swingback lounger to a whole new level.
Why we love this boat… The extended swimdeck combined with the Versatile Rear Bench make the stern where everyone will want to want to be and for good reason.
Just being picky… For peace of mind, a locking glove box for the captain would be nice, keeping smaller items such as keys and wallets secure, but otherwise we love the helm layout.
(Boat and Motor)
Versatile layouts that appeal to every member of the family are a huge trend in the industry right now and pontoons such as this 2485 VRB from Tahoe is leading the way. It’s set up for a wide variety of users as a great all-around model that gives you a high-end feel without breaking your budget.
Trifecta
Why we love this boat… The customized look with an impressive number of options, including perfectly color-matched features, truly catches your eye and demands your attention.
Just being picky… There’s not a lot of room in the stern to towel off after using the boarding ladder before coming inside the boat through the stainless steel gate.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat and Motor)
There is something about a perfectly color-matched boat that just jumps out and catches your attention, yet this Trifecta goes above and beyond in an elegant way. The yellow exterior accent color can be found in the smallest details, right down to the furniture and flooring inside.
Why we love this boat… Its high-end look is backed by quality craftsmanship for an amazing boat that has a lot going for it including plush comfort and user-friendly features.
Just being picky… With this hull and horsepower, this performance pontoon should come standard with a ski/tow bar which is really the only feature this boat is missing but is available as an option.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ Standard Engine)
When the all-new Viaggio line from Misty Harbor first debuted for the 2021 model year, we were initially very impressed. Heading into our test this year we couldn’t possibly imagine what they had planned for an encore, but when the Diamante 23Q arrived, we received our answer. The manufacturer has been extremely busy.
e’d like to give a shout-out to those who helped with our Shootout this year. It’s our way of recognizing those behind the scenes of our annual boat test who helped make our event a success.
For starters I want to put a spotlight on our event sponsors BoatMate Trailers, Kicker Audio and LilliPad Marine. BoatMate sponsored our event for the past four years 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.
Kicker Audio is another repeat sponsor and among other things, helped keep everyone on the docks hydrated by ensuring the Kicker cooler remained stocked with water. Kicker is not only a trusted name in the marine market, but also a giant player in the automotive world.
