Aria 22CC
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2024 Shootout Guide | Volume 29, Special Issue
CONTENTS
SHOOTOUT REVIEWS
FROM THE BOW
12
Hot Dogs & Twins
DEPARTMENTS
61
Page Number Listings
Cover Photo by Keith Nicolini
PONTOON & DECK BOAT STAFF
Editorial
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks
Editorial Correspondents
Dan Armitage, Sky Smith, Bill Gius
Advertising
Advertising Executives
Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com
Taylor Bowen, taylor@pdbmagazine.com
Circulation
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Production
Lead Designer Lavon Horne
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HARRIS PUBLISHING GROUP ADMINISTRATION
Publisher Brady L. Kay
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
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HARRIS PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION
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President Jason Harris
Vice President Chuck Harris
Vice President Ryan Harris
Treasurer Clayton Ward
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By Brady L. Kay
Captain’s Chair
“There’s just something about cooking up a warm meal from the back of a boat. For some reason those hot dogs tasted really good that day.”
Hot Dogs & Twins
It’s no secret; the Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine staff looks forward to Shootout Boat Test week like a 5-year-old heading to Disney World for the first time. In a way our test is like, “the happiest place on earth” with all pontoon and deck boat manufacturers being invited to showcase their latest models in one location. At our Shootout event, each boat is tested, evaluated and reviewed so it can be included in our special boat test issue.
The reason we all look forward to the test (other than the obvious of being on the water and one of the first to run the new models) is you never know what you’re going to see from year to year.
Avalon Pontoons
2785 Excalibur Elite Windshield (ELW)
First Impression
We have undoubtedly crossed into the “dream boat” category with this 28-foot, 800hp beauty from Avalon, and it lived up to the high expectations we had heading into our test. However, this is more than just a go-fast pontoon: with the unique floorplan and thoughtful amenities, this Excalibur delivers the fun on many levels.
Barletta
ARIA 22QC
First Impression
Even on an entry-level model you’ll find the same high-quality construction and craftsmanship Barletta is known for. It’s in their DNA to produce well-built boats and load them up with features, regardless of the price point.
Barletta
Corsa 23UC
First Impression
Technically this Corsa is somewhere in the middle of the Barletta lineup, but it looks and feels extremely high-end to us. An elegant and luxurious vibe is reflected with a classic conservative color scheme, plus it’s loaded with an abundance of standard amenities that might be options on competitor models. Simply put, our initial impression was a good one.
Bennington
20 SVL-SPS
First Impression
Re-designed from the deck up, this latest offering from Bennington is priced to attract those looking for a value-driven model to get them on the water. Though it has options, this 20-footer is packaged well and has a long list of standard options, making it ready to go as-tested.
Bennington
Sport 25 RFB
First Impression
Although the Midnight black exterior with the orange flare accent immediately grabs your attention, it’s the new Phantom black interior that positively draws you in. Often we see boats that look amazing on the showroom floor but don’t quite pop on the water. That certainly is not the case with this Bennington. This was one of our favorite color combinations at our test, and the sporty look is only the beginning.
Godfrey Pontoons
AquaPatio 235 SFLC
First Impression
“SFLC” in the model name stands for Single Flip Lounge with a co-captain seating, and it might be one of the most versatile seating layouts we’ve seen in awhile. This AquaPatio also includes two chaise lounges in the bow, which makes it clear Godfrey is dedicated to providing comfortable seating options to match its 15-passenger rating.
Godfrey Pontoons
Xperience 2286 Split Bench
First Impression
To sum up the value-driven Xperience line from Godfrey Pontoons, it’s essentially everything you need in a pontoon, with nothing that you don’t. The series is a blend of simplicity and affordability. For years it was part of Sweetwater but now it has its own line and is definitely worth seeking out when you hit the boat shows. Finding a quality pontoon in the $50K price range capable of speeds in the mid 30s just got a lot easier.
Hurricane
SunDeck 2050
First Impression
If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out how Hurricane packed so many features into this 20-footer you’re not alone. With a 14-passenger capacity rating and a wide range of horsepower options up to 200hp, this Hurricane is loaded with features and unlike any other deck boat you’re going to find in this size range.
JC TriToon Marine
SportAngler 26TT HTH
First Impression
You don’t need to be a serious, die-hard angler to appreciate all of the fishing-specific amenities on the latest creation from JC TriToon…but it wouldn’t hurt. If you’re into fishing you will absolutely love this over-the-top SportAngler where the manufacturer has genuinely thought of everything.
LOWE
RS 25DL
First Impression
Known as the RS 25, the Lowe RS 250 Dual Helm Conversion Lounge we tested included the extreme TLX Triple Log optional package. However, we simply refer to it as an amazing pontoon that is priced well and provides tremendous added value.
Manitou
Explore 24 MAX
First Impression
Last year, BRP launched its award-winning Manitou Explore line and Rotax S outboard engine for an amazing pairing. For model year 2024, the all-new Manitou Explore MAX dual engine models are being released in 24- and 26-foot lengths with twice the power, thanks to twin Rotax S150 outboards.
Montara Boats
Naxos 23
First Impression
We’ve seen plenty of unique and fully-loaded pontoon models over the years, but nothing quite like this Naxos. There is a lavish vibe to it where normal features have all been enhanced on this model. For example, one wireless phone charger is great, but this one has a total of five. Passengers love staying plugged in and charged up, so the 9 USB ports should do the trick. Have you ever wondered if your boat has enough cupholders? We counted 37 on this 26-footer, which means there are nearly three cupholders per person for the max number of people this pontoon is rated for. Now that’s impressive.
Montara Boats
Surf Boss 25
First Impression
With the popularity of wake boats continuing to grow, it was only a matter of time until the pontoon segment got involved. Appropriately named, the Surf Boss is clearly in charge and we’re excited for the future of Montara Boats.
Premier Marine
230 Solaris RL
First Impression
As fans of the original PTX performance hull, we must admit we were a little nervous when we heard Premier was releasing its new Supercharged PTX version in 2024. It was already a proven hull design and part of the Minnesota-based manufacturer’s performance legacy, so why change it? Well, we quickly discovered the answer to that question after getting the Solaris on the water.
Qwest
M24 RLS RTZ SS
First Impression
In 2023, Qwest released its all-new M-Class series and it thrilled consumers. The Michigan-based manufacturer took many of its popular options and made them standard features, which is another reason this series was an instant hit. Heading into the 2024 model year we were excited to see the evolution of this series continue to delight us.
SunCatcher
AMARA
First Impression
While the AMARA is definitely part of the family, it’s a whole different direction from the manufacturer’s legendary aluminum fishing boats and traditional pontoons G3 Boats is best known for. For starters, the fiberglass design – with flush mount docking and navigation lights on top of the large painted pontoons – provides a high-end and luxurious vibe. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the version we tested was paired with the new 450hp XTO outboard from Yamaha.
Tahoe Pontoons
2585 Cascade QL Platinum Edition
First Impression
The Tahoe pontoon is in the spotlight for being one of the first manufacturers to be paired with the new Honda BF350 V8, but don’t let that overshadow just how impressive the total package really is. With a modern vibe and a sporty look, the latest offering from the Michigan-based manufacturer is going to attract massive attention on the water.
Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons
700 T
First Impression
Most (if not all) floorplans on a pontoon boat are considered open and spacious, yet the 9-foot wide beam on this 30-foot Vanderbilt truly makes a significant difference in the feel of the layout. The Indiana-based manufacturer found a way to pack an amazing amount of standard features into every square inch.
Viaggio
Diamante 26U
First Impression
At first glance the high-end vibe of this Diamante will grab your attention, leaving you inspired. However, it’s not until you really start to look closely at this pontoon that you begin to appreciate the details and the features that truly make it remarkable. It starts with the matte metallic black and white exterior panels with automotive style badging, and flows into the interior loaded with an impressive number of standard features.
Viaggio
Lago X24S
First Impression
The Lago Series is a popular value-driven line, and for 2024, Viaggio has divided it into three different lines within the series. The Lago X is in the middle between its V and its Z as a large volume model. These models are all priced well and over-built, like all of the other pontoons this Indiana-based manufacturer offers.
By Brady L. Kay
time for a
shout out
shout out
A big thanks to those who help make our test possible
A big thanks to those who help make our test possible
We’d like to recognize those who helped with our Shootout this year. A lot goes on behind the scenes of our annual boat test and there are plenty who helped make our event a success and deserve a little recognition.
ADVERTISERINDEX
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Page #
- Avalon Pontoons64
- Barletta Boats5
- Boatmate Trailers26
- Conrad Marine26
- Hurricane Boats3
- JC TriToon Marine18
- Phoenix Trailers10
- PlayCraft Boats18
- Sky Smith Specialty Insurance10
- Starcraft Marine9
- Stingray Boats2
- Sylvan Marine19
- SunCatcher by G3 Boats4
- Tahoe Pontoons13
- Teak Isle Mfg.7
- Western Trailer Sales10
Thanks for reading our 2024 Shootout issue!