15 Greatest Pontoon Boat Manufacturers

Pontoon boats provide a number of advantages over different vessels. These floating dwelling rooms are secure, versatile, dependable, and simple to deal with, good for newbies and seasoned boaters. Nevertheless, not all pontoons are created equal. The perfect pontoon boat manufacturers strike a steadiness between pace, consolation, gasoline effectivity, and affordability.

The highest pontoon boat manufacturers design watercraft with comfy seating and facilities like cupholders, coolers, and tables. These options permit everybody on board to loosen up and socialize out on the water. Take into account whether or not you want a fishing or leisure vessel when deciding on pontoon boats. Some producers provide 2-in-1 hybrids that serve each markets. However that are the most effective pontoon boat manufacturers?

Right here is an in-depth evaluation of the 15 greatest pontoon boat manufacturers:

1. Manitou

Manitou is a Lansing, Michigan-based pontoon boat model based in 1985 and produced by BRP Inc., a worldwide chief in powersports and propulsion programs. This BRP Inc. model provides high-performance luxurious vessels with state-of-the-art options. In Jan 2024, the Manitou Discover MAX gained the BOATING Journal’s “Boat of the Yr” award within the pontoon boat class. You should purchase the 2024 Discover to entry improvements like MAX Deck Design, Twin Rotax S Outboard Engines, and iDock joystick piloting. [1]

Picture supply: Manitou Pontoon Boats

Execs: Manitou is understood for its revolutionary applied sciences, options, and designs. The model provides superior multi-purpose pontoons for all boaters, from avid fishermen and anglers to leisure sports activities fans. Every Manitou vessel excels in pace, stability, and security.

Cons: Manitou is a premium, high-performance pontoon boat model. Its vessels value greater than the market’s common.

Worth Vary: $47,295-$174,500

2. Godfrey

Godfrey is a tritoon and pontoon boat producer based in 1958 and primarily based in Elkhart, Indiana. It provides Monaco, AquaPatio, Sweetwater, Xperience, Mighty G, Sanpan, and XP pontoon collection within the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. Every has a number of fashions with distinctive layouts and options. In Jul 2023, NMMA acknowledged 94 Godfrey pontoon sellers with the 2023 Marine Trade Buyer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards. [2]

Picture supply: Godfrey Pontoon Boats

Execs: Godfrey pontoons are famend for his or her high quality and innovation. The model prioritizes simplicity, performance, practicality, and riders’ expertise. For instance, its pontoons are designed with enlarged saddle brackets and tubes to reinforce stability in tough waters.

Cons: Godfrey’s Monaco and AquaPatio pontoon collection are costly. Nevertheless, its pricing covers all worth factors. You could find high-quality entry-level Godfrey pontoon boats for lower than $30k.

Worth Vary:  $27,895-$137,985

3. Bennington

Bennington is a number one luxurious pontoon boat model based in 1997 and primarily based in Elkhart, Indiana. The corporate manufactures vessels with intricate elements and revolutionary designs. In Might 2024, the Bennington S Sequence pontoon was honored as certainly one of the Boating Trade’s 2024 High Merchandise. The mannequin’s match and end provide elevated sophistication and efficiency. [3]

Picture supply: Bennington Marine

Execs: Bennington pontoon boats provide revolutionary options, from ergonomic lounges and seats to high-tech electronics, enhancing consolation and comfort.

Cons: Bennington is a luxurious pontoon model. Its high-end vessels may be dear. Nevertheless, the newest Bennington S fashions prioritize luxurious with out sacrificing affordability. You should purchase this entry-level pontoon boat to entry high-end options.

Worth Vary: $30,364- $125,662

4. Harris Boats

Harris is a pontoon boat model based in 1957 and primarily based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The model began as a wood boat builder and expanded into high-tech, smooth pontoons. Its pontoon boat collection contains the Cruiser, Crowne, Grand Mariner, Solstice, Sunliner, and Breeze. In Aug 2024, Harris launched its first all-electric pontoon, the Cruiser e-210, powered by Mercury Avator 35e Outboard. You should purchase this eco-friendly vessel to cut back your carbon footprint whereas having fun with the consolation, facilities, and elegance just like the Cruiser mannequin. [4]

Picture supply: Harris Boats

Execs: Harris is an revolutionary and award-winning pontoon boat model. Its high-tech pontoons excel in consolation, luxurious, and efficiency. Every Harris mannequin has a spacious open ground plan to accommodate the entire household and improve motion. Eco-conscious boaters can purchase the brand new Cruiser e-210 electrical pontoon to discover the waterways sustainably. 

Cons: Harris’ Crowne, Solstice, and Grand Mariner pontoons are costly. Nevertheless, search for entry-level to mid-market boats within the model’s Cruiser, Sunliner, and Breeze collection.  

Worth Vary: $28,745-$280,300

5. Lowe Boats

Lowe is a frontrunner in full-featured aluminum boats. Its pontoon collection contains Extremely, RS, SS, SF, and LS. The model additionally provides the Deck Boat, combining pontoon and Deep V options. In Aug 2024, Lowe launched its all-new LS Pontoon line with 4 size choices from 17 to 23 toes. The LS provides luxurious consolation, smooth and spacious designs, excessive efficiency, and a number of structure configurations. [5]

Picture supply: Lowe Boats

Execs: Lowe has constructed dependable boats for over 45 years. The model provides sturdy aluminum pontoons recognized for his or her high quality and affordability. You should purchase the 12-passenger Lowe SS 230 boat with twin helm convertible lounger for $29,000.

Cons: Lowe prioritizes performance, consolation, and capability over aesthetics. It isn’t as fashionable as different pontoon boat manufacturers.

Worth Vary: $18,150-$59,840

6. SunChaser

SunChaser is a ship builder based in 1903 and primarily based in Canyon Lake, Texas. The model has a number of pontoon fashions with revolutionary options. In 2024, Boating journal acknowledged the SunChaser Calais 23 LR DH as among the best premium family-friendly pontoons. This mannequin makes use of SunChaser’s X-Treme PR25 efficiency package deal and a Yamaha F300 engine, delivering a forty five.2 mph prime pace and reaching 30 mph in 5.5 seconds. [6]

Picture supply: SunChaser Boats

Execs: SunChaser has over 120 years of boatbuilding expertise. The model provides reasonably priced, high-quality pontoon boats with revolutionary options. For instance, the 2024 SunChaser Calais has X-Treme PR25, Efficiency Defend underskin, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and Heavy Hat development. These options ship easy rides whereas enhancing the boat’s sturdiness.

Cons: Some SunChaser prospects complain about restricted space for storing.

Worth Vary: $29,999-$74,995

7. Princecraft

Princecraft is a frontrunner in electrical pontoons. It provides seven pontoon boat collection: Vogue, Jazz, Vectra, Brio, Quorom, and Sportfisher. In Jan 2024, Princecraft launched the brand new Vectra 23 WRL, Ventura 230 WRL, and Brio 2.0 electrical pontoons on the 2024 Toronto Boat Present. These three revolutionary fashions are powered by Mercury Marine’s electrical Avator outboards. [7]

Picture supply: Princecraft

Execs: Princecraft provides industry-leading electrical pontoons. It’s the go-to pontoon boat model for eco-conscious boaters. The brand new Vectra 23 WRL, Ventura 230 WRL, and Brio 2.0 present eco-friendly pontoons for boating fans in search of to reduce their carbon footprint.

Cons: Some boaters complain that Princecraft’s electrical pontoons are underpowered and gradual.

Worth Vary: $23,500-$94,500

8. Solar Tracker

Solar Tracker is a Springfield, Missouri-based pontoon boat producer based in 1983. The model focuses on fishing and leisure pontoons. Its top-selling fashions embrace the Bass Buggy 16 XL and Celebration Barge 22 DLX. Based on Boating Journal, Solar Tracker’s Celebration Barge 22 DLX is without doubt one of the greatest pontoon boats for households. Its basic inside structure and patented Stow-Extra system create a cushty house for all relations. [8]

Picture supply: Solar Tracker Boats

Execs: Solar Tracker is a budget-friendly pontoon boat model. It makes use of high quality management fashions to cut back wastage and manufacturing prices, delivering reasonably priced, high-performance boats. The Solar Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL is simply $16,995. This pontoon can accommodate seven individuals, good for household outings or fishing journeys along with your buddies.

Cons: Some boaters complain that Solar Tracker pontoon boats are underpowered.

Worth Vary: $16,995-$52,995

9. Avalon

Avalon is a number one luxurious pontoon boat producer based in 1972. Its watercraft have options for cruising, leisure, fishing, or waterslides. For instance, the Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship has an elevated slide linked to the higher deck with a queen-size lounger. This slide sends riders flying into the water.

Picture supply: Avalon Pontoons

Execs: Avalon has over 50 years of boatbuilding expertise. The model provides award-winning luxurious pontoon boats with revolutionary options, fashionable design, and cozy seating. For instance, the Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship has a 14-person capability.

Cons: Avalon’s top-end pontoon boats are costly. You’ll want $75k to personal the Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship. Nevertheless, the model additionally provides reasonably priced pontoon for round $20k.

Worth Vary: $20,000-$142,780

10. Regency Boats

Regency is a luxurious pontoon boat model. Its top-selling pontoons embrace the 230-DL3, 250-DL3, 230-LE3, and 250-LE3. Every mannequin provides consolation, comfort, and efficiency. In 2024, the Regency 250 DL3 and 250 LE3 had been featured on US Information’ Greatest Pontoon Boats of 2024 checklist. Each have a 14-person capability, good for entertaining household and associates or massive teams. [9]

Picture supply: Regency Boats

Execs: Regency provides an all-inclusive luxurious pontooning expertise. Its fashionable fashions exude luxurious, consolation, and efficiency. If you wish to entertain your loved ones and associates on the water, think about the Regency 250 DL3 or 250 LE3 with 14 seating capability.

Cons: Regency doesn’t provide low-cost entry-level pontoons for lower than $50k. Some autos can’t tow the big and heavy Regency 250 DL3 and LE3.

Worth Vary: $59,995-$91,995

11. Starcraft

Starcraft provides 10 pontoon collection, together with LX, SLS, EX, EXS, and EX Fish. Every collection has a number of fashions with completely different layouts and revolutionary options. For instance, the Starcraft SLS has performance-enhancing HMX tubes for elevated pace, higher elevate, much less floor drag, and improved maneuverability and dealing with. Starcraft lately refreshed its lineup with revolutionary designs to compete with luxurious pontoon boat manufacturers. [10]

Picture supply: Starcraft Marine

Execs: Starcraft prioritizes simplicity, versatility, and affordability. It’s the go-to pontoon boat model for newbies. The Starcraft LX 16 R solely prices $22,960, good for first-time boat house owners.

Cons: Starcraft pontoons could not meet the wants of maximum boaters and fishing fans. For instance, the Starcraft LX 16 R is small, gradual, and primary. It’s good for newbies, not seasoned boaters.

Worth Vary: $22,960-$189,600

12. Berkshire Pontoon

Berkshire is a Forest River, Inc. division based in 1996. It provides 4 pontoon collection: LE, STS, CTS, and Sport. One factor that units Berkshire aside from rivals is its distinctive, one-piece fiberglass composite decks. These supplies are two instances stronger and 40% lighter than normal marine-grade plywood. In addition they resist rot and buckling, making certain sturdiness and security. [11]

Picture supply: Berkshire Pontoons

Execs: Berkshire is an revolutionary pontoon boat model. It makes use of robust, light-weight composite decks to develop quick, fuel-efficient vessels. Purchase the Berkshire 23 Final Lounger to discover waterways with as much as 14 relations and associates.

Cons: Berkshire has restricted selection. Its high-end pontoon boats are costly.

Worth Vary: $22,900-$239,900

13. Sylvan Marine

Sylvan is a ship builder based in 1948. Its 2024 lineup contains the Mirage X, Cruise, and Mirage Fish. The Mirage Fish is the right pontoon for anglers. You should purchase the Mirage X should you prioritize luxurious and leisure. In the event you search a flexible and reasonably priced pontoon boat, think about the Mirage Cruise. [12]

Picture supply: Sylvan Marine

Execs: Sylvan has over 75 years of boatbuilding expertise. The model makes use of unique RPT (Revolutionary Planing Expertise) tubes to reinforce efficiency and gasoline effectivity. You possibly can customise the Sylvan Mirage Cruise to fit your distinctive preferences and boating life-style.

Cons: Sylvan has restricted selection.

Worth Vary: $12,000-$168,999

14. Premier Marine

Premier is a 30-year-old luxurious efficiency pontoon boat model primarily based in Large Lake, Minnesota. The corporate holds a number of patents and logos, together with the PTX tech and the Premier Ricochet Ladder System. It sells its pontoons by American and Canadian boat sellers. In Jan 2024, Premier unveiled new options, fashions, and an revolutionary trolling motor system. The model redesigned its Sunsation Angler collection to create an clever, fish-ready pontoon. [13]

Picture supply: Premier Pontoons

Execs: Premier caters to all boating fans with 6 pontoon collection: Sunscape, Sunsation, Intrigue, Solaris, Supersport, and Escalante. Every has a number of fashions with distinctive options. For instance, you should purchase the all-new PTX 28 Angler pontoon to entry Premier’s revolutionary Troll & Stow system.

Cons: Premier’s top-end pontoon boats are costly.

Worth Vary: $16,200-$265,800

15. Bentley Pontoons

Bentley is a pontoon boat model. The corporate designs and produces most parts in-house, together with furnishings, canvas work, tubes, and fence railing. It provides 5 pontoon collection: Bolt, Elite, Legacy, LE, and Fish. In Aug 2024, Bentley expanded its partnership with Boat Repair to launch Bentley Gold 24/7 Assurance. New Bentley house owners can depend on this program to entry a complimentary three-year emergency mechanical advisory and a one-year free subscription to Boat Repair monitoring. [14]

Picture supply: Bentley Pontoons

Execs: Bentley is dedicated to superior high quality and meticulous craftsmanship. The model provides the last word luxurious and efficiency at reasonably priced worth factors. You should purchase 2025 Bentley pontoon fashions to entry Bentley Gold 24/7 Assurance powered by Boat Repair.

Cons: Bentley focuses on small to mid-sized pontoon boats.  

Worth Vary: $26,500-$88,500

 References & extra info