Top 10 Pontoon Boats 2027

1. Bennington 25 RXFB

The Bennington 25 RXFB ranks first because it delivers the most balanced combination of build quality, ride, comfort, and resale value in the segment. It measures 27 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on the SPS performance tri-toon package with lifting strakes, and holds 63 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries 15 passengers, with a starting MSRP of $95,000.

This boat is for families who want the best-built luxury pontoon and are willing to pay for it, as options can push the sticker past $110,000. Compared to the Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX below, it costs nearly three times as much but offers vastly superior upholstery, hardware, and handling. Its class-leading resale value helps protect the investment over time. Buyers who prioritize long-term quality over upfront savings will find this the strongest choice.

2. Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX ranks second because it offers the best value per dollar in this list, starting at $33,995 with a trailer frequently included. It measures 24 feet 4 inches LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, runs a 90-hp Mercury outboard, and holds 24 gallons of fuel. It carries up to 13 passengers and comes standard with wraparound vinyl seating, a Bimini top, a stereo, and a changing room enclosure.

This boat is for first-time buyers who want a real, family-sized pontoon at the lowest entry price, trading away premium build quality and higher power options. Compared to the Bennington 25 RXFB above, it costs roughly a third as much but uses single-tube construction that limits horsepower and rough-water capability. It is the easiest path into pontoon ownership for budget-conscious families. Buyers who accept mainstream finishes will get exceptional space and functionality for the money.

3. Manitou Explore 24

The Manitou Explore 24 ranks third because it delivers sportboat-style performance that no other pontoon in this price range can match, starting at $68,000. It measures 26 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on the V-Toon dual-tube performance package, and holds 49 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries 13 passengers, with the V-Toon hull allowing it to bank into turns like a fiberglass boat.

This boat is for buyers who want to push the throttle and value handling over luxury amenities, trading away some interior refinement for performance. Compared to the Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX above, it costs twice as much but offers dramatically better rough-water handling and a higher power ceiling. It is a strong choice for watersports enthusiasts who still need pontoon space. Buyers who prioritize sportboat dynamics over family-oriented comfort will find this the right fit.

4. Harris Crowne 250

The Harris Crowne 250 ranks fourth because it combines luxury entertaining features with serious capability, starting at $92,000. It measures 27 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on a performance tri-toon package, and holds a 62-gallon fuel tank. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries 14 passengers, with standard features including a wet bar, fiberglass helm with a large touchscreen, premium audio, and wraparound lounge seating.

This boat is for buyers who want premium amenities and big power for entertaining, trading away a slightly lower price for a more complete luxury package. Compared to the Manitou Explore 24 above, it costs $24,000 more but offers a wet bar and superior interior appointments. It is a heavy rig that requires a capable tow vehicle and a wide slip. Buyers who value social cruising over sportboat handling will prefer this layout.

5. Premier Sunsation 240

The Premier Sunsation 240 ranks fifth because its all-welded, rivet-free construction offers unmatched long-term durability in this segment, starting at $78,000. It measures 26 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on the PTX tri-toon package, and holds 57 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries 13 passengers, with standard kit including a fiberglass console, plush seating, and a changing room.

This boat is for buyers who prioritize longevity and are willing to accept a more conservative styling and a smaller dealer network. Compared to the Harris Crowne 250 above, it costs $14,000 less but lacks the wet bar and some luxury touches. Its welded construction reduces the risk of leaks and corrosion, making it a smart choice for harsh water conditions. Buyers who value structural integrity over flashy features will appreciate this build.

6. Avalon Catalina 2585

The Avalon Catalina 2585 ranks sixth because it offers refined styling and upgraded upholstery at a competitive price, starting at $74,000. It measures 27 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on a performance tri-toon, and holds 50 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 350-hp outboard and carries 13 passengers, with the Quad Bench layout and fiberglass helm providing a comfortable family cruising experience.

This boat is for buyers who value aesthetics and comfort over maximum horsepower, trading away a slightly lower power ceiling for a polished look. Compared to the Premier Sunsation 240 above, it costs $4,000 less but offers a more refined interior rather than welded construction. Its pricing climbs quickly with options, so buyers should budget carefully. Those who want a handsome, comfortable cruiser for lake outings will find this a strong match.

7. Crest Continental 270

The Crest Continental 270 ranks seventh because it provides the most spacious and comfort-focused deck in this list, starting at $82,000. It runs 29 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on a performance tri-toon package, and holds 62 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries 15 passengers, with premium SoftTouch upholstery, a fiberglass console, and a stern lounge. The generous floor plan suits big families and frequent entertainers.

This boat is for buyers who need maximum passenger capacity and all-day comfort, trading away ease of trailering for a larger footprint. Compared to the Avalon Catalina 2585 above, it costs $8,000 more but offers 2 more feet of length and two additional passenger seats. Its large size requires a big slip and a capable tow vehicle, which may be a drawback for some. Those who prioritize space and entertaining over agility will prefer this flagship.

8. Barletta Corsa 23

The Barletta Corsa 23 ranks eighth because it delivers strong build quality at a competitive price from a rapidly growing premium brand, starting at $70,000. It measures 25 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on the TPS tri-toon package, and holds 45 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 350-hp outboard and carries 13 passengers, with a fiberglass helm and marine-grade upholstery. The clean construction punches above its price point.

This boat is for buyers who want premium features without the flagship price, trading away a longer track record for better value. Compared to the Crest Continental 270 above, it costs $12,000 less but is 4 feet shorter and holds two fewer passengers. Its younger brand status means a developing resale record and expanding dealer coverage. Buyers who are willing to take a chance on a rising brand will get a well-built boat for the money.

9. Sweetwater 2286

The Sweetwater 2286 ranks ninth because it offers comfortable family cruising at a reasonable price, starting at $48,000. It runs 24 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, available with a dual- or tri-toon package, and holds 38 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 250-hp outboard and carries 13 passengers, with standard features including wraparound seating, a Bimini top, a stereo, and a changing room.

This boat is for budget-minded families who want comfortable space without premium pricing, trading away higher horsepower and luxury finishes. Compared to the Barletta Corsa 23 above, it costs $22,000 less but has a lower power ceiling and a more mainstream interior. Its available tri-toon package improves handling for those who need it. Buyers who accept a simpler build will get a dependable family pontoon at a sensible price.

10. Lowe SS230

The Lowe SS230 ranks tenth because it provides a versatile, value-oriented sport cruiser package backed by the Bass Pro dealer network, starting at $45,000. It measures 25 feet LOA with an 8-foot 6-inch beam, available as a dual- or tri-toon, and holds 39 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 250-hp outboard and carries 13 passengers, with standard kit including wraparound seating, a fiberglass console, a Bimini top, and a stereo.

This boat is for value buyers who want a versatile cruiser for everyday lake use, trading away premium build quality and higher power options. Compared to the Sweetwater 2286 above, it costs $3,000 less but offers a similar feature set with a fiberglass console. Its lower power ceiling than premium tri-toons limits watersports capability. Buyers who prioritize affordability and dealer support over performance will find this a solid entry-level pick.

How we ranked these

We scored every pontoon against what buyers actually tell dealers and surveyors matters: build quality and reliability at 25%, on-water performance and ride at 20%, comfort and layout at 15%, value against price at 15%, features and tech at 15%, and resale at 10%. Measurable specs carried the weight — tube configuration, horsepower ceiling, fuel capacity, LOA, passenger count, and welded versus riveted construction — cross-checked against Boating Magazine, Discover Boating, BoatTEST, boats.com, and manufacturer data.

We deliberately ignored stereo wattage, LED lighting packages, and graphics wraps, because none of them changes how a boat rides or what it fetches at trade-in. Brand loyalty and dealer incentives were left out too — a rebate this quarter says nothing about the hull in year seven. Show-floor impressions and press-fleet demo boats were discounted in favor of published test numbers and published capacity plates that any buyer can verify independently.

What to look for

Tube configuration decides almost everything downstream. A tri-toon like the Bennington 25 RXFB or Manitou Explore 24 adds buoyancy, speed, and rough-water stability, and unlocks 350–400 hp; a dual-tube caps power and punishes you in chop. Then match horsepower honestly: 90–150 hp handles calm-lake cruising, while tubing, big open water, and full loads want 250–400 hp. Welded construction, as on the Premier Sunsation 240, resists leaks and corrosion better than riveted.

The mistake most buyers make is shopping the option sheet instead of the hull — chasing touchscreens and lighting while under-weighting tubes, power match, and fastener quality. The second mistake is ignoring logistics. A 27-foot tri-toon with a tower needs a capable tow vehicle and a wide slip, and $95,000 of MSRP becomes $110,000 fast once options, trailer, taxes, and dealer fees land.

Related questions

What is the best pontoon boat for under $50,000 in 2027?

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX, starting around $33,995 and often including a trailer, is the strongest value under $50,000. It gives you a 24-foot-4-inch LOA, 13-passenger pontoon with a 90-hp Mercury, wraparound vinyl seating, Bimini top, stereo, and changing room. For $48,000, the Sweetwater 2286 adds a tri-toon option and a 250-hp ceiling.

Which pontoon boat has the best resale value?

Bennington leads the segment on resale, driven by yacht-grade build quality, brand reputation, and steady used-market demand. The 25 RXFB — SPS performance tri-toon, premium upholstery, 400-hp ceiling — holds value better than rivals that start cheaper. That resale cushion is a real part of the math: the $95,000 entry price stings less when the trade-in number stays high years later.

What is the fastest pontoon boat in this ranking?

The Manitou Explore 24. Its V-Toon dual-tube performance hull accepts up to 400 hp and banks into turns like a fiberglass boat rather than sliding flat through them. At $68,000 it undercuts the luxury flagships while delivering the sharpest handling and best rough-water composure here. It's the pick when throttle response matters more than a wet bar.

Are tri-toon pontoons worth the extra cost?

If you tube, ski, or run a big lake, yes. The third tube adds buoyancy, speed, sharper handling, and rough-water stability, and it's what makes 350–400 hp usable. Calm-lake cruisers who stay under 150 hp can save real money with a dual-tube like the Sweetwater 2286 or Lowe SS230. Match the package to your water, not the brochure.

What is the most durable pontoon boat?

The Premier Sunsation 240, at $78,000, uses all-welded, rivet-free construction across tubes and deck framing. Welds don't loosen the way rivets do, so leaks and fatigue are far less likely over a long ownership. You trade conservative styling, a smaller dealer network, and the wet bar the Harris Crowne 250 includes — but you get the toughest structure here.

Which pontoon boat is best for entertaining?

The Harris Crowne 250 at $92,000 — wet bar, premium audio, fiberglass helm with a large touchscreen, wraparound lounge seating, 27 feet, 14 passengers. The Crest Continental 270 is the alternative if headcount rules: 29 feet, 15 passengers, SoftTouch upholstery, stern lounge, $82,000. Both are heavy rigs needing a capable tow vehicle and a wide slip.

What is the best pontoon boat for a first-time buyer?

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX. At $33,995 with a trailer frequently included, it's the lowest-risk entry here: 13 passengers, 90-hp Mercury, 24-gallon tank, and standard seating, Bimini, stereo, and changing room. The Bass Pro and Cabela's dealer network makes parts and service easy to find. You give up premium finishes and any real horsepower ceiling.

How much horsepower do I need for a pontoon boat?

For calm-lake cruising, 90–150 hp is enough — the Sun Tracker's 90-hp Mercury proves it. Towing tubers or skiers, or running large rough lakes, calls for 250–400 hp and a tri-toon to use it. Match power to your typical load and activity rather than chasing the maximum: over-powering burns fuel, under-powering strains the engine and compromises safety.

FAQ

Which pontoon is the best overall for 2027?

The Bennington 25 RXFB. It's 27 feet LOA on an 8-foot-6 beam, rides the SPS performance tri-toon with lifting strakes, carries 63 gallons of fuel and 15 passengers, and accepts up to 400 hp. Starting near $95,000, it has no weak spot across build, ride, comfort, and resale — which is exactly why it's the segment benchmark.

What is the best value pontoon?

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX, starting near $33,995 with a trailer frequently included. It's a genuine 13-passenger pontoon with wraparound vinyl seating, Bimini top, stereo, and changing room standard. Single-tube construction caps horsepower and rough-water capability, but nothing else here delivers this much usable family space for roughly a third of the Bennington's price.

Is a tri-toon worth it over a dual-tube pontoon?

A tri-toon's third tube buys buoyancy, speed, sharper handling, and rough-water stability, and it's what makes big horsepower usable. Watersports and large open lakes justify the premium outright. Calm-lake cruisers can bank the savings on a dual-tube, accepting a lower power ceiling and less capacity. The Sweetwater 2286 and Lowe SS230 both offer either configuration.

How much horsepower does a pontoon need?

Calm-lake cruising suits 90–150 hp; watersports and big water want 250–400 hp paired with a tri-toon. Match power to your real load, water conditions, and activities instead of buying the maximum rating. Over-powering wastes fuel and adds cost with no benefit on a small lake, while under-powering strains the engine and leaves you short in wind or chop.

How many people can a pontoon hold?

Most picks here carry 13 to 15 passengers — the Bennington 25 RXFB and Crest Continental 270 top out at 15, most others at 13. Always read the capacity plate rather than counting seats: it limits total weight, including people, gear, and fuel. Exceeding it is genuinely unsafe in chop and can void warranty and insurance coverage.

What is a good budget for a new pontoon?

Entry models like the Sun Tracker 22 DLX start near $34,000. Mainstream tri-toons run $48,000 to $80,000 — the Sweetwater 2286, Barletta Corsa 23, Avalon Catalina 2585, Premier Sunsation 240. Luxury flagships like the Harris Crowne 250 and Bennington 25 RXFB start at $92,000–$95,000 and climb past $110,000 with options. Budget separately for trailer, taxes, and dealer fees.

What should I look for when buying a pontoon?

In order: tube configuration, honest horsepower match, welded versus riveted construction, layout and seating, trailering and storage, then dealer network and warranty. Inspect rails, fasteners, and upholstery stitching in person — those reveal build quality faster than any spec sheet. Stereo wattage and LED packages should be the last thing on your list, not the first.

Which pontoon boat is best for rough water?

The Manitou Explore 24. Its V-Toon hull banks into turns and cuts chop rather than slapping through it, which is why it handles more like a fiberglass sportboat than a pontoon. The Bennington 25 RXFB, with SPS lifting strakes, and the Harris Crowne 250 also stay composed in wind — but they cost $24,000 to $27,000 more.

Are welded pontoons better than riveted ones?

Generally yes for longevity. Premier's fully welded, rivet-free tubes and deck framing eliminate fasteners that loosen and weep over years, which cuts maintenance and resists corrosion. The trade is cost and, in Premier's case, more conservative styling and a smaller dealer network. If you run harsh or saltwater conditions, welded construction earns back its premium.

What is the best pontoon for watersports?

Pair a tri-toon with real horsepower: the Bennington 25 RXFB or Manitou Explore 24, both rated to 400 hp. The Manitou's V-Toon hull gives the sharpest agility for tubing and skiing at $68,000, while the Bennington adds comfort and resale for $95,000. Avoid 250-hp dual-tube boats like the Lowe SS230 if towing is the main mission.

Sources

• https://www.boatingmag.com
• https://www.discoverboating.com
• https://www.boattest.com
• https://www.boats.com
• https://www.benningtonmarine.com
• https://www.suntracker

Related on PULSE

• [More pontoon boats 2027 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)