Top 10 Pontoon Boats 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall pontoon for 2027 is the Bennington 25 RXFB, starting around $95,000, which pairs a refined tri-toon hull, a yacht-grade interior, and serious power options to beat the field on the metrics families and cruisers care about most. The Best Value pick is the Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX, starting near $33,995, which delivers a real 22-foot pontoon with a 90-hp outboard, comfortable seating, and a factory trailer often included for around half the price of premium rivals.

This list is built for families and lake cruisers who want open-deck seating, easy entertaining, and a stable platform — whether the budget sits under $35,000 or stretches toward a loaded $110,000 flagship. Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each pontoon against the priorities real buyers tell dealers and marine surveyors they actually care about. We leaned on published data and tests from Boating Magazine, Discover Boating, BoatTEST, boats.com, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• On-water performance and ride — 20%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Value and price — 15%
• Features and tech — 15%
• Resale value — 10%

A boat that nails seating but plows in chop, or wins on luxury but bleeds value at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Bennington 25 RXFB 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $95,000 | Best for: Families who want the best-built luxury pontoon

The Bennington 25 RXFB is the benchmark for build quality in the segment. It runs 27 feet LOA with a 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on a SPS performance tri-toon package with lifting strakes, and holds a 63-gallon fuel capacity. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries up to 15 passengers.

Bennington's signature touches include a fiberglass console with a touchscreen helm, plush wraparound seating, a stern-facing rear lounge, and the brand's ESP elliptical pontoon system for sharper handling. The fit-and-finish, upholstery, and hardware quality lead the class.

Pros:

• Yacht-grade build quality and segment-best upholstery
• SPS performance tri-toon for sharp, planted handling
• Up to 400-hp outboard and 15-passenger capacity
• Class-leading resale value that protects your investment

Cons:

• Premium pricing approaches small-cruiser money
• Options can push the sticker past $110,000

Verdict: The RXFB wins on balance — build, ride, comfort, and resale with no real weak spot.

2. Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $33,995 | Best for: First-time buyers who want maximum pontoon per dollar

The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX is the smartest value play on the lake. It measures 24 feet 4 inches LOA with a 8-foot 6-inch beam, runs a 90-hp Mercury outboard, and holds 24 gallons of fuel. It carries up to 13 passengers, and a custom trailer is frequently included in the package price.

Standard kit includes wraparound vinyl seating, a Bimini top, a stereo, and a changing room enclosure. Sun Tracker's bundled pricing and Bass Pro/Cabela's dealer network make it the easiest path into a real, family-sized pontoon.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any pick at $33,995
• Trailer often included in the package price
• 90-hp outboard and 13-passenger capacity
• Backed by the Bass Pro and Cabela's dealer network

Cons:

• Build quality trails the premium brands
• Single-tube models limit higher-power options

Verdict: The value champion — a real, family-sized pontoon with a trailer for the lowest price here.

3. Manitou Explore 24

Starting MSRP: $68,000 | Best for: Buyers who want sportboat-style performance on a pontoon

The Manitou Explore 24 blends pontoon space with sport-handling DNA. It runs 26 feet LOA with a 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on Manitou's V-Toon dual-tube performance package, and holds 49 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries up to 13 passengers.

The V-Toon hull lets it bank into turns like a fiberglass sportboat, and standard touches include a touchscreen helm, powder-coated rails, and plush seating. It's the choice for buyers who want to push the throttle.

Pros:

• V-Toon hull banks into turns like a sportboat
• Up to 400-hp outboard power
• Strong build quality and modern styling
• Excellent rough-water handling for a pontoon

Cons:

• Higher price than mainstream rivals
• Performance package adds weight

Verdict: The performance pick — buy it for sportboat handling in a pontoon package.

4. Harris Crowne 250

Starting MSRP: $92,000 | Best for: Buyers who want luxury entertaining and big power

The Harris Crowne 250 is a luxury entertainer with serious capability. It measures 27 feet LOA with a 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 up to 14 passengers.

Standard features include a wet bar, a fiberglass helm with a large touchscreen, premium audio, and wraparound lounge seating. Harris's build quality sits near the top of the class, just below Bennington.

Pros:

• Luxury entertaining layout with a wet bar
• Up to 400-hp outboard on a performance tri-toon
• Premium audio and large touchscreen helm
• Top-tier build quality and upholstery

Cons:

• Premium pricing near six figures
• Heavy rig requires a capable tow vehicle

Verdict: A luxury entertainer — strong for buyers who want premium amenities and big power.

5. Premier Sunsation 240

Starting MSRP: $78,000 | Best for: Buyers who want all-welded construction and durability

The Premier Sunsation 240 stands out for its all-welded, no-rivet construction. It runs 26 feet LOA with a 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on Premier's PTX tri-toon package, and holds 57 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 400-hp outboard and carries up to 13 passengers.

Premier's fully welded tubes and deck framing add durability, and standard kit includes a fiberglass console, plush seating, and a changing room. The build emphasizes long-term toughness.

Pros:

• All-welded, rivet-free construction for durability
• PTX performance tri-toon package
• Up to 400-hp outboard power
• Strong long-term build reputation

Cons:

• Smaller dealer network than the big brands
• Styling is more conservative

Verdict: The durability pick — buy it for welded construction and long-term toughness.

6. Avalon Catalina 2585

Starting MSRP: $74,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a refined cruiser with clean styling

The Avalon Catalina 2585 is a refined cruiser with handsome lines. It measures 27 feet LOA with a 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on Avalon's performance tri-toon, and holds 50 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 350-hp outboard and carries up to 13 passengers.

Avalon's Quad Bench layout, fiberglass helm, and upgraded upholstery make it a comfortable family cruiser. The brand's attention to detail rivals pricier names.

Pros:

• Refined styling and upgraded upholstery
• Performance tri-toon for confident handling
• Up to 350-hp outboard power
• Comfortable Quad Bench cruising layout

Cons:

• Slightly lower max horsepower than rivals
• Pricing climbs quickly with options

Verdict: A refined family cruiser — great for buyers who value styling and comfort.

7. Crest Continental 270

Starting MSRP: $82,000 | Best for: Buyers who want premium comfort and a spacious deck

The Crest Continental 270 is a spacious, comfort-focused flagship. It runs 29 feet LOA with a 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 up to 15 passengers.

Crest's wide deck, premium SoftTouch upholstery, fiberglass console, and stern lounge make it one of the most comfortable platforms on the water. The generous floor plan suits big families and frequent entertainers.

Pros:

• Spacious 29-foot deck with premium seating
• Up to 400-hp outboard and 15-passenger capacity
• SoftTouch upholstery for all-day comfort
• Excellent entertaining layout

Cons:

• Large size needs a big slip and tow vehicle
• Premium pricing

Verdict: The comfort flagship — ideal for big families who entertain often.

8. Barletta Corsa 23

Starting MSRP: $70,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a newer premium brand with strong value

The Barletta Corsa 23 has quickly earned a strong reputation for build and value. It measures 25 feet LOA with a 8-foot 6-inch beam, rides on a TPS tri-toon package, and holds 45 gallons of fuel. It accepts up to a 350-hp outboard and carries up to 13 passengers.

Barletta's fiberglass helm, marine-grade upholstery, and clean construction punch above the price. The brand's rapid growth reflects buyer enthusiasm.

Pros:

• Strong build quality at a competitive price
• TPS performance tri-toon package
• Up to 350-hp outboard power
• Fast-growing premium brand reputation

Cons:

• Younger brand with a developing resale record
• Dealer coverage still expanding

Verdict: A strong value-premium pick — great build for the money from a rising brand.

9. Sweetwater 2286

Starting MSRP: $48,000 | Best for: Budget-minded families who want comfortable space

The Sweetwater 2286 delivers comfortable family cruising at a reasonable price. It runs 24 feet LOA with a 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 up to 13 passengers.

Standard features include wraparound seating, a Bimini top, a stereo, and a changing room. As a Godfrey brand sibling to Aqua Patio, it balances quality and affordability.

Pros:

• Affordable entry into a comfortable family pontoon
• Available tri-toon package for better handling
• Up to 250-hp outboard power
• Backed by the established Godfrey brand family

Cons:

• Lower max horsepower than premium rivals
• Mainstream interior finish

Verdict: A budget-friendly family cruiser — comfortable space at a sensible price.

10. Lowe SS230

Starting MSRP: $45,000 | Best for: Value buyers who want a versatile sport cruiser

The Lowe SS230 rounds out the list with a versatile, value-oriented package. It measures 25 feet LOA with a 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 up to 13 passengers.

Standard kit includes wraparound seating, a fiberglass console, a Bimini top, and a stereo. Lowe's value pricing and Bass Pro dealer support make it an easy, affordable choice.

Pros:

• Versatile, value-oriented sport cruiser layout
• Available tri-toon for improved handling
• Up to 250-hp outboard power
• Backed by the Bass Pro and Cabela's network

Cons:

• Lower power ceiling than premium tri-toons
• Mainstream build quality

Verdict: A versatile value cruiser — affordable and well-supported for everyday lake use.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Pontoon

• Tube configuration (dual vs tri-toon) — Tri-toons like the Bennington and Manitou add buoyancy, speed, and rough-water stability; dual-tube models cost less but limit power. Match the package to your power and water conditions.
• Real horsepower needs — A 90-hp engine suits calm-lake cruising; tubing, big lakes, and heavy loads want 250–400 hp. Don't over- or under-power the boat.
• Construction quality — Welded tubes and deck framing (Premier) and yacht-grade upholstery (Bennington) hold up far longer. Inspect rails, fasteners, and stitching.
• Layout and seating — Confirm the floor plan fits how you'll use it: lounging, fishing, or entertaining. Check stern lounges, changing rooms, and helm ergonomics.
• Trailering and storage — A 27-footer with a tri-toon and tower needs a capable tow vehicle and a wide slip. Confirm the rig fits your setup.
• Dealer network and warranty — Strong dealer support simplifies service and warranty claims. Bennington, Sun Tracker, and Lowe have broad networks.

What matters less than marketing implies: stereo wattage figures, LED lighting packages, and exotic graphics wraps. Tube construction, horsepower match, and build quality affect your enjoyment and resale far more.

FAQ

Which pontoon is the best overall for 2027? The Bennington 25 RXFB earns our top spot for combining yacht-grade build quality, an SPS performance tri-toon, up to 400-hp power, and class-leading resale, starting around $95,000.

What is the best value pontoon? The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX starting near $33,995, often with a trailer included, delivers a real 22-foot, 13-passenger pontoon for the lowest price of any pick, making it the value leader.

Is a tri-toon worth it over a dual-tube pontoon? A tri-toon adds a third tube for more buoyancy, higher speed, sharper handling, and better rough-water stability. If you tube, ski, or run a big lake, the tri-toon is worth the premium; calm-lake cruisers can save with a dual-tube.

How much horsepower does a pontoon need? Calm-lake cruising suits a 90–150-hp engine; watersports and big water want 250–400 hp. Match power to your load, water, and activities rather than chasing the maximum.

How many people can a pontoon hold? Most picks here carry 13 to 15 passengers; always check the boat's capacity plate, which limits total weight, not just seat count.

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–$80,000, and luxury flagships like the Bennington 25 RXFB reach $95,000 and up. Set your budget around your power needs and how often you'll use it.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Bennington 25 RXFB is our Best Overall pontoon — starting around $95,000, it wins on build quality, a performance tri-toon, up to 400-hp power, and segment-best resale. The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX, from about $33,995 and often trailer-included, is our Best Value, delivering a real family-sized pontoon for the lowest entry price here.

If your needs lean toward sportboat handling, luxury entertaining, or welded durability, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Manitou Explore 24, Harris Crowne 250, or Premier Sunsation 240 instead. Buy on tube configuration, build quality, and power match — not headline features — and you'll enjoy years of lake time.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — pontoon reviews and boat tests
• Discover Boating — pontoon buyer's guides
• BoatTEST — instrumented pontoon performance tests
• boats.com — new and used pontoon listings and reviews
• Bennington — R-series specs and pricing
• Sun Tracker — Party Barge specs and pricing
• Manitou Pontoon Boats — Explore series specs
• Harris Pontoons — Crowne series specs
• Premier Marine — Sunsation specs
• Barletta Boats — Corsa series specs

*Pontoon boat review — best pontoon boat 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top pontoon picks for buyers.*