Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Used Pontoon Boats Under $100,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Used Pontoon Boats Under $100,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
A used pontoon boat under $100,000 buys a lot of water in 2027, because depreciation does the heavy lifting on a category where new tri-toons routinely sticker past $120,000. This ranking is built for lake families, watersports crews, and entertainers who want a wide, stable deck without paying showroom prices.
We judged the field on build quality, hull configuration (single-tube versus performance tri-toon), engine reach, resale strength, and how the model holds up after a few hundred hours. Every boat below is a real, widely sold platform you can actually find on a trailer or at a marina, with realistic asking prices for clean, low-to-mid-hour examples.
We favored brands with strong dealer networks and proven aluminum pontoon logs.
Direct Answer
Our BEST OVERALL used pick is the 2021-2023 Bennington 23 LSB tritoon, typically ~$62,000-$78,000 clean, because it pairs a stout build with a performance hull and elite resale. The BEST VALUE is the 2018-2020 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX, usually ~$28,000-$36,000, a no-drama family barge that undercuts everything near it.
Always pay for a survey and a sea trial; pontoon problems hide in soft decks, pitted tubes, and tired outboards.
How We Ranked
- Build quality — Welded tube seams, deck core, rail gauge, and furniture durability separate a 15-year boat from a 6-year one.
- Hull configuration — Tri-toon (three tubes) handling and capacity matter more than horsepower for resale and ride.
- Powertrain reach — Models that accepted 150-300 HP outboards age better and resell faster than underpowered ones.
- Resale and parts — Strong dealer networks (Bennington, Manitou, Yamaha) hold value and keep parts flowing.
- Real-world condition risk — Common failure points (deck rot, pitted aluminum, electronics) weighted heavily for a used buy.
1. 2021-2023 Bennington 23 LSB 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Bennington 23 LSB is the used pontoon that justifies a premium. Bennington's ESP (Elliptical Sport Package) and SPS (Simple Performance System) tri-toon hulls deliver sport-boat lean and a dry ride, and the brand's resale is the strongest in the segment, which is why clean examples still command ~$62,000-$78,000 several years on.
At roughly 23 feet 3 inches with a 102-inch beam, the LSB seats 12-13 and rides on three 25-inch tubes, giving it the buoyancy to carry skiers and a full cooler without squatting.
Power options spanned 150-300 HP outboards, and a Yamaha or Mercury in the 200-250 HP range turns this into a genuine watersports platform. Furniture is marine-grade with powder-coated frames, and the welded rails feel a class above. Soft spots to check: vinyl seam wear on heavily used rentals and any performance package boat that was run hard.
- Price: ~$62,000-$78,000
- Pros: Best-in-class resale, true tri-toon handling, premium fit and finish, broad power options.
- Cons: Commands top dollar used; loaded packages push toward the budget cap.
Verdict: The reference standard for a used pontoon you keep a decade.
2. 2018-2020 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX 💎 BEST VALUE
The Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX is the value champion because it delivers a complete family layout for a fraction of premium-brand money, typically ~$28,000-$36,000 used. Built by Tracker Marine and sold through Bass Pro and Cabela's, it carries a strong factory warranty history and a famously simple, durable package.
The 22-foot deck on twin 25-inch pontoons seats 10-12 and rides comfortably behind a 90-150 HP Mercury.
It is not a performance hull, so do not expect tri-toon lean in chop. What you get is a dependable, low-maintenance barge with easy-to-source parts and a forgiving resale curve. Inspect the changing-room canvas, bimini hardware, and any signs of deck delamination on older units left uncovered.
- Price: ~$28,000-$36,000
- Pros: Lowest cost of entry, simple and durable, huge dealer support, easy resale.
- Cons: Twin-tube ride in rough water, modest top speed, basic furniture.
Verdict: The most boat-for-the-money pick under $40k.
3. 2020-2022 Manitou 23 Aurora LE
The Manitou 23 Aurora LE rides on Manitou's signature V-Toon (M-23/SHP) hull, which sits the center tube lower for a planing, sport-boat feel that rivals a fiberglass deck boat. Now owned by Brunswick, Manitou pairs that hull with upscale interiors, and clean examples land around ~$55,000-$72,000.
At 23 feet with a 102-inch beam, it seats 12 and pairs naturally with 200-300 HP outboards.
This is the enthusiast's used tri-toon: it leans into turns and tracks straight at speed. Check the underdeck for any tube scuffs from grounding, confirm the lifting strakes are intact, and verify the outboard's hours match the boat's condition.
- Price: ~$55,000-$72,000
- Pros: Sportiest handling in class, premium build, strong Brunswick parts support.
- Cons: Pricey used, rewards a big outboard you also have to maintain.
Verdict: Buy this if cornering and speed matter as much as deck space.
4. 2019-2021 Harris Cruiser 230
The Harris Cruiser 230 is a Brunswick-built luxury cruiser that balances comfort and capability, typically ~$48,000-$66,000 used. Harris's Performance and Cruiser tri-toon packages give it a stable, well-mannered ride, and the brand shares engineering and dealer support with Mercury.
The 23-foot deck on three tubes seats 12-13 and handles 150-250 HP with ease.
Interiors are plush, with thick cushions and tasteful helms, so the value is in the appointments. On a used unit, scrutinize the upholstery for fade, test every powered feature, and confirm the playpen seating latches and tables are all present.
- Price: ~$48,000-$66,000
- Pros: Luxury interior, smooth tri-toon ride, Mercury/Brunswick backing.
- Cons: Fancy furniture ages fastest, more systems to verify on a used buy.
Verdict: A comfortable, well-supported cruiser that feels richer than its price.
5. 2018-2021 Avalon LSZ 2285 Cruise
The Avalon LSZ 2285 Cruise is an underrated handler with a cult following among performance buyers, typically ~$42,000-$60,000 used. Avalon's hulls earn praise for speed and dry ride, and the brand's furniture and rail quality punch above its price. At about 22 feet 6 inches with a 96-102 inch beam, it seats 11-12 and pairs well with 150-250 HP outboards.
Avalon's smaller dealer footprint can make parts a touch harder to source than Bennington, so factor that in. Inspect the tube welds, confirm the helm electronics power up, and check for any storage hatch sag on older boats.
- Price: ~$42,000-$60,000
- Pros: Excellent handling, strong build, good value versus the big brands.
- Cons: Thinner dealer network, slightly lower resale recognition.
Verdict: A sleeper performance pontoon for buyers who do their homework.
6. 2017-2020 Premier Sunsation 240
The Premier Sunsation 240 carries Premier's reputation for heavy-gauge aluminum and its patented PTX tri-toon hull, which planes early and rides flat. Built in Minnesota, Premier boats are known for longevity, and clean used examples sit around ~$45,000-$63,000. The 24-foot deck seats 13 and accepts 200-300 HP power for a quick, capable cruiser.
This is a boat built to outlast its furniture. On a used unit, the structure is usually sound, so focus on cushions, canvas, and the outboard. Verify the PTX center tube has no impact damage and that the wiring harness is intact.
- Price: ~$45,000-$63,000
- Pros: Robust heavy-gauge build, strong PTX hull, long service life.
- Cons: Higher used pricing, interiors can look dated before the hull tires.
Verdict: A tank of a pontoon for buyers who keep boats forever.
7. 2019-2021 Crest Classic LX 220 SLS
The Crest Classic LX 220 SLS offers a well-rounded family package with thoughtful storage and a comfortable ride, typically ~$38,000-$54,000 used. Crest's tri-toon options and quality furniture make it a strong mid-tier choice, and the brand has a loyal Midwest following. The 22-foot deck seats 11-12 and pairs comfortably with 115-200 HP outboards.
Crest's value lies in livability rather than outright speed. Check the changing room, test the stereo and lighting, and inspect the under-seat storage for moisture intrusion on boats stored uncovered.
- Price: ~$38,000-$54,000
- Pros: Comfortable family layout, solid build, good storage.
- Cons: Not a speed boat, resale trails the top brands.
Verdict: A sensible, comfortable cruiser for relaxed lake days.
8. 2018-2020 Sylvan Mirage 8520 Cruise
The Sylvan Mirage 8520 Cruise is a value-forward cruiser from one of pontooning's oldest names, typically ~$34,000-$48,000 used. Sylvan's RPT (Reverse Performance Technology) tri-toon option lifts the boat for a sportier ride, and the brand's long history means proven engineering.
The 20-21 foot deck seats 10-11 and runs well with 115-200 HP power.
Sylvan delivers a lot of standard content for the money. On a used boat, confirm the RPT hull if you want performance (many were sold as twin-tube), and check the helm, bimini, and seating for wear.
- Price: ~$34,000-$48,000
- Pros: Strong value, optional RPT performance hull, heritage brand.
- Cons: Twin-tube versions feel basic, dealer coverage varies by region.
Verdict: A budget-friendly cruiser with an available performance upgrade.
9. 2017-2020 Lowe SS 230 Sport
The Lowe SS 230 Sport is a Brunswick-built barge that overdelivers on price, typically ~$30,000-$44,000 used. Lowe shares the Bass Pro / Tracker dealer ecosystem with Sun Tracker, so parts and service are easy, and the boats are built to a sensible, durable standard. The 23-foot deck seats 12 and runs 115-200 HP comfortably.
Think of the Lowe as a step up in size from a Sun Tracker at a still-modest price. Inspect the deck for soft spots, verify the trailer if included, and confirm the outboard's compression on higher-hour examples.
- Price: ~$30,000-$44,000
- Pros: Big deck for the money, easy parts and service, durable.
- Cons: Basic furniture, modest resale prestige.
Verdict: A roomy, affordable family barge with painless support.
10. 2019-2021 Godfrey Sweetwater 2286
The Godfrey Sweetwater 2286 rounds out the list as a comfortable, well-built cruiser from Polaris-owned Godfrey, typically ~$36,000-$52,000 used. Godfrey's tri-toon options and quality construction make it a dependable family pick, and the brand benefits from Polaris's manufacturing backing.
The 22-foot deck seats 12 and pairs well with 150-250 HP power.
Sweetwater boats focus on comfort and value. On a used unit, test all the powered furniture, check the rail welds, and confirm the electronics and stereo function as expected.
- Price: ~$36,000-$52,000
- Pros: Solid build, comfortable layout, Polaris/Godfrey support.
- Cons: Middling resale recognition, performance depends on hull choice.
Verdict: A safe, comfortable choice for buyers who want value with backing.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull and tubes: Inspect aluminum for pitting, dents, and weld cracks; a tri-toon with lifting strakes rides and resells better than a plain twin-tube.
- Deck core: Press the deck for soft spots near the helm and corners; water-soaked plywood core is the single most expensive pontoon failure.
- Engine hours and service: Get a compression test and verify outboard hours; 200-300 HP boats run hard if they were watersports rigs, so confirm maintenance records.
- Trailer, survey, sea trial: Confirm the trailer condition if included, pay for a marine survey on pricier boats, and always run a sea trial to check planing, steering, and electronics.
FAQ
How many hours is too many on a used pontoon outboard? For a four-stroke outboard, 500-750 hours with documented service is reasonable; over 1,000 hours without records is a red flag. Pontoon hulls themselves last decades, so the engine and deck core usually dictate value, not the tubes.
Is a tri-toon worth paying more for used? Yes, if you want watersports, rough-water comfort, or speed. A tri-toon (three tubes) planes, leans into turns, and resells stronger. For calm-lake cruising, a quality twin-tube like the Sun Tracker saves real money.
Which used pontoon brands hold value best? Bennington leads on resale, followed by Manitou, Harris, and Premier. Their dealer networks and build quality keep asking prices firm, which matters if you plan to trade up in a few years.
What hidden costs come with a used pontoon under $100,000? Budget for a trailer if not included, a marine survey ($15-$25 per foot), insurance, winterization, and any furniture or canvas refresh. A clean older boat can need $3,000-$6,000 in cushions and bimini work.
Bottom Line
The 2021-2023 Bennington 23 LSB is our BEST OVERALL used pontoon under $100,000 for its tri-toon handling, premium build, and class-leading resale, while the 2018-2020 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX is the BEST VALUE for delivering a complete family package for under $40k.
Whatever you choose, pay for a survey, run a sea trial, and check the deck core and outboard hours before you sign.
Sources
- Boat Trader — used pontoon listings and pricing trends
- Discover Boating — pontoon buying guides and hull-type comparisons
- NADA Guides — used boat valuation ranges
- Boating Magazine — Bennington, Manitou, and Harris model reviews
- NMMA — recreational boating market and pontoon segment data
- BoatUS — marine survey and used-boat inspection guidance
- Mercury Marine and Yamaha Outboards — pontoon power recommendations
*Keywords: Best Used Pontoon Boats Under $100,000 in 2027 (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*