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Pontoons are rapidly becoming the

go anywhere, do

anything vessel of

choice for todays

boating enthusiasts.

by Michael Hauenstein

Recreational

Revolution

PHOTOCOURTESYOFQWESTMAR38 LAKELANDBOATING.COM | MARCH 2013

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As the saying goes, all boats are a compromise. This iswhy we struggle to balance speed, economy, capacity,luxury, and price when weighing the pros and cons of different

boats. But what if we arent properly calibrated when making these

distinctions? What if theres a boat out there that we havent thought

about in a while, but which might surprise us? With this in mind,

please consider the pontoon boat if you havent lately.

Pontoon boats can do far more today than ever before, says

Bob Wachs, brand manager at Godfrey Pontoon Boats of Elkhart,

Indiana. Theyre sportier, theyre quicker, theyre more responsive.

He says triple-tube designs have not only improved performance

but are ushering in a culture change: People of all ages are taking

notice and, nowadays, theres no typical pontoon buyer.

This hasnt always been the case. Greg Knight, marketing

consultant for Alma, Michigan-based Avalon Pontoons, says there

has been a performance revolution in recent years.

Prior to the last decade, pontoons were generally twin pontoons

not made for high-speed running, and they didnt provide much

in the way of versatility, says Knight. Over the last decade, our

company and many others have made an effort to change that.

In addition to the performance aspect of the new designs,

pontoons also have a much greater cool factor these days.

Pontoon boats now rival the luxury entertaining often found on

daycruising yachts, and features like bars, Flexsteel furniture, and

galleys make the options for enjoying a day on the water endless,

says Connie Weinman, sales and marketing coordinator at Premier

Pontoons of Wyoming, Minnesota. The new performance and

luxurious designs have made pontoons some of the most versatile

boats built today. They can be designed to meet the needs of any

boater, the construction standards are continually improving, and the

innovation has really caught consumers and the industry by surprise.

The old perception of your grandpas pontoon has changed

drastically in the past 10 years, Weinman adds.

Out with the old, in with the newIts not a stretch to say that pontoons carry a certain cachet these

days. The pontoon boat has become a more attractive all-purpose

boat, and has become a greater source of pride for its owners, says

Avalons Knight.

Evidence of the possibilities offered by the pontoon boat platform

is seen in the myriad deck layouts, sports and entertainment

packages, fishing equipment, and camper canvas options that

builders offer.

The boats are becoming so universal, and theyre becoming

a better option for more folks, especially as the performance

improves, says Godfreys Wachs, noting that todays pontoons can

pull skiers and wakeboarders. Theyre a lot more flexible than other

types of boats, and theyre starting to break out i nto new places like

the Great Lakes and coastal areas.

The boats have gotten bigger, the boats have gotten wider, and

the tubes have gotten larger, so they can go out in rougher water,

he explains. Theyre becoming more seaworthy.

In fact, Knight says Avalon has run one of its pontoon boats from

Chicago to Mackinac Island. He notes that owners can use them on

the Great Lakes with due care in other words, avoid huge water.

While pontoons might not be ready to replace the purpose-built

wakeboard boat or go 12 miles offshore t o fish, their versatility

appeals to a wide swath of boaters. So does their value.

Ultimately, what drives it is the price paid for the value received,

says Wachs. You get a lot of boat for the money in a pontoon, which

you can use for cruising, fishing, water sports, and entertaining.

Knight concurs.

From all the statistics were getting, pontoons now are the best

selling of all types of boats, says the Avalon Pontoons marketing

man. Even as the price of pontoons has gone up overall, the value

compared to other types of boats has remained excellent. And you

can do the same things, with limited exceptions, as you would on

a cabin cruiser or runabout.

To drive the point home, Godfrey Pontoons Wachs compares the

capacity of a pontoon with that of a runabout: I

on a runabout, you might expect to carry six peo

same money in a pontoon and you can carry 12 t

More space, more amenities, moreFor one thing, pontoon boats carry their bea

bow for maximum capacity. This allows boatbu

with layouts and amenities. From pop-up ch

concealed portable marine heads to waterslid

platforms, and multiple-chaise-lounge layout

taking full advantage.

One trend that has really taken off in recent y

bar complete with barstools that youll

new boats profiled below.

The whole concept of a bar boat came ou

ago, says Wachs. People are viewing the ponto

multipurpose platform. These people like to ente

a good time, and for families with kids they like

Indeed, when you take a look at some of the

options on todays models, youll understand w

pontoon boat owners dont feel like theyre sit

anymore. Boring-old will be the farthest thing f

you see these 10 remarkable pontoons. LB

Avalon Catalina 22Avalon Luxury Pontoon Boats has been building

pontoons for more than 40 years with an emphasis on

heavy-duty construction and materials, both in the hull

and the interior. Its lineup ranges from 14 feet to 29

feet and from premium to economy models.

While the Catalina is part of the companys A

(Affordable) Series, it combines design elements from

the top-of-the-line Deco Series with the construction

and materials with which Avalon has made its name,

including a fiberglass helm station.

The Catalinas are full-size pontoons that come

in lengths of 20, 22, and 24 feet. Each of the three

boats has an 8-foot beam and the same basic layout,

featuring an L-shaped lounge with a wood table on

the port side and a swim deck with vinyl flooring in the

stern. A 10-foot bimini top is standard, while numerous

canvas options are available.

Other popular options include built-in docklights, a GPS/fishfinder, hydraulic or mechanical tilt steering, carpet upgrades, and the

companys Waveglider high-performance triple-pontoon system. In addition, a ski tow bar, wakeboard tower, refreshment center,

electric wine rack, refrigerator, washdown kit, livewell for fishing, stainless steel grill, and plenty more options are available. Baseprice without power for the 22-foot Catalina (pictured) is $18,612.

AVALONPONTOONS.COM

Bennington

2550 RCLBennington Marine, based in Elkhart, Indiana, buildspontoon boats from 17 feet to 28 feet and in a variety

of trim levels and layouts. A good example of what

Bennington can do is found in the 2550 RCL. A big

boat with luxury touches throughout, the 2550 RCL

measures 27 feet, 1 inch with a beam of 8 feet, 6

inches, and has cushy wraparound lounge seating

throughout the cockpit, with three chaise lounges built

into that seating.

The portside chaises can be designed to conceal a

pop-up changing room or a galley (or one in each, on

either side of the port entry gate; there are also entry

points in the bow and stern). The starboard chaise

backs to the fiberglass helm console, which contains

storage, a stereo, and an integral footrest for the

captain, who gets a reclining helm seat with headrest, tilt steering, and a custom steering wheel with teak

Aft filler cushions and a teak dinette table are standard, as are a pair of portable armrest cupholders with

has an extended aft deck with a telescoping swim ladder, not to mention a selection of options including p

furniture upgrades, and tops and enclosures.

Manufacturer suggested retail price for the 2550 RCL with Yamaha T50 engine is $37,845.

BENNINGTONMARINE .COM

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Harris FloteBote

Crowne 250Harris FloteBote of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is anotherpontoon builder thats finding the formula for fun

on the water. The new Crowne 250 measures 26

feet, 9 inches in overall length, with a beam of 8

feet, 6 inches, and looks that could kill. It has a sleek

fiberglass superstructure with sweeping lines, plus

a thoroughly modern interior with dual aft-facing

loungers, an optional touchscreen control at the helm,

and an optional entertainment bar with barstools, rope

lighting, lighted cupholders, wine bottle storage, sink,

and further optional appliances. An optional sport arch

with integrated bimini top and sunshades completes

the look for a boat that its builder calls the next

generation of Harris FloteBote.

Pontoon boats like the Crowne are popular because

they provide a good balance of performance and comfort, says Harris FloteBote marketing manager Jane Schlegel. They can pull a

skier or take out the whole family for an evening cruise.

Other features include a telescoping/collapsible teak bow table, a changing room, and a six-speaker stereo system two of whichspeakers can be enjoyed from the aft swim deck.

Manufacturer suggested retail pricing for the Crowne starts at $60,960 with a 90-hp Mercury 4-stroke outboard.

HARRISFLOTEBOTE.COM

Crest Savannah250 CP3+Crest Marine has been building boats in Owosso,

Michigan, for 56 years. Clearly, theyve picked up a

few tricks along the way, as one look at the Savannah

250 CP3+ will show you.

The Savannah is the flagship of Crests line, which

runs from 19 feet on up to this 25-foot, 10-inch

stunner. The company employs fiberglass construction

extensively on both the interior and exterior of its

Savannah models a 23-footer is also available

which gives the boat a sophisticated look, inside and out.The Savannah has a high-end layout, with twin chaise

lounges forward; stern lounge seating with a fiberglass

cockpit table; and an entertainment center, abaft the

helm station, featuring a sink, storage, vanity mirror, and

a 12-volt receptacle.

Meanwhile, below the deck, the CP3+ Performance Option means the Savannah 250 has a triple-pontoon configuration with lifting

strakes, aluminum underdeck skin, electric-assist hydraulic steering, stainless steel ski tow bar, and in-sole ski storage. It also means

the boat can handle an outboard of up to 300 hp. Pricing for a Savannah 250 CP3+ Performance Edition with a 250-hp Mercury

Verado 4-stroke outboard and options including polyvinyl teak-and-holly flooring and a premium stereo system is $77,000. Or, plan to

shell out $68,500 for the Mercury 150L 4-stroke version.

CRESTPONTOONBOATS.COM

Premier Boundary

Sky DekThe Boundary Waters Sky Dek from Premier Pontoons isa great example of just how far you can take the pontoon

boat concept. The flagship of Minnesota-based Premiers

line, the Sky Dek measures 31 feet, 5 inches (not

including the standard waterslide, we should note) and

features upper and lower decks with plenty of lounging

and entertaining amenities found on both.

The boat, with its 10-foot, 2-inch beam, has a rated

capacity of 20 people on the lower deck and five more

on the upper deck. With such a large platform to work

with, its no wonder Premier was able to include pretty

much any amenity possible on this boat: Wraparound

seating in the bow with standard filler cushion and

portable armrest cupholders; a pair of large recliners

on the port side, athwart the helm station with

captains chair; a galley with vessel sink, electric faucet, and refrigerator on the starboard side, abaft the

settee with table to port; a pop-up changing room aft; and stairs leading to the upper deck with addition

bimini top. All the boats furniture is by Flexsteel and additional floor plans are available. Phew! But thatsteak flooring, a double bimini with enclosure, a wine waiter, and twin engines.

The boat pictured has the optional 300-hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke outboard and is priced at $130,816

$95,073. Premiers PTX triple-pontoon performance package comes standard on the Sky Dek.

PONTOONS.COM

JC TriToon Classic246 I/OThe JC TriToon Classic 246 is a 24-footer and the

most popular TriToon model from Indiana-based JC

Manufacturing. And thats really saying something:

JC has been building triple-pontoon boats for more

than 25 years and holds the trademark on the name

TriToon, according to JCs Chris Hackleman.

The TriToon Classic 246 I/O comes equipped with

sterndrive power from 190 hp to 350 hp outboard

power up to 250 hp is optional and is said to

combine deckboat performance with pontoon comfort.We say it is the SUV of the lake, according to

Hackleman. Its a great boat for cruising, and pontoons

are becoming the boat that will go fast and are able to

pull skiers and kids on tubes.

In addition, the choice of powerplant makes it a great

pick for boaters used to driving a sterndrive, Hackleman says.

While standard features mean the 246 already comes decked out for lounging, entertaining and tow spo

features include a changing room (optional at no additional charge); sink; fishfinder, GPS, and stereo upgra

hardtop; and power bimini top that Hackleman says is great for going under bridges and putting the boat o

246 I/O starts at $58,000.

JCPONTOON.COM

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Qwest 820 LSSplash PadThe Qwest 820 LS Splash Pad is a 21-foot pontoon

boat from Michigan-based Apex Marine. The notable

feature on this model is the eponymous Splash

Pad: While most recreational pontoon boats are

characterized by their wraparound seating in a gated,

carpeted main deck area, the Splash Pad adds an open

aft sundeck with removable barstools to the mix

perfect for entertaining or using as a swim platform.

Like many pontoon manufacturers, options abound

on Apexs boats, and the LS (Luxury Series) SplashPad is no exception, from propulsion choices to the

number of pontoons: The standard model has double

pontoons, while a triple-tube package is available.

The standard model can be equipped with anything

from an electric drive up to a 90-hp outboard, says

Apex general manager Brad Lemerand, who says that the standard model, with double pontoons and a 50-hp outboard, has enough

power to pull kids tubing and will run about 18 mph ($21,436). For those who want a pontoon to perform more like a runabout, we

offer the Triple Tube Package. This boat, equipped with triple tubes and 115-hp Mercury 4-stroke outboard, can reach speeds up to

40 mph and can pull skiers ($29,150).

Apex focuses on the smaller end of the pontoon segment, offering models ranging in size from 16 feet to 21 feet. The company

even offers paddlewheel models think of an oversized pedalboat in addition to electric drives and outboards.

GILLGETTER.COM

South Bay

724E DeluxeWhen it comes to pontoon boats, entertaining is neverfar from mind. On the South Bay 724E Deluxe Series,

the E literally stands for Entertainment. And the boat

really delivers, as notable features include a granite

topcoat entertainment bar with LED lighting and

plenty of stainless steel: A stainless steel refrigerator,

stainless steel propane grill, stainless steel three-

drawer storage system, and more.

The Entertainment model also comes equipped with

an upgraded stereo system including a pair of stern

speakers. The 25-foot, 2-inch boat has an extended

swim platform and a capacity of 12 people (standard) or

14 (with optional Trifecta Package).

The 724E Deluxe Series with the Trifecta Package

which includes a full-length center tube, lifting

strakes, a full under-deck aluminum skin, hydraulic steering, a stainless steel water sports tow bar, 52-gallon fuel tank, and more

and a Yamaha F150 4-stroke outboard has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $63,350. If thats not enough to impress you, the

Trifecta Package-equipped 724E can handle quite a bit more horsepower, with engine options available up to 300 hp. Plus it can beequipped with outboard or sterndrive power.

SOUTHBAYPONTOON.COM

Sweetwater 220Wet Bar

Godfrey Pontoon Boats says its been in the pontoon

business since it unveiled the first all-aluminum

pontoon boat in 1958. The company now boasts three

popular brands: Aqua Patio, Sanpan and Sweetwater.

The Sweetwater 220 Wet Bar is a boat designed

with cruising and entertaining in mind. Like the Qwest

LS Splash Pad, its noteworthy for its aft bar area

setup with a pair of barstools; however, the bar in

the Sweetwater is located within the confines of the

24-inch-tall cockpit gates for a cozier cocktail-partyvibe. The bar area also features cooler storage, bottle

storage, cupholders (as youll find, its the more the

merrier when it comes to cupholders on pontoon

boats), and an acrylic bar top; a four-speaker stereo

system is also standard.

The boat measures 23 feet, 8 inches and has a beam of 8 feet, 6 inches, and when equipped with Swe

Package (Triple Outperforming Tube And Launchpad) and a 150-hp outboard can push the 220 Wet Bar

proving that high-performance is within reach for the value-oriented boater.

Pricing for the Sweetwater 220 Wet Bar starts at $26,930 with a 50-hp engine.

SWEETWATERBOATS.COM

Sylvan Mandalay

8525 LZ PortSylvan Marine has been building boats since the late1940s when the company was founded near Sylvan

Lake in Indiana. The company pushes performance

across a lineup that ranges from 18 feet up to the 26-

foot, 10-inch Mandalay 8525 LZ Port, which carries the

tagline Luxury Meets Velocity.

Options include a portable marine toilet for the boats

standard walk-in changing room, a second cockpit

table, a refrigerator for the galley, a triple-pontoon

design with in-floor storage and a ski tow.

There are actually a variety of Mandalay 8525

models: The 8525, the 8525 Bar (with barstools in the

aft cockpit), the 8525 LZ, the 8525 Port, and the 8525

LZ Port. Decoding the name 8525 LZ Port we find an

LZ seating layout plenty of plush lounge seating aft

and on the forward starboard side with the Port seating arrangement forward and (you guessed it) to p

helm-style chairs. Dont forget the captain, who rides in style in a reclining helm chair with a slider feature, a

Manufacturer suggested retail price for the Mandalay 8525 LZ Port with a Yamaha F150 4-stroke outboar

SYLVANMARINE.COM

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