Entertain.
Fish. Cruise. Anchor. The pontoon lifestyle has captured
the attention of recreational boaters more than ever
before. Power Boating Canada showcases 12 top picks
to tell you why.

Bentley
200 Cruise
If
you spend a lot of time entertaining on the water, consider
the 200 Cruise from Bentley. The Bentley 200 has a deck
width of eight feet, six inches and an LOA of 20 feet
that provides ample room for up to 17 people. The seating
layout includes a large L-shaped lounge aft with a pedestal
mount for the standard cockpit table, while more seating
is provided by face-to-face lounges forward. Drivers
will appreciate the double-wide helm seat that faces
a console featuring a windshield, a series of easy-to-read
gauges, CD stereo system and rocker switches. Stern
entry gates port and starboard measure 31 inches in
width, while the one forward measures 36 inches, allowing
enough room to haul essential, cumbersome gear onboard.
Some added touches include a change room aft (below
the sun pad) and storage compartments complete with
poly liners and drain holes to keep gear dry. The company
also offers the 200 Cruise with a fishing package that
comes complete with casting chairs, rod holders and
a live well.
Specifications
LOA: 20’/6 m
Beam: 8’6”/2.62m
Tube Diameter: 25”/.63m
Weight: 1,620 lbs./734 kg
Person Capacity: 17
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal./94 L
Maximum hp: 90 hp
Price: $13,999 w/50 hp Mercury
Price
supplied by New Ark Marina
Gravenhurst, Ontario
(705) 687-4411
www.newarkmarina.com
Tracker Marine SUN TRACKER
PARTY BARGE 21
The
Party Barge 21 is one of the company’s top selling
pontoons and has a lot to offer in its 21-foot, seven-inch
package. Some new modifications this year include
increased deck space aft to provide room for an oversized
boarding ladder plus a pop-up change room with a bench
seat. Another addition this year is a new plush interior,
which includes a huge aft L-shaped lounge with storage
plus a set of lounges in the bow. All upholstery is
30-ounce composite vinyl and features a stain-resistant
topcoat. Both seating areas feature a removable cockpit
table. When it comes to stowing gear, there’s
space in the two carpeted stowage compartments in
the bow, aft storage locker or under the seats. Drivers
can ride in style thanks to the swivel bucket seat
facing a console complete with a series of gauges,
AM/FM/CD stereo and 60-watt speakers, plus a sport
wheel with a Burlwood accent. The 22-ounce marine-grade
carpeting is a nice touch.
Specifications
LOA: 21’ 7”'/6.61
Beam: 8’ 1”/2.46
Tube Diameter: 24”/.60m
Weight: 1,655 lbs./750 kg
Person Capacity: 13
Fuel Capacity: 30 gal./113 L
Maximum hp: 90 hp
Base Price: $13,744 w/25 hp Mercury (plus PDI and
freight)
Price
supplied by Bluffer's Park Marina
Scarborough, Ontario
(416) 266-4556
www.blufferspark.com (Page
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Crestliner
SPORT CLASSIC FISHERMAN 2085
Crestliner’s
Sport Classic comes complete with the company’s
Lifetime +3 Protection Plan, which means the hull
welds are covered for life (to the original owner)
plus everything else from bow to stern for three years.
In addition to its extruded hardened aluminum cross
members with spray deflectors and heavy-duty H34 5052
marine aluminum sponsons, there’s a heavy-duty
aluminum railing for security and a Dock-Gard gunnel
bumper. Drivers are treated to a Concept DX captain’s
chair that faces a deluxe helm featuring custom panels
and a sport wheel. More seating is found on the aft
L-lounge and set of lounges forward. A Bimini top
with boot, interior lights, an oval table with removable
leg, radius bow deck and rear access gate are other
highlights. If you’re serious about fishing,
check out the company’s fishing package that
includes two Concept DX fishing seats, an aerated
live well under the port lounge seat, trolling motor
outlet and trolling motor accessible gate. A seat
slider for the captain’s chair, an AM/FM cassette
stereo with two speakers, a tilt-wheel and 25-gallon
built-in fuel tank are other available options.
Specifications
LOA: 20’6/6.2m
Beam: 102”/2.59m
Tube Diameter: 23”/.58m
Weight: 1,900 lbs./861 kg
Person Capacity: 9
Fuel Capacity: Portable
Maximum hp: 90 hp
Price: $22,383 w/75 hp
Mercury four-stroke
Price
supplied by Crestliner Boats
Little Falls, Minnesota
(320) 632-6686
www.crestliner.com
Sylvan 8520 MIRAGE SIGNATURE
Fun
on the water is what this model is all about. The
expansive seating layout includes a large L-shaped
bench aft, two lounge seats forward and a reclining
helm chair at the console. All seating is set on Rotocast
furniture bases for added durability and features
33-ounce marine-grade vinyl with a stain-resistant
topcoat. A handy new feature from Sylvan this year
is a soft portable collapsible cooler that’s
perfect to keep lunches fresh and drinks cold. Drivers
will appreciate the two-tiered automotive-style moulded
console that comes complete with a windscreen, while
family members can sit back, relax and listen to the
tunes provided by the JBL CD stereo with four speakers.
Some added touches include 22-ounce mocha-sculpted
carpeting, 30-inch bow and stern gates complete with
Posi-Lock gate latches, integrated cup holders and
a small tabletop to enhance entertaining. The 8520
rides on a pair of 23-inch tubes and has a maximum
power rating of 115 horses. This allows enough power
to haul skiers or tubers with the optional ski tow.
Other options include anti-feedback steering, ski
tow, a playpen cover, Porta-Potti and walk-in change
room.
Specifications
LOA: 20’3”/6.18m
Beam: 102”/2.59m
Tube Diameter: 23”/.58m
Weight: 1,750 lbs./793 kg (dry)
Person Capacity: 12
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal./90 L
Maximum hp: 115 hp
Price: $23,995 w/Yamaha 60 hp
high-thrust four stroke
Price
supplied by Sylvan Marine
New Paris, Indiana
(574) 831-5900
www.sylvanmarine.com (Page
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Bennington Marine 2575
RLX
Bennington
Marine shines for 2005 with its 2575 RLX. While there
are only two models in this series, the other being
the 2875 RLX, both offer first-class appointments.
Enter the cockpit of the 2575 and you’re treated
with a beautifully appointed seating layout featuring
a large L-lounge aft and a plush sun pad. Another
huge lounge is featured forward facing a set of pedestal-style
recliner seats. Both seats share a large cockpit table.
The large fiberglass helm console sports a windshield,
12V receptacle, digital depth gauge and even helm
courtesy lighting. The instruments are housed in a
mahogany panel and include Faria gauges, an hour meter
and trim gauge. The console is complemented with a
deluxe captain seat featuring integral cup holders.
A fiberglass galley console comes complete with a
built-in sink, insulated cooler, another 12V accessory
plug, heavy-duty rub rail and generous counter space
to prepare snacks for onboard guests. Other appointments
include a standard JBL CD stereo, 12-foot Bimini top,
28-ounce Infinity carpeting and stern shower.
Specifications
LOA: 25’/7.62m
Beam: 8’6”/2.62m
Tube Diameter: 25”/.63m
Weight: 2,200 lbs./997 kg
Person Capacity: 17
Fuel Capacity: 26 gal./98 L
Maximum hp: 135 hp
Price: $29,500 (boat only)
Price
supplied by Bennington Marine
Elkhart, Indiana
(574) 264-6336
www.benningtonmarine.com
Lowe 180 Trinidad
Whether
you’re a cottage boater or a weekend warrior
looking for a good time on the water, Lowe offers
its 180 Trinidad. The 180 has an LOA of 18 feet and
a deck width of eight that offers more than enough
room to feature an L-lounge with storage, cockpit
table, a sundeck plus two forward facing lounges with
arm rests and more storage. There’s also a bow
deck. Drivers will appreciate the pivot-slider barrel
helm chair facing an acrylic helm console. This console
comes complete with full instrumentation and a tinted
windshield. To keep the party rockin,’ there’s
a JBL digital AM/FM/CD stereo and if you’re
serious about entertaining, a Bimini top with boot
is standard, or opt for the available propane BBQ
grill. When it comes to water sports, the 180 has
a maximum power rating of 60 horses, providing enough
power to tow a skier or tuber. An optional ski tow
bar is available while some other options include
a privacy enclosure, tilt steering, a vinyl floor
and play pen cover.
Specifications
Pontoon length: 18’/5.5m
Beam: 8’/5.5m
Tube Diameter: 23”/.58m
Weight: 1,522 lbs./690.3 kg
Person Capacity: n/a
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal./90.8L
Maximum hp: 60 hp
Price: $17,995 w/Mercury
50 hp four-stroke.
(plus freight & pre-delivery)
Price
supplied by Baldwin Bay Marina
Buckhorn, Ontario
(705) 657-3354
www.baldwinbaymarina.com (Page
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Princecraft Versailles
22 LPF
Canadian-made
Princecraft Boats has a long line of aluminum fishing
and deck boats. But for those who like to relax just
a little more during the boating season, the company
also has a series of pontoons. This year the company
offers the Versailles 22 LPF, a fully loaded vessel
designed for relaxation. Whether you’re manning
the helm or entertaining guests, there’s ample
comfort throughout thanks to the three very large
lounge seats. The swivel, sliding captain’s
chair is also plush. All furniture is built on Roto-Cast
seat bases. A padded rear sun deck is perfect for
catching the rays, but if it gets too hot simply utilize
the buggy-style Bimini top with quick-release latches.
A highlight on the 22 LPF is the helm console with
its mahogany wheel and tilt steering, fully lit instrument
package with gold bezel gauges and quick release windscreeen.
This console also houses a glove box plus an integrated
galley unit with sink, faucet and portable water tank.
Rounding out the 22 LPF is 28-ounce Infinity Collection
carpeting, 33-gallon built-in fuel system and weather
protected 200-watt Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo.
Specifications
Pontoon length: 22’4”/6.8 m
Beam: 8’6”/2.6 m
Tube Diameter: 25”/.64 m
Weight: 2,025 lbs./919 kg
Person Capacity: 12
Fuel Capacity: 33 gal./125 L
Maximum hp: 115 hp
Price: $28,082 w/Mercury 40 ELPT four-stroke EFI
Price
supplied by Princecraft Boats
(865) 522-4181
Princeville, QC
www.princecraftboats.com
Premier
Marine 225 Legend RE
Quality-set
appointments start from the bottom up with the Legend
225. For instance, the model’s 25-inch tubes
are constructed of high-grade .090-gauge aluminum
with .10 nosecones to provide optimum impact resistance
and durability. Splash deflectors are built into the
tubes for added durability. These tubes are even pressure-tested
to guarantee an airtight seal. What’s more,
the company uses what is called heavy-duty M brackets
to attach the pontoon to the deck for a solid fit.
But where this pontoon really shines is in the cockpit.
Some highlights include Illusions marine-grade 28-ounce
carpeting, three lounges, an aft sun deck and a Flexsteel
7-Star helm chair. A brushed table, 11-foot Bimini
top, 30-gallon built-in fuel tank and built-in trash
compartment are other highlights. From the extensive
option’s list, you may want to choose the Sirius
satellite system, inflatable airbed, Flexsteel dinette
group or the PTX triple tube package, a uniquely designed
36-inch wide center tube featuring a 12-inch flat
pad to increase lift and provide added performance.
Specifications
LOA: 25’5”/7.75m
Beam: 8’6”/2.59m
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Approx. Dry Weight: 4800 lbs/2177 kg
Hull Draft: (drive up) 1’6”/.46M
Hull Draft:
(outdrive down): 2’10”/1.07M
Maximum Horsepower: 300 hp
Fuel Capacity: 100 gal/379L
Base Price: N/A
For
more information contact:
Pirate Cove Marina, Kemptville, Ontario
(613) 258-2325
www.piratecovemarina.com (Page
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Starcraft
226 RE C/R
Starcraft
Marine is ready for excitement this year with the
226 RE C/R, a pontoon with a length of 22 feet, three
inches and beam of 102 inches. The 226 offers enough
room for up to 12 people thanks to the large lounge
aft and two lounges forward. There’s also a
large sun pad for catching the rays. For safety, the
fence height is 27 inches and the three entry gates,
including one aft featuring a stainless steel ladder,
offer easy boarding no matter where you dock. A fiberglass
helm console is complete with custom moulded European
burl dashes with domed gauges, a compass, custom tilt
burl wheel and lanyard safety switch. Other special
treatments on this console include recessed knee room
to accommodate a variety of drivers, a footrest plus
a quick-release smoked Plexiglas windscreen. Ample
storage is featured throughout while two cockpit tables
for the rear and forward lounges provide added convenience
when entertaining. A standard change room is another
added touch. Some options worth considering include
a searchlight with a remote control at the console,
an inflatable airbed with a 12V pump and BBQ grill
with a stainless steel rail mount.
Specifications
LOA: 22’ 3” /6.8m
Beam: 102” /2.59m
Tube Diameter: 25”/.63m
Weight: 2,315 lbs. /1,050 kg
(boat only)
Person Capacity: 12
Fuel Capacity: 30 gal./113.6 L
Maximum hp: 125 hp
Price: N/A
For
more information contact:
Starcraft Marine, Topeka, Indiana
(260) 593-2500
www.starcraftmarine.com
Sweetwater
200 RE Challenger 3-Gate
The
Sweetwater 200 RE Challenger is just one of several
models in this series from Godfrey Marine, but it’s
a prime example of the company’s dedication
to fit and finish and quality appointments. Access
to the 200 RE’s cockpit is via a choice of three
entry points, including an aft access door that’s
highlighted with a handy boarding ladder that hangs
off the small platform. Immediately to port is a large,
raised sun pad, and just forward is a lounge that
offers plenty of seating space below the cushions.
To port is what Sweetwater calls a Perma Life helm
station featuring cooler storage, cup holders, a deluxe
captain's chair with a vented back and swivel plus
deluxe instrumentation. A quick release windscreen
and Teleflex extreme shift cables are also included.
Some exterior highlights include deluxe rail graphics,
a bow loading eye, a canopy release button and navigation
lights. Users will also appreciate the available 24-gallon
fuel tank and power rating of 60 horses.
Specifications
Pontoon length: 20’/6.09m
Deck Width: 8’/2.43m
Tube Diameter: 23’/7.01m
Weight: 1,545 lbs./700 kg
Person Capacity: 13
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal./90 L (optional)
Maximum hp: 60 hp
Base Price: $18,900 w/50 hp
Yamaha four-stroke
Price
Supplied by Blue Beacon Marina
Atherley, Ontario
(705) 325-2526
www.bluebeaconmarina.com (Page
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Avalon Excalibur
Avalon’s
Excalibur has an LOA of 23 feet and has plenty of
onboard space to provide enough room for up to 14
people. Three simulated leather lounges feature arm
rests plus storage below the seat cushions. These
lounges are complemented by standard removable stone-finished
tables while a wet bar and waterproof CD stereo with
four speakers enhances entertainment. Avalon also
included a built-in wine rack with four glasses and
ice carafe. A Sirius satellite system is available
as an option. At the helm is a high-back reclining
commander’s chair facing a console complete
with a wood grain tilt-wheel, wood grain dash panel,
sink and drop-in cooler. There’s even a 12V
adapter and an in-dash GPS/fishfinder. Just behind
this console is a radius rear sun pad, a privacy station
and four-step flip down ladder. Some options include
a ski tow bar, nine-foot or 12-foot aluminum hard
top, walk-on sunroof with ladder plus a ski tower
with high power speakers, spotlight and wakeboard
racks.
Specifications
LOA: 23’/7.01m
Beam: 8’6”/2.59m
Tube Diameter: 25”/0.63m
Fuel Capacity: 36 gal/136.27 L
Weight: 1,850 lbs./839 kg (w/furniture)
Maximum Persons: 14
Maximum Power: 125 hp
Price: na
For
more information contact
Avalon Pontoons, Alma, Michigan
(989) 463-2112
www.avalonpontoons.com
Smoker Craft Infinity
s 8521 CR
Smoker
Craft’s Infinity series’ 8521 is just
one of the company’s top-of-the-line pontoons
offering plush comfort with the amenities to boot.
There’s seating space for the whole family thanks
to the L-Group seating aft and set of lounges forward.
A single reclining helm chair with slider, armrests
and headrest is also included. Some highlights featured
at the fiberglass helm console include a windscreen
and what Smoker Craft calls a Roman bronze dash panel
featuring gold bezel instrumentation. The console
also houses cooler storage plus a built-in sink, while
entertainment is provided by a JBL CD player with
a six-disc changer and four speakers. A cockpit table,
lighted cup holders and a 10-foot Bimini are other
standards. The S8521 is built on a pair of 25-inch
tubes while other hardware includes a set of 30-inch
gates with Posi-Lock gate hatches, pull up deck cleats,
stainless steel bow rails and polished castings. A
stand-up change room, galley with a stove, Porta-Potti
and a boarding ladder are a few options worth checking
out.
Specifications
LOA:
20’3”/6.18 m
Beam: 102”/2.59 m
Tube Diameter: 25”/.63m
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal./90 L
Weight: 1,950 lbs./884 kg
Maximum Persons: 12
Maximum Power: 115 hp
Price: $29,995 w/Yamaha 60 hp high-thrust four-stroke
(plus freight & prep)
Price
supplied by Smoker Craft
New Paris, Indiana
(574) 831-5900
www.smokercraft.com
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