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Easy Riders (20-3)
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.
Pontoon 01
Bentley 200 Cruise
Pontoon 02If 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
Pontoon 03The 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 Top)

Crestliner SPORT CLASSIC FISHERMAN 2085
Pontoon 04Crestliner’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
Pontoon 05Fun 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 Top)

Bennington Marine 2575 RLX
Pontoon 06Bennington 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
Pontoon 07Whether 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 Top)

Princecraft Versailles 22 LPF
Pontoon 08Canadian-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
Pontoon 09Quality-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 Top)

Starcraft 226 RE C/R
Pontoon 10Starcraft 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
Pontoon 11The 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 Top)

Avalon Excalibur
Pontoon 12Avalon’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
Pontoon 13Smoker 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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