Rethink the Pontoon: 7 Next-Gen Models Built for Speed, Comfort, and Fishing

Modern pontoon boats have completely shattered their old reputation as slow, boxy swim platforms, evolving into high-performance, ultra-luxurious marvels capable of blistering speeds and top-tier watersports.

* prices and specifications subject to change without notice

Avalon Catalina Platinum 2585 Quad Lounger Shift

Avalon has been refining pontoon construction for over half a century, and the Catalina Platinum 2585 anchors the brand’s premium tier. Mercury 300 Cold Fusion power, electric steering, His-and-Hers Admiral captain’s chairs, custom Riptide Dune flooring, and a high-performance sound package are all part of the standard build. Waveglider Performance Tubes at 25 inches sit under diamond-stitched upholstery and fiberglass nose cones. The Catalina line competes hard against brands sitting well above it on the price ladder. More info: www.avalonpontoons.com

Specifications: Length: 25 ft (7.62 m) | Beam: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) | Dry weight: 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | Max horsepower: 300 hp (Mercury 300L Cold Fusion as equipped) | Max weight capacity: 2,825 lbs (1,281 kg) | Hull type: Aluminum tritoon; 25 in Waveglider Performance Tubes | MSRP: USD $132,980 (approx.)

Manitou 27 X-Plode XT 

Manitou’s V-Toon technology drops the centre tube below the outer pair, and the geometry alone lets these pontoons heel through corners like a V-bottom. Add the Sport Handling Package and power-assisted steering, and the 27 X-Plode XT reverses course at full throttle without scrubbing speed. Twin Mercury 400s tested at 70 mph, held in check by Sport Master gear cases, cambered skegs, and the patented triple-tube hull. BRP family integration still shows up in the available Rotax S two-stroke, which tucks under the deck and clears roughly 40 square feet of aft porch. More info: www.manitoupontoonboats.com

Specifications: Length: 28 ft 8 in | Beam: 8 ft 6 in | Dry weight: 4,451 to 4,655 lbs | Max horsepower: 800 hp combined (twin Mercury 400 Verado; verified test) | Passenger capacity: 15 persons | Max weight capacity: 2,055 lbs | Transom height: 25 in | Hull type: V-Toon triple-tube; 27 in centre, 25 in outer; lifting strakes | MSRP: CAD $282,000 (approx.) 

Sea-Doo Switch Cruise 21

The Sea-Doo Switch runs on Rotax 1630 ACE jet propulsion. No outboard, no exposed prop, and a rear deck that flows into an integrated swim platform without an engine break. The Cruise 21 gets a supercharged 300 hp version of the 1630 ACE, tested at 39.4 mph. The factory Tech Package comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, pneumatic-lift Bimini, and twin corner aft gates. Modular deck panels reconfigure the layout in minutes for fishing, watersports, or plain old entertaining. More info: sea-doo.brp.com

Specifications: Length: 21 ft | Beam: 8 ft 5 in | Dry weight: 2,675 lbs (1,213 kg) | Max horsepower: 300 hp (Rotax 1630 ACE supercharged) | Passenger capacity: 10 persons | Max weight capacity: 1,485 lbs | Hull type: Polytec modular deck; Rotax marine jet; reconfigurable panels | MSRP: Approx. CAD $59,299 (approx.)

Princecraft Vogue 27 RL

Princecraft has been building quality pontoons in Canada since 1954, and are part of the Brunswick Boat Group. Every model in this year’s lineup rides on H36 marine-grade aluminum keels, and the Vogue 27 RL sits at the luxury top of the range. Automotive-style raised helm console, SIMRAD Go7 multifunction touchscreen with VesselView Link, wireless smartphone charger, oversized stern swim platform, integrated cooler, and a multi-position seat module all come standard. Available Wake tower and Mercury Verado 300 power complete the package. More info: www.princecraft.com

Specifications: Length: 27 ft 11 in | Beam: 8 ft 6 in | Dry weight: Approx. 3,760 lbs | Max horsepower: 450 hp std Performance Configuration (range 175 to 450); 500 hp transom-rated optional | Passenger capacity: 13 persons | Hull type: Aluminum tritoon with H36 marine-grade keels | MSRP: CAD $195,000-200,000  (avg. dealer pricing)

Starcraft RX 25 Q DH

Starcraft, with over 123 years building aluminum pontoon boats, has consistently stayed near or at the top of the luxury pontoon space. The RX 25 Q DH continues the legacy as the top luxury option in their pontoon lineup, redesigned from the ground up with additional amenities and comfort in mind. 

The rear lounge flips between forward and aft-facing seating, plenty of storage and Skito board for easy access. Dual-helm layout gives driver and co-driver equal command over the boat, with swiveling and sliding seats, and behind the helm, the drivers are well-protected by windscreens. The HMX PR25 Performance Package is standard: full-length third tube, performance strakes, a Wet Sound system, SeaStar hydraulic steering, with a 350 hp Suzuki engine that pins you into your seat at max power. More info: www.starcraftmarine.com

Specifications: Length: 27 ft 8 in | Beam: 102 in | Dry weight: 4,300 lbs | Max horsepower: 400 hp | Passenger capacity: 13 persons | Max weight capacity: 1,775 lbs | Transom height: 25 in | Hull type: Aluminum tritoon; HMX PR25 Performance Package std; 25 in tubes | MSRP: CAD $131,700  (approx.)

Sylvan Mirage 8520 Party Fish 4.0

The Mirage 8520 Party Fish 4.0 once again puts Sylvan’s fishing chops on full display. Twenty-five-inch tubes hold the platform steady for casting. A rear fishing station with livewell, two fishing pedestal seats, and tackle organization sit aft. Two front fishing chairs turn the bow into a casting deck. The R-22 CLZ DH configurations anchor the family-cruiser end of the lineup. L3 platforms step up to Sylvan Platinum trim. More info: www.sylvanmarine.com

Specifications: Length: 20 ft 10 in | Beam: 102 in (8 ft 6 in) | Dry weight: 1,850 lbs (twin-tube); 2,230 lbs (third-tube) | Max horsepower: 125 hp (twin-tube); 200 hp (third-tube) | Passenger capacity: 10 persons (1,410 lbs) | Max weight capacity: 2,110 lbs | Transom height: 20 in | Hull type: Aluminum pontoon; 25 in tubes, 0.080 in gauge; welded transom | MSRP: CAD $66,000 (approx.)