Pontoon BBG 2025

This Year’s Presenting Sponsor:

BoatMart Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
Advertisement

2025 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide

Boating Magazine is thrilled to announce the arrival of another edition of our electrifying Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide! It’s time to dive into the world of pontoon boats and discover the newest, hottest rides hitting the waves.

Hold onto your captain’s hats as we unveil boat reviews packed with everything you need to know – from pricing and specs to speeds and fuel burn! Plus, feast your eyes on captivating pictures, immersive walkthrough videos, and much more!

Video Walkthroughs & In-Depth Reviews

Advertisement

Boat Tests

Seeking a boat with the ability to carry the most people, in the most comfort, for any given length? Buy a pontoon boat. Fitted with two or three, “logs,” or, “toons,” as the pontoons on which they ride are often called, these boats deliver high carrying capacity. The rectangular layout affords room for couches and lounges and just plain room to move around, that other boat types cannot offer at the same length. Most pontoon boats boast outboard power, with some multi-engine models capable of high speeds. Still, simple, modestly powered (and priced) pontoons are available from just about every builder. Still, again, many pontoons now come fitted-out with luxury, rivaling some runabouts in this regard.

Sea-Doo Switch Fish 21 on the lake
SunChaser Lucerne 20 LR DH cruising
Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX at sunset
Aura Quad Lounge on the lake
Princecraft Vectra 23 WRL leisurely cruising
G3 SunCatcher Fusion 324 RC out at sunset
G3 SunCatcher Select 324 SL on the lake
Bennington 24MSB cruising the lake
Manitou Cruise 22 Max Switchback leisurely cruising
Viaggio Lago X22Q out for a cruise
Viaggio Diamante 22S AT out on the water
Helios GT-R 23 cruising along
Regency 230 LE3 gently cruising
Ranger Reata 243C out cruising
Bennington 24 MFB Sport on a lake
Avalon Catalina 2585 Twin Cruise Rear Bench cruising
Tahoe 2585 Cascade ELW running smoothly
Avalon GeoFish CLX heading out to fish
SunChaser Calais 25 SB DC cruising smoothly
Crest Classic 240 SLSC cruising
Sylvan M-5 CLZ DC running on smooth water
Starcraft RX 25 Q DC riding on the lake
Bennington 25 RX Sport smoothly cruising
Bennington 25QFBA on a leisurely cruise
Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback cruising fast
Balise Helix 24 out for a cruise
Advertisement

Spotlight Boats

Sea-Doo Switch Cruise Limited 21 out cruising
Ranger Reata 223FC on the lake
Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX cruising on the lake
Regency 250 LE3 running across the lake

Pontoon Maintenance Kit

If you are buying a pontoon boat, you will want to keep it in tip-top shape. Pontoons present several maintenance challenges. Consider the following suggested items to keep your pontoon looking its best.

Pontoon boats have exploded in popularity for a reason. It’s a platform where you can bring your family on the water, they can relax in comfort, and everyone has a great view of the water from every seat. Pontoon hulls and layout continue to evolve, and Boating editors rate as a top source for this information. Our tech team of professionals boasts a combined two centuries of assessing boats and creating reports about them for a living.

So, what does this experience and dedication do for you?

  • One, it provides you with performance tests you can trust.
  • Second, you get insightful commentary that can only come from professionals who can view a given boat through three lenses: what it is in itself, how it compares to other similar boats, and where it fits in the universe of all boats.
  • Third, with the compilation of this annual Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide, our team of staffers and contributors gives you a means to compare a number of boats of the same type.

More Boat Buying Resources

A boat purchase goes beyond just numbers on a performance chart. While you certainly want to pick the right boat for your boating style and location, consideration of dealer networks, financing options, the associated gear and electronics, and how to operate it safely also plays a part. Combine these resources with our tests to maximize your boat buying knowledge.

Boating has several guides geared towards helping you know what to look for when shopping for a boat.

Choosing the right dealer, getting financed and shopping smart all make for a better boat buying experience.

Safety and seamanship play into your intended use for a boat, and thus are considerations for what boat to buy.

The seller is not required to supply safety gear. But you are advised to be equipped with it. Learn more.