Sea-Doo’s groundbreaking (it is a Boating Boat of the Year winner) Switch pontoon gets fishy for 2025. A 24-volt Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor highlights the angling additions. When not in use, it stows out of sight beneath a bench-and-table combo. Slide the motor forward when needed and it locks into a bracket before pivoting overboard. Two swiveling, height-adjustable pedestal fishing seats await. One of two 7-inch Garmin touchscreen GPS/fish finders is mounted at the rail, the other at the helm. Screens wirelessly connect, allowing both to read in-hull and trolling-motor transducers. Control the trolling motor by remote or use the optional foot pedal.

An 18-gallon cooler with an integral pump becomes a livewell. Prep or measure your catch atop its lid. Or, as with the pedestal seats and nearly all seating, reposition this cooler around the boat via the Switch’s innovative quick-connect floor tile system. (The cooler only works as a livewell in the bow.) Rounding out fishing additions are easy-access, lockable storage for four rods and a layout change that will please more than just anglers. Corner entry gates are now at both bow and stern, making it easier to bring your catch aboard or board the boat yourself.

Though a pontoon by category, belowdecks is a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene central hull flanked by twin, almost catamaranlike outer hulls. The latter are filled with closed-cell foam blocks for flotation. Back topside, the helm features the familiar handlebar-and-throttle controls of a Sea-Doo personal watercraft. Along with our test boat’s 230 hp ­variation of Sea-Doo’s Rotax 1630 ACE engine, the total combo displayed fun, agile reflexes underway and a top speed of 35.3 mph. It’s low-speed handling truly shines, especially for a wind-influenced design like a pontoon. Sea-Doo’s electronic Intelligent Brake and Reverse system allows the captain to intuitively move in and out of forward, neutral and reverse via a handlebar-mounted throttle and reverse lever. We were able to keep our eyes on the water, spin the boat within its own length, and rapidly slow to a controlled stop by applying the brake portion of iBR at speed.

High Points

• Clear side panels increase visibility and give a more spacious feel.
• Position rod holders anywhere on the railing via the LinQ Lite quick-attachment system.
• Robust battery system provides long-lasting power for the trolling motor and in-hull charging.

How We Tested

• Engine: 230 hp Rotax 1630 ACE
• Pump/Impeller: High-pressure pump with 161 mm stainless-steel impeller
• Fuel Load: 28 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Roto-cast construction continues to evolve for use in building pontoon boats, and Smoker Craft brand boats are leading the way. Typically found in seat bases and the occasional helm station, SunChaser embraces the technology to make a large percentage of furniture and exterior walls on the affordably priced Lucerne 20 LR DH. No less than four roto-molded modules are featured in each corner on the top deck. They not only form the Lucerne’s four primary seating areas in those areas, but also the adjacent exterior walls. Tied together along port and starboard sides with stretches of traditional aluminum fencing and backing panels, the combo strikes a thoroughly modern mix, with the roto-cast material’s matte-gray finish offset by the aluminum’s bright pop of color. The result is an affordable, low-maintenance pontoon with an almost sporty appearance. 

Move to the interior and those four roto-cast modules reveal a passenger-focused floor plan. Bow lounges feature forward-facing backrests for those who want to stretch out, with wraparound back cushions for when the crew is ready to socialize. The port bench continues down the entire side until it meets the aft gate. That big comfy couch continues on the starboard side, where it backs up to the captain’s high-back, swilling helm seat. Overhead, a Bimini top, color-matched to the fence accent hue, offers shade to a large portion of the deck. The sculpted roto-­cast helm console features a tilt wheel, gauge array, and Wet Sounds MC5 Bluetooth sound system with four speakers. Swap out the gauges for an optional ­Humminbird Helix 5 in-dash GPS.

Belowdecks, the Lucerne rides atop a pair of 23-inch-diameter pontoons. Our test boat’s 90 hp Mercury outboard proved a value-minded match to the affordable Lucerne. Handling proved quite precise for an entry-level model, with pontoons hooking up to deliver exceptional cornering with just a hint of outside lean. Paired with a 90-horse Mercury outboard, our test boat peaked just short of 27 mph. At a leisurely 13.5 mph cruising speed, its most economical, consumption dropped as low as 2.9 gph.

High Points

• Roto-cast corner pieces match side-panel colors.
• Luxury package adds a power Bimini top, Helix GPS, high-back chairs, mood lighting, windscreen and upgraded wheel.
• Standard woven flooring, black anodized rails, Bimini top and five-step ladder.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 90
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Black Max 10.375″ x 11″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.07:1 Fuel Load: 15 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Party Barges bring party-pleasing fun and value at an astonishingly low price. Take the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX, which is still out the door for just over $35,000, even equipped with its max-capacity Mercury 115 Pro XS Command Thrust outboard.

The Party Barge is an excellent performer, hitting 31 mph and accelerating to 30 mph in under 10 seconds. It’s a fuel-sipper too; best cruise speed (12.7 mph at 3,000 rpm) nets just 2.4 gph, for a 5.3 mpg rate. That’s a 150-plus-mile range from its 32-gallon fuel tank. It’s a breeze to pilot, turning smoothly and taking lake chop in stride.

Pontoon logs are 24 inches in diameter, through-bolted to the deck supports. The decking is ¾-inch treated plywood, covered in woven 16-ounce marine-grade flooring. The easily trailered package seats 10 passengers in a stable, comfortable platform of fun.

Its thoughtful design includes LED docking and navigation lights built into the perimeter fencing—often optional features on other boats. The fences themselves are designed to stop drumming vibrations, giving the Party Barge a quiet ride on durable 1.25-inch, 0.09-inch-thick walled rail tubing.

The interior layout features traditional twin facing lounge sofas in the bow, separated by a captain’s console and high-back chair, with an aft L-shaped portside lounger at the stern. A removable snack table and movable cup holders are standard. The portside access gate is wheelchair-­accessible. An extended aft deck makes prepping for watersports more convenient, with an integrated four-step telescoping boarding ladder and ­removable ski tow pole.

The captain’s console features a Wet Sounds stereo with four speakers, integrated storage, and a Sun Tracker Flare digital touchscreen gauge display with a 12-button switch panel to control all boat systems. Also contributing to the reliable design is a well-planned wiring system with a fuse panel easily accessible in the console and protective wire wrapping with waterproof connections throughout the boat.

High Points

• Standard QuickLift Bimini top makes it easy to switch from full sun to shade.
• Patented Stow More storage system enhances storage in all seatbacks. 
• Navigation and docking lights are built into the fencing.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 115 Pro XS Command Thrust FourStroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Black Max 16″ x 13″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.38:1 Fuel Load: 32 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Aura’s Quad Lounge looks special thanks to an evolution of roto-cast construction dubbed Enduro Flex-Form Technology. Aura uses the durable, lightweight and affordable EF tech to fashion individual modules that simultaneously form exterior walls and interior accommodations. Molded-in colors offer a fashionable matte appearance, accented on the exterior by a bold, contrasting stripe. The result is a fun, free-spirited feel and lower maintenance than painted panels. 

Corner modules create the core of the Aura’s quad-lounge setup. Step in via a bow or stern gate and seating essentially wraps the perimeter, interrupted only by the roto-molded helm console and high-back helm seat. All upholstery is soft, two-tone vinyl. Access storage is below and easier to reach thanks to the recessed seat bases. Movable backrests can also be positioned to add ­forward- or rear-facing support. 

Find a trio of chrome-ringed combination analog-digital gauges at the helm, along with a vertical phone holder and wireless charger, a small array of rocker switches, and a pair of secure-feeling cubbies to stash your stuff. An abundance of cup holders are positioned in the inwale cutout throughout. Rather than a traditional sound system, the Aura features two JBL Flip 6 speakers. Pair them together to enjoy surprisingly strong sound output and clarity. Unstrap either or both to carry the party to the beach or dock. 

While radical changes are found above deck, belowdecks is the trusted chassis design and durable construction parent company Avalon and Tahoe are known for. Twin 25-inch-diameter pontoons ­carry the load. Atop a pair of full risers, a 3-inch rub rail with a vinyl insert wraps the deck perimeter. Deck corners feature rounded, aluminum caps for impact protection. Stainless-steel pull-up cleats and U-bolts are arrayed to each side fore and aft. 

Our test boat was optioned to include Aura’s triple-tube Sport Performance Package. Paired with a Suzuki 150, the Aura topped out at 41 mph and displayed a confident ride in a wind-driven chop. SeaStar hydraulic steering added a ­nimble, sure-footed feel in the corners.

High Points

• Express yourself with a choice of four exterior-interior color combos.
• Premium package adds an Erie steering wheel, depth finder, reclining high-back helm seat and premium vinyl wall trim. 
• JBL Flip 6 speakers provide  innovative audio.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 150
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki Watergrip 15 1/4″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal.

Pricing and Specs

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Princecraft’s midrange Vectra line promises to offer exceptional value at its price point, and the 23 WRL puts one prominent example right in front of your face. Take the helm and the full-tempered-glass, walk-through windshield that spans from port to the starboard console—something seldom seen in this category. It’s stylishly raked, with an eye-catching anodized black frame that pairs well with the Vectra’s 45-degree fence corners forward and angular rail design. From a practical standpoint, it protects those in the cockpit from the elements and even ­potentially extends your boating season.

Peruse the accommodations and similar examples stand out. The roto-molded helm boasts multiple contours and black-faced acrylic inserts that separate it from the norm. Our test boat replaced the standard gauge array with an intuitive Simrad NX7 multifunction display. The wraparound wing to starboard included a stereo head unit and wireless charging cradle. A pair of parallel lounges in the bow are ready for a pair of reclining passengers or a crew to gather around the pedestal table when it’s social hour. Aft, the L-shaped Rear Lounge spans to the port side and beam. Pivot up a portside seat base to form a forward-facing companion seat. Swing the sizable aft backrest forward and create a massive rear-racing sun pad for some tanning action. Its optional perimeter rail allows passengers to occupy the space when underway. In a nice nod to detail, sections of both the side and aft rail swing downward to allow easy access in and out. The entire platform also lifts to reveal storage, battery access and a pop-up changing room.

Princecraft equipped our test boat with its Sport pontoon configuration. It pairs 25-inch pontoons to port and starboard with a similar-diameter central pontoon running about two-thirds of the boat’s length. A permanent 27-gallon fuel tank, lifting strakes, reinforced pontoon noses and an underdeck spray shield complete the package. Paired with a Mercury 150 XL test engine and SeaStar hydraulic steering, the end result was a boat that jumped onto plane quickly, topped out just shy of 37 mph, and responded nimbly to input at the wheel.

High Points

• Standard Bimini provides shade and can hold a camper canvas.
• Jensen 160-watt Bluetooth sound system with four speakers.
• Construction includes 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy, 2½-inch extruded crossmembers, full-length keels and skirting.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 150 XL
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 15.3″ x 14″
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 27 gal. Crew Load: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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SunCatcher’s Fusion 324 RC is a ­decidedly upper-shelf pontoon at a midbudget price point. It’s an affordable package, even when rigged with top-of-the-line Yamaha 250 SHO power. It’s a rompin’ combo, storming to 30 mph in just 5 seconds and topping out at ­nearly 50 mph. All that performance and fuel economy doesn’t suffer: There’s nearly 170 miles of range at 16.4 mph (2,500 rpm) with a full 46-gallon tank. At that sedate gait, the Yamaha sips just 4 gph and nails a 4.1 mpg reading. Engine choices range from a Yamaha 90 up to top-line 250 SHO power. With built-in lifting strakes welded to big 25-inch-diameter pontoons and a full underbelly shield, the Fusion skims across lake chop and cuts turns hard-over without concern.

The Fusion’s interior layout is traditional, with dual conversation pits fore and aft separated by the pilot’s console and dual captain’s chairs amidships. The facing loungers are sculpted to provide more interior space while still giving full-body comfort. The furniture bases are roto-molded and feature rain channels to help keep storage underneath dry. A built-in cooler hides neatly under the starboard bow corner cushion. To keep riders from getting too much sun, a folding contoured Bimini top with a storage boot is standard. Black anodized perimeter railing is an optional upgrade.

The new-for-2025 console features tilt hydraulic steering and Yamaha analog gauges. A Clarion Bluetooth stereo system is standard with four speakers and can be upgraded to a six-speaker system. A Garmin EchoMap graph is standard on the dash for navigation and fish-finding. Navigation, docking and courtesy floor lighting is all LED and all standard; RGB interior lighting is available as an option.     

An extended aft deck gives ample room for sandbar hanging and watersports prep, featuring a standard water-ski tow and curved four-step aluminum boarding ladder. A saltwater package adds protection and more stainless-steel hardware to keep corrosion at bay.

The SunCatcher brings durable construction, luxury appointments and ­stylish looks, making it a top boating value.

High Points

• Streamlined new helm features contoured fiberglass construction and an acrylic windscreen. 
• Interior upholstery selections are richer, including saddle brown with chocolate accents and deep gray with charcoal accents.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 250 SHO four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 15″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 38 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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It’s safe to say that G3 has the pontoon formula nailed: The SunCatcher Select 324 SL is a great blend of sturdy construction, fleet-footed performance and luxury amenities. Rigged with a Yamaha 250 SHO outboard, speeds over 46 mph are easy to reach, and acceleration from idle to 30 mph is an impossibly quick 4.5 seconds. This baby rips—watersports towing and hammer-down cruising pose no problem. It’s not bad at the fuel dock either, posting a most economical cruise speed of 16.5 mph at 2,500 rpm, which showed a fuel burn of just 3.9 gph, netting 4.2 mpg. That’s almost 175 miles of cruising from the 46-gallon tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve. Conversations at speed are easy on this quiet boat; decibels barely topped 80 at midrange rpm.

The SunCatcher’s underbelly features triple 25-inch-diameter logs with performance lifting strakes and a full-length undershield to reduce drag. The logs are attached to the deck with heavy-duty extrusions through-bolted 16 inches on center. Flooring choices abound, with many interior and exterior color choices as well. Power options start with a Yamaha 90 and go all the way to the 250 SHO featured on our test boat. Hydraulic steering is standard, with power steering optional.

Topside, the layout is traditional up front, with two facing lounges that extend aft to midship. The pilot’s console and twin captain’s chairs provide plush comfort while underway, or they can swivel around to join the conversation aft; here, a reversible three-quarters lounger on the port side provides different layouts. The stern deck is extended for easy boarding, debarking and watersports activities. A folding aluminum boarding ladder is standard, as is a ski tow bar.

There’s storage everywhere—under the bow loungers, inside the pilot’s console and under the aft lounger. Rain drain channels under the seat cushions wick water away from the storage compartments. A Clarion Bluetooth sound system is standard, as is a contoured custom folding Bimini top with a storage boot. 

All the power is there thanks to the ­Yamaha 250 SHO, and all the luxury is there thanks to the teamwork and clever design and engineering by G3.

High Points

• Aft lounge offers 30-plus square feet of reclining space and an adjustable backrest.
• Hydraulic or hydraulic power steering is optional and advisable for higher horsepower.
• Extended aft deck eases boarding.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 250 SHO four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 15″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Bennington Marine says that luxury, performance and personalization guide the design of its pontoon models, and each is in evidence in the ­Bennington M Series, a midlevel line that debuts in 2025. The M Series will be offered in lengths of 21 to 26 feet with twin or triple tubes, each in a choice of Standard, Sport or Luxe interior trim.

Common features on the M Series models include a new molded fiberglass Horizon helm stylishly designed with cool accents and shaped to deliver improved comfort, control and visibility for the driver while maintaining a good sightline to the bow. A pod atop the helm holds a new 7-inch Bennington Vivid UX main display with GPS, and at the lower left is a new 12-button digital switch pad. The helm has room for an optional ­12-inch version of the Vivid UX display and an optional 9-inch Simrad MFD. Custom Rockford Fosgate audio is standard. ­Finally, the aft deck has been extended by 24 inches compared to previous models and supports a LilliPad comfort step boarding ladder.

Our test boat, a 24MSB model (23-foot-4-inch tubes and the Swingback aft seat interior) was equipped with a long list of options, including a 54-inch ski pylon ($1,573) and the Blackout Luxe Package interior ($2,500) executed in Veneto vinyl, which has the rich feel of worn leather. An interesting option is a new anchor locker ($2,867) that stows the anchor in a plastic tub below a hatch within the center tube and includes a pop-up fairlead on the ­forward deck.

Our tri-tube model featured 25-inch tubes of 0.100-inch aluminum and the SPS Plus Performance Package ($12,929), which includes lifting strakes on the ­center pontoon, performance foils on the inboard sides of the outboard pontoons, a composite transom, an underdeck cover to reduce drag, and a generous ­48-gallon fuel tank. Powered by a Yamaha 200 SHO outboard, we recorded a top speed of 38.2 mph and a zero to 30 mph time of 10.1 seconds. Handling was precise and predictable at all speeds. Luxury, performance and personalization—this new Bennington checks all three boxes. 

High Points

• Segment-leading attention to detail and fit-and-finish live up to the Bennington reputation.
• Digital switching eliminates trouble-prone mechanical switches.
• New helm and glass displays look fantastic and offer easy-to-use information.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 200 SHO outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 14.5″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 24 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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It seems that the innovative Manitou MAX Deck design, which places an expansive rear deck over a low-profile Rotax S outboard engine, is a success—Manitou says 2024 MAX Deck models out-sold boats without it. For 2025, ­Manitou makes the MAX Deck, previously only offered with triple-tube V-Toon models, more attainable with the introduction of twin-tube Cruise models, like the twin-tube Cruise MAX 22 Switchback we tested. It has a base price of $60,772, or $7,000 less than the V-Toon version.

Twin-tube Cruise models will ­appeal to customers more focused on relaxed cruising on smaller lakes than on peak performance in big water. The twin-tube models are equipped with forward splash guards but do not have lifting strakes, and of course, there’s no provision for center stowage. In all other regards, the twin-tube Cruise MAX offers the same features as a V-Toon model. That aft deck offers 38 square feet of flat space for lounging, toting bulky gear like a tube or small kayak, or securing an accessory cooler or cargo box to LinQ integrated ­attachment points. 

The interior design is crisp and ­modern. Our Switchback version offers pivoting backrests port and starboard aft, which permit lounging while facing that MAX Deck, plus a pivoting backrest to port amidships, facing a console. All instrumentation is presented on a 7-inch Garmin multifunction display at the helm. Lightweight sheet aluminum siding can be removed easily for rigging service or to replace a damaged panel. Our test boat featured the optional Signature Package ($2,105), which includes a second house battery, a privacy station in the console, a low-back helm seat with a flip-up bolster, and LED docking and ­courtesy lighting.

The 150 hp Rotax S outboard has a 1.9-liter two-stroke powerhead with E-Tec direct injection, oriented horizontally and enclosed in a watertight case so that it fits below deck level. When tilted clear of the water, it raises a hinged center section of the MAX Deck. 

We noted a top speed of 28.8 mph, or about 7 mph slower than a V-Toon model. The twin-tube Cruise ­corners flat with predictable handling.

High Points

• MAX Deck offers a patiolike space and great water access.
• Transcore composite deck doesn’t absorb moisture and is made from recycled materials.
• Aluminum side panels with integrated lighting look sleek.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax S150 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13.5″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 24 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The Lago X is Viaggio’s ­bestselling pontoon series for good reason. One reason? Models like the X22Q we tested offer much of the same upscale details but maintain an affordable price. Bi-level perimeter fencing is finished in a trendy matte metallic finish. Beefy, rectangular rails provide structure but instantly distinguish this boat from other pontoons. The rails, trim and skirting are all anodized. The interior follows suit. The fiberglass helm is stylishly contoured, topped with a vinyl brow and smoked windscreen. ­Soft-touch vinyl (in a trio of shades) wraps seating and is bolstered below the thigh and pillow-topped on ­lounges. The Lago’s pontoons are built from 0.100 aluminum, thicker than many, and feature full-length lifting strakes, side keels, and crossmembers spaced 16 inches or less on center. 

While multiple floor plans are available, our test boat broke away from the typical bench or swingback layout featured on so many modern pontoons. In their place instead were four high-back captain­’s chairs. Face forward and occupants enjoy a secure, supportive ride underway. Chairs have flip-down armrests, recline for comfort, or swivel inward to allow passengers to socialize or snack around a removable pedestal table. In the bow, familiar lounges can pair with a gate-filler seat to fashion a generous U-shaped bench. A pair of single-passenger bench-style seats finish things off aft in the corners, flanking the rear boarding gate.

In terms of the Lago’s power and handling combo, Viaggio equipped the X22Q with a 200 hp Suzuki engine and the ­27-inch Tripletoon Performance ­Package. The latter includes SeaStar ­hydraulic steering, a performance underdeck shield to minimize drag from wakes and wind, and a trio of 27-inch pontoons with ­lifting strakes. 

Firewall the throttle and the Lago reaches 30 mph in 9.6 seconds. Top speed peaked at 38.5 mph. Use that speed to run to the cove or sandbar and you can experience yet another unique offering, the “party button.” Push it and your sound system can sync up with other Bluetooth-equipped boats at the sandbar for the ­ultimate jam session.

High Points

• Extended swim deck adds 2 additional feet of length, perfect for the sandbar or towing prep. 
• Clarion sound system includes four 6.5-inch speakers.
• Worthwhile options include an LED interior light package and wireless charging at the helm. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 200
• Drive/Prop: Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 22 gal.

Pricing and Specs

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