10 of the Best Pontoon Boats For 2018

With their popularity surging, we decided to put together a list of 10 of the best pontoon boats for 2018 so you can find the right boat for you and your family.

Pontoon boats have become top sellers across North America, and for good reason – with their comfortable seating, luxurious amenities and spirited performance, they do everything well, from towing wakeboarders to twilight cruises with family to catching trophy fish. That’s why pontoons now represent nearly one third of all new boat sales!

There are been huge developments in pontoon boats in recent years, with manufacturers constantly upping their game to make these rides more incredible than ever. Here’s a look at some of the best pontoon boats on the water for 2018.

Avalon Excalibur Elite 2785

Avalon Excalibur Elite 2785

• Length: 29′ 3″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 5,000 lbs
• Fuel capacity: n/a
• Passenger capacity: 16
• Maximum power: 350 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: The flagship of the Avalon fleet is big, spacious, and it comes in a choice of three layout to suit any taste. Luxurious amenities like its Medallion touch-screen dash and heart-stopping performance from its Waveglider Performance Package guarantee big smiles from everyone on board.

Bennington 27 QXFBWA X2

Bennington 27 QXFBWA X2

• Length: 28′ 3″
• Beam: 10′
• Dry Weight: 4,702
• Fuel capacity: 83 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 18
• Maximum power: 600 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: The ability to handle twin 300-horsepower engines, sculpted fiberglass body panels, a wrap-around windshield, a funky radar arch and a 10-foot wide floor for plenty of elbow room help the QX 27 stand out in the crowd.

Harris Crowne SL 270

Harris Crowne SL 270

• Length: 29′
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 5,111 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 93 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 13
• Maximum power: 800 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: Sleek fiberglass body panels from the deck up, and plenty of get-up-and-go from twin 400-horsepower outboards give the Crowne SL 270 a fast look and some serious speed. You can even get it with joystick control to make docking a breeze in any conditions.

Lowe Infinity 270 CL

Lowe Infinity 270 CL

• Length: 27′ 11″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 3,357 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 50 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 14
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: Big lounge seats up front, a cozy booth out back and a load of luxury features in between set Lowe’s flagship apart. Its lighter weight lets this boat have plenty of fun with less power, keeping the cost down to a level that families can afford.

Manitou X-Plode XT 25

Manitou X-Plode XT 25

• Length: 28′ 8″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 4,505 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 90 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 15
• Maximum power: 800 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: A full fiberglass topsides gives the big Manitou a racy, modern look while twin 400-horsepower outboards on the back provide the muscle to ensure this boat goes like it looks. Plush upholstery and thoughtful touches throughout seal the deal.

Premier Boundary Waters

Premier Boundary Waters

• Length: 31′ 5″
• Beam: 10′ 2″
• Dry Weight: 3,900 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 47 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 20
• Maximum power: 800 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: It’s 10 feet wide, it’s 31 feet long, it handles a pair of 400-horsepower outboards and it seats up to 20 guests. The Boundary Waters is one big boat, but if you have a large family there’s nothing else like it on the water.

Princecraft Vogue 29 SE

Princecraft Vogue 29 SE

• Length: 29′ 10″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 3,603 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 49 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 16
• Maximum power: 400 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: Nearly 30 feet long, this bad boy is meant for fun with a full bar, a refrigerator, four adjustable stools, a galley with a sink and faucet, plus plenty of comfy seats for good times on the lake. Crank up the stereo and you’ll be the hit of the sandbar.

Starcraft SX 25 C DC

Starcraft SX 25 C DC

• Length: 26′ 10″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 2,542 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 60 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 14
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: Gorgeous styling, a digital cockpit that’s straight out of a fighter jet and a big, comfy easy chair parked right on the swim platform speak to this boat’s fun side. Color-changing mood lighting, a full galley for snacks and a killer stereo give it even extra appeal.

Sylvan M5 CRS DC

Sylvan M5 CRS DC

• Length: 26′ 10″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: n/a
• Fuel capacity: 60 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 14
• Maximum power: 300 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: Aggressive, sexy styling, twin bucket Captain’s chairs, huge front loungers and a full galley in back with a massive swim platform give the M5 serious luxury credentials. Throw in some genuinely jaw-dropping performance courtesy of its RPT tubes and you’ll never want to go back to the dock.

SunChaser Eclipse 8525 Entertainer

SunChaser Eclipse 8525 Entertainer

• Length: 25′ 10″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 2,471 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 30 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 14
• Maximum power: 175 hp

Why it’s hot stuff: Plenty of pontoons have a bar on board, but this one has two – a big one amidships with four comfy stools, and a secret one in the back where parents can escape the kids. No wonder the call it the Entertainer.