Pontoon Boats

Cypress Cay Pontoons

Official Company Name: Cypress Cay

Manufacturer’s Website: www.cypresscaypontoons.com

Established: 2007

Other Brands Associated with Manufacturer (Current or Past): Brunswick Corporation, Bayliner, Crestliner, Harris, Lowe Boats, Prince Craft, Sea Ray.

Model Line Up

Most Popular Model:

Cabana – The Cabana lineup of pontoons from Cypress is for families who love going to the lake. They have requisite features to facilitate swimming, watersports or a simple cruise. The Cabana pontoons come as 22 and 24-foot models, with multiple floorplans and customizable options including watersports and fishing accessories.

Premium Model:

Cozumel – When performance, luxury, and style merge, the result is the Cozumel series of pontoons. Available in 22 and 24 feet lengths, these pontoons are great for engaging in water sports, going for a dip, relaxing on the plush lounges or spending time with family and friends over a meal. The Cozumel has great power and responsive handling besides the excellent amenities making it a complete package.

Tritoon Model:

Cayman – The Cayman Series is the flagship model of Cypress Cay. The T3 performance package adds a center tube and lifting strakes that coupled with engine options up to 400hp provide an adrenaline rush. Cayman pontoons have appealing designs, premier upholstery and all imaginable amenities for leading an active lifestyle on the water. They are available in 23-foot and 25-foot models with multiple floorplan options.

Economy Model:

Seabreeze 191 – Boat buyers who are looking for a pontoon that provides outstanding value for its asking price can consider the Seabreeze 191 from Cypress Cay. At 19-foot this model is compact yet expertly crafted to include all the features for spending a day lounging on the lake. The Seabreeze 191 is easy to operate and instills confidence in the owner.

Fishing Model:

Seabreeze 212 FC/FS – The Seabreeze 212 is a pontoon manufactured for fishing expeditions. It is available in FC and FS floorplans with two and four fishing seats respectively. These pontoons come equipped with all basic fishing amenities like fishfinders, rod holders, and an aft side fishing station.

About:

An NMMA certified luxury pontoon boat manufacturing company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Cypress Cay is one of the many pontoon brands under Brunswick Corporation.

From the Manufacturer’s Literature:

The biggest advantage your Cypress Cay pontoon boat delivers is peace of mind. Days on the water should be worry-free and focused on fun. Cypress Cay pontoons stand apart from the crowd for our safe construction, ease of use and a superb reputation. Our distinctive qualities - smooth ride, incredible comfort and sense of security - make our pontoons the obvious choice for water-loving families. You can also tell a Cypress Cay by our subtly elegant style. For the new model year, Cypress Cay has incorporated several cohesive design elements into its four models - Cayman, Cozumel, Cabana, and Seabreeze - making the whole lineup an even more stunning and unified fleet.

Optional Accessories:

Cypress Cay pontoons have optional accessories that include sports bimini, LED bimini, electric bimini, double bimini, performance packages for adding center tube and lifting strakes, fishfinders, fish seats upgrade, rod holders, digital depthsounder, livewells, multiple flooring options, reclining seats, tables with cupholders, hydraulic or power steering with tilt, fuel tank upgrade, LED docking lights, ski tow bar, wake tower, cleats, cupholders, fire extinguisher, changing room and enclosures and stereo and speaker upgrade.

Current Brochure: https://www.cypresscaypontoons.com/brochures/

18ft Pontoon Boats

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pontoon boat anchored

Introduction

The 18ft pontoon boats are the ideal size of boats for first-time buyers and enthusiasts of pontoon boats. The boats do not offer only the same quality as the larger pontoon boats, but the boat’s size comes without the larger boats’ troubles. The 18ft pontoon boats are cheaper, more portable, and versatile for all sorts of water; this makes them suitable for learners.

The boats come in different designs and features that collectively offer an angler or family the best experience. A few also run on solar energy, which environmentalist highly acknowledges to offer a green and carbon-free environment suitable for the ecosystem.

Below is a list of a few of the 18ft pontoon boats in the market one can choose from.

Why 18ft Pontoon Boats ?

Pontoon boat next to the dock

 The 18ft pontoon boat does not just stand out because of its size, but the boat has proven to be the ideal size to sail on any water due to its low weight. What’s more, an extra advantage of these sizes of boats is that they mostly don’t get to fall under the various restrictions put up by local authorities against sailing on several water bodies. This makes them the best option to sail on restricted waters without causing a fuss.

Some of the reasons to choose 18ft pontoon boats are:

It is possible to sail on lakes with limits

Local authorities sometimes impose restrictions to protect the waterways. The physical constraints include the constant fluctuation in water depth that is caused by rain or a lack thereof. For these conditions, 18ft pontoon boats are the most ideal.

It is ideal for shallow waters

Most ponds have extremely shallow waters, which makes it harder for heavy or large boats to sail. Pontoon boats of 20 feet overall and more will not be suitable for these waters. Therefore, it is crucial to go for the 18ft pontoon boats with lesser weight.

One can overcome horsepower restrictions

Most lakesides have horsepower restraints due to their volume or even environmental constraints. However, the use of a lower horsepower engine does not affect the performance of small pontoon boats. Due to their lightweight, the boats move well regardless.

It is perfect for a first-time purchase

These  boat types can be a significant purchase when considering repair costs, storehouse, and further aspects. If one doesn’t want to buy a full-size pontoon, 18 feet pontoon boats are more cheap selections for new buyers lowering overall expenses.

It is easy to maneuver

This boat size is the best option for anyone intimidated by the stress and money involved in putting a boat on the water. Eighteen feet boats are easy to handle, trailer and dock.

It is easy to store in a garage

The small size of 18ft pontoon boats makes them easy to store in a garage, unlike the bigger boats. The boats fit perfectly in a garage and inside any basic garage length; this provides space for other vehicles as well. It is also easy to maneuver an 18ft pontoon into one’s garage. One doesn’t have to worry about how hard it’ll be to make a turn from the street to the driveway.

It solves the issue of environmental concerns

Most 18ft pontoons are so small that the boats don’t need a diesel engine. In fact, because of their size and weight, it is not advisable to go for anything greater than 75 horsepower. A horsepower greater than this will cause damage to the boat. This makes 18ft boats a little more eco-friendly. Some waterways may also require the usage of an electric motor, which gives one an objective.

It is quite stable

18-foot pontoons can have the same draft as an aluminum canoe or fishing boat. However, the pontoon has some additional benefits. Instead of a constant rocking motion, the flat deck keeps the sailor and any equipment stable. In addition, unlike a V-hull, it reduces the wakes that scare fish away.

The Best 18ft Pontoon Boats

Below is a list of the best small model pontoon boats in the market suitable for shallow waters, ponds, and lakes. While these boats are small, they can carry a decent number of people onboard and comprise standard quality suitable for every angler or family to enjoy every trip on the water.

Some of the best 18ft Pontoon Boats include:

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX is an ideal boat for fishing and other water activities. It has two fishing chairs mounted on it that are foldable. This gives a sailor and boarders space if there is the need to do something else, like playing games.

The Sun Tracker pontoon boat also has an L-shaped lounge. The lounge comes in quite handy as one can store different things underneath. This 18-footer boat is simple yet classic; it’s worth checking out.

Features

  • Has an L-shaped lounge.
  • Has a Bluetooth stereo system.
  • Measures 16 inches long and 8 inches in width.
  • Has dual bow fishing chairs.
  • Measures 18.5 feet overall.

Pros

  • Ideal for fishing.
  • Has an aerated live well.
  • Has enough space for storage.
  • It can carry seven people.

Cons

  • Not suitable for harsh weather conditions.

Lowe Ultra 162 Fish N Cruise

The Lowe Ultra 162 Fish N Cruise is also a contender in this category and performs admirably. Lowe Boats have come a long way in selling the boat business, just like Sun Tracker with over 50 years of experience. One of the special small boats of Lowe falls under the Ultra series. The boat offers several value packages that make it stand out even among the bigger pontoon boats.

The Ultra 162 Fish N Cruise is cheap regardless of its various features like live well, fishing pole holders, and comfortable seating and layout appearance. This model stands out for a small boat even compared to larger boats.

Features

  • Measures 17.10 feet overall.
  • Mas folding bow fishing seats.
  • Has a stern 4-step ladder.
  • Has two bow fishing seats.
  • Weighs 1600 pounds.

Pros

  • Has many storage compartments.
  • The seats are very comfortable.
  • It can carry a lot of passengers.
  • Accepts 50 horsepower motors.

Cons

  • The fishing pole holder is not that strong.

Princecraft BrioE 17

All thanks to the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 2,000 watts electric outboard that powers the boat, Princecraft BrioE 17 runs at a decent speed that doesn’t damage the ecosystem in any way. This makes it the ideal boat for anyone that frequents a lake or pond that doesn’t allow gasoline motors. Or an environmentalist that wants to have the lowest carbon footprint around.

The price is slightly over $20,000 when one includes the price of the pair of 24-volt solar panels. The power system is what makes the boat unique; regardless, it has standard features that every pontoon boat has.

Features

  • Runs on a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 2000 watt electric outboard.
  • Measures 17.7 feet overall.
  • The boat weighs 1365 pounds.
  • Has a beam of 2.5m.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly.
  • Has ample storage.
  • It is really quiet.

Cons

  • Not fast like the gas-powered boats.
  • It can only carry a few passengers.

Bennington S18 L-Bench

The Bennington S18 L-Bench pontoon is one of the best cruiser boats on the market. The design is very nice, and it guarantees to give couples an experience never to forget. The boat has an L-bench with a sun pad and a large amount of storage underneath.

This boat is unique because buyers can select the same model in 13 different configurations, which the manufacturer can customize to one’s taste and preferences. It isn’t that expensive, and it’s worth every penny.

Features

  • Has a sun pad with storage at the rear.
  • Has an 8 inches narrow beam.
  • Has an L-bench midship.
  • Measures 18 feet and 4.5 inches overall.

Pros

  • Offers great value for money.
  • Has a lot of storage space.
  • Can be customized during purchase.

Cons

  • The engine is loud at high speed.

Sunchaser Vista 16 LR

The 16 LR is a decent boat from the Sunchaser company. It comes with a 40 horsepower outboard, and one can choose a lower one to cut down the cost further. The boat has Sea Weave carpeting and a Bimini top; six passengers can fully enjoy the boat’s features.

The basic model arrangement of the boat is not too extra, but it provides the comfort necessary. Two sofas face each other in the bow, while a third port side sofa sits in the stern, across from an-arm resting chair. It also comes with a 6-year warranty covering several parts of the boat.

Features

  • Measures 17 feet.
  • Has a dry weight of 1275 pounds.
  • Its fuel capacity is 21 gallons.
  • It can carry six passengers max.

Pros

  • It is not expensive.
  • It is customizable.
  • The captain’s seat is very comfortable.
  • It has a canopy.

Cons

  • The engine is loud at high speed.

Cypress Cay C 171 Cruise

The C 171 Cruise is one of the C series of Cypress Cay models. The boat is the perfect competitor to the large boats on the water as it is loaded with various conceivable options and accessories, unlike some larger boats. The price is within the $18,000 mark, and it includes a 50 horse Mercury FourStroke on the transom. One must agree that’s cheap.

The C 171 Cruise also offers a seating arrangement that’s a bit different from the norm, with a forward-facing couch, helm and passenger’s pedestal seats and a pair of forwarding loungers. The seating arrangement allows it to carry eight passengers at the same time regardless of its size. It’s a go-getter.

Features

  • Measures 17 feet overall.
  • Has a captain chair that revolves.
  • It is compatible with a 50 horsepower motor.
  • It comes with a warranty.

Pros

  • It is customizable.
  • Very cheap
  • It can fit a lot of people.
  • Has a good seating arrangement.

Cons

  • A lot of people complain that the eight-passenger capacity is hype.
  • The motor is noisy.

Harris LX 160 Cruise

The Harris boat company is one of the companies to have bagged several awards over the past decades, and one of its boats that made it possible is the Harris LX 160 Cruise. Even though the boat doesn’t look like much compared to the modern day’s quality, it remains sturdy on the water as always.

Despite the LX160’s small size, this pontoon can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people, making it one of the most spacious vessels. It also has several decent features, and the boat is quite cheap.

Features

  • Measures approximately 18 feet overall.
  • Has an L-bench.
  • Has a beam of 8 feet.
  • Has a foldable ladder.

Pros

  • It can carry a decent number of people.
  • It is not expensive
  • Accepts 50 horsepower.

Cons

  • The 8 person capacity is not entirely true.
  • The motor is noisy at high speed.

Final Thoughts

The 18ft pontoon boats have been of great help to curb the several problems that anglers face, ranging from a depth of water, restrictions, and many others. Thanks to these small sizes, everyone can now enjoy fishing and sailing without fear.

The Best Value Pontoon Boats

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A pontoon boat cruising

Introduction

Pontoon boats have gained popularity over the years as the perfect multi-purpose vessels. They can be used as luxury boats, cruisers, water sports platforms, and they make excellent fishing boats. However, there is always the question of affordability when choosing these boats. That is why many boat owners are looking for the best value pontoon boats that offer excellent features at an affordable price.

What is affordable may differ from person to person, depending on their pockets. The average pontoon boat costs about $30,000, and the price can be much higher if the boat is from a known brand with a lot of features. While going for an affordable boat is essential, longevity and durability should be the priority for anyone investing in a pontoon. This article will provide a detailed review of some of the best value pontoon boats.

Reasons To Choose A Pontoon Boat

A pontoon boat anchored

Pontoon boats are the best choice for people who don’t want to get the traditional boats. Pontoon boats are family-friendly and multi-purpose. There are also options to buy electric models for environmentally conscious people. The following paragraphs will highlight some of the reasons to choose the best value pontoon boats.

It is excellent for fishing and skiing

An advantage of the pontoon boat is that it offers people a taste of both the fishing and skiing experience. Although pontoon boats may not maneuver in shallow water and narrow areas, the platform of a pontoon boat is excellent for both fishing and skiing.

People who want to use their pontoon boat for skiing can invite as many people as possible. On the other hand, those who would prefer to use it for fishing will get a stable boat that doesn’t spook fish on the water. Pontoon boats even have a hull enclosure with a heater for fishing during winter.

It is great for families

Traditional boats often bore kids because they can’t run around on them. However, there is ample space for kids to run around and play on the couches on a pontoon boat. They can fish or use the sound system to have fun while on the boat. Unlike traditional boats with limited space, a typical pontoon boat can take 11 persons.

A pontoon boat is easy to maintain

The manufacturing of pontoon boats makes them very sturdy and easy to maintain. They are made of aluminum which keeps them tear-free. People who use their boats in shallow, rocky waters may experience frequent holes in their hull. However, with a pontoon boat, the chances of it happening are less likely, and if it happens, it can be easily repaired.

In addition, pontoon boats sit high on the water, and they are easy to load onto the back of a trailer without damage to the hull. An added advantage of the pontoon boats is the ease of cleaning them after using them on the water. A ski boat will need cleaning after an outing because the gelcoat gets water spots that are difficult to remove. There is no need to clean the water on a pontoon because there is usually no spotting.

Comfort is assured

Pontoon boats come with ample space, allowing people to sleep on the couch while on a trip. There are large couches and areas with comfortable seats for passengers. Some pontoon boats even have a changing room to get out of their wet swimsuits. A barbecue grill allows passengers to have a barbecue on the boat while enjoying the stable and smooth-riding of the pontoon boat.

It is long-lasting

Pontoon boats are easy to repair, which allows them to have very long lives. Most of the couches can easily be replaced due to the availability of options in the market. Also, pontoon boats are easy to customize; hence people don’t need to buy a new one in quick succession.

There is ample storage

A boat needs ample storage, especially when many people are on board. Generous storage helps people safely keep their coolers, bags of clothes, and extra blankets. While most boats don’t come with storage which may cause people to litter their luggage all around the boat, pontoons come with dedicated storage.

Safety is high

Pontoon boats are much safer than traditional boats, especially for kids than traditional boats. Pontoon boats usually come with a high side rail to reduce the likelihood of children falling over the sides. These boats are heavy and sturdy, making them less likely to topple over even at high speeds.

The Best Value Pontoon Boats

A pontoon boat tied to the dock

Below is a review of the top ten best value pontoon boats you can consider buying.

Avalon Gs Cruise

The Avalon Gs cruise comes at a starting price of $33,450, which makes it quite an affordable pontoon boat. It comes with two large front benches and a curved rear bench for comfort and conversation. It doesn’t have a side gate because the producer offered maximum seating instead. Avalon cruise has a floor plan with a port and starboard, with an added aft board.

It comes with a rotocast helm stand that has grey wood dash panels. Two fusion El speakers keep the music on the pontoon loud and crispy clear. It has a removable windshield and a viper steering wheel.

PROS

  • Avalon Gs comes with an easy-to-remove windshield.
  • The boat has a chair adjustment slider for both the front and rear seats.
  • The floor of the boat is a complete deck riptide vinyl flooring.

CONS

  • It doesn’t have tilt-steering.

Gs-Fish

Gs-Fish is a great value boat that starts at a pocket-friendly price of $31,400. It comes in three different layouts, and the prices are budget-friendly across all three. The boat has live wells, rod holders, and a rod box for the console model. It has four seating chairs that can be used to fish in the bow and aft areas of the vessel. Gs-Fish comes with a center console fiberglass helm stand with grey wood dash panels.

Gs-Fish helm is equipped with a Garmin 5CV color fishfinder and two fusion El speakers. The interior features offer luxury while fishing. People will benefit from the exclusive matrix 50 soft-touch seat vinyl and cup holders.

PROS

  • The boat has suspension seating which is excellent for a boat in its price range.
  • Stainless cup holders make the boat great for both fishing and luxury.
  • There is the presence of Non-skid vinyl strips for smooth entry.

CONS

  • The seating capacity is relatively small.

Bennington 168SVL

Bennington 168SVL is a small pontoon with a starting price of $16,692. It comes with a wide stern bench that leads up to the port side in an L configuration. It also has a big bow, entry gates, twin bow lounge seats, and an eight-foot beam. The pontoon boat comes with an endless list of customization, and it is easy to produce. The approximate length dimensions are 17 ‘4.5.”

Bennington 168SVL comes with a simtex vinyl upholstery with metallic carbon diamante. This pontoon has a tilt steering which makes directing the boat relatively easy.

PROS

  • The starting price of $16,692 makes the Bennington 168SVL quite an affordable boat.
  • It has a wide stern bench for easy and comfortable seating.

CONS

  • The engine breaks down too quickly.

Crest Classic Lx

Crest Classic Lx has about 12 floor options available 20-24 feet long. The boat comes in quad-lounger cruising models to models with rear sun pads. Crest Classic Lx has a starting price of $21,907. The standard performance package has two large-diameter tubes of 25″. It also has a 26-gallon fuel tank that packs 115Hp. The Crest Classic standard package has four chambers for durability, strength, and floatation.

If a buyer upgrades to the CPT performance package, they’d get an aluminum underskin and ski tow. Also included in the CPT performance package is a 48-gallon fuel tank and up to 150Hp. Finally, this performance package consists of a seastar hydraulic steering and three 25″ diameter tubes.

PROS

  • Crest Classic Lx offers up to three different engine performances.
  • The engines are pretty powerful for a boat in its price range.

CONS

  • There is too little information on the features.

Lowe Ultra 180 Cruise

Lowe Ultra 180 Cruise packs a nine seating capacity with a versatile twin lounger at the bow. The lounge in the boat’s stern is shaped in an L configuration which allows for communication between the passengers. This pontoon boat has seven cup holders and ample under-seat storage, and a heavy-duty bimini top that is nine feet long.

It has one aft and one amidship, which makes access to the Lowe Ultra 180 Cruise dock easily accessible because of the forward deck, making anchoring the boat effortless. The boat’s gates are solid to avoid pinching while the power is on. The Lowe Ultra 180 Cruise is also very affordable with a starting price of $15,000.

PROS

  • The boat’s forward bench offers a lovely lounge for reclined seating.
  • It has a swivel bucket for the skipper and first mate.

CONS

  • The boat breaks down too quickly.

SunChaser Geneva Cruise

SunChaser is a $28,000 pontoon boat with a 60Hp Yamaha engine on the mount. The boat doesn’t sacrifice its deck for seating space. It has an open terrace with couches and loungers. SunChaser Geneva Cruise 20 features sofas that face each other with a dining table at the aft. The starboard is wide open, which allows plenty of elbow room.

Sun Chaser Geneva gives users the option to add a third up and amp the boat speed to 200Hp. The x-treme PR25/20 performance package offers increased speed, faster planning times, better lift, and a tighter turning radius.

PROS

  • The performance package radically improves the boat’s performance.
  • Sun Chaser Geneva comes with a dinette at the aft.

CONS

  • There is little information on the boat’s features.

Cypress Cay C 171 Cruise

Cypress Cay 171 is an excellent option for people who want a smaller boat loaded with a lot of accessories. It comes at an affordable price of $18,000 and comes with a 50Hp mercury four-stroke located on the transom. It has an aft that is forward-facing with a helm and pedestal passenger seat. This feature ensures that all eight passengers are assured of maximum comfort despite the boat’s small size..

PROS

  • Cypress Cay C 171 Cruise is one of the most budget-friendly pontoons.
  • It is pretty comfortable even though it is not large-sized.
  • The seating arrangement on the pontoon is quite different from others.

CONS

  • The Cypress Cay C 171 doesn’t have a lot of features.

Suncatcher Select 18F

Suncatcher Select 18F is perfect, especially for people who like a fishing boat. It comes with an adequate 70Hp Yamaha engine that serves well both for fishing and pleasure. It has a stern-fishing platform that includes an in-built live-well, vertical racks for four rods, and a pair of rod holders. Suncatcher also has vertical racks for six more rods, fishing seats, and reel-in. The boat is pre-wired for a bow-mounted trolling motor, and the boat costs about $35,000.

PROS

  • The boat has a cocktail table which serves well for drinks.
  • An in-built live-well is present for fishing enthusiasts.
  • It has a wide-body design which makes fish-catching easier.

CONS

  • The price is higher than most value pontoons.

Lowe Ultra 200 Cruise

Ultra 200 Cruise is one of the entry-levels for Lowe’s pontoons, which means that the boat is very affordable. There isn’t much going on by way of design. However, one can expect a solid build. It has two swivel chairs and wrap-around benches that lean forward. It has a foldable bimini cover that folds up the boat’s middle, and there is access to water due to the platform at the bow. The standard option includes everything one needs to go on a trip; trolling motor plug, navigation lights, and cup holders.

PROS

  • The price is just right for people who may not be able to afford more expensive pontoons.
  • Lowe Ultra 180 carries a power 115Hp engine.

CONS

  • The design is too basic.

Manitou 20 Aurora LE

Manitou 20 Aurora LE is the perfect $28,000 pontoon boat for people who like to fish. It comes with a 40Hp engine that provides sufficient power for fishing and cruising. Although the engine may not be the most powerful on the water, it is adequate considering the price of the pontoon. The boat’s helm has a digital display which looks better than the standard analog ones. It also has a high-back chair that is very comfortable.

PROS

  • It has two stern fishing chairs.
  • Maximum comfort is ensured because of the comfortable floor plan.
  • There are drain channels around the edges of the stowage.

CONS

  • A 40 horsepower means that the Manitou 20 Aurora isn’t a swift boat.

Conclusion

Although many desire to own expensive pontoons with lots of features, sometimes, less costly boats come with adequate and beneficial features. The best value pontoon boats, like the Lowe Ultra 200, comes with recline seats and swivel chairs for the boat’s skipper and first mate.

Top Saltwater Pontoon Boat Manufacturers for 2022

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The top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers make boats that are saltwater friendly, making them immune to the effects of using a regular boat on saltwater. A saltwater pontoon boat helps save costs on boat maintenance because it’s Aluminum/zinc anode protected or fiberglass base can’t react with saltwater, thus, having the upper hand when reviewed by other boat owners and pontoon boat manufacturers. A normal pontoon boat needs high cost maintenance (mostly every 3-6 months) making the customer clean more and spend more money when as for a saltwater pontoon boat has lower costs and expenditure.

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers

Saltwater pontoon boats don’t only beat the odds of rusting when on bothersome saltwater but even on dry land when near the ocean, making it easy for an owner to clean it with only water and also paint it with saltwater antifouling paint (if the boat has no Aluminum base).

Some manufacturers decided to specialize specifically in saltwater pontoon boats or have chosen to put a saltwater “package” together for some of their boat models that can withstand the damage caused by saltwater a lot better than the average pontoon boat. The following list of pontoon boat manufacturers have gone the extra mile to to create these saltwater pontoon boats. It does not make these boats “immune” from saltwater – we still recommend that you cover the boat when it’s not being used to prevent saltwater reacting with the sun and give it a freshwater rinse after every outing, but choosing boat from one of the following top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers will give you the best chance to enjoy your pontoon boat for years to come.

Bennington Saltwater Pontoon Boats

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers bennington

Bennington is one of the best brands in manufacturing saltwater pontoon boats. They have managed to stay in the pontoon business for over 20 years. Not only are their saltwater pontoon boats affordable but their boat interiors are created for comfort and have a long life span. Most of their saltwater pontoon boats have a fuel load range of 16 gallons+ and can hold the minimum weight of 370 pounds with an excellent width and length.

Bennington carries a “saltwater series” – that are made specifically to go into saltwater and withstand saltwater over time. Their standard series saltwater boats can come in the the 20 SLX, 21 SLX, 22 SLX, and SX23 as well as nearly any of their upper end “Q” series. The modifications made to the boat include including a zinc-anode at the pontoon and aluminum ladder

Berkshire Saltwater Pontoon Boats

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers berkshire

Berkshire is an another saltwater pontoon boat manufacturer that has managed to stay in the competitive industry by making their pontoon boats more affordable and more family friendly with enough room to accommodate many at once. Berkshire sells “saltwater edition” pontoon boats for all of their models that includes cathodic protection for the boat and allows you to enjoy the saltwater for years in your pontoon!

Fiesta Marine Products Pontoons

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers fiesta marine

Fiesta Marine Products is a saltwater pontoon boat manufacturer that specifically focuses on manufacturing saltwater pontoons or Saltwater friendly boats. They’re not as big as most of the other pontoon boat manufacturers but they’re known to satisfy their customers needs and services, making them an already excellent growing manufacturer.

BeachCat Pontoons

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers beachcat pontoons

BeachCat bring both luxury and great performance with their saltwater pontoon boats, they have a different range of saltwater pontoon boats, starting from size and ending on performance. They are on the higher end of the price range but you pay for what you get – they are a very high quality boat and they are made to be on the ocean.

Cypress Cay Saltwater Pontoon Boats

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers cypress cay

Cypress Cay is not known as a saltwater pontoon boat manufacturer but their driver and family friendly features and designs have help them stay on the market for a longer time than most pontoon boat manufacturers. They have saltwater packages for their boat series and it helps them keep up against anything that saltwater can throw at it.

How Does Saltwater Affect Pontoon Boats?

The marine materials which are used in the construction of pontoon boats are aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Now, it is common scientific knowledge how a metal in an electrically conductive solution (salt water in our case) when coming in contact with a dissimilar metal in that same solution, will tend to lose atoms. This losing of atoms means in scientific terms that the metal is corroding. The marine metals when not in contact with other metals will corrode away at a reasonably slow rate and there is not much of a danger. However in the presence of other metals in the saltwater, galvanic corrosion can happen when you take out your pontoon boat into the ocean.

What Makes a Pontoon Boat Good for Saltwater?

“Saltwater pontoon boats” were introduced with the thought of overcoming the phenomenon of galvanic corrosion. Let us see what all makes these saltwater pontoon boats work well in saltwater.

The tubes will be coated with anti-fouling bottom paint.

Aluminum and other marine materials can work well when not in contact with other metals. However, with due consideration to safety, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends the aluminum vessels to have a protective paint coating which can act as a barrier between the aluminum and the water.

Also, sacrificial zinc anodes can be used to save aluminum products. Let us see how the procedure goes. The zinc anode is electrically connected to the part (either by direct contact or by wire) and so now the aluminum gets stuffed with excess electrons. As a result, when it gets hit by galvanic corrosion, it actually loses those electrons rather than the aluminum giving up its own electrons. That is, zinc erodes in the process, thereby saving the aluminum. Hence the name sacrificial zinc anodes.

Solid keel and lifting strakes are used along with sacrificial anodes which can prevent saltwater and marine life from settling into the boat structures and thereby corrosive buildup. Additionally, hull protection products like metal jackets will act as an extra barrier between the active metal and saltwater. If you are somebody interested in taking your pontoon boat to the ocean, you can make the choice before you buy a pontoon boat so that you could look for brands which offer salt water safe exposed metal components and invest in the same.

The outboard engines of such saltwater pontoon boats will also be capable of withstanding the rigors of saltwater use.

Pontoon Boat Manufacturers Offering Saltwater Packages

Some manufacturers even include saltwater packages for customization so as to provide the added protection. The packages may include sacrificial anodes capable of protecting the hull against corrosion, sealing the keel and hull openings against interference from saltwater. Upgraded stainless steel and other materials, which act well in saltwater can also be part of the package. This ensures that extra protection is offered to your pontoon boat if you intend to take it into the ocean.

Almost all the top pontoon boat manufacturers offer saltwater packages. There is Bennington, Manitou, Godfrey, Barletta, Premier, etc. The Bennington Saltwater package includes saltwater anodes and performance foils or sealed lifting strakes. The Manitou saltwater package also comes with water separating fuel filter regulating the fuel quality in regions with high temperature and high humidity. The Barletta saltwater package is known as the Coastal Edition. They also coat metal jackets (engineered using nanotechnology) to the pontoon.

Saltwater pontoon boats are excellent all season round and have helped customers save money, time and have more fun at engaging in all water sports. With the listed best saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers, one won’t go wrong with their choices.

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