Pontoon Boats

Fast - Pontoon Boats

New model pontoon boats have been bucking the trend for a number of decades.  Pontoon boats are no longer slow, rickity, cruiser.  New technology over the years including faster motors, more streamlined boats, stronger and lighter frames, and advancements in the pontoons themselves have allowed pontoon boats to become faster.  Granted they will never be as fast as some of the other types of boats such as speed boats and cigarette boats, but they can now finally hold their own on the lake.

This page's purpose is to discuss fast pontoon boat new technologies, the fastest stock pontoon boat models, and pits the fastest models against each other in reviews to determine which pontoon boat is truly the fastest one on the lake!

Fast Pontoon Boats

by

A pontoon is a metallic tube, flotation device with buoyancy sufficient to float itself as well as a heavy load over it. Boats using pontoon as a floating device are called pontoon boats. Pontoon boats are typically cylindrical and do not have inside access; they are simply for flotation.

Generally pontoon boats are comfortable fishing boats while whiling the time way the nearby lakes or ponds but today they have become much more that. Today, pontoon boats come in different shapes and sizes with different features, offering everything from small in house bars to wakeboarding towers to underwater lights. Most of the people love their pontoon boats for the comfort, space, amenities (which can be added such as lounge chairs, and even water slides). But now, they can be really fast as well! Modern technology has allowed pontoon boats to turn into these high performance and super fast boats that are safe as well as fun.

Fast pontoon boats today are a reality, and data below, gathered across many websites, show us how fast the pontoon boats are running in the present times:

  • G3 Suncatcher 22′ V22RF with a 115hp engine and medium load can go about 25 mph
    • 22mph with a 90hp engine and medium load
    • With 11 people in the boat (max capacity) and a 115hp engine, it gets about 22 mph
    • Under perfect, ideal conditions and only one person in the boat, it can hit 31 mph
  • 21′ with lifting strakes and a 90hp engine and perfect conditions gets 36 mph
  • 18′ Bass Buggy with 60hp engine can go up to 18mph
  • Suntracker 22′ with a 70hp engine can get 21 mph with a light load
  • Gigantic 30′ Pontoon with a 115hp will only get around 15mph
  • 24′ Pontoon boat with a 115hp and a medium load got around 25mph
  • 18′ Party Barge with a 75hp engine can get around  24mph
  • 20′ Bass Buggy with a 60hp motor only gets around 13-17 mph
  • 20′ Starcraft with a 75hp engine and with no load can get 23 mph
  • 26′ Crest III with a 90hp engine and medium load can get around 28mph
  • 24′ 2006 Sweetwater with a 90hp engine can go around 18mph, or 20.5mph with a 115hp engine
  • 26′ Tritoon with a 175hp engine and a medium/heavy load can get up to 35mph
  • 21′ Tritoon with a 90hp engine and only two people on board can get up to 27mph

Certain factors which affect the speed of the boat are:

  • Weight Effect : For every 1000 pounds added to the boat, the boat loses 15% of the speed
  • Bimini Effect: Folding down the bimini can take the speed up tp 36 mph from 32 mph
  • Prop Effect: Lower the prop, higher the speed
  • Dirty Pontoons Effect: If there is algae or barnacles on any other crud on the pontoon boat, the boat might slow down upto 2 to 6 mph

Fast Pontoon Boats

by

Gone are the days when the words pontoon boat meant a water vessel cruising at a moderate speed and just meant for fishing. Today’s fast pontoon boats pack a punch and get the adrenaline rushing. With multiple high horse power engines and an aerodynamic design, these boats have a speed that is at par with other types of boats. The sports and adventure series of different boat companies feature some of the fastest pontoon boats.

South Bay Sport Series RS9 DC Twin

South Bay’s 25 Sport RS 9 is the ultimate combination of technology and performance. With twin outboards motor and a collective maximum 800HP, the boat is performance packed. Add to that the set of 4” lifting strakes on the center tube and another on the inside of outer tubes that come with the 3.0+ Performance Package along with a lightweight aluminum deck, and this boat can easily cross 90MPH without breaking a sweat making it a superb choice for people looking for fast pontoon boats. It allows excellent control and tight turning radius. The 52-gallon fuel tank is more than enough to take this beast out for a ride. It also features high end gadgetry, audiophilic sound system from Kicker and exotic furnishing and decor making it as beautiful as it is swift. The boat can accommodate nine for a thrilling ride. And if that is not enough, adding a tow bar for some skiing can give the much-craved adrenaline rush.

Powertoon X-Treme 2700

PlayCaraft’s X-Treme 2700 is another pontoon that dashes across the water like a sprint runner on a track. The boat has a 350HP stock outboard motor. Triple toon package adds a third pontoon and a performance shield to give the boat a momentum boost. The noses of each of the three pontoons are aerodynamically designed using the X-Treme surface piercing technique. Handling of the boat is flawless with the RAC-R-FINS. This fast pontoon boat is comfortable, spacious and luxurious and can accommodate 15 persons easily. The boat comes with a more than enough 30-gallon fuel tank, fiberglass console and hydraulic steering. Be it a speed race or a relaxing cruise, the X-Treme 2700 is ideal companion.

Manitou 2017 X-Plode XT

The X-Plode XT from the house of Manitou is a nifty addition to the pontoon boats. The boat can be equipped with twin engine each of which can shell out 300HP. The Sports Handling Package of the boat adds a third pontoon which is 27-inch as compare to the other 25-inch. It is also lower than the other two pontoons by a little more than 5 inches giving this fast pontoon boat unprecedented agility and responsiveness while being handled. Lifting strakes on each side of all the three pontoon tubes is another performance improving addition. There is a seating for 13 people on the 25-foot SHP dual engine model. A whopping 90 gallons with twin engines is more than a person can ask for.

Aqua Patio 250 XP

Aqua Patio 250 XP is a fast pontoon boat from the house of Godfrey. The performance of the boat can be credited to its two engines each of which is 350HP.  A package option of three tubes with 27″ diameter supplements the power of the boat. A hydraulic steering and lifting strakes on the tubes make handling easy and responsive. The furnishing of the boat makes extensive use of fiberglass lowering the overall weight. The boat is roomy and plush and can easily accommodate 16 people making it right for a laid-back retreat too. A ski tow bar can be added for some more fun at full throttle.

Small Pontoon Boat

by

It is not necessary to buy an expensive pontoon boat for an amazing pontooning experience. Small pontoon boats too come packed with quite a lot of features and are epitomes of luxury while still being economical. These are easy to carry, effortless to control over the waters, fuel efficient and convenient to tow and store. For a family or a small gathering, they are the perfect water vessels for some holiday fun.

Some of the best small pontoon boats that are worth checking out are listed here.

Bennington SX Series

Bennington SX series is a great value for money boat with the right mix of functionality and utility. It is made in lengths from 16 to 25 foot, the lower ones of which are ideal for people looking for a small pontoon boat. The 16 and 18 foot models can accommodate half a dozen people easily. The quality of upholstery is great and plenty of furniture addons are available including an electric bimmi and a ski tow bar. There are multiple exterior and interior finishing options provided along with a Kicker sound system among other upgrades. For the 16 and 18 foot models, gas engines range from 9.9hp to 60hp and electric ones from 2 to 8 hp. The prices for SX series start from $18,000 for 16-foot and $20,000 for 18-foot lengths.

Berkshire CTS Series

The 17-foot models of the Berkshire CTS Series are one of the best when it comes to small pontoon boats. These are rich in features and come backed by the quality construction expertise of Berkshire. It can seat eight to nine people easily, making it perfect for a small group. It has multiple package options to suit different tastes for an elite appearance and more fuel capacity. A 10’ bimmi is standard and an optional transom upgrade of 25” tubes can be included. It has decent cruising speed with the 60hp engine.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze 191

The Cypress Cay Seabreeze 191 is a small pontoon boat that can accommodate up to eight persons. Despite its size, this boat has great power and maximum features. A 12 foot bimmi upgrade along with changing room curtains, separate main and rear flooring options and a ski tow bar can be opted for. Outboard engines are available ranging from 9.9hp to 60hp along with an electric motor. Prices for this boat’s packages start from $14,000.

SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 18 DLX

Just because a boat is small, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. The Party Barge 18 DLX boat from Sun Tracker is both. This small pontoon boat is the ideal companion for having a great time with family and friends on the water. It can accommodate nine people on its comfortable couches. It has an aft-side swim platform stretching across the width of boat and plenty of storage space. The boat is equipped with a Bluetooth stereo and even a barbeque grill may be opted for. It has 24” pontoons and motors across 9.9hp to 75hp are available. Above all, it is backed by a 10-year warranty from Sun Tracker. The boat retails from $15,995.

Lowe Ultra 160 Cruise

Lowe’s Ultra 160 Cruise despite being a small pontoon boat is laden with features, durable and roomy. It allows eight people to go on a cruise and explore new waterbodies. A 9’ bimmi shields the passengers from the overhead sun. A ski tow is optional for those seeking adventure on water. Engine options have varying output between 9.9 to 50 hp. With a base price of $14,200, it is a great buy.

Pages

FTC Disclosure

www.pontoonboats.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.