Pontoon boats is the fastest growing segment in terms of both popularity and innovation among today’s watercraft, and deck boats isn’t far behind. These two categories offer stability, versatility and elbow room that is unmatched, and it appears the sky is the limit when it comes to the size, speed and amenities the broad-shouldered craft offer enthusiasts. Here are five pontoon boats and deck boats that offer plenty of the latter to those who appreciate the premium side of boating.
Bennington 2575 QCW Mahogany Edition
From perhaps the most eye-catching deluxe pontoon lineup on the market today, the Mahogany Edition 2575 combines classic wooden boat styling with cutting-edge amenities and performance. With the triple-tube Elliptical Sport Package, a 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 Mag ECT engine and a Bravo Three drive, this Bennington can hit speeds in excess of 50 mph. Dual counter-rotating propellers offer superior handing at the dock and at speed, and with a variety of layouts that include rear-facing reclining lounges, this majestic craft is in a league of its own. benningtonmarine.com
LOA: 28 feet, 5 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 58 gallons
Passenger Capacity: 13 people
Larson Escape 25
Larson deserves all the design accolades it has earned for its new line of Escape pontoons in 2014. Options such a faux-wood fencing panel inserts, four-position powered lounger and an automatic pop-up combination head/changing cabana make the Escape as fun as it is unique. Performance-wise, the Taper Tube Technology shape of the tubes, along with a triple tube option, makes it a keen-handling boat, and amenities such as a cooler/table on the bow, built-in grill, pop-up TV screen, LED mood lighting and raised two-tone fiberglass helm with rotary tilt mahogany steering wheel make the Escape an entertaining option. larsonescape.com
LOA: 25 feet, 4 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 49 gallons
Passenger Capacity: 16 people
Sea Ray 220 Sundeck OB
If you’re looking for a premium deck boat with impressive performance and shallow-water capability, the 220 Sundeck is a top contender. A 21-inch draft goes hand-in-hand with Mercury Verado outboard technology — smooth, quiet and powerful. The deck architecture has been pushed out wide for more interior room (it boasts an impressive 12-passenger capacity), yet the boat retains a sporty profile and deep freeboard. Available with plenty of hull colors and graphics options, you can customize the Sundeck to fit your style; try the Cognac caramel/tan interior for the utmost in gentleman’s runabout appeal. searay.com
LOA: 22 feet, 6 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons
Passenger Capacity: 12 people
Harris FloteBote Crowne 250
Evolving from one of the first and most popular pontoon models ever made, this is not your daddy’s FloteBote. With a triple-tube, Twin Engine Performance Platform option that allows the use of dual outboards up to a maximum 600 horses combined, the Crowne 250 fairly flies. And with a choice of three variations of a dual rear-facing lounger floor plan; Sport Arch or electric-powered bimini top; helm with high-back reclining seat; Touch-Screen Control with cruise control; interior, exterior, bimini and underwater LED lighting; pop-up changing room and huge swim deck, the Crowne is a cutting-edge crowd pleaser. harrisfloteboate.com
LOA: 26 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons
Passenger Capacity: 16 people
Starcraft Coastal 2210 OB
As its name implies, the Coastal 2210 OB is a deck boat built with bluewater use in mind, offering a freshwater system with a transom sprayer that’s perfect for washing the salt off after a swim and paired with a saltwater-proven Yamaha F200 outboard. The wraparound windshield protects a well-appointed cockpit with twin captain’s chairs forward and a U-shaped bench seat surrounding the perimeter. Twin ski lockers underfoot accommodate skis, wakeboards, fishing tackle and other gear. If saltwater use may be in your boat’s future, Starcraft’s Coastal deck models deserve serious consideration. starcraftmarine.com
LOA: 21 feet, 6 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 51 gallons
Passenger Capacity: 12 people
