So, you’re in the market for a new boat, huh? You enjoy heading out in the morning or after work to wet a line and maybe haul in a few fish for the family dinner table. But, more often than not, you’ll be bringing along your kids. And their friends. And a few more kids you’ve never even seen before. Is there a boat that can get you and your growing crew out on the water for tubing and cruising, but can also satisfy your inner angler? Maybe it’s time you checked out the Sweetwater 2086 BF, a new 20-foot pontoon that comes standard with some nice fishing features.
Like all Sweetwaters, the name of the game is value. As in give you everything you need and not much of what you don’t want. From the dock, the 2080 BF really pops, thanks to high-gloss upgraded rail panels (the blue and red are sharp), fun graphics and a color-matched bimini cover complete with the Sweetwater logo. The color coordination is carried throughout the boat with upholstery accents.
As far as seating goes, you’ve got a small forward port lounge (leaving enough room for a handy side-entry gate) across from a full reclining chaise with room for several guests or a stretched-out 6-footer. An L-lounge in the cockpit gives you a good spot for conversation or to spot tubers being pulled behind the boat. When it’s snack time, there’s a removable pedestal table with molded-in drink holders. And when you’re anchored, an oversized sun pad provides a perfect spot to relax and soak up some rays.
Up on the big forward deck, you’ve got two comfortable fishing pedestal seats that even an extreme walleye fisherman would be proud call home for an afternoon. They swivel completely around and can be removed for extra room. Just under the forward port seating is a convenient aerated livewell for bringing home your prize catch. Right next to the livewell is a deep, poly-lined storage area that would be perfect for keeping your tackle within easy reach.
This boat is comfortable to drive, with a nicely laid-out helm station. The captain’s chair borders on luxurious, with overstuffed bolsters and padded armrests that fold up for easy access. Leading out to the rear deck, the gate is cleverly angled to provide extra room if you’re stepping on or off the boat, and it gives you a little more room to climb aboard from the folding, aluminum boarding ladder. And one of the great things about Sweetwater is that it’s made by Godfrey Pontoons, which means you can have your choice of outboard motor. This boat is rated for up to 90 horsepower.
Bottom line? The 2086 BF is a smooth-running pontoon from a company that knows how to build in value, while keeping their eye on quality with superior fit and finish. This boat would be perfect for anyone who wants a family cruising pontoon that pulls double-duty as a well-furnished fishing machine.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall: 20 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Draft: 15 inches
Dry Weight: 1,618 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 24 gallons
Max Horsepower: 90 hp
Base Price: $18,340
