Which Pontoon Boats should we look at or avoid.

Can't help you have names. Our family has had two over the years, and they are so much fun! Some have nice covers for when you are not using it to keep it clean. Some have canvas shades that are mobile, some are fixed, some have no shade covers. How big a dock do you have?


NEVER operate the boat with someone in front of the boat. In recent years, there have been some horrible accidents, both dogs and people, being killed when they fall in the water and get trapped under the boat. Even with perfect reactions, the operator is not able to kill the motor/prop fast enough.

We have a 24ft Bennington, so I'm squarely on the "hold out" side.  You will not regret it!  They really are a luxury pontoon and ours still looks brand new after 5 years of use (we bought brand new in 2013).  When we were upgrading from our previous boat, we looked at other brands, but nothing really compared to the craftsmanship of Bennington.  We have the tri-toon with in-floor storage and 150 Mercury...plenty of speed for our kids to tube and ski behind, but also lots of room for passengers for cruising.  

Even looking for used, make a list of your must haves...the right boat will come along.  Think about things like storage, speed, and seat configuration. Do you want/need a changing room on board, do you like the 'lounger' layout for the stern of the boat, etc.  Will you trailer, or keep it at a lake home or in a marina.  If the latter, go as big as you feel comfortable...you won't regret it.  If trailering all the time, a smaller boat may be easier to handle.  

Let me know what other questions you have....I did all the research when buying our Bennington....I had my heart set and nothing was changing it.