BOATERS BLOG
From Leisurely to Lively: Fast Pontoon Boats Are Making Waves
By NBOA •January 16, 2024
Pontoon boats have traditionally been synonymous with relaxed, family-friendly outings. You can likely imagine one floating by with passengers soaking up the sun on a lazy afternoon during the dog days of summer. However, innovation in design and technology is transforming the scene. Now equipped with advanced features that boost their speed and agility, some pontoon boats are entering the conversation alongside traditional speedboats. With upgrades like the triple-tube package, these boats are morphing from slow-moving relaxation hubs into swift, performance-driven machines. The experts at NBOA are sharing some of the most impressive “fast” pontoon boats ready to hit the water running.
Five of the Fastest Pontoon Boats Available
PlayCraft PowerToon X-Treme 3000: Known for its exceptional speed, reaching up to nearly 80 mph, this pontoon is powered by dual Mercury Racing 450 outboards that can seamlessly glide to 30mph in five seconds. It combines high performance with comfort, featuring a raised helm station, electric throttles, power steering, UV-protected vinyl, and a wide range of colors to personalize it to your liking.
Bennington 25 QX Fastback: With a sleek, beautiful, and modern design, this pontoon reaches speeds close to 30 mph in just seven seconds and tops out at just around 50 mph. It’s equipped with the ESP Performance Package and a 350-hp Yamaha outboard. The interior showcases luxury with a clean graphite palette, woodgrain accents at the helm, wraparound benches, and a high-tech Simrad GO9 GPS touchscreen display.
Harris Crowne 270 SL TE: Achieving 30 mph in under seven seconds, this boat easily reaches above 60 mph thanks to its twin Mercury 400 outboards. It features triple 27-inch pontoons designed for dual-engine performance. The boat also offers an elegant design with sleek, curvy fiberglass that replaces a traditional pontoon fence. The interior presents passengers with comfortable seating and the captain with a Medallion Glass Dash touchscreen and an optional Mercury Joystick Piloting system.
Lowe SS 250 WS: If you’re looking for a pontoon boat that is also great for watersports, this is the one. Powered by a 300-hp Mercury engine, this model reaches a top speed of over 50 mph. Its three pontoons are made of 0.08-gauge aluminum and are 25-inches wide, increasing buoyancy while reducing drag. The boat offers a comfortable ride with lush upholstery, a beam-to-beam windshield, dual acrylic and fiberglass consoles, and smooth power steering.
Manitou 25 Legacy SL: Featuring Manitou’s patented V-Toon technology, this boat has an ultra-smooth ride and a top speed of about 50 mph thanks to a 300-hp Evinrude G3. To mimic a V-hull, one 27-inch pontoon lays between two 25-inch pontoons, lowering the center pontoon a full 5 ½ inches. The boat also offers Teleflex SeaStar Power Assist steering and a luxurious interior with parallel lounges, an aft SL lounge, and twin captain’s chairs.
These fast pontoon boats represent a significant shift in the boating industry, bringing together the peaceful essence of traditional pontoons with the adrenaline rush of speedboats. They offer an exhilarating ride while maintaining the spaciousness and luxurious comfort pontoon boats are known and loved for.
Catering to a wide range of interests and preferences, from those who enjoy leisurely cruising to thrill-seekers eager for high-speed adventures, fast pontoon boats are becoming quite versatile and attractive. With an increase in speed, it’s even more critical to consider boat insurance to ensure peace of mind both on and off the water. Reach out to the experts at NBOA for more information about premium coverage.