Helios is a newcomer to the pontoon market, but the boatbuilder has done its homework well, providing a new option in performance pontoon boating with its GT-R 23, a 23-foot pontoon. Ours was powered with a 300 hp Mercury outboard.

The ride was noteworthy, and a careful examination of the tubes explains why. Lifting strakes are positioned at both sides on the bottom of the inside tubes and only the inside of the outside tubes. A final tweak to the performance package is having outside strakes that sweep down from the top of the tube nose cones and lie along the outside of the tubes, 3 or 4 inches above the bottom. The arrangement results in exciting performance characteristics. The inside strakes produce the lift that pontoons need to plane, but the outside strakes are positioned to deflect spray and add lift on the hole shot. After the pontoon is on plane, the strakes are still deflecting spray but are high enough to allow the inside tube to heel in a turn. It’s a unique design, and the handling it provides is a noticeable improvement in pontoons.

Topside, the pontoon delivers a stylish look with rounded aluminum corner modules finished in high-gloss metallic paint. They join black powder-coated gates and rails with side panels. The design is sturdy and the rails are solid, preventing the oil-can-style drumming that some pontoons experience.

The helm station adds to the performance look and feel with a well-placed steering wheel, throttle, and a comfortable reclining helm seat. Our test boat was equipped with a tow pylon rugged enough to be certified for pulling tubes—something wakeboard towers and pylons can’t safely do. In addition, there is special aft seating that converts from fore- and aft-facing back-to-back couches to forward-facing or aft-facing sun lounges. To escape the sun, the Bimini top can be raised electrically and conveniently.

The GT-R 23 provides a unique style, top-of-the-line handling and comfort that pontoon owners demand.

High Points

• Fusion audio controller with Boston Acoustics audio makes a rocking sound system.
• Touchscreen panel displays engine data and switching and color for LED lighting.
• Unique styling comes from contoured aluminum corner pods joined to black powder-coated fences and side panels.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 300 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 18” pitch x 14.3” 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
• Fuel Load: 50 gal.
• Water on Board: 0 gal.
• Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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It seems that the innovative Manitou MAX Deck design, which places an expansive rear deck over a low-profile Rotax S outboard engine, is a success—Manitou says 2024 MAX Deck models out-sold boats without it. For 2025, ­Manitou makes the MAX Deck, previously only offered with triple-tube V-Toon models, more attainable with the introduction of twin-tube Cruise models, like the twin-tube Cruise MAX 22 Switchback we tested. It has a base price of $60,772, or $7,000 less than the V-Toon version.

Twin-tube Cruise models will ­appeal to customers more focused on relaxed cruising on smaller lakes than on peak performance in big water. The twin-tube models are equipped with forward splash guards but do not have lifting strakes, and of course, there’s no provision for center stowage. In all other regards, the twin-tube Cruise MAX offers the same features as a V-Toon model. That aft deck offers 38 square feet of flat space for lounging, toting bulky gear like a tube or small kayak, or securing an accessory cooler or cargo box to LinQ integrated ­attachment points. 

The interior design is crisp and ­modern. Our Switchback version offers pivoting backrests port and starboard aft, which permit lounging while facing that MAX Deck, plus a pivoting backrest to port amidships, facing a console. All instrumentation is presented on a 7-inch Garmin multifunction display at the helm. Lightweight sheet aluminum siding can be removed easily for rigging service or to replace a damaged panel. Our test boat featured the optional Signature Package ($2,105), which includes a second house battery, a privacy station in the console, a low-back helm seat with a flip-up bolster, and LED docking and ­courtesy lighting.

The 150 hp Rotax S outboard has a 1.9-liter two-stroke powerhead with E-Tec direct injection, oriented horizontally and enclosed in a watertight case so that it fits below deck level. When tilted clear of the water, it raises a hinged center section of the MAX Deck. 

We noted a top speed of 28.8 mph, or about 7 mph slower than a V-Toon model. The twin-tube Cruise ­corners flat with predictable handling.

High Points

• MAX Deck offers a patiolike space and great water access.
• Transcore composite deck doesn’t absorb moisture and is made from recycled materials.
• Aluminum side panels with integrated lighting look sleek.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax S150 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13.5″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 24 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The 25QFBA is a top-line Bennington model with the designer-style Bennington exterior and interior flash. With Yamaha’s 350 hp outboard, the loaded price is a shade over $227,000, making this a statement, but also an investment in family fun.

With the 350, the big 28-foot hull zips to 30 mph in 7.6 seconds and hits 48 mph. Using 90 percent of the optional ­116-gallon fuel tank, range is a whopping 371-plus miles at 15.3 mph and 2,500 rpm­­—that’s 3.6 mpg and 4.3 gph. The 25-inch-diameter pontoons and Wave Tame undershield provide plenty of lift, especially over big-lake chop and crossing boat wakes, which it does with ease.

The Q makes a big impression on approach: The sloped, contoured fiberglass enclosure states clearly that this is a refined craft. The Fastback design goes well with the electrically operated fiberglass power arch, which houses a standard ­folding Bimini top.

Inside, the cool-touch Phantom Black pillow-top furniture is accented with ­Carbon diamond-stitched embroidery and piping, giving a rich but subdued look. Shoreline Grey vinyl flooring is new for 2025, as is an optional forward-located in-floor anchor locker with a cleat for easy tie-offs.

Seating is traditional facing loungers in the bow, with the same in the stern—just with slightly shorter benches. The furniture is contoured to create more room yet provide an ample area for seating and lounging. The seat bases feature recessed toe kicks, with drainage channels to wick ­water away from the storage ­compartments.

The molded windscreen keeps the ­pilot protected. The raised driver’s console provides all the information ever needed about the boat’s systems and the outboard, with flush-mounted 12-inch and 7-inch Vivid touchscreens and an optional 9-inch Garmin graph all in-dash, similar to a built-in head-up display. A Rockford Fosgate sound system is standard. Tilt hydraulic power steering controls the big Yamaha outboard. Aft, an extended deck with a standard LilliPad folding stainless-steel boarding ladder and an optional ski tow dominate the stern.

High Points

• New one-piece fiberglass console gives a sleek look.
• Sloped fiberglass surround looks just fine.
• Aft deck is now 5 inches longer. 
• Includes 12-inch and 7-inch Vivid touchscreens and an optional 9-inch Garmin graph at the helm.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 350 hp four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 64 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Bennington’s 25 RX Sport cut a dashing figure at the dock, but it’s the boat’s performance that had tongues wagging from those who took their turn at the wheel. Yes, speed impressed. Slam the throttle down and the 25 RX reaches 30 mph in 6.6 seconds before topping out at 47 mph. It’s the boat’s top-shelf handling, however, that left a lasting impression. Crank the wheel at speed and the RX banks into turns with an intuitive lean and never loses its bite. Credit the latter to Bennington’s ESP Performance Package. It pairs 25-inch outer pontoons with a 32-inch elliptical center tube to rival the handling of a V-hull. 

This Bennington also looks as good as it rides. While the RX Sport retains a pontoon’s traditional aluminum exterior, the packaging is sexy-sleek. Smooth panels clad much of the perimeter’s lower half, producing a near-seamless finish. Above, interior cladding offers a swooping accent stripe, producing a three-dimensional recess that curves downward from the bow to the aft deck. Paired in a metallic gold and white on our test boat, the combination created a masculine yet elegant aesthetic on the exterior and a decidedly upscale vibe to interior accommodations. Bennington’s winged logo, inset LED nav and docking lights, and a stainless-mesh combo at the wall’s trailing edge complete the picture.

Bennington’s Fastback layout finishes off the back half of the boat with parallel lounges featuring angled, aft-facing seatbacks, bolstered thigh support, and hinged cushions to access roto-molded storage below. The optional gate filler cushion ­completes a large, U-shaped lounge. 

A near-identical approach is found at the bow. Amidships, twin captain’s chairs await both port side and atop the 4-inch raised driving platform. Here we found Bennington’s new Commander 2.0 helm with a tempered-glass windshield above, 40-quart cooler below, and a trio of touchscreens on the console, including a 7-inch Vessel Control, 9-inch Garmin nav unit, and a new 12-inch Vivid UX digital dash front and center. The latter automatically switches between Run and Float modes to tailor info on the display to how the boat is being used at the time.

High Points

• Standards include a Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 Bluetooth audio system, remote, RGB-lit speakers and LilliPad boarding ladder.
• Multiple wireless charging ports and USB chargers.
• Optional in-floor anchor storage is handy and includes cleat.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ½” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 86 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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SunChaser’s Calais sports ­fencing made of welded, smooth-panel aluminum, lending the exterior a seamless appearance. Automotive paint and clear coat heighten the level of finish. ­Belowdecks, painted black tubes are standard, not an upgrade. Within, luxurious soft-touch vinyl exhibits rich shades, like mocha and platinum. Stainless-steel accents abound, from elegant boarding gates to our test boat’s curvaceous ski tow bar.  

Those premium looks foreshadow its premium performance. The Calais rides SunChaser’s X-Treme PR25 Performance Package, a combination of three 25-inch pontoons with a full complement of extruded lifting strakes, an aluminum under­skin to lessen drag, and a fuel tank integrated into the center tube. Paired with a Mercury Verado V-10 350, it rode solid in windblown chop, handled nimbly, and hit zero to 30 mph in 4.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 46 mph. 

Whether cruising at speed or coming into a crowded dock area, the captain will appreciate the added visibility provided by a 3-inch elevated helm platform. The dash itself is nicely contoured, with multiple billet accents, a standard Simrad GO7 multifunction display and digital C-Zone switching. Opposite, the port console enjoys similar elevation and adds a glove box under an acrylic lid. High-speed USB/USB-C chargers are close at hand. Both consoles also feature powder-coated, black-framed, smoked-glass windshields above, door-accessed storage below, and standard high-back helm seats. 

Forward, twin lounges stretch to 5 feet, 8 inches in length. Aft, an L-shaped ­swingback lounge backs up to a generous sun pad. Pivot the seatback forward to change the focus to the aft platform. Option rear-facing speakers, a subwoofer or a LilliPad ladder. Raise the sun pad to reveal storage, battery access and a pop-up changing room. A stainless-steel rail allows use of the lounge while underway. The generous size of the aft platform also makes it a great spot to hang out when coving or gearing up for watersports.

The package also includes SeaStar hydraulic steering, heavy-duty hat-channel construction and a deck-mount ski tow. 

High Points

• Standards include SeaStar hydraulic steering, Simrad GO7 MFD, pedestal table, and multiple USB charging ports.
• Wet Sounds MC 2 with Bluetooth audio system with six RGB speakers. 
• Standard Bimini, optional powered Sport Arch.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 17.25″ x 18″
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The 2585 Cascade ELW is a typical Tahoe top-of-the-line boat, loaded with luxury amenities and sporting excellent performance. Fitted with a Suzuki 250 outboard, it tops out at 46 mph and zips on plane in just 3.9 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 8.4 seconds. For a big boat with big power, it squeezes out the miles, netting 4 mpg at a most economical cruise speed of 15.5 mph and 2,500 rpm, for a range of over 207 miles from its 58-gallon tank (with 10 percent left in reserve). The big Suzuki is quiet too. Even at full pedal, it only hits 82 dB(A), and creates a whispering 67 dB(A) at cruise speeds, which allows for conversation without shouting.

Underneath, 25-inch-diameter triple pontoons (upgradable to 27 inches) are featured in the Waveglider Package, with lifting stakes on all three logs, and a full-aluminum undersheeting for less drag. We advise getting the Waveglider Package.

Twin-facing contoured lounge ­couches dominate the bow, creating a very large gathering place; there’s plenty of storage underneath the loungers for everyone’s gear. The contoured seats create more usable floor space without sacrificing comfort. The upholstery detail is dramatic; there are four colors and a detailed diamond-stitch inset panel, dressing the Cascade to impress. Amidships, dual consoles are topped with wraparound, tinted safety-glass windshields. Twin reclining, high-back captain’s chairs dominate the cockpit. In-floor storage is large enough to fit water toys, a boat cover and more. An optional power wakeboard tower is fitted with an extended Bimini top. An optional high-performance ­Fusion audio system is paired with ­canister speakers on the tower.

Just aft, a portside sink/refreshment center features a countertop, under-­cabinet storage and a trash receptacle. It sits across from a starboard-side L-shaped lounger; there’s a portside access way out to an extended aft deck fitted with a ­LilliPad boarding ladder and a stainless-steel ski tow. The aft storage locker houses the dual-battery setup and power-steering pump under a lift-up hatch supported by gas shocks.

High Points

• Tinted swept-back windshields.
• Commander II helm station with dual Simrad graphs provides full systems-monitoring capability. 
• Twin contoured bow lounges.
• Extended aft deck with a ­LilliPad ladder and stainless-steel tow point.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 250 four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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With twin Honda BF 350s perched astern, Avalon’s Catalina 2585 left no doubt about its high-performance intentions. Punch the throttles and the dynamic duo on the transom rocket the 2585 out of the hole, reaching 30 mph in a scant 4.3 seconds en route to an eye-watering top speed of 63 mph. Avalon’s Twin Waveglider Performance Package ensures the running surface below handles every bit of those horses. A trio of 27-inch pontoons equipped with lifting fins handled both calm and rough conditions with equal ease and delivered a precise, flat-cornering personality when pushed aggressively into corners. Want more? The 2585 is rated for up to 800 horsepower. Imagine the possibilities.

Though the boat delivers flagship performance, it’s actually midrange in category. Like the power, however, looks are top-notch. A new exterior wall design is ultra-sleek, with smooth-skin aluminum panels presenting a clean, uninterrupted wrap and not a hint of fence structure in sight. Both docking and nav lights are integrated into forward pods. Tapering walls aft complete the clean aesthetic. New stainless-steel rails with a chain-access closure elegantly seal off the stern. The deeply tinted, seemingly frameless windshield that spans the consoles proves the perfect finishing touch. 

The helm behind is also fitted perfectly. Dual Simrad touchscreens dominate the attractive, multilevel dash, keeping vital info and touchscreen controls within easy reach. A cubby to the right of the wheel includes a wireless phone charger. Opposite, the ­Fusion stereo head unit controlled our test boat’s premium sound system and canister speakers, the latter mounted to the ­optional electric EX tower. As to accommodations, they’re pleasantly plush for the price point. Full of contours and accented by a trio of colors and quilted accents, they include a pair of parallel lounges forward, twin high-back captain’s chairs amidships, and an L-shaped lounge aft. The latter is highlighted by a pivoting seatback with dual stainless-steel support arms that move independently to maintain the same attitude of the backrest in forward- or rear-facing positions.

High Points

• RGB lighting allows setting and changing the mood.
• In-floor ski locker swallows large items.
• Tubular seat frames provide flow-through ventilation to most storage areas.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Honda 350
• Drive/Props: Honda 16″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 95 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Bennington expands its offerings for 2025 with the addition of the M line midpriced models that offer a sleek silhouette, an abundance of customization options, high-tech amenities and, as always with Bennington, upscale feel and style. The latter was immediately evident on our 24 MFB Sport test boat’s black-on-black color scheme. The new design pairs the two colors in premium gloss and satin finishes, set behind a perimeter highlighted by sweeping bow lines, sleek rails, angled louvers and the iconic Bennington swoosh. Bennington’s Blackout Luxe Package completed the sporty look, with a similarly colored rub rail, deck trim and skirting. Sport models also get a black steering wheel and badging, integrated docking lights, and a bold, contrasting racing stripe on the interior vinyl. The latter’s vibrant red gave our test boat a muscle-car vibe. The carbon-­fiber arch option overhead proved the ­perfect complement. 

As to that promised tech, the 24 MFB featured Bennington’s new 7-inch Vivid UX touchscreen. Designed to provide the everything-in-one-place feel of an automotive dash, it cleverly switches the interface between Running and Float modes to correspond with how you’re using the boat. For example, Running mode offers items like speed, rpm, fuel usage, and battery and engine vitals. Float mode brings up audio controls, water and air temps, and battery state. A complementing digital switching pad below can also be upgraded to a 7-inch Vessel Control for items like nav and accent lights, the bilge, the audio system and RGB lighting options.

Under the deck, the MFB Sport ­featured Bennington’s optional SPS ­Performance Package. Designed for four-cylinder engines of 200 hp or less, it includes a trio of 25-inch-diameter tubes featuring lifting strakes on the center tube, performance foils on the outer tubes, solid round keels and an underdeck wave shield, along with SeaStar hydraulic steering. Our test boat’s Yamaha 150 stopped short of that max horsepower but produced a fuel-friendly ride, sipping 3.8 gph at its 15 mph most economical cruise speed, and 15.6 gph at its top-end speed of 35.8 mph. 

High Points

• This toon sports an automotive dash thanks to a new Vivid UX touchscreen. 
• Seating lumbar recesses feature three cup holders, a loose-item tray, and USB/USB-C charging ports with a voltmeter.
• Extended deck increases the recreation space. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 150
• Drive/Prop: Yamaha Reliance 14 ½” x 14″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 15 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Bennington Marine says that luxury, performance and personalization guide the design of its pontoon models, and each is in evidence in the ­Bennington M Series, a midlevel line that debuts in 2025. The M Series will be offered in lengths of 21 to 26 feet with twin or triple tubes, each in a choice of Standard, Sport or Luxe interior trim.

Common features on the M Series models include a new molded fiberglass Horizon helm stylishly designed with cool accents and shaped to deliver improved comfort, control and visibility for the driver while maintaining a good sightline to the bow. A pod atop the helm holds a new 7-inch Bennington Vivid UX main display with GPS, and at the lower left is a new 12-button digital switch pad. The helm has room for an optional ­12-inch version of the Vivid UX display and an optional 9-inch Simrad MFD. Custom Rockford Fosgate audio is standard. ­Finally, the aft deck has been extended by 24 inches compared to previous models and supports a LilliPad comfort step boarding ladder.

Our test boat, a 24MSB model (23-foot-4-inch tubes and the Swingback aft seat interior) was equipped with a long list of options, including a 54-inch ski pylon ($1,573) and the Blackout Luxe Package interior ($2,500) executed in Veneto vinyl, which has the rich feel of worn leather. An interesting option is a new anchor locker ($2,867) that stows the anchor in a plastic tub below a hatch within the center tube and includes a pop-up fairlead on the ­forward deck.

Our tri-tube model featured 25-inch tubes of 0.100-inch aluminum and the SPS Plus Performance Package ($12,929), which includes lifting strakes on the ­center pontoon, performance foils on the inboard sides of the outboard pontoons, a composite transom, an underdeck cover to reduce drag, and a generous ­48-gallon fuel tank. Powered by a Yamaha 200 SHO outboard, we recorded a top speed of 38.2 mph and a zero to 30 mph time of 10.1 seconds. Handling was precise and predictable at all speeds. Luxury, performance and personalization—this new Bennington checks all three boxes. 

High Points

• Segment-leading attention to detail and fit-and-finish live up to the Bennington reputation.
• Digital switching eliminates trouble-prone mechanical switches.
• New helm and glass displays look fantastic and offer easy-to-use information.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 200 SHO outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 14.5″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 24 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Princecraft’s midrange Vectra line promises to offer exceptional value at its price point, and the 23 WRL puts one prominent example right in front of your face. Take the helm and the full-tempered-glass, walk-through windshield that spans from port to the starboard console—something seldom seen in this category. It’s stylishly raked, with an eye-catching anodized black frame that pairs well with the Vectra’s 45-degree fence corners forward and angular rail design. From a practical standpoint, it protects those in the cockpit from the elements and even ­potentially extends your boating season.

Peruse the accommodations and similar examples stand out. The roto-molded helm boasts multiple contours and black-faced acrylic inserts that separate it from the norm. Our test boat replaced the standard gauge array with an intuitive Simrad NX7 multifunction display. The wraparound wing to starboard included a stereo head unit and wireless charging cradle. A pair of parallel lounges in the bow are ready for a pair of reclining passengers or a crew to gather around the pedestal table when it’s social hour. Aft, the L-shaped Rear Lounge spans to the port side and beam. Pivot up a portside seat base to form a forward-facing companion seat. Swing the sizable aft backrest forward and create a massive rear-racing sun pad for some tanning action. Its optional perimeter rail allows passengers to occupy the space when underway. In a nice nod to detail, sections of both the side and aft rail swing downward to allow easy access in and out. The entire platform also lifts to reveal storage, battery access and a pop-up changing room.

Princecraft equipped our test boat with its Sport pontoon configuration. It pairs 25-inch pontoons to port and starboard with a similar-diameter central pontoon running about two-thirds of the boat’s length. A permanent 27-gallon fuel tank, lifting strakes, reinforced pontoon noses and an underdeck spray shield complete the package. Paired with a Mercury 150 XL test engine and SeaStar hydraulic steering, the end result was a boat that jumped onto plane quickly, topped out just shy of 37 mph, and responded nimbly to input at the wheel.

High Points

• Standard Bimini provides shade and can hold a camper canvas.
• Jensen 160-watt Bluetooth sound system with four speakers.
• Construction includes 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy, 2½-inch extruded crossmembers, full-length keels and skirting.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 150 XL
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 15.3″ x 14″
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 27 gal. Crew Load: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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