Entry Level Roundup

Options to get you started

May 2018 Feature

Entry-level boats hold a special place in the industry because they’re designed to meet you at a price point of no regrets. When looking for the right model, you’ll have some questions: how much can I make this pontoon my own? How high a value can I get for an affordable amount of money? What is the most important thing to look for in a pontoon?

First things first. You want a pontoon to sing to [your] tune of a perfect boating experience, right? Many manufacturers these days offer a huge array of options for you to customize your craft. When testing the waters, you’re destined to like it a whole lot more when it’s your kind of stereo, your kind of lighting, and your kind of comfort.

Secondly, you want a pontoon that’s relatively inexpensive, but you don’t want it to be “cheap.” The price tag doesn’t say everything, but some features are more telling.

The most important thing to look for in a pontoon is personal for each individual. If you’re unsure what you want your primary use of the pontoon to be, it’s best to get a basic cruiser. Make sure there are features for fishing, but also an engine with enough horsepower to engage in fun water activities and cruising. Make sure the furniture is [your] kind of comfy.

All things considered, shopping around is where all the stress is; forking over the money will be smooth sailing. That said, here are ten fantastic entry-level models to get you started.

Bayliner Element E18

Are you torn deciding between fishing, cruising, or enjoying a range of water sports? Good news – you can indulge in all of the above with the Element E18. This deck boat comes in at an 18-foot, 2-inch length that’s not overbearing to maneuver, especially with the patent-pending M-Hull design that improves planing stability and level turning. For its length, it also maximizes onboard capacity; the roomy layout includes three social zones for easy conversation-making while you’re out on the lake. You can choose from a variety of outboards up to the 115hp Mercury for the right amount of power at your back, and with the accessible price tag, it’s clear this model is designed to get anyone out enjoying the water [tout suite].

LOA: 18’ 2”

Beam: 7’ 5”

Person Capacity: 9

Max HP: 115hp

Bentley 220 Cruise

With room for up to 15 people, the Bentley 220 Cruise is replete with the right amount of space and amenities for making memories out on the water. Standards include the custom fiberglass console with a foot-well, changing room, four speakers, and a marine-grade stereo with Bluetooth and an MP3 adapter. The sundeck is perfect for absorbing some rays, while the 12-foot Bimini top with quick disconnects makes lounging in the shade a snap and the 44-quart insulated built-in cooler doubles up on offering chilled beverages for everyone. The front gate is even wheelchair accessible. This value-driven model is also available with three tubes, lifting strakes, underskin, hydraulic steering, blue LED light package, Playpen cover, and a ski/tow bar.

LOA: 22’

Beam: 8’ 6”

Person Capacity: 15

Max HP: 115hp

Hurricane SunDeck Sport 188 OB

Reach new levels of fun with the SunDeck Sport series. This particular model comes with a smaller footprint and efficient layout for compact action. There’s a lot of value packed onboard, and you definitely get your money’s worth and then some. Standards include an entertainment center with sink and manual water pump, livewell with pump, and MA100 Bluetooth/app-ready/AUX stereo with two silver speakers. With up to 200hp, making some wakes is definitely a blast for all 10 people onboard. You’ll definitely want to look into the optional wakeboard tower. With roomy seating and tons of classy options, what more could you ask for?

LOA: 18’ 10”

Beam: 8’ 5”

Person Capacity: 10

Max HP: 200hp

Lexington 325

This fabulous Lexington pontoon boasts a relaxing and inviting layout. From the chaise lounge seating to the midship corner lounge and stern sun lounger with a pop-up changing room hidden inside, there’s an impressive amount of room for up to 14 friends and family. Little extra elements add a nice touch onboard, like the standard Seagrass vinyl flooring, backlit instrument panel, and helm seat flip-up bolster. For added performance you can upgrade to a third pontoon and up to a 140hp outboard. And between the standard waterproof stereo with speakers and UV-treated 8-foot Bimini top, having fun comes naturally onboard.

LOA: 26’ 4”

Beam: 8’ 6”

Person Capacity: 14

Max HP: 140hp

Lowe Ultra 180

Lowe’s Ultra Cruise 180 stays true to its heritage with quality and comfort taking the forefront and noted value guaranteed. This model comes with loads of seating and storage backed by amenities that promise everyone will have a good time at the lake. Sinking your toes into the 18-ounce Boca Raton marine carpet and sprawling under the heavy-duty 9-foot Bimini with a boot and quick disconnects comes naturally with this model. The aft bench seat is replete with two cupholders and a storage tray, while the fiberglass helm has the added comfort of a raised footwell.

LOA: 19’ 6”

Beam: 8’

Person Capacity: 9

Max HP: 75hp

Montego Bay C8518 Cruise

Like all Montego Bay pontoons, the excellent construction methods and materials from bolted three-inch C channels to seven-ply plywood show it doesn’t cut any corners. These entry-level pontoons are very attractive since you’re getting a superior-built pontoon at an entry-level price, and you can still add any option desired to customize this model to fit your needs. From flooring options to stereo, gauge and lighting options, you can go as fancy as you like. Since this model is also 8 feet, 6 inches wide, it has as much cockpit space as most 20-footers and will give you all the comfort you need for a summer full of fun.

LOA: 19’

Beam: 8’ 6”

Person Capacity: 8

Max HP: 60hp

Qwest Adventure 820 VX Cruise

Blending versatility with style, this model is set up for comfortable adventuring. The stainless steel steering wheel, Prospec mini stereo system with Bluetooth audio, and Humminbird 197c color fishfinder show the kind of quality you can look forward to onboard. With standards like these, it’s stunning how much value the Qwest Adventure VX Cruise can pack on a pontoon. One look is all you need to know this model lives up to the Qwest legacy with an interior and exterior constructed from fine craftsmanship. And with its many options taken into consideration, this pontoon is definitely an attractive choice.

LOA: 21’ 8”

Beam: 8’ 1”

Person Capacity: 10

Max HP: 90hp

SunChaser Oasis 820 Cruise

Three-sided lounging, a generously-sized helm seat, a removable table with cupholders, and cooler storage under the console – what more could you ask for at such an affordable price point? The Oasis 820 Cruise also boasts the convenience of a 5-step aluminum rear boarding ladder and the fun of optional underwater lights. You can also trick-out your helm with an optional Verona steering wheel and Ram Mount Humminbird fishfinder. With these features and more, this SunChaser model is ready for cruising and exploring your favorite lake all season long.

LOA: 20’ 10”

Beam: 8’

Person Capacity: 9

Max HP: 90

Tahoe Pontoons GT

Tahoe’s attractive GT Cruise model balances practical quality design with tons of features and options that all work together to make this an excellent entry-level choice. The Cadet Rotocast helmstand with Greywood dash panels, Infinity stereo, and exclusive Matrix 50 soft touch seat vinyl all come standard, but its wide array of options outshine even these. You can upgrade to beauties such as the smoked glass or woodgrain table, Admiral captain’s chair with a flip-up bolster, wakeboard tower, ottoman roller cooler, and stainless removable cupholders. There’s even an optional livewell, stainless grill, Lily Pad diving board, and LED lights everywhere.

LOA: 21’

Beam: 8’ 6”

Person Capacity: 10

Max HP: 115hp

Veranda Relax Series VR22RC

It’s called the Relax Series for a reason – the VR22RC model from Veranda makes relaxing inevitable onboard. One of its most unique features has to be the patented interlocking deck system. There’s also a wealth of options to complement the array of standards, such as the ski/tow bar, bow filler seat, free-standing livewell, and attractive Vertex table. You can really make this pontoon resplendent with LED lighting or up the fun factor with one of its thrilling performance packages. Designed to please any generation at any budget, this pontoon is both affordable and dependable and is ready to get your family out on the water in style.

LOA: 22’ 8”

Beam: 8’ 6”

Person Capacity: 11

Max HP: 115hp

Other Favorite Entry Models

Aloha Tropical 230 Bimini

Angler Qwest 820 Base Fish

Aqua Patio 195 C

Bennington S21 Cruise

Caravelle 219UR

Crest Marine Crest I

Crestliner 200 Rally Cruise