PDB Shootout Barletta

First Impression

The first batch of Barletta pontoon boats debuted at the early 2018 boat shows and it’s been a fast and quick-paced ride ever since. Although new, this manufacturer is loaded with pontoon experience from top to bottom and you wouldn’t guess it was just entering its second year based on the quality and quantity of boats being produced, including this beauty from its Luxury-Class.

Highlights

Instead of making every worthwhile luxury amenity an option, Barletta chooses to include everything with its L-Class that if feels should be standard. Basically what you see as tested is what you get, including the ultra-soft premium furniture with a quilted accent for a high-end look. A catch phrase that has really caught on is “Yeti-Ready,” which means all cupholders (at least 18 that we counted) are deep and designed to fit a standard Yeti 20- or 30-ounce tumbler.

For the captain is a beautiful helm console that has a large integrated glove box on the side and a well-organized dash that includes two multi-function gauges in the center and a 7-inch Simrad GO7 XSE touchscreen on the side. The Hertz stereo controls are also located at the dash and the system includes a subwoofer and amp for an amazing sound. On the raised helm platform is a tall high-back extra-wide reclining helm chair with a marine mat and plenty of legroom for just about any captain. Integrated into the platform are pet food/water dishes, which is a great idea for those with pets onboard.

A second captain’s chair for the first mate is across from the helm and directly behind are two of the four lounges with two more in the bow. Each chaise lounge includes two USB charging ports for a total of 9 when you factor in the one at the helm.

Outside the stern gate is an extra-large swimdeck with two of the six total speakers with a Hertz stereo remote that is easily accessible from the water. In the stern is also a stainless ski/tube bar with dedicated fender storage and an easy-to-use 4-step ladder.

Inspection

The 26-inch diameter pontoons include full length exterior wave tamers on the outside tubes with solid keels, and a patent-pending combination box and I-beam/C-channel construction make up the hybrid cross member configuration for a solid deck. The Vibration Isolation Pads help provide a quiet ride too. The two-tone exterior panels around the perimeter of the boat stand 30 inches for most of the boat with the lowest rail in the bow still measuring over 26 inches tall.

Performance

Mercury released a new line of V8s last year and we love the pairing of this 250 FourStroke with this hull. Our zero-to-20 mph time was just under five seconds with a top speed of over 40 mph at full throttle and she handled well and was fun to drive. We just love the Ultraflex controls at the helm that allow you to adjust the turning tension, which was a lot of fun to play with.

Parting Thought

High-end in every way, the more we looked around the more hidden and innovative features we found. We love all the standard features that are typically options for most manufacturers’ luxury models and feel a lot of potential buyers will want to take a closer look at this specific model.

For More Information:
Bristol, Ind.
574-825-8900
www.barlettapontoonboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12                   
Price As Tested With Power: $97.2 K
Maximum Speed: 43.9 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.74 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…Very well organized and plush layout with integrated features like an in-floor stern cooler, designated pedestal/table storage and other innovative ideas.   

Just being picky…The gas fill is located below the ski/tow bar on the back deck, which could be a little hard to access for those who trailer their boats and fill up at gas stations. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Power Bimini top, snap-less playpen cover, dual battery trays w/switch, extended swim deck, “Yeti-Ready” cupholders, underbelly skin, VIP Technology (Vibration Isolation Pad), Hertz stereo w/4 speakers, subwoofer and 1500 watt amplifier, in-floor stern cooler/anchor storage w/bilge pump, tube-tow watersports cage w/fender storage, USB charging ports, LED docking lights, ss ladder, railskin sweep color w/accent color, underseat mood lighting, Premium furniture w/quilted accent, Varano decking, high back reclining helm seat, raised helm platform w/marine mat and integrated pet food/water dishes, Simrad 7" G07 XSE, integrated cell phone storage w/charging station and aux and Ultraflex EZ Steer mechanical steering.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Upgraded Monza vinyl flooring.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 25’ 6”             
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 3,573 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 48 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 250  FourStroke       
Cylinder Type: V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 279ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 15 X 15 Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
600                  1.7                     66
1000                3.2                    74
1500                5.1                     77
2000                8.0                     78
2500                10.9                   79
3000                15.5                   82
3500                20.4                   87
4000                26.2                   89
4500                29.8                   93
5000                36.3                   94
5500                42.8                   99
6000                43.9                   99

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $97,245
Price As Tested (Boat Only): $53,995


This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.