Pontoon boats have long been the go-to choice for families and fishing enthusiasts who want comfort, space, and versatility on the water.
Regardless of whether you’re planning a lazy afternoon of cruising, a weekend fishing trip, or a day filled with tubing and swimming, pontoons offer a balance of relaxation and adventure.
With roomy layouts, stable designs, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder they’ve become a favorite for lake and river lovers. But with so many brands on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best pontoon boat brands that excel in family fun and fishing, blending performance, durability, and thoughtful features.
From luxury cruisers to budget-friendly models, this list will help you narrow down your options and choose the pontoon that fits your lifestyle.
Let’s get started.
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Best Pontoon Boat Brands For Family Fun And Fishing
1. Bennington
Bennington is often considered the gold standard in pontoon boats, and for good reason.
Their designs are sleek, luxurious, and built with a high attention to detail that makes every ride feel special.
Families love Bennington because of the spacious layouts that allow for comfortable seating, lounging, and entertaining. For anglers, many of their models come with fishing packages that include rod holders, livewells, and easy-to-clean flooring.
The performance on the water is also worth mentioning, with smooth handling even at higher speeds.
Bennington offers a wide variety of models, from affordable entry-level pontoons to premium, high-performance ones. The durability of their construction ensures that the boat can handle years of family adventures without losing its charm.
If you’re looking for a balance of luxury and practicality, Bennington is a top pick.
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2. Sun Tracker
Sun Tracker is a household name for families who want an affordable yet reliable pontoon boat. Known for offering tremendous value, their boats are budget-friendly without cutting corners on quality.
Families enjoy the roomy decks, which make it easy to host gatherings, enjoy a picnic, or just stretch out under the sun.
For fishing, Sun Tracker’s “Fishing Barge” series is packed with angler-friendly features like fishing chairs, multiple livewells, and built-in rod storage.
One of the highlights is their commitment to safety, with sturdy railings and stable designs that are ideal for kids.
Sun Tracker pontoons also come with smart layouts that maximize seating and storage, making it easy to pack everything you need for the day.
They are also lightweight and easy to tow, which is a bonus for weekend adventurers. For families who want fun on the water without breaking the bank, Sun Tracker is a fantastic choice.
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3. Harris
Harris has built a reputation for combining luxury with performance in their pontoon boats.
The plush seating, thoughtful deck layouts, and premium materials make time on board feel like a mini-vacation for families.
Harris offers dedicated fishing models equipped with tackle storage, rod holders, and ergonomic fishing chairs.
Their boats are designed to handle a variety of water conditions, giving you peace of mind whether you’re cruising or reeling in your next catch.
One of their strengths lies in customization, with options that allow you to choose everything from performance packages to entertainment features.
Harris pontoons are also built with long-lasting aluminum construction, ensuring stability and durability.
Their sound systems and comfort-focused designs make them perfect for entertaining as well. If you want a pontoon that feels both stylish and family-friendly, Harris is a brand that checks all the boxes.
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4. Lowe
Lowe is another trusted name, especially for those who prioritize fishing but still want room for family fun.
Their pontoon boats are known for being durable, versatile, and thoughtfully engineered. Fishing models from Lowe often feature swivel fishing chairs, tackle storage, and aerated livewells, making them ideal for anglers of all levels.
At the same time, their family-friendly designs include cushioned seating, shade options, and ample deck space for relaxation.
Their boats are affordable which means you get a solid balance between price and performance.
The hulls are built for stability, ensuring a smooth ride even when the water gets a little choppy. Harris boats are also easy to maintain.
Lowe is a brand worth considering if you’re looking for a pontoon that works as hard as you do and still delivers fun for everyone.
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5. Avalon
Avalon pontoon boats are all about craftsmanship and style, with a touch of luxury that appeals to families who want something special.
They’re handmade in the USA and designed with attention to detail, which shows in the sleek lines and premium finishes.
The comfort-driven layouts, which include features like plush loungers, hidden storage, and high-quality upholstery are their selling points for families.
For fishing enthusiasts, Avalon offers packages that include rod holders, livewells, and fishing chairs, seamlessly blending fun with function.
On the water, Avalon pontoons are known for smooth handling and excellent stability, making them safe for kids and enjoyable for all.
They also have a strong reputation for durability, thanks to their high-grade aluminum construction.
Their customization options allow buyers to design a boat that truly fits their lifestyle, whether it’s family cruising or weekend fishing.
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6. Sylvan
Sylvan is another brand that’s been around for decades, delivering reliable and innovative pontoon boats.
Sylvan’s versatile seating options, spacious decks, and family-friendly layouts designed for perfect entertainment and relaxation.
Fishing models include angler-specific features like rod racks, livewells, and fishing stations that make casting a breeze.
What makes Sylvan stand out is their focus on performance, with hull designs that provide smooth rides and excellent maneuverability.
Their boats are also budget-friendly, making them accessible to families who don’t want to overspend. The upholstery and finishes are both comfortable and durable, perfect for kids, pets, and regular use.
Sylvan pontoons are also easy to tow, which is convenient for weekend trips to the lake. With their mix of comfort, performance, and affordability, Sylvan pontoons are a smart choice for multipurpose use.
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7. Princecraft
Princecraft has a strong reputation for building sturdy, performance-driven pontoon boats that appeal to both families and anglers.
They’re especially popular in Canada but have a growing fan base in the U.S. Families enjoy the roomy layouts, which include comfortable lounges, dining tables, and plenty of storage.
Their fishing models are well-equipped with swivel seats, bait stations, and aerated livewells, giving serious anglers everything they need. Princecraft pontoons are also built with robust aluminum construction that can handle rugged conditions, making them ideal for a wide variety of waterways.
Their attention to detail is seen in small but useful features like cup holders, easy boarding ladders, and spacious swim platforms.
Princecraft boats are also energy-efficient and can be paired with a range of engine options to suit your needs. If you want a pontoon that’s durable, versatile, and designed for fun and fishing, Princecraft is a solid option.
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8. Godfrey
Godfrey has been a pioneer in the pontoon industry, credited with creating the very first modern pontoon boat.
The commitment to comfort, with spacious lounges, high-quality upholstery, and entertainment-friendly layouts is evident in their models.
Anglers benefit from their fishing-focused series, which include features like livewells, rod storage, and designated fishing zones.
Godfrey pontoons are built to last, with sturdy frames and materials that stand up to years of use.
Performance-wise, they offer smooth rides and reliable handling, even when the boat is fully loaded with family and gear. Their boats also come in a wide range of models, from budget-friendly options to luxury pontoons packed with extras.
The brand is also known for stylish designs that look sharp on the water.
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9. Manitou
Manitou pontoons are known for their innovative designs and performance-driven features, making them a hit with adventurous families.
Their patented V-Toon technology improves handling and stability, giving you a sportier feel on the water.
Roomy seating, safety-focused layouts, and fun extras like ski tow bars for watersports are among the centre of attraction for families.
Manitou also offers add-ons like fishing chairs, livewells, and tackle storage, making their pontoons a great hybrid option.
The interiors are stylish yet practical, with plenty of storage for gear, snacks, and water toys. Manitou is also known for customization, allowing you to tailor the boat to your family’s exact needs.
The performance aspect makes them stand out, especially for families who want a pontoon that doubles as a play boat for tubing and skiing.
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10. Crest
Crest is a brand that blends durability, comfort, and style into every pontoon boat they make.
Families love the spacious seating arrangements, sun pads, and easy boarding ladders that make time on the water effortless.
Their fishing series includes practical features like livewells, fishing chairs, and rod holders, giving anglers everything they need for a successful trip.
Crest pontoons are also built with high-quality construction, ensuring they hold up to years of family fun. The interiors are thoughtfully designed, with comfort-focused layouts that encourage relaxation and socializing.
Crest is also recognized for its smooth rides, thanks to advanced hull designs and reliable performance. Their models span from entry-level to luxury, so there’s an option for nearly every budget.
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Wrapping Up
Choosing the right pontoon boat brand really comes down to how you plan to use it.
The best part is that today’s best pontoon boat brands offer models that are more versatile than ever, often blending family comfort with fishing features in the same design.
From luxury-focused options like Bennington and Avalon to budget-friendly yet reliable choices like Sun Tracker and Lowe, there’s something here for every type of boater.
What all these brands have in common is a commitment to safety, stability, and fun, making them excellent investments for lasting memories on the water.
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