10 Great Small Pontoons - BoatGuide.com (2024)

While it’s fun to look at big boats that have all the bells and whistles imaginable, it’s important to remember that great things don’t only come in big packages. That’s especially evident in the newest small pontoon boats for the 2021 model year.

Built to be easy to tow behind a mid-sized vehicle, small pontoons are growing in popularity because they still provide plenty of seating and comfortable amenities in a more compact package. With their efficient pontoon designs, they’re also perfect for use on waters with horsepower restrictions – how many other boats can you think of that provide comfortable seating for a half-dozen people and drive around comfortable with just a small outboard motor?

These small pontoons deliver big fun – here’s the latest 2021 models from some of the top pontoon manufacturers.

Avalon GS Cruise

Avalon’s GS cruise pontoon is built to cruise in comfort, with comfortable seating for up to 8 people and a focus on fun throughout. Standard features include spacious bow and stern swim platforms, extended how lounge seats, a big stern lounger, a smart-looking helm console and Captain’s chair for the driver, centerline bow and stern entry gates, a Bimini top with a not-twisting square-tube frame, and more. An extensive option list includes a wide range of goodies to choose from.

• Length: 19’ 5”
• Beam: 8’ 5”
• Dry weight: 1,650 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 25 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 75 hp
• MSRP: $24,660

Bennington 188 SVL

Bennington’s 188 SVL is a family-friendly small pontoon boat with twin bow lounge seats, a big L-shaped stern lounger, plenty of storage space for gear, a stylish console and Captain’s chair for the driver, and a focus on comfortable value.

• Length: 18’ 9”
• Beam: 8’
• Dry weight: 1,663 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 25 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 7
• Maximum power: 60 hp
• MSRP: $18,356

Godfrey SR 180 Cruise

Godfrey’s SR 180 Cruise packs a boatload of innovation into this boat’s 19-foot overall length, with standard features like twin bow lounge seats and a comfy L-shaped stern lounger – all with generous storage compartments in the seat base. Durable vinyl flooring leans up fast at the end of the day, while a deluxe molded helm console treats the driver to their own world of comfort. You won’t find many small pontoons that check as many boxes as the SR 180 Cruise.

• Length: 19’ 5”
• Beam: 8’
• Dry weight: 1,500 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 18 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 9
• Maximum power: 75 hp
• MSRP: $23,414

Harris LX 160 Cruise

Spacious seating with twin bow loungers, an extra-deep L-shaped lounger in the stern and a spacious aft swim platform make the Cruiser LX a top choice for families in the hunt for an affordable small pontoon boat that delivers on comfort and style.

• Length: 17’ 10”
• Beam: 8’
• Dry weight: 1,578 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 6.6 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 50 hp
• MSRP: $11,900

Lowe Ultra 162 Fish & Cruise

Spacious yet compact, well-appointed yet affordable, there’s a lot to like about Lowe’s Ultra 162 Fish & Cruise – one of the best small pontoons for anglers. A huge wrap-around L-shaped lounger in the stern provides living room comfort for stretching out, with plenty of space to stow gear in the seat base. A durable vinyl floor makes clean-ups a snap, while additional storage spaces in the Twin pedestal fishing seats up front keep the anglers in the family happy, especially with twin consoles for gear and vertical rod storage as well.

• Length: 17’ 10”
• Beam: 8’
• Dry weight: 1,629 lbs
• Fuel capacity: Portable tank
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 50 hp
• MSRP: $13,945

Manitou Aurora LE

Attention to details and a focus on comfort set Manitou’s Aurora LE apart, with standard equipment like super-plush furniture that stays cool to the touch in the summer sunshine, a digital dash at the helm and a standard Fusion sound system. Big twin bow loungers and an L-shaped stern lounger invite guests to get comfy and stay a while on this well appointed small pontoon boat.

• Length: 18’ 11”
• Dry weight: 1,670 lbs.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 60 hp
• MSRP: $18,062

Starcraft LX 20 R

Starcraft has been taking families boating since 1903, and in that time the company has written the book on value. That’s especially evident in its LX 20 R, which comes with delightful amenities like four comfortable lounge seats with storage in the seat bases for gear, a matching Bimini top for sun protection, soft but non-slip SeaWeave flooring, a low-back Captain’s chair with folding arm rests, a contemporary helm design with integrated drink holders, bow and stern swim platforms and a 5-step retractable boarding ladder.

• Length: 20’ 10’
• Beam: 96”
• Dry weight: 1,875 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity:9
• Maximum power: 90 hp
• MSRP: See dealer

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL

Sun Tracker checks all the boxes with its value-conscious Bass Buggy 16 XL, one of our favorite small pontoons. Twin pedestal-mount fishing seats in the bow provide a stable, spacious casing platform for the anglers onboard, while a sumptuous L-shaped lounge in the stern and a swiveling helm seat form a private spot for conversation in the stern. There’s even an aft swim platform with a retractable boarding ladder, vertical rod racks, a live well and easy-clean vinyl flooring all as standard equipment.

• Length: 18’ 5”
• Beam: 8’
• Dry weight: 1,310 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 6 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 7
• Maximum power: 50 hp
• MSRP: $12,995

SunChaser Vista 16 LR

Built for small lakes and rivers, SunChaser’s Vista 16 LR is an easy and affordable way to get out on the water. It comes with two big bow lounge seats for stretching out in the sun, plus a third big lounge in the stern. The driver gets a Captain’s chair with fold-down arm rests and a neat fiberglass helm console. SeaWeave flooring and a Bimini top come standard, while a boatload of available options let buyers upgrade and personalize this small pontoon boat as they wish.

• Length: 17’ 0”
• Beam: 96”
• Dry weight: 1,275 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 40 hp
• MSRP: See dealer

Sylvan Mirage 820 Party Fish

The guys want to go fish while the girls want to cruise in the sun. Sylvan’s 820 Party Fish does both at the same time thanks to its innovative layout and clever design. Standard features include a Jensen stereo with Bluetooth streaming, twin bow lounge seats, a mid-ships lounge, a stylish fiberglass helm console and twin fishing seats in the stern – complete with a full fishing station with rod holders, a live well and tackle storage. It all combines to make the Sylvan Mirage 820 Party Fish one of the most versatile small pontoons in the industry.

• Length: 20’ 10”
• Beam: 96”
• Dry weight: 1,875 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 9
• Maximum power: 90 hp
• MSRP: See dealer