Top 10 Family Pontoons

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When it comes to relaxed days on the water with the whole crew, few boats beat a good family-friendly pontoon. Modern pontoons offer far more than just floating platforms, they’re fully equipped with plush seating, safety features, entertainment systems, and performance upgrades that make them perfect for everything from cruising and tubing to sunset dinners and lakeside lounging. Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ on the water or teaching the kids to fish, these versatile pontoons are built with families in mind. In this roundup, we highlight ten of the best family pontoons on the market, each offering a blend of comfort, function, and fun.

Ranger Reata 223C

Image from Ranger Boats

Base Price: $60,195

The Ranger Reata 223C is built for families who want comfort, space, and easy-going fun on the water. With seating for up to 11 passengers, this 24-foot pontoon delivers one of the most relaxing layouts in its class. Plush port and starboard forward loungers provide room to stretch out, while the large aft L-shaped lounge wraps around the rear corner, making it a natural gathering spot. Underneath all that seating is ample rotomolded, drained storage—plenty of room for towels, snacks, water toys, and extra gear.

Beyond the seating, the 223C comes standard with a 10′ EasyLift™ bimini top, a Bluetooth-enabled Wet Sounds® stereo with four speakers, and a 7” touchscreen Ranger® System Monitor that consolidates boat and engine data. At the helm, the swiveling, reclining captain’s chair keeps the driver comfortable while maintaining full command of the touchscreen console and controls.

Built on a tritoon platform with powder-coated logs and dual lifting strakes per tube, the 223C offers a stable, confident ride whether you’re cruising to a quiet cove or pulling kids on a tube. A full-width swim platform and optional ski tow pylon add versatility, making this pontoon as playful as it is practical for family outings.


Godfrey AquaPatio 255 ULC

Image from Godfrey

Base Price: $91,517

The Godfrey AquaPatio 255 ULC brings an ideal mix of comfort, capacity, and entertainment-focused design for families who want to enjoy the water in style. With room for up to 15 passengers in its standard triple-tube configuration—or up to 17 with the iMPACT+ performance package—this 25’9″ pontoon is built to host the whole crew without ever feeling cramped.

Seating is the highlight of the 255 ULC, starting with plush forward loungers on both port and starboard sides and continuing with individual captain and co-captain chairs at midship. The real showstopper is the massive aft Ultra Lounge, a wraparound seating area complete with an optional table insert—perfect for holding drinks, snacks, or a family card game while anchored out.

The elevated helm station enhances visibility and adds a touch of luxury, while onboard tech like wireless phone charging mats, USB ports, and integrated cupholders keeps everyone plugged in and relaxed. With a 300-horsepower max rating (or 400HP with the iMPACT+ tube upgrade), the AquaPatio 255 ULC also has plenty of muscle for watersports and cruising.

For families that want plenty of room to lounge, socialize, and spread out, the AquaPatio 255 ULC checks all the right boxes.


Bennington 24 M Swingback

Image from Bennington

Base Price: $71,840

If you’re looking for a family-friendly pontoon that blends luxury with a sporty edge, the Bennington 24 M Swingback delivers in style. Stretching over 26 feet with a sleek extended aft deck and a max horsepower rating of 350, this tritoon is built for serious cruising, watersports, and all-day comfort.

At the heart of the layout are two plush bow chaise lounges and a versatile aft sun pad with a swingback backrest that lets passengers face forward or lounge aft while at rest. There’s ample space for gear, thanks to thoughtfully placed storage compartments throughout the boat, and the premium Veneto soft-touch vinyl seating provides upscale comfort in every zone. The elevated helm features Bennington’s Vivid UX touchscreen display system for full control and system monitoring, while six Rockford Fosgate speakers pump out crisp audio as your family plays or relaxes.

The 24 M Swingback is available with Signature and Luxe upgrades, offering enhancements like RGB lighting, an elevated carbon fiber arch, subwoofers, and additional display tech—all adding to its high-end, high-performance vibe.

Whether you’re pulling a tube, enjoying a sunset cruise, or hosting family and friends for a day on the water, the Bennington 24 M Swingback offers a refined ride with sporty capability.


Harris Solstice 230 SL

Image from Harris

Base Price: $101,876

The Harris Solstice 230 SL blends upscale styling with a focus on pure relaxation, making it a standout for families who want a touch of luxury on the water. At nearly 26 feet long and with multiple performance packages available, it’s built to handle everything from laid-back cruising to spirited water sports.

At the heart of its layout is a spacious single rear lounger—perfect for sunbathing, stargazing, or simply unwinding once you’ve reached your favorite anchoring spot. Forward, plush bench seating offers room for the rest of the crew, and high-end upholstery and fit-and-finish details reinforce the Solstice’s premium vibe. Storage is abundant, and options for upgraded entertainment, lighting, and performance packages allow for serious customization.

With horsepower ratings up to 300, multiple tube configurations, and a sleek, modern helm, the Solstice 230 SL brings together comfort, capability, and elegance in a way that only Harris can. For those looking to elevate their time on the water, this one earns its place in the top-tier.


Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 DT

Image from Godfrey

Base Price: $52,488

Designed with socializing in mind, the Godfrey Sweetwater 2486 DT brings a unique twist to the traditional pontoon layout. Measuring 25’9″ with room for up to 17 passengers (with upgraded packages), this model centers around a true dining area—two aft benches facing each other with a table between, perfect for meals, games, or relaxed conversation on the water.

That dining space easily converts into a spacious sun lounger when it’s time to kick back. Up front, wraparound lounge seating and multiple captain’s chairs ensure there’s no shortage of room to unwind. An integrated entertainment center with a sink and storage adds to the all-day convenience, while the newly designed helm puts the captain in total control with comfort-focused ergonomics.

With several tube configurations available—including the high-performance 29″ iMPACT+ center tube—this Sweetwater offers cruising comfort and sporty versatility. From family picnics to sunset cruises, the 2486 DT is ready to turn every outing into a floating social event.


Avalon Catalina 25 Cruise Rear Bench Windshield

Image from Avalon Pontoon Boats

Base Price: $53,344

Blending sporty sophistication with wide-open space, the Avalon Catalina 25 Cruise Rear Bench Windshield is tailor-made for entertaining. With a sleek full-width windshield, premium helm setup, and a clean, modern exterior, it brings upscale style to every outing.

Inside, the layout centers around gathering and comfort. Twin forward chaise lounges provide plush seating up front, while the expansive rear L-shaped bench offers plenty of room to kick back and connect. The open deck layout leaves ample space to move about, mingle, or stretch out in the sun, and the upgraded stereo system, removable table, and abundant cupholders round out the social vibe.

Underneath it all, the Waveglider triple pontoon package delivers performance capable of handling everything from casual cruises to tow sports. Whether you’re hosting friends or making family memories, the Catalina 25 CRBW brings space, style, and substance in one impressive package.


Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 XP3

Image from Sun Tracker Boats

Base Price: $53,170

For families looking to maximize comfort and fun without stretching the budget, the Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 XP3 is one of the best values on the water. With a starting price just over $50,000, this 24-foot tritoon delivers space, performance, and amenities that rival more expensive models.

The layout is made for entertaining, with four corner lounges, dual captain’s chairs, and a removable table at the bow that’s perfect for drinks, snacks, or a quick card game. Sun Tracker’s clever STOW MORE™ system adds hidden storage behind and beneath the seats, keeping the deck clutter-free. A port-side wheelchair-accessible gate, 10-foot bimini top, and woven marine flooring ensure the entire crew stays comfortable throughout the day.

Performance gets a boost from the XP3 package, which includes three 26″ pontoon logs, lifting strakes, underpinning, and an extended motor pod for better speed, stability, and handling. The boat is rated for up to 200HP and includes hydraulic tilt steering and a touchscreen FLARE™ console at the helm.

Whether you’re tubing, cruising, or relaxing at the sandbar, the Party Barge 22 XP3 checks all the right boxes for family-friendly fun at a price point that’s hard to beat.


Manitou Explore 22 Max Navigator

Image from Manitou

Base Price: $89,772

Sleek, modern, and packed with innovation, the Manitou Explore 22 MAX Navigator redefines what’s possible in a 22-foot pontoon. One of its standout features is the Rotax S outboard with Stealth Technology, a low-profile engine that tucks beneath the elevated MAX Deck. The result? Quieter rides, improved fuel efficiency, and an extra 4 feet of usable space at the stern—perfect for lounging, gearing up for tow sports, or just stretching out.

The layout is equally forward-thinking, with dual front loungers, rear Switchback seats that flip to face forward or aft, and a starboard-side Trifold bench that easily transforms into a table or open deck. A passenger helm and navigator’s chair add to the comfort and symmetry onboard, while intuitive features like integrated cupholders, LED lighting, and a 9″ Garmin touchscreen display ensure a polished experience at every turn.

From its bold automotive-inspired styling to its digital helm and V-Toon hull, the Explore 22 MAX Navigator blends form and function into one high-performing, head-turning family pontoon.


Sea Doo Switch Cruise Limited

Image from Sea Doo

Base Price: $51,099

If your family’s idea of fun includes tow sports, tech, and high-energy days on the water, the Sea-Doo Switch Cruise Limited offers a unique spin on the modern pontoon. With a 230HP Rotax 1630 ACE engine and a lightweight tri-hull Polytec construction, this 21-footer delivers sporty performance and handling that feels more like a personal watercraft than a traditional pontoon.

It’s also loaded with entertainment features. A premium JL Audio system with six speakers, dual amps, and a subwoofer surrounds the deck, while a 10.25″ BRP touchscreen and Garmin 7″ GPS provide seamless control and navigation. The deck itself is completely modular thanks to a toolless reconfiguration system so you can rearrange seating, tables, and gear in seconds to suit the moment.

Storage is no afterthought either. With over 240 gallons of total storage, including under-seat, corner table, and under-deck compartments, there’s room for everything from skis and boards to coolers and inflatables. The full swim platform, plush deck matting, and retractable boarding ladder round out the comfort.

From its sporty engine to its tech-forward design and customizable layout, the Switch Cruise Limited is perfect for families who want their pontoon to do more and do it faster.


Bentley Elite 253 Swingback Bench

Image from Bentley Pontoons

Base Price: $55,307

The Bentley Elite 253 Swingback Bench is built for families who want luxury and functionality without the over-the-top price tag. At 25’8″ long with a wide 8’6″ beam, this tritoon offers roomy, versatile seating for up to 16 passengers, making it an ideal choice for larger families or those who like to entertain on the water.

The highlight is the swingback bench at the stern, perfect for sunbathing, lounging, or watching the action off the back of the boat. The layout can be configured with either dual captain’s chairs or a companion bench, offering flexibility to suit your style. Premium touches like high-back helm seats, a Rockford Fosgate Bluetooth audio system, and a Lillipad Revo boarding ladder come standard.

For families that want more, the Elite’s long list of optional features includes an electric-powered Bimini top, underwater and courtesy LED lighting packages, a changing room, and even a manual wakeboard tower. Add in a generous 54-gallon fuel tank and up to 350HP capability, and you’ve got a luxury pontoon that doesn’t just float through the day, it owns it.


From sporty platforms and luxury loungers to clever layouts built for entertaining, today’s family pontoons are more versatile and stylish than ever before. Whether your crew is all about cruising, cove-hopping, tow sports, or sunset dinners on the water, there’s a model out there to match your lifestyle and budget. With seating for the whole gang and features that rival far larger boats, these 10 pontoons prove that family fun doesn’t have to come with compromises.


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Disclosure: All prices listed reflect the most accurate information BoaterUSA could find at the time of writing, but they are not guaranteed. Actual pricing may vary by dealer, region, and available promotions, and is subject to change without notice. Photos may show boats with optional equipment or packages not included in the base model. Always check with your local dealer for the latest pricing and full specifications.

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