PDB Shootout: Barletta

Quick Glance

High-end can be defined differently depending on the manufacturer, but for Barletta and it’s L-Class line, it’s all about offering a fully-loaded pontoon with standard features that combine luxury and comfort with amazing performance.

Highlights

In this day and age of throw-away products and lack of customer service, Barletta has thrived as a young manufacturer by building quality pontoons backed with outstanding service for its customers, and this L25QCSSA is no exception. Breaking down the model name, the “Q” refers to the quad lounge layout that includes four chaise lounges – two in the bow and two in the stern – and each has a movable armrest with unique storage below. Built into the back of the port bow chaise is a pop-up changing room and there is a trash can built into the rear-facing chaise on the same side. There are three different accent options for the soft marine vinyl and this particular model includes a Velato Gray color with black quilting as the accent.

The “C” stands for co-captain’s chair, which means the first mate chair is just as comfortable as the reclining one for the captain. Sport Stern or “SS” is also in the model name, and we love the look of the spacious swim deck that includes a wide boarding ladder, solid tow bar, fender baskets and “Yeti-ready” soft cooler storage or small anchor locker built into the back deck. And finally, the “A” refers to the arch that completes the sporty look and includes a large courtesy light and built-in speakers for the Hertz audio system. It’s also the Coastal Edition, which means it’s been overbuilt to thrive in the saltwater environment.

For the captain, the beautiful helm console has a large integrated glove box on the side and a well-organized dash that includes two multi-function custom 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.

Other key features include a pet dish built into the raised helm platform, a deep in-floor ski locker, auxiliary ports throughout the boat and “Yeti-ready” lighted cupholders that are part of the LED lighting package.  

Closer Look

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

Performance

Paired with a Yamaha 300hp four-stroke, our zero-to-20 mph time was just over five seconds with a top speed of over 40 mph at full throttle. She handled well and was fun to drive and we just love the Ultraflex controls at the helm that allow you to adjust the turning tension.  

Final Thoughts

While the price as tested is not for every budget, this high-end Barletta checks a lot of boxes for what a well-performing luxury pontoon should be.

Bristol, Ind.
574-825-8900
www.barlettapontoonboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12                   
Price As Tested With Power: $138.9 K
Maximum Speed: 42.1 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 300 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 5.45 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…High-end luxury never looked so good. We’re not sure how Barletta was able to pack so many features into this floorplan since the amenity list appears endless.  

Just being picky… The EZ Fill Fuel Station is located below the tube 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, Bimini Dome Light w/Coordinating Boot, Snap-less Playpen Cover, 20-Inch Transom, 26-Inch Diameter Pontoon Tubes, Year Bow-to-Stern Warranty, Dual Battery Trays w/Switch, Extended Swim Deck, E-Z Fill Fuel Station w/“Yeti-Ready” Cupholders, Full-Length Exterior Wave Tamers, Full-Length Solid Keel, Hybrid Cross Member Configuration, Premium Exterior Top-Rail Extrusion, VIP Technology, Hertz Marine Stereo w/4 Speakers, Hertz Subwoofer and Hertz 1500 W Amplifier, In-Floor Stern Cooler/Anchor Storage w/ Bilge Pump, Tube-Tow Watersports Cage w/Dedicated Fender Storage, Underseat Mood Lighting, Stow-Away Table and Storage in Port Chaise, Helm Seat w/Swivel and Slide, and Integrated Pet Food/Water Dishes.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Blackout Pkg, Upgraded Monza Teak Flooring, Coastal Edition Pkg, Triple Toon w/In Floor Storage, Metal Jacket Tube Protectant, Bow Filler Seat, Changing Room in Addition To Chaise Table, Ottoman w/ Built-In Cooler/Storage, Exterior Lighting Pkg., (White Underdeck & Underwater) and Interior RGB Lighting Pkg.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 27’ 6”             
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Triple Tube
Dry Weight: 3,573 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 48 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha F300
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 256.3ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED   
600                  2.8
1000                3.7
1500                6.3
2000                8.1
2500                10.1
3000                13.9
3500                17.5   
4000                21.2   
4500                28.5   
5000                34.8   
5500                38.6   
6000                42.1    

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $138,879
Price As Tested (Boat Only): $79,178

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.