Fresh First-Time Boats

Spring is here, bringing with it new flowers, new life, and – most importantly – new boats! Whether you are looking to get into boating for the first time or you’re ready to upgrade to a newer model while staying within a budget, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite entry-level boats for 2021 to help get you started.

Coach Pontoons

Have you ever wanted to have a party on the water? Of course you have; you are human! The Coach 223 RFC understands that. This sturdy, price-point boat is everything you need to sit pretty and look glorious while doing it. The Simrad touchscreens allow you to know exactly what is going on with your boat at all times, as well as where you are with the GPS and Sonar that Simrad supports. The Rockford Fosgate stereo is compatible with Bluetooth, Pandora, and SiriusXM to support all kinds of musical interests. And not only that, the speakers that come standard with the 223 RFC are Bazooka speakers that are powerful and stylish with an RGB black light.

Feel free to dance all through the night because the comfortable and strong AVD flooring is durable enough to withstand every type of partier. For the captain, how does a Gussi Italia steering wheel sound? Probably exactly like the perfect centerpiece for your helm.

For those who like to relax and fish, feel free to enjoy the comfortable, leather seated fishing station that comes with a livewell, a tackle box holder, rod holders, tons of storage and plenty more. Swimmers can access the water using the telescoping ladder, and those who just want to vibe can relax on the elegant, plush leather seating that adorns this boat. If you are looking for luxury, quality, and durability, this boat has your name written all over it.

LOA: 22’ 6”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 8 people
Max Horsepower: 115hp
Fuel: 28 gals.
Price: $36,957

www.coachpontoons.com


G3 SunCatcher

The Select 20RC lives by a very valuable line: “Do not fix what is not broken.” The design has been a quality one for years, and will be reliable in the future too. SunCatcher understands the traditionalists in the same way they want to treat them to an entry-level boat that makes them feel new and improved. The Select 20RC features several modern updates including the furniture that is comfortable and sleek. The ladder has been upgraded as well, allowing for safe and easy water entry for swimmers among your maximum of 11 person crew. There is also the option for an updated stereo and speakers to blast all of your favorite tunes. Your reliable first mate also gets to ride in comfort with you at the helm, with a comfortable swivel chair that will keep you both in the conversation. The Select 20RC is a reliable pontoon that will give you a whole new world of comfort at a budget-friendly starting price.

LOA: 27’
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 11 people
Max Horsepower: 90hp
Fuel: 37 gals.
Price: $22,995 (w/ Yamaha 50hp)

www.suncatcherpontoon.com


Godfrey Sweetwater

The Sweetwater 2286 SBX is a customizable luxury boat by Godfrey Marine. This is the sort of boat where you not only fit a price to your tastes, but you get a boat that fits your needs perfectly too. There is plenty of space for you, your family, and your entire crew of friends to kick your feet up and bask in the sun. Pack with you everything you want because with the spacious under-seat storage, you can bring it all.

This pontoon is expertly crafted for those who not only enjoy a high-quality ride, but a ride that performs at its peak consistently. It has a cutting edge design that allows for plenty of comfort for your high-end boating experience. On top of it all, there are plenty of optional choices for entertainment, style and much more with the Godfrey Sweetwater build-a-boat feature. Any boater with refined taste, a hankering for relaxation, and a love for the open water will find this pontoon absolutely irresistible.

LOA: 22’ 11”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 12 people
Max Horsepower: 150hp
Fuel: 30 gals.
Price: $38,687 (w/ Mercury 150hp)

www.godfreypontoonboats.com


Hampton

There are miles and miles for you and your crew to explore and Hampton’s Elite 2285 Cruise is an excellent boat to do it in. You and 12 other people can experience a luxury ride with a stylish look. The Elite 2285 Cruise comes with a compass, so no matter where your heart calls you to, you are always able to safely return. The vinyl flooring is woven, providing a sleek look to go with the luxury feel. On the port and starboard, there are comfortable sofa-like benches to lounge on. If you are done lounging, why not dance to all of your favorite music that can be played on the stereo system that includes four RGB coaxial speakers and a universal controller so that you can toggle songs from any point on board?

From the stern, there is a drop-down ladder where you can easily climb into the water. Once you are done swimming and ready to dry off, you can relax on the comfortable tanning cushions on the sundeck. Whether you are boating for a party, for some relaxing, or a lot of both, this pontoon is worthy of a closer look.

LOA: 22’
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 13 people
Max Horsepower: 115hp
Fuel: 30 gals.
Price: $34,995 (w/ Mercury 115hp)

www.hamptonpontoons.com


Hurricane

Hurricane’s SunDeck 2410 OB is a spa treatment on water. The stern lounger is capable of flipping back so whether you want to face fore or aft, you can sit comfortably and take in the gorgeous sights the dancing waves have to offer. With the capacity of 12 people, this deck boat has a large open bow with plenty of seating so the whole crew is sitting comfortably. Along with a ton of space for passengers, this 24-footer has ample space for all of the things your crew may need or want to bring along.

The helm console is well-constructed, and the storage is well guarded so that even electronics are safe when underway. Not only is there abundant storage, but that storage is placed throughout the boat so no matter the situation or where you are in the boat, you can stow your gear. This boat is stable and performs with quick enough reflexes that it’s easy to forget just how large it is. If you are looking for a smooth and dry ride that the whole family will adore, this customizable deck boat has your name all over it.

LOA: 24’
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 12 people
Max Horsepower: 300hp
Fuel: 66 gals.
Price: $72,729

www.hurricaneboats.com


Lexington

The 320C by Lexington is a cruise you’ll never forget. Imagine the sunset coupled with a breeze as you rest against the fully-furnished interior of your pontoon as you’re playing your favorite soundtrack over a waterproof Bluetooth stereo system. This boat has it all, from high performance pontoons with lifting strakes, to a high-quality Bimini top. If you feel like relaxing, you’ll be able to snack, sleep, read, and just take in the view with the quality furniture, movable cupholders, a table with drink holders, and abundant storage space for all of your wants and needs.

The 320C comes with a sport style steering wheel, a ladder to hop right into the watery action, high-end Sea-Weave vinyl flooring, and a full gauge package so you can monitor the speed, quality and safety of your boat at all times. It also comes with navigation and anchor lights so you can have supreme visibility at any time of the day or night. Now that is a deal with safety, energy, and relaxation, all compact into one low-priced boat.

LOA: 20’ 4”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 10 people
Max Horsepower: 90hp
Fuel: 17 gals.
Price: $19,990

www.ipontoons.com


PlayCraft

The Clipper 2400 by PlayCraft is the sort of boat that will melt the strains of everyday life away. The world can be stressful and this is the perfect pontoon to take you away from it all. You and eight other people can enjoy the space provided by this smooth rider, and rely freely on the high standard quality this boat is constructed with. Not only is the Clipper 2400 capable of handling high speeds, but it does it in style. It includes a color-matched Bimini top with quick-release brackets to make both you and boat look cool.

Your crew will be able to party to all the best music that can be blasted from the Sony kicker stereo that comes with four coaxial speakers. There are comfortable sofas in the bow that have plenty of storage for all of your needs, along with an L-shaped ensemble in the stern. All that, and a snack table— not to mention the handy drink holders. This is the perfect vacation cruise waiting to happen.

LOA: 24’
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 9 people
Max Horsepower: 125hp
Fuel: 30 gals.
Price: $36,995 (w/ Mercury 115hp)

www.playcraftboats.com


Starcraft

The entry-level boat taking the spotlight for Starcraft is its LX22R. If you’re a family looking for some relaxation, but you’ve got a budget to keep, look no further than this versatile pontoon. With eight different cruising layouts and three fishing layouts, this is a boat that strives to satisfy even the most finicky of families. Not to mention the upgraded Sea-Weave flooring and Bimini top that allow for luxury cruising as well as comfort.

It’ll be a party for the ages with all your favorite tunes with the Jensen AM/FM stereo that is Bluetooth compatible. There are mood lights to accompany any vibe you and the maximum of eight other people can enjoy. Get comfortable at the helm with tilt steering and a horsepower of 115 to get your heart pumping and your crew cheering. For less than $30,000, the Starcraft LX22R provides a one-of-a-kind experience at a budget-friendly price.

LOA: 22’
Beam: 8’
Max Capacity: 9 people
Max Horsepower: 115hp
Fuel: 21 gals.
Price: $29,872

www.starcraftmarine.com


SUNTRACKER

SUNTRACKER’S BASS BUGGY 16XL Select is a prime example of a great base with some 2021 style upgrades. Reliability and relaxation are the name of the game when it comes to this lightweight luxury pontoon. It’s got it all, from a Bimini top to a sleek Bluetooth stereo system and even a tinted windscreen. With a spacious, stable platform, the BASS BUGGY 16XL Select is a perfect fit for all kinds of water-style festivities. For the anglers, this boat houses dual bow fishing chairs which are comfy enough to fish the day away from dawn until dusk, as well as a forward livewell to store all of your keepers. Additionally, the BASS BUGGY 16XL Select comes with a rod storage space so you are always prepared for your next fishing adventure. There’s no need to worry for those who simply want to take up the waves, too. There are three gates for easy water access and convenient foldable ladder to get back in. This is the sort of pontoon that allows comfort for boaters of all kinds, bringing with it a fresh, sleek spring feel.

LOA: 18’ 5”
Beam: 8’
Max Capacity: 7 people
Max Horsepower: 50hp
Fuel: 6 gals. (50hp)
Price: $13,990 (w/ Mercury 20hp)

www.suntrackerboats.com


TAHOE BOATS

The 1950 from TAHOE is an excellent way to skip out from all the wait of spring. This is the sort of boat that brings summer right to you at any time. Bring your family, and heck, a few friends too, because this boat has the capacity for ten people to have fun in the sun. There’s plenty of room for lounging about, either relaxing under the Bimini top or taking in some rays to get a nice tan (after 2020, who could blame you. All of us are still pretty pale from quarantine). Meals on this boat are all a picnic for your party, with room for everyone to gather around and enjoy any fish your anglers catch. For the swimmers and the casual boaters, the swim platforms both fore and aft, complete with telescoping ladders, allow you to jump in and cool off whenever you feel like it. Say you’re not the relaxing type. You crave a little adrenaline do you? No problem. The 1950 has a ski/tow pylon for you to partake in all of those extreme water sports that are sure to get your heart pumping. This, folks, is a luxury deck boat that has it all.

LOA: 19’ 5”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Max Capacity: 10 people
Max Horsepower: 175HP
Fuel: 50 gals.
Price: $33,695 (w/ Mercury 115hp)

www.tahoeboats.com