Just like there's a widespread variety of car manufacturers these days, the same thing applies to boats! After recently purchasing one of the nice models of used Pontoon boats by Sylvan, it came to my attention just how many pontoon boat manufacturers exist! On this page you'll learn a bit about some of the major players and brands in pontoon boats these days.

Maurell Products, maker of Crest Pontoon boats, has been building pontoons for well over 50 years now. Back in 1957, Maurice Schell built the first of their motorized platform type boats used for personal needs. From here, Maurell products was born and in 1999, after Mr. Schell passed away, the business was left in the hands of 3 very capable top managers who haver over 120 years combined pontoon experience. Maurell currently offers a nice variety of Cruiser model pontoon boats such as the Savannah LS series, the Carribean and the various models of the Crest II, III and LE. Their fishing boats offered ranged from family fishing boats all the way up to Super Fisherman and Pro Angler models.

Maurell has also brought forth and interesting technology known as the Taper-Toon, which is on most of the Crest Pontoon boats. The Taper-Toon is a variable diameter pontoon with four airtight chambers which allows the boat to sit more level with the surface of the water, giving a much more enjoyable ride.

Crest Caribbean - Stainless steel bow and sundeck rails, interior mood strip lighting and quick release front bimini struts. Also offers a nice raised sundeck, radio with optional iPod controls, and Bay Star Hydraulic steering. Also available in the XRS model.

Crest XRS Family - Depending on the model you choose from Crest you can safely travel with anywhere from 12 to 16 people on board. The models range from 22 to 25 inches in length. These stylish and comfortable boats offer large front bucket seats, stylish graphics, and radio with MP3 player input plug. Optional livewell on several of the Crest XRS models. One model offers a higher up Sundeck privacy unit with Acrylic bimini top.

Crest Savannah LS models - The Savannah is available in the LS, LST and LSTX models of cruiser pontoon boats.  These offer Bay Star Hydraulic steering, optional 12 volt air pumps, 12-volt refrigerator, blender, butane stove and three high-back reclining bucket seats with headrests for the ultimate in comfort while partying or traveling.

Official website: http://www.crestpontoonboats.com/

Pontoon boat manufacturer Manitou has crated a new technology known as the V-Toon Hull in 2009.  The V-Toon technology includes a larger, deeper center tube between the two standard tubes, creating a V in the wayer.  This allows the boat to handle as well or better than fiberglass performance boats.

Aurora - This entry model of pontoon boats by Manitou is available in 16, 18 or 20 foot Cruise/Fish versions, as well as a 22 foot Cruise only version.  It's got all the basics needed for either relaxing or fishing out on the water.  It's got the Bimini top, ladder, navigation lights, and a twin tube construction as well as the 12 volt outlet, horn, helm fiberglass and gauges.

Legacy - The flagship Legacy model is considered the ultimate luxury model pontoon boat by Manitou.  It comes in 22, 24 or 26 foot variations and offers several pontoon configurations including V-Toon, Triple Tube and two pontoon styles.  It's got standard Bimini Top as well as sundeck and a 34 gallon gas tank.  Extra features include a stereo with ipod/mp3 player inputs and holder, Windscreen, gauges, and a Fiberglass helm.

Other models of pontoon boats made by Manitou recently include the X-Plode, Encore, the Osprey, the Osprey Pro and the Oasis.

Official website: http://manitouboats.com/

Sylvan is also one of the major stars currently in the pontoon boating world. They've been developing pontoon boats for over 50 years now, and try to accomodate the needs of today's boating family. Their current pontoon boat offerings include: the Mandalay, the Signature, the Sport and the Mirage. Each of these boats offered by Sylvan has differently designed layouts with luxurious pontoon boat furniture and features depending on your specific boating needs.

The Mandalay (hardtop model, wrap-around lounge seating with lighted beverage nooks, lighted changing room, optional snack bar, ski tow)

The Signature series (rounded fronts, powder coated railings, special graphics, high back helm seat, oversized sundeck, walk-in changing room, 25 inch diameter tubes, optional bottom skin, tri-toon)

The Mirage series (widest range of models from Sylvan, feature-rich luxury cruisers, fishing or cruise models, custom molded dashes, full-feature sound system, contoured lounge seating and more!)

The Mirage Sport (cool stylish graphics, powder coated rails, 25-inch performance tubes, skinned bottom and great sound system)

Company site: http://www.sylvanmarine.com/

Suntracker is one of the most popular and best known manufacturers of Pontoon boats. They currently offer a variety of stylish and comfortable new pontoon boat models in one of 3 classes: the Classic Series, the Signature Series and the high-end Regency Edtition.

Classic Series - The two models included in this series are the Party Barge 190 and Party Barge 200, both of which offer great value while still giving a nice variety of features and styling.  These boats can even allow water-skiing due to their special NV performance Pontoon logs.  The Party Barge 200 will allow up to 10 passengers, and has a 115 hp motor which can work for partying, fishing trips and possibly water-skiing adventures.

Signature Series - Offers 5 models including the Bass Buggy, and 4 different Party Barges, based on their length.  The Bass Buggy is the first ever pontoon made by Suntracker and offers 360 degrees of fishing!  The Party Barges range in length from 20 feet to just over 25 feet, and also will allow fishing or cruising.

Regency Edition - Offers 8 different models including Party barges, Party cruisers and the ultimate Party Huts.  The Party Cruiser 32 almost resembles a small house boat and offers some great amenities including a fridge, toilets, shower, dressing room, couch, pressure treated deck and an enclosable lockable helm with dining and sleeping areas.  15 people can have an enjoyable voyage on this model.

Website: http://www.suntrackerboats.com/