Boatgroot is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Small pontoon boats have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer a unique and versatile boating experience that can be enjoyed by all – whether you’re a nature lover or an avid fisherman, it’s an excellent choice to spend time in a fun and relaxing way.
Unlike larger boats, small pontoon boats are comparatively easier to maneuver and can be used in a range of water conditions, from shallow rivers to calm lakes. They’re also more affordable and require less maintenance, making them a great option for those on a budget.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be quite challenging to choose a small pontoon boat that fits the bill for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top small pontoon boats currently available, taking various factors into consideration. So, here you go:
1. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX is a great option for families who look forward to enjoying fishing and spending time on the water. With a length of 16 feet, you can easily tow the boat behind smaller vehicles and maneuver in the water.
Moreover, despite its compact size, the boat still offers every feature and comfort you’ll ever need to enjoy a full day of fishing with your family. The most prominent feature of this boat is its bow fishing deck with two fold-down fishing chairs.
This offers a convenient spot for anglers like you to cast your lines and enjoy the day. It also features a forward-console 9-gallon aerated LiveWell with a padded cushion that works great to keep the fish alive until you want to release them.
Also, the L-lounge with underseat storage offers ample storage space to keep all your gear and the color-keyed 6-foot Bimini top provides adequate protection from the sun, while still permitting plenty of fresh air along with a great view of the water.
Talking about its construction and performance, the Bass Buggy 16 DLX is designed to last. It has 24-inch diameter multi-chambered pontoon logs that offer exceptional buoyancy as well as stability on the water.
The boat is also very easy to handle and offers a no-feedback steering system with a ratio of 4:2 and a sport steering wheel. In a nutshell, it’s simply the perfect option available for families looking for a reliable and comfortable pontoon for fishing.
| Pros | Cons |
| High Maneuverability | Limited Space |
| Fishing Features | |
| Great Comfort |
2. Starcraft EX Fish EX18 F
If you’re seeking a pontoon boat that can cater to all your fishing needs, then the Starcraft EX Fish EX18 might just be what you’re looking for. With numerous standard and optional features, this boat is assured to give you an enjoyable and comfortable fishing experience.
The EX Fish EX18 comes with a range of standard features to offer you a great fishing experience, including a windscreen to protect you from the wind while driving, and docking lights to offer safety while navigating at night.
Moreover, there’s also the JENSEN AM/FM stereo with bluetooth support that allows you to play your favorite tunes while fishing. You can choose between sea wave flooring and marine-grade UV stable carpeting, both with warranties of up to six years.
Even the ¾” plywood deck comes with a lifetime warranty, thereby giving you complete peace of mind while out on the water. The boat also features an aerated stern LiveWell to keep alive the fishes that you catch.
Along with all these standard features, you can also opt-in for certain optional ones to customize your fishing experience even further. An option worth considering is the power canopy (playpen cover) that keeps you protected from rain or sun.
Overall, with the range of features it offers and the customization possibilities it commands, the Starcraft EX Fish EX18 certainly fits the bill to make your fishing trips both highly enjoyable as well as memorable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile Features | Limited Engine Options |
| Comfortable and Spacious | |
| Durable Construction |
3. Bennington SV 168SVF
The Bennington SV 168SVF is a highly compact pontoon boat that’s ideal for small groups of up to seven people. It features a length of 17’4.5” with a beam of 96”, which makes sure you and your passengers have enough space to stretch out and enjoy the ride.
Its dry weight is 1488 lbs, which also makes it easier to maneuver and tow. One of the most prominent features of this boat is its Yamaha four-stroke engine with T25LWTC engine configuration, capable of providing over 25 horsepower.
This boat also comes equipped with several fishing features such as fishing rod holders and pedestal chairs, which also makes it a great option for anglers who are looking forward to exploring small waterways to catch some fish.
Moreover, if you’re into watersports, the pontoon boat also provides an optional tow pylon that can be used to enjoy skiing or waterboarding. However, if you’re looking for something with a wakeboard tower, you may want to look for something else instead.
All in all, the Bennington SV 168SVF is surely a great option for anyone looking for a small and reliable pontoon boat that can be used for cruising or fishing. With its reliable engine and compact size, you can easily get out on the water without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact Size | Lack of Amenities |
| Fishing Features | |
| Reliable Engine |
4. Princecraft Jazz 140 2RS
The Princecraft Jazz 140 2RS is an exciting addition to the world of small pontoon boats, and certainly a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and fun day out on the water. The boat features a no-wake design, which makes it perfect for exploring lakes and more.
It’s primarily known for its construction as Princecraft itself has a great reputation for producing some of the most high-quality and durable pontoons on the market, and the Jazz 140 2RS is no exception at all.
Designed with marine-grade aluminum, the boat is built to last even in the toughest conditions. However, there’s a lot more that it offers, which makes this bot a complete joy to use. It’s powered by a Merc 50 command thrust motor.
This provides plenty of power for all your boating needs. Moreover, the large 24 L gas tank ensures that you can spend as much time as you want on the water without the need of worrying about refueling again and again.
Talking about comfort and convenience, the Jazz 140 2Rs outshines everything else. With three entry gates, getting in and out of the boat is a breeze. In addition, the bimini top provides soothing shade on hot days.
There are also two bow loungers and two swivel fishing chairs that offer plenty of seating options, along with premium select vinyl floor covering that adds a touch of luxury. Other impressive features include a 160 watt bluetooth stereo, speedometer, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
| High quality construction | Limited seating capacity |
| Comfortable and convenient | |
| Feature packed |
5. Venture Cruise
If you’re looking for a compact and affordable pontoon that’s easy to trailer and has plenty of features, then the Avalon Venture Cruise is definitely worth considering. One of the first things you’ll notice about this boat is its sleek and stylish design.
With a width of 7’6”, this boat is ideal for sunset cocktail cruises. Moreover, you can also turn it into a compact sports boat by equipping it with a performance package. It has both a port and starboard bow bench along with the aft corner seating area.
The aft portion of this boat has two sundecks that consist of storage compartments used to house the privacy station. It also comes with a variety of features that make it highly pleasurable to operate this boat.
There’s the Cadet II Rotocast Helmstand with gray wood dash panels and viper steering wheel to provide you a comfortable and intuitive driving experience. Additionally, the Tach, Volt, and Fuel Gauges work effectively to keep you informed about your boat’s performance.
Furthermore, the interior of the Venture Cruise is just as impressive as its exterior. It features adjustable Sports Low Back Drivers Chair and a comfortable Matrix 50 Soft Touch Vinyl Seat that provides it a highly luxurious feel.
In a nutshell, this pontoon is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and stylish boat that’s loaded with features. It’s ideal for families or groups who want to spend some quality time on the water.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish and sleek | No tilt steering |
| Feature-rich | |
| Highly versatile |
6. Sea-Doo Switch
The Sea-Doo Switch is a small pontoon boat that features a highly unique set of features that make it one of the most prominent pontoons in the market. Made with the heart of a Sea-Doo PWC, the boat provides adequate space for all your aquatic adventures.
One of the best features of the Sea-Doo Switch is its effortless handling. Whether you’re a newcomer in terms of pontoons or an experienced boater, you’ll realize that Switch is easy to steer, dock, launch, and load.
With such a stress-free handling, you can focus on enjoying your time on water instead of worrying about any complicated maneuvers. It also offers a wide range of customization options to make your experience more personalized.
There are numerous innovative and modular accessories available for Switch that you can use to fit your preferences. Whether you want to add additional seating, a cooler, or even a fishing station, everything can be customized from rail to deck.
It’s also a very versatile boat that can be used for a range of activities. Whether it is tubing, fishing, or simply cruising around the lake, you’ll experience that Switch is perfect for the task. It’s ideal for family outings, social gatherings, and more.
Overall, it’s one of the most fantastic small pontoon boats that provide a perfect combination of functionality and features. Switch is also built with longevity and durability in mind, so you can expect many years of usage with it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly Versatile | Hefty Price Tag |
| Customizability | |
| Easy to Handle |
7. Outcast Fish Cat 13
The Outcast Fish Cat 13 pontoon fishing boat is an excellent option for anglers looking for a versatile and maneuverable boat that can easily handle both modest rapids and large rivers easily. It has a length of 13 feet and offers a load capacity of 750 pounds.
This two-person pontoon is certainly ideal for fishing with a friend or family member. A prominent feature of this boat is the Angler Stand-Up feature that allows the angler to stand up and brace themselves in front of the oars-person.
With this feature, you can enjoy greater visibility for spotting fish and also get more precise casting as well as a more stable fishing platform. The boat is also very versatile and can be launched with or without a boat ramp.
The compact size of this boat also makes It easy to transport across remote fishing locations, which gives you access to more waters and fishing opportunities. It’s built to the highest standards in the industry, offering a 5-year warranty to allow you to use it for many years to come.
The Outcast Fish Cat 13 also features a 1000/1000 PVC fabric with a weight of 30/32 oz per sq. yd., along with AireCell vinyl material and sealed seam construction. Even the frame and raft weight is 170 pounds, which makes it easier to set up and transport.
Moreover, the entire frame is constructed from 1-piece aluminum which ensures durability and stability on the water. It also comes with an anchor system and an optional mount, which makes it even more adaptable and versatile to your fishing needs.
All in all, it’s an excellent choice for anglers looking for a high-quality, reliable, and versatile boat that can provide many years of enjoyable fishing experiences without having to worry about defects or problems at all.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly versatile | Hefty Price Tag |
| Angler Stand-Up feature | |
| High-quality construction |
The Takeaway
Small pontoon boats are undoubtedly best for boaters looking for a comfortable, functional, and versatile watercraft. With their splendid customization features, ease of use, and durable construction, they can certainly provide a great experience on the water.
