Pontoon boats have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the floating AstroTurf platforms equipped with an outboard motor and some sad excuse for a driving station. Modern pontoons are not only more attractive, but they also offer better performances and infinitely better quality. Nowadays, there’s something for everyone, with some pontoon boats performing as well as high-performance boats, while others are more like opulent, water-born palaces decked out with the finest equipment.

In fact, boating enthusiasts seem to have taken a shine to luxury models. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic surge in the number of owners who have traded in their compact cruisers for more luxurious pontoon boats.  People are looking for versatility and are coming to the realization that maybe they don’t need two bedrooms, a bathroom and a complete kitchen after all. Instead, people want to maximize the amount of practical space without sacrificing the convenience of a cruiser – and that’s exactly what luxury pontoons offer.

All-new for 2013
For 2013, Princecraft is introducing the Vogue series, which includes five new high-end models. It’s one step ahead of the Versailles series, but just slightly behind the SVX line, which is as high as you can go in terms of luxury and, especially, price. The idea behind the Vogue models is to offer a high-end product, but at a more reasonable price.

We tested the Vogue 25, the largest model in its family. Just one look at it, and you can tell that it’s a high-end model. But what really surprised us was its modern style. Unlike other pontoon boats, whose side panels have visible rails, the Vogue 25 features two complete panel skins, enhancing its style and giving the impression that it has a molded hull. Princecraft calls this technology “APS” (Advanced Premium Styling) and, incidentally, it’s an industry first. There’s no denying that it makes the boat look slick and contemporary.

Smart planning
As if to prove that pontoon boats are versatile, the Vogue 25 comes with two swim platforms, one in front and the other in back, both of which act as the main entry/exit points. The rear swim platform is the bigger of the two, with more space available for occupants. The attention-to-detail is notable, such as the attractive anti-slip floor covering. There’s also a good-size aluminum swim ladder with two handles to help you lift it into the boat. Your kids will love it.

The boat comes with your choice of two distinct rear configurations. The first has a captain’s seat for the driver and an L-shaped bench on the passenger side, with the passage to the swim platform located on the driver’s side, next to the sundeck. This option allows for more relaxation space. Some people, however, prefer the XT version, which comes with two captain’s seats in the centre of the boat – one for the driver and the other for a passenger – as well as two benches that face each other in the rear of the boat, with the passage in the middle. This configuration appeals to people who value comfort and a better view.

The regular version features a raised sundeck which can be modulated to create a chaise lounge with a reclining seat back.  In front, there are two side-facing lounge benches which curve inward at the front. This area is practical and lends itself to socializing while leaving plenty of room for people to get around.

Finally, the driving station is both user-friendly and stylish. We liked its rounded shape, achieved with different molded parts. This is light-years away from instrumentation that is simply plugged into a dashboard. They really made an effort to make it look good. That said, you have to like wood-type finishes. They probably should have offered an alternative to that.

On the water
Pontoon boats can be equipped with all sorts of engines, depending on your needs and preferences. The Vogue 25 can take an outboard ranging anywhere from 40 to 300 horsepower. Obviously, if you go for more power, you’ll also have to tack on a third float and a Performance package. The boat we tested had a 115-hp Mercury outboard, which suited the model very well. The boat got on plan in just a few seconds and reached cruising speed in no time. Modern outboards are blissfully quiet. We loved it!
Outboard motors have another advantage over classic engines: since they are positioned on the outside, 100% of the onboard space is left for you! Plus, outboards are easy to reach when it comes time for maintenance.

This boat is very stable thanks to its width and the fact that its two floats are positioned at its extremities. This minimizes pitch when waves hit the side of the boat – you’ll appreciate it as much when docked as when out on the water. Now, obviously you can’t expect this boat to be super dynamic or to match the performances of V-hull boats. Pontoon boats slide on the water rather than biting into it. But you can use modern pontoons for water sports, so long as you equip them with an appropriate engine. You can even spend the night aboard thanks to an optional canvas camper enclosure, which is high enough to let you walk around the entire boat.

Pontoon boats have definitely evolved over the years, but one thing has remained the same: their versatility. That’s why this type of boat has thrived over the years and continues to attract fans.