In recent years, the only market to enjoy a consistent rise in popularity is the pontoon boat one. It’s truly remarkable to see how many different models there are on local lakes and rivers. But why are they so popular? With gas prices soaring, amateur boaters are looking for vessels that are versatile, inexpensive to buy and good on fuel. So there’s your answer: pontoon boats fit the bill!
Today’s pontoon boats are markedly different from their predecessors. Gone are the AstroTurf platforms equipped with a bare-bones console and anemic engine. Pontoon boats have evolved. Now they’re elegant, luxurious, high-performance machines that are actually fun to drive. I was never particularly drawn to pontoon boats, but now I find myself browsing them online and picturing my family aboard. How things have changed!
Fun for the whole family
Featured here is the Premier Boundary Water Sky Deck, an excellent example of an evolved pontoon boat. Its size, level of luxury and numerous features make it the ultimate pontoon boat. Premier is known for making quality craft and offering a wide range of high-end models. The Boundary Sky Deck is the feather in its cap, boasting two levels and an integrated slide. It immediately gets you daydreaming about good times on the water with friends or family.
The Premier Boundary Water Sky Deck will surprise you with its sheer size. At 31’5’’ long and 10’2’’ wide, it stands out from the competition and offers passengers tons of space. Despite that, it weighs just 4,900 lbs. (when empty), which is pretty light for a boat of this size. No less than 21 passengers can fit aboard—plus another five on the second level—which means no one gets left behind. No more having to spend the day looping back to switch passengers so that everyone gets a chance.
On board, you’ll notice the model’s countless features. There are leather benches, a modern driving station and plethora of storage compartments. The refreshment nook includes an L-shaped counter, sink, fridge and storage, perfect for making light meals. A metal ladder leads to the second level, where passengers can sit back and relax or launch themselves down the slide. Speaking of which, the slide includes an automatic water pump—the most unique feature on the boat. Kids go nuts for it on hot days. This is probably the first thing most people notice when they look at this model.
On the water
Given how big this boat is and the fact that it has just one engine, you might think that it’s under-powered. The position of the slide makes it impossible to add a twin engine, but the manufacturer has assured us that this will be possible sometime this year, though it will involve making a few compromises. And obviously this model’s price will be significantly higher.
When we tested the boat, we discovered that there’s no pressing need to have two engines. Although it accommodate a system with a maximum output of 700 horsepower (2 x 350 horsepower), our test model was equipped with a 300-hp Mercury outboard motor. This option proved very good and well-adapted to the vessel. Within seconds, the boat was on plane and its cruising speed was more than enough to get us to our destination in a timely manner.
When equipped with the most powerful single engine option, the Premier Boundary Water Sky Deck’s top speed is 38.7 mph, which is impressive for a pontoon boat—especially a big one like this. A 3,000 rpm, cruising speed is approximately 20 mph and fuel consumption is a little over eight gallons per hour (30 L/h). But one of the great things about pontoon boats is that you can spend an entire day on the water without having to be in constant motion. Thus, the hours of fun/fuel consumption ratio is excellent.
During our test drive, we were blown away by the boat’s stability. Because it’s so tall and features a second level, we expected more side-to-side sway in the waves, but in the end this wasn’t a problem. The vessel’s added width helps improve handling, as does the third tube that runs down the middle and is included in the factory-standard PX Performance package. With a squarer shape and flat bottom, this tube helps improve floatability and handling while ensuring a more dynamic ride.
The Boundary Water Sky Deck answers the needs of today’s boaters. It’s versatile, offers luxury and comfort to numerous passengers and includes several great features. It’s the perfect boat for a full day of fun on the water. At more than $100,000, you’d expect no less, but that’s the price of owning the ultimate pontoon boat!