Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Has anybody driven all the performance pontoons? I have a Benny with ESP and think it handles really well, just wondering if manitou or premier handles any better?)

That's easy,Manitou of course. http://www.manitouboats.com/articles.php?article_id=44

I prefer Premier 36" PTX for the quick 40+ mph 180 degree turns, and smooth dry handling in choppy water.

Manitou (with the SHP package) is the best handling performance pontoon made today. Others may run faster, but nothing turns like a Manitou.

When pulling tubers I normally do donuts and then whip the wheel around to bring them back over the pile of water. I can turn sharp enough to jump my own wake when it's still big enough to jump.

robster wrote:That's easy,Manitou of course. http://www.manitouboats.com/articles.php?article_id=44

WOW! New info to me. I knew the boats handled well but didn't realize they were still that far above the competition.

Handling hands down flat out impressed with premiere ptx. But u are losing a ton of speed in my opinion. But I also like there fit an finish bimini quality an the little things plastic things that protect the seats from the nuts on the bimini.

Manitou doesn't say who they were competing against; in their article. Premier does.
http://www.pontoons.com/ptx_performance ... age_video/

http://www.pontoon.net/boat-news/display.cfm?ID=2642

Here's the link to the article. Manitou beat Premier inthe high end class.

The Bennington with ESP wasn't even in the shootout. I wonder if they have compared that on a 1 on 1 unbiased level?

Thanks for the link! I'm still happy with my Premier though..

Nighthunter wrote:Thanks for the link! I'm still happy with my Premier though..

The Premiers, the Benningtons and the Manitous all handle like a dream. The question though was which handled best .

The only one I've not really heard from are the Playcrafts. I know they are fastest but I don't know how well they turn.

JohnO wrote:

Nighthunter wrote:Thanks for the link! I'm still happy with my Premier though..

The Premiers, the Benningtons and the Manitous all handle like a dream. The question though was which handled best .

The only one I've not really heard from are the Playcrafts. I know they are fastest but I don't know how well they turn.

like a 2x4 bends not the best.

In the Pbd article it shows they wer not comparing apples to apples. The Manitou was a 22 foot angler model and the Premier was a 25 foot Grand Majestic model, the top speed was quite a bit better for the Manitou, Ill bet the 22 foot fishing Manitou was a fair amount lighter than the 25 foot Premier luxury cruiser.
With the higher top speed from the Manitou i would guess the Premier actualy handled better to get the close over all times.

JohnO wrote:

Nighthunter wrote:Thanks for the link! I'm still happy with my Premier though..

The only one I've not really heard from are the Playcrafts. I know they are fastest but I don't know how well they turn.

Roadking1,

You have posed a difficult question to answer. I have never driven a Premier or Manitou, so I cannot compare the ride. However, I think both Manitou and Premier both make a very good pontoon boat and their owners appear to be quite happy. You rarely, if ever, hear any complaints, which is a testament to their quality.

I have driven Benningtons and Playcrafts. I cannot tell you how well the Benny turned, since I never slammed it into a turn. I can tell you that a Playcraft turns exceptionally well, as long as there is power steering. It also does bank a bit, which I like. I have also seen the video of the Manitou turning which seems pretty responsive.

The bottom line with the Playcraft.........It turns well and tight for a 27' boat. How it compares to others........I don't know!

Good Thread!

Parker

I drove the Premier PTX (I think is was a 25') as well as a Manitou SHP in both a 22' and 24' model and Moomba LSV. My main desire was turning ability and handling. I will admit my first pontoon was a bi-toon Manitou and was very happy with Manitou and our dealer - this played as much into my decision as anything. The Premier dealer (no longer in business) didn't seem to have the time of day to give me unless I was ready to write a check on the spot and getting the test ride was a PITA. I ended up purchasing a Manitou Encore 24' with a 250 e-tec and have been very happy. From me past experience with the dealer and Manitou with what I perceived to be a better bang for my buck the Manitou won out. The premier is a nice toon and my neighbor at the lake has the Bennington with ESP and loves the boat but not happy with handling when pulling tubers (he also has a bow rider) I would look at the dealer (if this is important to you) in addition to the boat. All three are great boats.