who makes the best handling pontoon boat

[1roadking]

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?)

[robster]

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

[Nighthunter]

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

[JohnO]

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.

[JohnO]

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.

[captainjack]

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.

[Nighthunter]

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

[JohnO]

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

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

[1roadking]

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

[Nighthunter]

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

[JohnO]

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.

[captainjack]

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.

[Ray Jr.]

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.

[Parker]

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

[timturnerrc51]

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.