Premier Pontoon Boats: Are They the Best Choice for You?
Premier Marine is a renowned brand in the pontoon boat industry, recognized for designing and manufacturing high-quality, award-winning boats. They have been in the business for over 30 years and offer a variety of models to cater to different boating needs, making them a strong contender for the title of the best pontoon boat brand.
Their boats are known for their luxury features and exceptional performance. One example of their dedication to quality is seen in their use of Ultrafabric interiors, a stain-resistant material that feels like real leather and is also found in luxury vehicles such as Jaguar and Land Rover. This attention to detail sets Premier Pontoon Boats apart from their competitors, making them an increasingly popular choice among boat enthusiasts.
With a diverse lineup ranging from Sunspree to Escalante models, Premier Pontoon Boats offer something for every boater, whether they are fishermen, skiers, swimmers, sunbathers, storytellers, or stargazers. This versatility, paired with their dedication to quality and luxury, makes Premier a strong contender in the quest for the best pontoon boat brand on the market.
History of Premier Pontoon Boats
Premier Pontoon Boats was founded by Bob Menne, a professional snowmobile racer and Forester Boat executive, in 1992 in Wyoming, Minnesota (source). Over the years, the Menne family has managed the brand and expanded its product line to cater to a variety of customers and water enthusiasts.
Initially, Premier focused on designing pontoon boats for fishing purposes, but they later expanded their lineup to include boats suitable for swimming, waterskiing, and large cruising boats ranging from sixteen to twenty-eight feet long (source). Some of the popular models produced by the company include Sunspree, Sunsation, Solaris, Intrigue, Supersport, and Escalante (source).
In 2000, Premier gained recognition as the 'Best-Built Luxury Pontoon' by Pontoon and Deck Boat Magazine, solidifying their reputation in the industry. Envision Company of Elk River, MN, acquired Premier pontoons in 2021, but the boats are still produced under the Premier name. The company has maintained its own boat dealer network, which provides valuable support to its customers (source).
Today, Premier Pontoon Boats are known for their innovative designs and top-notch manufacturing quality, making them a strong choice for boating enthusiasts looking to invest in high-quality pontoons.
Design and Features
Premier Pontoon Boats are renowned for their advanced construction methods and use of premium materials, contributing to their reputation as high-quality watercrafts. The company's dedication to innovation and excellence is evident in the exclusive features found across their pontoon lineup (Premier Marine).
One distinctive aspect of Premier Pontoon Boats is the furniture design, which is constructed without wood, thereby preventing rot and ensuring longevity. They also employ their own anodized Duro Rails to further enhance the boat's durability and appearance (Pontoon Family).
The pontoons themselves are made of .090 gauge aluminum, which, compared to other materials, is less likely to corrode, ensuring a longer-lasting structure (Pontoon Family). The addition of thoughtful design elements, such as chaise lounges with storage and drainage channels, woodgrain tables with cup holders, stainless steel boarding ladders, and flip-up cleats, contribute to the overall convenience and luxury of the boats (DIVEIN).
One of the key features that lends to the enjoyment of time on the water is the inclusion of a 10-foot Bimini top, protecting passengers from the elements while still allowing for a comfortable and spacious environment (DIVEIN). This attention to both form and function sets Premier Pontoon Boats apart and plays a vital role in their overall appeal.
Performance and Reliability
When it comes to performance, Premier Pontoon Boats are known to be impressive in their class. Their advanced hull technology results in better buoyancy, speed, and turns compared to some other brands. This superior design allows for a smoother and more enjoyable ride on the water.
In terms of reliability, Premier Pontoons are built with high-quality materials and components to ensure longevity. Their furniture, for instance, is both durable and soft, making it comfortable for passengers while withstanding the test of time.
Some notable Premier Pontoon models include the modern and feature-rich Premier 310 Escalante, which is designed for those seeking a blend of luxury and performance. Its agility and sleek design make it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts.
To further enhance performance, Premier Pontoon Boats can be customized with a range of options such as performance packages and advanced sound systems. These allow each boat to cater to the complex demands of their owners, ensuring a unique and memorable experience on the water.
Maintaining and servicing Premier Pontoon Boats is relatively simple, thanks to the availability of replacement parts and a network of experienced dealers. This network ensures that users can swiftly address any issues and get back to enjoying their time on the water.
Comparison with Competitors
When discussing Premier Pontoon Boats, it's crucial to consider their competition to understand where they stand in the market. Some of the most well-known pontoon boat brands include Bennington, Godfrey, and Sylvan.
Bennington is often seen as one of the top pontoon boat brands, producing high-quality and luxurious models. Their boats are built with THRU-BOLT™ technology, which ensures a stable and smooth ride. In comparison, Premier Pontoons features PTX Hull Technology, offering unparalleled performance and superior handling.
Godfrey Pontoon Boats, based in Indiana, has been in the industry for over 60 years, known for producing more simplistic and practical boats compared to luxury brands. Whereas, Premier Pontoon Boats focus on providing innovative features and impressive performances.
Sylvan, another key competitor, has the L-3 DLZ model, which is highly regarded for its versatility, sleek design, and outstanding performance. While Premier Pontoon Boats have a range of models with various features, ensuring that their boats cater to different customer needs.
In terms of pricing, Premier Pontoon Boats have models that compete at various price points, with options for those looking for affordable choices such as the Princecraft Vectra 21 RL and those seeking premium-level boats with cutting-edge technology.
Customer Testimonials
Many customers who have purchased Premier pontoon boats share their positive experiences and satisfaction with the brand. Premier pontoons are known for their quality, performance, and comfort, making them a popular choice among boating enthusiasts.
One customer, who owns a Premier 31-foot pontoon with 900 horsepower, raves about the boat's impressive top speed of 60 mph, along with its spacious layout and luxurious feel. They mention the attention to detail in the construction of their boat, which contributes to the overall high-quality experience on the water.
Another boater praises the family-oriented design of Premier pontoons, making their outings enjoyable for all ages. The brand's focus on hiring the best architects, designers, and engineers have resulted in pontoons that offer a perfect mix of functionality and style, ensuring a memorable experience on the water.
Moreover, a pontoon owner who found their Premier pontoon to be good and reliable mentioned the ample storage space and reasonable prices as significant benefits. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) certified rating for Premier pontoons speaks to the high standards the company meets in its manufacturing process, solidifying confidence in the brand.
In summary, Premier pontoon boats consistently receive favorable reviews from satisfied customers who appreciate the company's commitment to quality, performance, and family-friendly designs.
Conclusion
Premier Pontoon boats have proven to be reliable and of high quality, as evidenced by their NMMA certification. With a wide range of models, from the Sunspree to the Escalante, they cater to various needs and budgets, making them a popular choice for boating enthusiasts.
Though it is difficult to label any single brand as the absolute best, Premier is undoubtedly a leading contender in the pontoon market. Their innovative designs and attention to detail have led to numerous award-winning vessels, reinforcing their position at the forefront of the industry.
While there are other exceptional pontoon boat brands, such as Sylvan, Harris, and Sun Tracker, Premier's combination of quality, performance, and variety make it an attractive option for pontoon boat buyers.
In summary, Premier Pontoon boats stand out as a top choice among their competitors, consistently delivering high-quality and innovative products. Ultimately, the best pontoon boat will depend on an individual's specific needs and preferences, but Premier's offerings should certainly be considered when making a final decision.