How to choose a pontoon boat in 2026?
In short
Your choice between a boat or a pontoon mainly depends on passenger capacity, intended use, and the level of comfort you want. A pontoon is ideal for enjoying Quebec's lakes with family or friends, while a sports boat better suits those seeking more performance or watersports. Plan a budget of about $40,000 for the purchase, plus annual insurance, maintenance, and storage costs.
Which type of watercraft matches your lifestyle?
How do you choose a pontoon boat? Start by focusing on your needs and preferences.
Each type of watercraft delivers a distinct on-water experience.
Estrie Marine's experts summarize the key criteria to consider before selecting a boat or a pontoon.
What size boat or pontoon should you choose?
Whatever the type of watercraft, it is important to consider the size you actually need. Larger boats usually cost more. Extra space does not help if you do not use it.
How many people will be on board most of the time?
In general, smaller boats, around 15 to 17 feet, can comfortably seat up to 8 passengers.
If you often expect more than 8 people, an 18 to 21-foot watercraft may be more appropriate.
For more than 12 passengers, 21-foot boats can work, but we recommend a larger model if you frequently have over 12 on board.
Why length completely changes the experience
Length not only affects maximum passenger capacity, it also changes on-water behaviour. If you want an agile, easy-to-handle pontoon, choose a smaller model.
Size also affects the launching of your boat, since larger watercraft require different logistics.
The most popular sizes on Quebec lakes
In Quebec, the most popular pontoons are typically 20 to 22 feet. These dimensions offer a good balance between space and manoeuvrability.
The most beautiful lakes in Quebec to enjoy your pontoon are numerous. This is why many Quebecers choose a pontoon boat.
What to know before choosing a 20, 21, or 22-footer
Despite their popularity, 20 to 22-foot pontoon boats might not be the best choice for you if you do not often host more people than your immediate family.
To guide you, here is a summary of recommended boat or pontoon sizes based on the number of passengers you frequently expect:
|
Number of expected passengers |
Recommended size |
|---|---|
|
8 people |
15 to 17 feet |
|
9 people or more |
18 to 21 feet |
|
12 people or more |
22 to 24 feet |
|
Up to 18 passengers or more |
25 to 28 feet |
Which engine should you choose for a pontoon boat in 2026?
The larger the pontoon boat, the more power the engine needs to ensure proper mobility. Engine choice always depends on the boat or pontoon you select.
For pontoon boats, Bennington vs. Bentley are generally considered two of the most popular brands in Quebec.
Bennington 20 S Cruise: the ideal starter pontoon?
How do you choose a pontoon boat? If you want quality time on the water and to dip your toes in, the Bennington 20 S Cruise offers a blend of comfort and accessibility. It is recognized among the best pontoons of 2026:
|
Features |
Bennington 20 S Cruise |
|---|---|
|
Starting price in 2026 (MSRP S Line USD)* |
$34,795 |
|
Length |
20 feet |
|
Number of passengers |
10 |
|
Engine |
Mercury 60 |
*Price from the Bennington Marine website (May 2026)
Bayliner VR4 vs. VR6: which sports boat should you choose?
If you want a more athletic boat, the Bayliner VR is ideal for an affordable, sporty watercraft. These models are highly customizable. Here are examples of the performance they offer:
|
Features |
2026 Bayliner VR4 |
2026 Bayliner VR6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Starting price in 2026 (MSRP USD)* |
$34,335 |
$49,970 |
|
Beam |
7’6” |
8’0” |
|
Number of passengers |
7 |
10 |
|
Maximum power |
200 horsepower |
250 horsepower |
*Prices from the Bayliner website (May 2026)
Heyday H22: the top pick for watersports?
If you are seeking maximum power, the Heyday H22 is among the most powerful sports boats on the market. It also offers strong capacity so you can enjoy time on the water with all your friends:
|
Features |
Heyday H22 |
|---|---|
|
Starting price in 2026 (MSRP USD)* |
$98,475 |
|
Length |
22 feet 4 inches |
|
Number of passengers |
14 |
|
Engine |
Mercury 6.2 L |
|
Maximum power |
370 horsepower |
*Price from the Heyday website (May 2026)
Regal LS4: the premium boat to enjoy the lake differently
The Regal LS4 is one of the more luxurious boats on the market. It is well equipped and capable, offering a complete package.
With nearly a million different build possibilities, there is no single starting price for the Regal LS4, but base models are typically around $150,000:
|
Features |
Regal LS4 |
|---|---|
|
Length |
24’5” |
|
Number of passengers |
13 |
|
Engine |
Mercury 6.2 L or Volvo V8 |
|
Maximum power |
350 horsepower |
How much does owning a boat or a pontoon cost in Quebec?
To buy a boat or a pontoon in Quebec, you should generally plan at least $40,000 for the initial purchase.
Insurance, maintenance, and storage costs (if applicable) can vary. Expect around $1,000 per year on average.
FAQ
How do you choose a pontoon boat in 2026?
Start by considering the number of passengers you want to carry and the levels of comfort you prefer.
What is the best pontoon size for a family?
For a small family, a 15 to 17-foot pontoon can work well. For larger families, a model around 20 feet is often recommended.
What is the difference between a pontoon and a sports boat?
A pontoon is designed as a comfortable platform on the water. It is typically less nimble and less powerful than sports boats, which are built for speed and performance.
Which boat should you choose for watersports?
For watersports, we recommend a sports model such as the Bayliner VR or the Heyday H22.
What is the best boat to enjoy Quebec's lakes?
In our view, a comfortable pontoon such as the Bennington S20 Cruise is a great option.