← All reviews / Boat reviews

Bring on the Family SummaFun in this 26Tritoon

Bring on the Family SummaFun in this 26Tritoon review

Boat · 26 ft (8 m) · Bullhead City

GGetBoat EditorialReviewed August 8, 2026
4.3/ 5
expert score
Design4.4
Performance4.3
Comfort4.4
Handling4.5
Value4.1

Key specs

Builder
MANITOU PONTOON
Model
25 AURORA LE VP II
Length
26 ft (8 m)
Guests
12
See how Boat asking prices compare — GB Yacht Asking-Price Index

Verdict

A well-built 26-foot tritoon with strong passenger capacity, refined V-Toon handling, and family-friendly comfort. It is best suited to buyers who want a stable, sporty pontoon that can still serve as a relaxed day boat, though options and higher-powered setups can push the price up.

Pros

  • +V-Toon VP II hull adds center-tube lift and better cornering than a standard pontoon
  • +Seats up to 13, making it a strong family-and-friends platform
  • +Wide, stable 26-foot layout with practical lounge and privacy features
  • +SeaStar power steering and 200 hp cap support easier, more confident handling

Cons

  • Heavier, more complex tritoon setup than a basic pontoon
  • Not as fuel-efficient or simple as a lighter twin-tube model
  • Performance depends heavily on engine and option package
  • Cabin count is listed as zero, so overnight use is not part of its appeal

The 2021 Manitou Aurora LE VP II is a premium tritoon built around Manitou’s V-Toon concept, with a larger center tube and lifting strakes designed to improve lift and cornering. Public specs place it at about 26 feet overall, with capacity for 13 people and a 200 hp maximum, which puts it firmly in the sport-cruising segment rather than the basic leisure pontoon class.[1][8][11]

On the water, this hull should feel more planted and responsive than a conventional pontoon, especially in turns and when accelerating. Manitou’s VP II package is specifically aimed at higher-speed use, and the brand pairs it with SeaStar power steering on these higher-output setups for easier control.[8][11]

Comfort is a clear strength: the layout includes extended chaise seating, vinyl flooring, rear entry boarding, a privacy station, and a standard stereo package, making it well suited to day trips and social use.[1] The tradeoff is value: this is a more sophisticated and heavier build than a standard two-tube boat, so it offers better capability but usually at a higher purchase and ownership cost.[1][2][6]

Alternatives to consider

Request offersFind a boat