You will be hard-pressed to find a better-built pontoon than the Montara Naxos, or one that mixes function so well with luxury. You’ll also need to ride it yourself to experience how truly good it runs.
![Montara Naxos on the lake](jpg/btgbg24-pon-montara-naxos-01-1024x768.jpg)
The Naxos’ construction exceeds many other pontoons. The full-length keel that helps it deliver an awesome ride also provides great strength. Side panels are rugged 0.100 gauge, rather than the more common 0.60 gauge. Its 26-inch-diameter tubes feature four air chambers and are fitted with nose cones. Quarter-inch M brackets run full length. Cross members are installed every 16 inches.
![Montara Naxos bow seating](jpg/btgbg24-pon-montara-naxos-06-1024x768.jpg)
Montara builds the Naxos’ interior functionally and luxuriously. For instance, seat bases are roto-molded, so they won’t rot and get soft. Plus, the storage compartments are fitted with drains, so gear that gets stowed dry stays dry. The Naxos boasts top-notch upholstery that looks nice, feels great, and will hold up to your boating lifestyle. The Naxos boasts a seating capacity of 15.
![Montara Naxos helm](jpg/btgbg24-pon-montara-naxos-07-1024x768.jpg)
Sitting down at the helm aboard, a raised helm affords the captain increased visibility and an enhanced feeling of command. A 12-inch touchscreen MFD provides control and monitoring of accessory systems and engine data. You’ll also manage the music from the four-speaker Polk Audio sound system with four-zone control. Depth and seawater temperature are in view, and there’s even an emergency parallel battery switch wired in to help ensure you’ve got the amps to start the engine at the end of a long stay at the cove or sandbar. Heated and cooled drink holders and wireless phone chargers represent some of the options available.
![Montara Naxos tower](jpg/btgbg24-pon-montara-naxos-11-1024x768.jpg)
Overhead, select from two optional power-tower choices to allow raising and lowering at a button push. (Our eye is on the deluxe Cast one.) Forward and aft Bimini options are available, as are four tower speakers, rear-facing camera options and a Lillipad diving board.
There’s more to tell about the Montara Naxos, and buyers seeking a pontoon that is luxurious, functional and built like a tank should check it out.
![Montara Naxos upholstery](jpg/btgbg24-pon-montara-naxos-16-1024x768.jpg)
High Points
- Great ride thanks to full-length keels and three-sided lifting strakes.
- Rugged construction tubes with four air chambers, 0.125-inch nose cones and 1/4-inch chassis.
- Remote battery and parallel switch for peace of mind.
![Montara Naxos performance data](jpg/btgbg24-pon-montara-naxos-specs.jpg)
How We Tested
- Engine: 300 hp Mercury Verado
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.3″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.
Price: | $114,900 (starting price with a Mercury 200) |
LOA: | 28’1″ |
Beam: | 8’6″ |
Draft: | 1’5″ (engine up) |
Dry Weight: | 5,619 lb. (without engine) |
Seat/Weight Capacity: | 15/2,750 lb. |
Fuel Capacity: | 73 gal. |
Montara Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; montaraboats.com