Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 – Is It The Best Travel Option?

Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 Review

Reference price: from $229,999

Type: Pontoon boat

Weight: 4700-5500

Capacity: 22 persons

What we like about it: Spacious decks and relaxation areas, impressive lighting system, and multifunctional equipment.

What we don’t like about it: The presence of colored windshields in front of the console would make it even better, and it’s relatively expensive.

Rating (4.8/5)

What’s better than cruising on the water with close friends and family aboard a double-decker pontoon boat, freeing yourself from the routines of everyday life? Double-decker pontoon boats are also known as Funships, a name likely because most of these boats are designed with a combination of fun in mind. They often come equipped with additional pontoon accessories like sun loungers, water slides, coolers, and stereo speakers to enhance the experience.

You can purchase a double-decker pontoon boat or rent one for cruising trips. Regardless of your choice, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the best models and their features on the market to ensure a smooth journey.

The Premier Pontoons Escalante 330, the most popular vessel in the Premier Pontoons Escalante series, is renowned for its spacious and comfortable interior, high-quality construction, and stylish design. It’s also the largest and most luxurious pontoon boat in the series, providing ample space and entertainment amenities for passengers.

Let’s delve into the driving experience, passenger experience, specifications, and other versions of the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330.

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Overall Impression

My fiancée Ophelia and I are planning our wedding in October. We decided to have a bachelorette party in August and invited our bridesmaid Sarah, Isabella, groomsmen Kolson, and Soren, along with our family and friends. Since August is quite warm, we chose the Holiday Isle sandbar in Islamorada as our party location. I also rented a Premier Pontoons Escalante 330, a double-decker pontoon boat, to enhance our experience.

We’re all looking forward to the day. As we arrived at the boat, we were impressed by its stylish exterior and spacious layout. It provides ample space to accommodate 22 people, which is more than enough for us. I enjoy participating in various boating gatherings, as I love the process of driving. Without a doubt, I took on the role of captain for this voyage.

Once everyone found their favorite spot, I settled into the captain’s seat. Kolson and Soren sat beside me, keeping me company as co-pilots. The high-back rotating seats of the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 provided excellent comfort, and the breathable chair upholstery not only makes cleaning easy but also prevents our backs from getting overheated due to prolonged sitting.

The console boasts a sleek 12-inch Simrad display screen. The advanced steering wheel features audio and navigation controls, making driving more convenient and offering intuitive operation. I placed my phone on the wireless charging mount on the side, ensuring it stayed fully charged for Ophelia to capture more beautiful photos when we reached our destination. With a powerful engine rated at a maximum of 600 horsepower, the engine roared to life, and the cheers of excitement from our group filled my ears. This exhilarating feeling prompted me to increase the speed, providing us with an adrenaline rush.

Pleasurable Experience

As the evening descended, the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330’s lighting system came into play. I casually turned on the LED lights, enveloping the entire boat’s resting area in colorful LED illumination, creating a cool spectacle on the lake. Many boaters on the water were drawn to our boat, and everyone praised its presence which simply couldn’t be ignored.

Subsequently, I activated the speakers on the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330, and lively music immediately spread across the water. The lovely ladies changed into carefully prepared swimsuits in the changing room, getting ready to slide down the water slide on the second deck. It was a water activity brimming with childhood joy.

Ophelia suddenly remembered the fridge at the stern, stocked with a few bottles of champagne and a fruit platter. She was the first to retrieve them from the boat, getting us ready to kick off our celebration. I paused the playfulness to assist her. At the rear resting area on the first deck, there was a large tabletop. We placed the fruits there for everyone to enjoy in a self-serving style.

At the end of the party, we all gathered on the spacious U-shaped sofa at the bow. Ophelia and I popped open the champagne, raising the glasses high to toast the impending end of our single lives. Friends and family cheered for us, and we were all set to fully enjoy the final indulgence of the evening.

Specifications

Galley with Stairs

The Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 breaks the traditional perception of pontoon boats. It not only features changing rooms and restrooms but also comes with a galley equipped with an electric sink and refrigerator. The galley’s countertop has upright storage cabinets with drawers for better organization.

Behind the galley, there’s a small U-shaped sofa and a sturdy tabletop. This layout is particularly appealing to those who enjoy preparing meals with family and friends.

Layout Details

The Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 has unique advantages in every area. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking to stylishly and comfortably enjoy the water.

The spacious resting area is furnished with Prosperity furniture, including plush sofas, teakwood tables, directional speaker mounts, stainless steel cupholders, and paper towel holders, ensuring passengers enjoy their journey. Additionally, the boat offers ample storage space for personal items and equipment.

Other Versions

Compared to the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330, the Premier Pontoons Escalante 350 boasts a more spacious deck.

The layout is almost identical. Both models have two U-shaped sofas on the first deck and two loungers on the second deck. However, the Premier Pontoons Escalante 350 extends its deck at the bow, adds two feet to the rear swim platform, and includes an additional foot in the internal seating area. This makes it even more stable.

Furthermore, the Premier Pontoons Escalante 350 features new beds, and a cooler at the stern. However, these upgraded features come at a higher cost. If your budget allows, investing in a better boat is worth considering.

What do we like about it

• Spacious and abundant resting areas, allowing more friends to join in the water fun.
• Thrilling speed provided by the powerful engine.
• Stylish appearance and comfortable sofa-style seating for added satisfaction.
• Equipped spaces like changing rooms and restrooms, ensuring privacy during the trip.
• A kitchen with a refrigerator for added convenience on the water.
• 16′ upper deck with a 10′ powered Bimini Top and waterslide.

What we don’t like about it

• Installing a colored windshield in front of the console would make it even better.
• The price is relatively high, which may not be friendly for many people.

FAQ

1. What is a funship pontoon boat?

A funship pontoon boat is a standard pontoon boat with a key difference – it features an additional upper deck with a slide, allowing passengers to slide into the water or sunbathe on the upper deck. Designed for fun, these boats often come equipped with extra accessories to ensure a smooth party experience. These might include premium marine speakers, remote stereo controls, additional sunbathing loungers, and coolers to keep drinks icy.

2. How fast does a double–decker pontoon boat go?

Typically, most double-decker pontoon boats can reach speeds of around 40 miles per hour. They are equipped with engines capable of higher horsepower than regular pontoon boats, providing a faster speed experience.

3. What are the disadvantages of double-deck pontoon boats?

Double-deck pontoon boats generally require two engines, resulting in higher maintenance costs compared to regular pontoon boats. While they are more spacious and stable, they are not suitable for navigation in windy weather due to their flat design, which makes them susceptible to drifting in the wind.

Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 SPECS

LENGTH	33′ 5″
WIDTH	10′
MAX CAPACITY	17 L
HORSEPOWER	450-900
WEIGHT	4700-5500

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Lengths	Maximum HP	Max. Person Capacity
Tahoe Double Decker Cascade Cruise Funship 27	28’6″	250HP	17 persons
Godfrey AquaPatio 255 SDE	25’1″	400HP	17 persons
Avalon Catalina Entertainer Funship 27	28’7″	250HP	17 persons

Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 vs Tahoe Double Decker Cascade Cruise Funship 27

The Tahoe Double Decker Cascade Cruise Funship 27 is better suited for smaller groups with a tighter budget. Its boat length, maximum rated engine power, and passenger capacity are all smaller compared to the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330, and its price is only half of the latter’s.

The Tahoe Double Decker Cascade Cruise Funship 27 is perfectly accommodating for families or groups with fewer members, with its capacity to hold 17 people. Of course, it comes with its own set of features. On one hand, the boat’s console is made of fiberglass material, complemented by a black inset dashboard and gray wood accents, along with a removable windshield. This combination of aesthetics and practicality is truly exceptional. On the other hand, this boat also includes additional features such as a fishfinder, speakers, GPS, and more, making it well-equipped for various water sports activities.

In the resting area, the Tahoe Double Decker Cascade Cruise Funship 27 mostly features L-shaped seating and bench designs. Compared to the Escalante 330, it’s also more convenient for passengers to get on and off the seats. The sunbathing platform on the second deck is another comfortable spot. Regrettably, its seats aren’t as comfortable or luxurious as those of the Escalante 330, given its price point. If you prioritize practicality, it would be a great choice.

Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 vs Godfrey AquaPatio 255 SDE

The Godfrey AquaPatio 255 SDE, being one of Godfrey’s top boats, is also highly distinctive. I believe that in some aspects, it’s even more worthwhile than the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330.

First and foremost, the Godfrey AquaPatio 255 SDE boasts a remarkably unique console. Cool LED light strips surround the digital gauges and Garmin screen, giving it a sleek appearance akin to sports cars. Additionally, its helm seats are elevated, so you won’t have to worry about passengers in the front obstructing your view.

Furthermore, it features a designated spot for a grill at the bow. While enjoying the water slide with your family all day, you can also indulge in some delicious food. Of course, the onboard sink can assist you in preparing ingredients more efficiently. If your family isn’t particularly large, this boat can provide you with a better overall experience in terms of price and functionality.

Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 vs Avalon Catalina Entertainer Funship 27

The Avalon Catalina Platinum Entertainer Funship 27 has been manufactured by the Avalon Pontoons brand since 2020. It features an aluminum hull and a length of 28’7″, accommodating up to 17 people. While it might not have the upscale instrument console of the Premier Pontoons Escalante 330, it’s more budget-friendly.

The seating layout of the Avalon Catalina Platinum Entertainer Funship 27 is better suited for group outings with friends. Unlike the concentrated seating on the Escalante 330, the seats are more dispersed. If you’re planning to engage in conversations and catch up with long-lost friends, you’ll certainly appreciate the tables with cup holders and more independent seating areas.

Unfortunately, the Avalon Catalina Platinum Entertainer Funship 27 doesn’t come with a sink, restroom, or stylish illuminated staircase. If you’re inclined toward visually appealing watercraft and have a more generous budget, the Escalante 330 would be a choice that offers greater versatility for various travel occasions.

Summary

When selecting a double-decker pontoon boat brand, there are numerous factors to consider. Each brand comes with unique features and advantages, making it essential to research and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. The Premier Pontoons Escalante 330 offers a luxurious, spacious layout, premium interiors, and diverse performance capabilities that enhance your travel experience. However, it does come with a higher price tag. For those who prioritize high-quality construction, it’s a fantastic option.

If your budget is more limited, you might also want to consider a similar watercraft like the SkyDeck Splash 30 that we’ve selected for you on the NeoBoats website. It’s not only more affordable but also offers equally impressive performance. If you’re considering purchasing a boat, feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re more than happy to assist you.