Harris vs Manitou Pontoons: Which Premium Brand Is Worth It?

If you've decided to step up from a budget pontoon brand and are choosing between Harris and Manitou, you're making a solid decision either way. Both are premium builds that justify their price premium on the used market. But they're not identical — here's how they actually differ.

Harris Boat Works: The Heritage Brand

Harris has been building pontoons since 1957. Owned by the same parent company as Lund and Crestliner — meaning manufacturing expertise and sourcing advantages.

What Harris does well:

• Heavy-gauge aluminum construction — Harris tubes and decking are among the thickest in the industry
• Conservative, timeless layouts that hold up stylistically over time
• Excellent service network — parts and dealers easy to find in Middle Tennessee
• Proven resale value — a well-maintained Harris holds value extremely well

Harris lineup: Cruiser (family/entry luxury), Solstice (sport), Grand Mariner (top-tier luxury)

See our used Harris pontoon inventory.

Manitou: The Engineering Brand

Manitou's claim to fame is their patented V-Toon center tube. Instead of a flat cylindrical tube, the Manitou center log has a V-shaped profile — cutting through chop rather than riding over it.

What Manitou does well:

• V-Toon technology produces a genuinely better ride in rough or choppy water
• Higher performance ceiling — Manitou boats handle more horsepower effectively
• Sport-forward brand positioning for buyers who want pontoon practicality with sportboat performance
• Strong resale, especially in performance-configured models

Manitou lineup: Aurora (entry/mid), SL (sport), XT (performance tritoon)

See our used Manitou pontoon inventory.

Which Is Better for Percy Priest or Old Hickory?

For buyers primarily cruising and entertaining on Percy Priest — Harris. The build quality, comfort, and reliability are outstanding.

For buyers who want to pull watersports or regularly boat on Old Hickory's wider, choppier channels — Manitou. The V-Toon rides through afternoon chop meaningfully better and the higher HP ceiling lets you build a more capable watersports platform.

Our Honest Take

You cannot make a bad choice between these two brands. Buy whichever has a clean example at the right price when you're ready to buy. Both will serve you extremely well on Middle Tennessee lakes for 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

Call us at (629) 245-2628 to discuss current inventory of both brands.