Since 1960, Aloha Pontoons has been producing eye-popping pontoons in Little Rock, Arkansas. Its new Patriot-themed boat is just over-the-top cool.
Performance-wise, it’s in your face with a big Yamaha 350 outboard, which rockets it on plane in just 3.2 seconds and hits 30 mph in 6.1 seconds. Top speed is just under 50 mph. What’s underneath counts; Aloha’s all-welded framework and crossmembers firmly join triple 26-inch-diameter pontoon logs, lifting strakes and a full-length underskin, enhancing the performance ride.
The Patriot’s 65th Anniversary upgraded helm includes dual 12-inch Garmin displays, a rearview camera and RGB LED lighting controls.
It turns sharply, smoothly and handles open-water chop comfortably. Further, it does it without rattling or shaking. The Patriot has a 46-gallon fuel tank, which provides just under 150 miles of running at a most economical cruise speed of 17-plus mph and 2,500 rpm.
Though it excels in performance, its main attraction is its appearance, features, design and construction. Aloha’s trademark perimeter fencing features 2-inch welded and sculpted bent tubing fitted with acrylic panels. The look, especially in the Patriot red, white and blue theme, is dramatic. Integrated into the welded fencing is a Sport Tower arch with an LED light bar and canvas top. The entry doorway up front features a see-through Lexan panel, making it easier to dock the boat. The foredeck is dominated by huge, curved facing loungers with cavernous storage space underneath. The captain’s console is raised off the deck for better visibility and command, with a nifty pocket in the front that holds four fenders. In-floor storage is standard. A styled portside storage cabinet houses a tip-out trash receptacle.
Aft, a portside love seat blends into a three-quarter-width lounge platform with a reversible seatback, which provides forward- or aft-facing seating options. The aft deck is extended and features a standard watersports tow pylon and matching styled boarding ladder.
The Patriot combines American-made pride, can-do performance and luxury.
High Points
- Sharp-looking LED light designs and accents add pizzazz.
- All-welded framework makes a firm, durable ride.
- Large T-top shades from amidships aft.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 350 four-stroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 1/2″ x 17″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $132,360 (as tested); $78,670 (base) |
| LOA: | 26’10” |
| Beam: | 8’5″ |
| Draft: | 1’3″ |
| Dry Weight: | 5,500 lb. (without engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/4,300 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 46 gal. |
Aloha Pontoons – Little Rock, Arkansas; alohapontoons.com
