Ranger, known as a pioneering builder of premium fiberglass and aluminum bass boats, now expands into premium pontoons. The Reata 243C, rigged with a FourStroke Mercury 200 outboard, sells complete for a competitive $66,525 (in a market with many $100,000 24-foot pontoons) and steps out at nearly 40 mph.
The Reata is a well-equipped, luxury performance pontoon. Triple logs with lifting strakes give excellent acceleration when pushed by the standard Mercury 200 outboard. Dead idle to 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 39 mph show that the Reata will perform with a boatload of friends as well as serve as a solid watersports tow platform. It’ll do so while only gently denting the fuel budget; most economical cruise is a sedate 13.5 mph at 2,500 rpm, burning 2.8 gph (4.8 mpg). With its 52-gallon fuel tank, that’s almost 225 miles of tooning—probably a couple of weekends—leaving 10 percent in reserve. It’s quiet too; posting just 66 decibels at the helm means conversing without shouting over the engine and water noise.
Out on the water, turning is predictable, and it glides over the rough stuff in comfort. Construction is stout, featuring 26-inch-diameter, 0.1-inch-thick aluminum pontoons with heavy-duty mechanical deck superstructure attachments and ¾-inch-thick treated plywood decking.
The Reata 243C has a traditional layout: twin facing loungers in the bow, a captain’s chair swiveling recliner in the cockpit for the pilot and navigator, and a stern conversation pit with two more facing lounge sofas. Aft, an extended deck is geared for watersports, with a folding stainless-steel boarding ladder with handrails. Under the seat cushions, large storage compartments remain dry thanks to molded-in deep rain channels that keep water out and draining overboard.
Navigation, docking lights and interior lighting are all LED. The Ranger touchscreen system monitors the outboard and the boat’s electrical systems via a digital display on the dash. A Wet Sounds Bluetooth sound system with four speakers is standard. A ski tow pylon is one of just a handful of options.
High Points
- Pontoon logs are powder-coated and clear-coated for stain and corrosion resistance.
- Easy-Lift Bimini top is standard.
- Ranger’s touchscreen system monitors the outboard and replaces analog gauges.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 200 FourStroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.3″ x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $66,525 (base) |
| LOA: | 26’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 1’1″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,016 lb. (without engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,950 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 52 gal. |
