There is a “same old sameness” to many pontoons, and only a few builders have managed to crack that mold. Aloha’s new Paradise Series shows it’s one of the trendsetters.
Instead of 1-inch, square side-rail tubing, Aloha employs the same heavy-duty 2-inch pipework used for tuna towers in sport-fishers. The company bends and welds the rail in the factory, shaping it to swooping lines that give this performance pontoon an even faster look. Then, instead of stretching aluminum skins over the tubes, Aloha fashions ⅜-inch-thick black acrylic panels. The look proves not only stunning, but also extra quiet underway due to the elimination of drumming aluminum side skins. Even the Bimini top arch is solidly fashioned from 2-inch tubing, and it’s all factory-painted with durable (acrylic or epoxy) paint.
If the Aloha Paradise looks sporty on the outside, step up to the helm deck, 4 inches higher than the crew deck, and enjoy the thrill of 350 hp. Once snugged into the reclining bucket command seat with adjustable armrests, we stretched our arms easily to the tilt wheel. A three-panel dash held all systems switches on the left panel, a Mercury Vessel View gauge in the center, and a Humminbird Helix 7 chart plotter and sonar system to the right. With the latter, there is little excuse for losing your way or running aground. On the front of the helm station, there’s a locker for fenders, and the locker is easily removable to gain access to the dash panel for electrical maintenance. Find batteries and battery switches inside the aft seat. Convenient.
Upholstery is carefully cut and sewn in Aloha’s factory to have contrasting colors, including a white pearlescent base color on our test boat, and the patterns are swooping banners complementing the lines of the side-rail tubing. The seat cushions are deep, softening the ride even in rough water, and the seat bases are solid, thanks to Aloha’s factory-made aluminum seat bases.
Aloha’s tubes are 26 inches in diameter and made of the heaviest 0.100-gauge aluminum. Ours were also factory-painted, but not until M brackets were welded to the tubes and crossmembers were welded to the brackets—a solid technique eliminating bolts and other fasteners in the chassis.
High Points
·The heavy-duty rail tubes and acrylic side panels are unique and exciting.
·Extra-solid aluminum seat bases are custom-built in the factory, not acquired.
·Three-panel dashboard has a space-age look.
Specs
LOA: 26′0″
Beam: 8′6″
Draft (max): 1′3″
Dry Weight: 3,100 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 14/4,400 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 46 gal.
Price: $96,385
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 350 hp
Drive/Props: Mercury Mirage 15.25″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 25 gal.
Crew Weight: 250 lb.
More Information
Aloha – North Little Rock, Arkansas; 501-753-2866; alohapontoons.com
