A fishing pontoon

Key Features

L.O.A : 24’2” / 10,60 m
Beam 102” / 3,20 m
Maximum Horsepower : 150 hp/ch

A newcomer to the world of the Pontoon boat, Reata is a brand created by Ranger boat, a reference. Attractive, well equipped and comfortable, it wants to seduce you.

The pontoon‘s world never stop expanding. Moreover, the manufacturers have seriously diversified and evolved their ranges by offering boats with attractive designs and more comfort, but also by offering more specific crafts. A success that also attracts more and more brands as Ranger, until now specialist of the bass boat and the bay boat, and which has just launched its own brand of pontoon boats, Reata. Consisting for the moment of three models of 20, 22 and 24 feet, the range is declined in cruise and fishing versions. The 223 F is therefore part of the models intended for fishing. With 24-foot long, it is also the biggest model available for the moment and represents an ideal size for fishing.

Regarding the “hull,” the Reata 223 F use three aluminum pontoon logs of 26’’ for a good buoyancy whose center one slightly shorter. These logs offers a profile particularly elaborate and are equipped with specific appendages to hold the water well, to improve the stability and to protect from the spray. The pontoon is approved for up to eleven persons, it’s really better than a same size monohull boat.

On the outside, the 223 F is relatively classical with a very small front platform and a bigger one on the back with a swim-ladder. The boat is also surrounded by a high fencing ideal to lean when you fish, but also to sail with young kids. Good point also for the navigation lights integrated in the fencing. In addition, the boat has three doors, one on the front for maneuvers, to install an electric motor or to pull up a catch. The side door will be useful to get on board and the door on the back to be perfect to swim.

Equipment Though for Fishermen

Unlike the “Cruise” version, the 223 Fish offers a fairly simple layout in favor of the space on board. There is an L-shaped bench seat with a central table, a rear-facing bench seat, two swivel seats on the front for fishing and two other seats on the rear. The boat also has two livewells in series, one on the rear (15 Gallons) and the other on the front (12 Gallons) and a foldable changing room which can notably shelter a toilet. There are also a lot of storage units under the seats and we appreciated the starboard box designed to store the rods and the location for the cooler in the console. The cockpit is judiciously shifted to starboard and it is simple but functional. Finally, the floor is covered with a solid vinyl coating, easy to maintain and pleasant for the feet.

The Reata furnish a good equipment, since it offers, without supplements, livewells (2), lights, courtesy lighting, bimini, cooler, audio system, swim ladder, depth sounder and the changing room. There is not much left to add.

The 223 F is homologated up to 150 hp, a power that propels it to more than 32 nds which remains enough for most uses. Easy to drive, the Reata is well balanced and has a very correct performance on the water with a slightly raised nose to protect the crew. Thanks to the logs’ profile, the grip in curve is persuasive and even the small waves do not frighten him. Finally, no need to add the maximum power to enjoy it. 90 or 115 hp should already be enough.

Editor’s Note

Full of advantages, versatile and well equipped, this pontoon boat has all the necessary to seduce you and not only if you are a fisherman. With few options, it’s easy to transform it as a family boat. Firmly a good choice.

Pros

Storage capabilities
Space on board
Equipment

Cons

Small platforms
Table too small

Performance Report

RPM	KNOTS	MPH
700	1,9	2.2
1000	2,4	2.8
2000	4,1	4.7
3000	7,8	9
4000	20	23
5000	27,2	31.3
5800	32,2	37

Time to plane	5,9s
0-20 Kts	6,3 s

Specifications

	Anglo-Saxon	Metric
L.O.A	24'2''	7,37 m
Beam	102''	2,59 m
Cockpit depth	24''	0,80 m
Weight (dry)	2 915 Lbs	1 322 kg
Building material	100 5052 marine alloy	Aluminium
Persons capacity	11	11
Bedding capacity	0	0
Fuel capacity	52 Gal	197 Lit
Water capacity	Option	Option
Maximal Horsepower	150 hp	150 ch
Recommended Horsepower	90 hp	90 ch
European Certification	C	C