The Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006 vs Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 measures 21,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006 at 17,0 feet (2006). At 115 lbs and 135 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 125 hp, the Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 has a 123-hp advantage over the Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 58 lbs per hp for the Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
The Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Leisure Pontoons 2225 Meridian 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Leisure Pontoons 1723 Meridian 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.