Both the Manitou Pontoons 24 Encore SHP 2012 and the Manitou Pontoons 26 Encore VP 2013 are pontoon designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Manitou Pontoons 24 Encore SHP 2012 at 24,8 ft versus Manitou Pontoons 26 Encore VP 2013 at 26,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Manitou Pontoons 26 Encore VP 2013 tips the scales at 3 140 lbs - 380 lbs less than the Manitou Pontoons 24 Encore SHP 2012 at 2 760 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Manitou Pontoons 24 Encore SHP 2012 has a 150-hp advantage over the Manitou Pontoons 26 Encore VP 2013's 150-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 15 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Both are 3-tube and 3-tube pontoon designs respectively. Tube diameter and gauge affect stability and load capacity - more so than most buyers realize when comparing on paper.