The Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007 vs Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011 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 Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011 measures 28,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007 at 25,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007 tips the scales at 2 525 lbs — 2 204 lbs more than the Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011 at 321 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 130 hp for the Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007 and 150 hp for the Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 35 gal and 34 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 19 lbs per hp for the Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007. 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 Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Manitou Pontoons 27 Encore SES VP 2011 at 28,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Manitou Pontoons 26 Legacy 2007 at 25,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.