Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Premier Boats Gemini 221 2008 vs Premier Boats Solaris 235 2013 — A Close Look at Two Pontoons
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Premier Boats Gemini 221 2008 and the Premier Boats Solaris 235 2013 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — 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 — Premier Boats Gemini 221 2008 at 21,0 ft versus Premier Boats Solaris 235 2013 at 23,4 ft. At 165 lbs and 265 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 125 hp for the Premier Boats Gemini 221 2008 and 125 hp for the Premier Boats Solaris 235 2013. 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 boats are rated for 12 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.
Bottom line: The Premier Boats Solaris 235 2013 at 23,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Premier Boats Gemini 221 2008 at 21,0 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.
General Boat Info
MakePremier Boats
MakePremier Boats
ModelGemini 221
ModelSolaris 235
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,350 lbs. (2 tubes) 1,650 lbs. (3 tubes)
Weight - Detail2,050 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,150 lbs. (3 tubes) 2,650 lbs. (36 in. PTX)
Weight - kg748.43
Weight - kg1202.02
Weight - lbs.165
Weight - lbs.265
Length [deck]21 ft. 0 in
Length [deck]22 ft
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet23.42
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters6.5
Length overall - Meters7.14
Length overall - Inches256
Length overall - Inches281
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.090 gauge (with 0.100 nosecones)
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typePontoon
Hull typePontoon
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes2 or 3
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max125 hp (2 tubes) 175 hp (3 tubes)
Engine max125 hp (2 tubes) 200 hp (3 tubes) 225 hp (36 in. PTX)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,400 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,875 lbs. (3 tubes)
Maximum capacity2,365 (2 tubes) 2,815 lbs. (3 tubes) 3,300 lbs. (36 in. PTX)
Maximum people12 (2 tubes) 14 (3 tubes)
Maximum people12 (2 tubes) 15 (3 tubes) 16 (36 in. PTX)