The question I keep asking myself: Is it lake season yet?! We are so ready and excited to get back on the water this summer, now that Crew is a little older [and weighs more than 4 lbs 
], we have more friends that now live on the lake, AND we have a brand-new Barletta Lusso Meridian Lounge Pontoon Boat being built as we speak, all signs point a great summer ahead.
Last summer was our first summer partnering with Barletta Pontoon Boats to test out one of their best-selling and most versatile models they offer – the Lusso Meridian Lounge. To say it exceeded our expectations is an understatement. Shawn and I have owned a boat for the majority of our marriage, and the Barletta experience trumps any other boat we’ve ever been on. When they asked if we would like to build a boat this summer to have on the lake for another cruise around the water, we couldn’t say “yes!” fast enough. If you’d like to see our summer last year on our Barletta, and take a full tour of the boat, you can view all of my IG Stories about it here!
Before I dive in, we are working with Pro Wake Watersports out of Leesburg, IN to build and buy our boat! They are fabulous people, local to our lake, and have a great selection of Barletta boats! If you are near the Lake Wawasee area, I would highly encourage you to contact Pro Wake for your boating needs!
Now – the fun stuff! Grab your favorite boat-ready cocktail [I recommend sticking it in these boat-friendly glasses!] and let’s dive in!
When mapping out which boat we wanted to get – we asked ourselves first how we were going to use it. The answer: typically for cruising around the lake in full-relaxation mode with friends or family [typically groups of 10 or so] or kicking things up a notch and speeding around with some kiddos [and adults] with a tube off the back. I love that this model easily allows for both. Think luxury meets chill. It’s not just a pontoon—it’s a floating living room with the comfiest seats, a spot for your drink anywhere you turn, the quietest motor you ever did[n’t] hear, and a speaker system so good it makes your boat feel like your own personal waterfront concert.
My favorite feature: Let’s talk about that ultra-plush rear lounge setup—Barletta really went all-in. The multi-position lounge transforms from a laid-back sun pad to a cozy couch to rear-facing recliners. It’s like bringing your backyard patio onto the lake, except with a way better view. You can have a completely different set-up for your boat with the flip of just a few seats. It’s amazing!
Other features you’ll love:
- Spacious deck with room to stretch out or dance (your move, captain).
- Smooth ride thanks to Barletta’s signature heavy-duty construction and vibration-resistant design. This was what we noticed immediately and continue to get comments about from all of our friends and family – just how smooth and quiet the ride really is! Nothing we’ve ever experienced from a pontoon boat before!
- Integrated tech with a premium sound system, intuitive controls, and all the modern conveniences you expect from a high-end boat.
- Pet-friendly touches, because your four-legged crew members deserve to cruise in comfort too. Max and Ollie can’t get enough of their doggy view windows and built-in food and drink bowls!
Honestly? Everyone. Whether you’re a pontoon veteran or a summer-weekend warrior, the Meridian is for anyone who values comfort, quality, and good times on the water. We love the boat just as much when it’s our little family and the pups or when we have a big group of friends and family. Consider yourself warned though: it turns into the go-to hangout spot real fast.
The Barletta Meridian Lounge Boat is the move this summer. Trust me—once you step aboard, you’ll never want to dock.
