2026 Forest River Dockside 20DF

The Dockside 20DF offers confident handling and economic performance. Bill Doster Visit Forest River Find a Forest River Dealer

Forest River’s Dockside 20DF hits two targets effectively: entry-level pontooners, and angling enthusiasts. The lightweight 20-foot twin-toon platform comes standard with a Suzuki DF 50 outboard, but buyers can opt for a 90 horsepower to get to the fish faster. Mercury and Honda outboards are also available. With the Suzuki 50, top speed is an even 20 mph at 6,000 rpm twisting a standard 11-inch-pitch Suzuki aluminum propeller. That speed comes up in 9.7 seconds from an in-gear idle start.

You might not get across the lake first with 50 horsepower, but you’ll pass nearly every gas dock. Best cruise is at 4,500 rpm, where speed is a tick under 15 mph and the Suzuki 50 is sipping from the 21-gallon tank at a rate of just 2.2 gph. That’s 6.7 mpg to you and me! At that rate, it will take 126 miles to empty the tank (leaving 10 percent in reserve).

The dash features analog instruments and rocker switches. Bill Doster

As might be expected, handling with just 50 horses and twin tubes is not comparable to larger, more powerful boats. But, make no mistake, the Forest River Dockside 20DF can handle the big water safely and surely. Tough construction, including AC Light composite decking,  is one reason why. It performed well in maneuvers, turning with confidence, and without falling off plane or excessive lean.  

Twin curved facing couches make for a comfy gathering spot up front. Bill Doster

The Dockside’s standard layout features an extended bow deck to make docking easier, and together with an optional half-size bow entry gate and a pre-wired trolling-motor plug, creates room for a trolling motor. Twin curved facing couches make for a comfy gathering spot up front. A single captain’s console sits at the starboard side amidship, with twin captain’s chairs, one for the mate, located to port. The dash features analog instruments and rocker switches to control lighting, bilge pump and livewell controls. A Wet Sounds stereo is standard, as is an 8-foot folding Bimini top to provide shade for the cockpit. Aft, twin fishing chairs flank a standard center-mounted livewell and rod holder station. Those lead to the aft deck, where a standard aluminum boarding ladder is fitted to the starboard side transom. A Lowrance Hook-5 graph is optional.    

Twin fishing chairs flank a standard center-mounted livewell and rod holder station. Bill Doster High Points

• Stern fishing chairs, livewell and rod holders provide anglers with their own space.
• Performance and fuel economy from the Suzuki 50 combine to give great range and versatility.  
• The extended forward deck makes boarding and disembarking easier plus helps with line tying at the dock.
• Standard fishing chairs, plus livewell and rod-holder station, will help you catch that big fish. 
• Base price is $25,999. Getting out on the water with the whole gang for that number? Priceless. 

Forest River Dockside 20DF Certified Test Results Boating Magazine How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 50 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 11.5″ x 11″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.27:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 375 lb.

Pricing and Specs Price:$28,807 (base with test power)LOA:20’10”Beam:8’6″Draft:NADry Weight:1,915 lb.Seat/Weight Capacity:10/1,405 lb.Fuel Capacity:21 gal. Contact Forest River

Forest River Marine – Middlebury, Indiana; forestriverinc.com

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