Pontoon boats have large decks on top of long tubes called pontoons. They sit above the water, are spacious, provide a smooth ride, and have good safety ratings. Pontoons are primarily designed for freshwater use.
Are pontoons cheaper than boats?
Cost. In general, a deck boat will be more expensive than a pontoon boat. However, more luxurious pontoon models will begin to approach price point similar to that of a deck boat. And, depending on what type of engine you choose for either, that alone could cost up to 50% of the price of the boat itself.
Why are pontoons called pontoons?
The word stems from the Latin pontonem, “flat-bottomed boat,” and its root pons, or “bridge.”
Is it worth buying a pontoon boat?
Pontoons offer lots of storage space and this makes them good for families. Pontoons are also good for families who are learning how to be out on the water because they are easy to operate and they hold their value well over time due to the steady demand for these types of boats.
What are pontoons boats? – Related Questions
What are the disadvantages of a pontoon boat?
5 Disadvantages of Pontoon Boats
- Speed. Pontoon boats can go over 100mph (160kph) in extreme circumstances, but most pontoon boats sit right around the 28 – 35 mile per hour mark if you have a 90hp engine or faster (and an overall length under 24′).
- Rough Water.
- Wake Shape.
- Handling.
- Outboard Noise.
Can you sleep overnight on a pontoon boat?
In recent years there has been an increase in demand for hybrid pontoon boats you can sleep on, with a few manufacturers now releasing models that come with cabins and sleeping quarters.
Are pontoon boats expensive to maintain?
Pontoon Maintenance Costs
On average, you’ll spend between $1,000 to $1,500 on ongoing maintenance. You’ll regularly need boat parts (which are expensive) and you’ll need to hire someone to do the maintenance if you don’t plan on doing it yourself.
How long will a pontoon boat last?
Average lifespan of pontoon boats is around 10-20 years.
Are pontoons high maintenance?
Pontoon boats have a few key characteristics that make them inherently lower maintenance than other boats on the market. They are a lot less delicate, and they are not going to rust as easily.
Do Tritoons hold their value?
Regardless of the brand, pontoon boats lose their value faster than many other boats. After owning a pontoon for two to three years, the resale value drops by about 25 to 30 percent. After this sudden decline, the value drops slowly between $400 to $500 yearly and plateaus after ten years.
Do pontoon boats use a lot of gas?
Pontoon Boats
Therefore, these boats are not very fuel-efficient and care should be taken to properly maintain them to retain optimal efficiency. The average pontoon boat will consume around 5 gallons per hour at cruising speed. This means that a five hour trip out on the water will take 25 gallons of gas.
Which pontoon brand is the best?
- Sylvan L-3 DLZ (Best Pontoon Overall)
- Crestliner 240 Rally DX (Best Versatile Pontoon Boat)
- Harris Crowne SL 270 (Best Luxury Pontoon Boat)
- Princecraft Brio E 210-2S (Best Eco-Friendly Pontoon Boat)
- Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX (Best Pontoon Boat for Fishing)
- Regency 250 LE3 (Best High-Speed Pontoon Boat)
What should I know before buying a pontoon boat?
Buying a Pontoon Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
- Set a budget that includes the purchase price and the cost of financing.
- Consider where you’ll be boating—ocean, lake, river?
- Think about how you’d like to use your pontoon.
- Decide between a pontoon or tritoon (three-tube design).
- Compare different models and floorplans.
What is the most popular size pontoon boat?
It’s important to know that every brand is different so there’s not a set rule on what length equals what capacity. The most common lengths offered are 20-25′ pontoon boats.
How long do pontoons last on a pontoon boat?
Pontoon boats last anywhere between 15 to 25 years but certainly that depends upon the brand and how the pontoon boat has been used in the past, how often it was taken for routine maintenance and how often it was used.
20 to 22-foot boats are well suited for lakes and rivers that do not have large waves. The mid-sized boats are well equipped to seat up to 13 passengers. The larger 23 to 28-foot boats are capable of cruising through rough waters and offer enough space for up to 15 people to enjoy a day on the lake.
Can you flip a pontoon boat?
It is almost impossible to flip a pontoon boat, whether a bitoon or a tritoon. Their unique design makes them almost incapable of flipping over, with reports of such incidents happening being very rare.
89 Examples of How Fast Pontoon Boats Can Go
| Size and Model (if I could find it) |
Horsepower |
Top Speed (MPH) |
| 20 ft Sweetwater 2086 |
50 |
15 |
| 20 ft Sweetwater 2086 |
90 |
24 |
| 20 ft Sylvan Mirage 8520 Cruise |
50 |
19 |
| 20 ft Sylvan Mirage cruise |
115 |
29 |