In the old days, pontoon boats were made by two tubes connected by some material such as plywood. They were pushed around by an outboard which left a trail of belch smoke. Nowadays boat pontoons are much sleeker and more sophisticated than the old-fashioned ones. Most are still made with two tubes, but some even have a third tube, which makes them go really fast in the water and handle like V-hull boats. Many of them have a sleek design and bear lifting strakes and keels. There are multiple power options, like large and/or multiple outboard engines and stern drive powerplants. Their interiors can also be quite nice. It’s not uncommon to see comfortable seats, moveable tables, wet bars, bathrooms, carpet, and a complete sound system with stereos, and light for underwater and mood lighting. It’s like having a moveable living room with a view.
When you are ready to buy a boat, you might be wondering why you would buy a pontoon, versus a yacht or any other fishing boat. Here are a few good reasons to consider buying a pontoon:
- Pontoons can hold a lot of passengers. Boat pontoons are not just for small, impromptu fishing trips anymore. This may come as a surprise to you, but pontoons are great for parties, fishing trips, tours, and get-togethers. How many people your pontoon can hold depends on the size of your deck. A small 16-19 foot pontoon deck can hold up to 8 people, a medium-sized 20-22 foot pontoon deck can carry up to 13 passengers at a time, and a large 23-27 foot pontoon deck can carry up to 15 passengers.
- A pontoon is great for recreational activities. People love to relax on pontoons. With their stability and so many great amenities, they are great for a variety of activities. Some people enjoy sunbathing on the uncovered deck. A wet bar is great for hanging out and enjoying a nice sunset with friends or family. A great sound system will have everyone up and dancing across the waves. A pontoon boat is also easy to get in and out of for swimming or water sports. Fishing is still a lot of fun with pontoons and that fact hasn’t changed over the years. If you are planning on catching some big ones, make sure to look for a pontoon boat with at least two fishing chairs on the front deck, a fish locator and a live well.
- Affordable prices. A small, simple pontoon can cost around $11,500. Your average pontoon boat will cost around $20, 500. If you want something more powerful or upscale with lots of amenities, costs start around $35,000-$40,000. The price depends on the size of the engine, size of the boat, and the types of amenities aboard the boat.
Overall, a pontoon is a great boat to consider if you enjoy stability in the water, large groups of people, water sports, and recreation.
