What Is The Biggest Pontoon Boat

Avalon Excalibur Quad Lounge Windshield

The Avalon Excalibur Quad Lounge Windshield is easily one of the most attractive pontoon boats weve come across. Its sleek design oozes elegance, class, and sophistication nothing like the old ugly pontoons of the late 90s/early 2000s.

It is made from fiberglass components, which are largely responsible for its smooth appearance. It comes equipped with a bimini top, which remains intact even at high speeds.

The pedestal table in the lounge area comes in handy when serving up lunch or snacks and can be moved out of the way when you need to make room for other activities. It is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together away from all the land-based distractions.

Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 Dlx

Pontooners who like to hit the lake one day and then head for the bay the next will want to check out the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX, which can be had in a complete boat-motor-trailer package for a couple thousand dollars under our max. That gets you a 90 horse Mercury FourStroke, too, so this boat wont be a slouch and you can expect to run at speeds nearing 30 MPH.

The trailer is a tandem-axel rig with brakes and a forward boarding ladder. Seating includes a couch/couch/L-lounger layout plus the helm chair, with added comfort provided by 26-ounce upholstery over multi-density foam padding. Unique Perk Alert: The Party Barge 20 DLX has a wheelchair-accessible access gate.

Visit Sun Tracker to learn more.

So there you have it: 10 affordable pontoon boats that the average American family can get without even changing the budget. Then again, if money is no object

Benefits Of Boat Slips

Boat slips are beneficial to pontoon owners as well as marina owners. Here are some of the ways they benefit the different parties.

• Boat slips make marinas and boat docking areas organized and uncluttered.
• Boat slips offer marina owners the opportunity to park more boats and pontoons at any given time.
• Slips offer protection to pontoons because of how theyre boxed in. Pontoons are prone to floating away if there are heavy waves and being boxed in on three sides helps to prevent that.
• Slips make it easier to dock your boat and to get on and off of it in a safe and timely manner.
• Slips offer more privacy and accessibility to pontoons and the individuals that are enjoying them.
• Its easier to park in a boat slip than it is to park at a dock and stay out of everyones way.

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Pontoon Boat Weight & Specifications

Pontoon boats can range in size and are generally between 15 to 30 feet in length, although the biggest pontoon boats in the world can exceed 35 feet, with some pontoon-style houseboats reaching up to 80 feet in length. The smallest pontoon boat can be as short as 8 feet, including human-powered pedal boats like the Pelican DLX Angler mini pontoon boats. Smaller mini pontoon boats are good for narrow rivers and shallow bodies of water plus they are a great entry level starter boat for those on a budget. On the other end of the spectrum, the largest pontoon boats are great for entertaining as many guests as you can squeeze onboard with some featuring double-deckers i.e. two levels of decks , waterslides, BBQ grills, heads and more.

In comparison with fiberglass and wooden boats, pontoon boats are generally lighter weight since their hulls are made of hollow aluminum tubes . However, the more creature comforst and luxury amenities you add to the boat, the heavier it gets. These days, typical pontoon boats weigh between 1,800 and 2,500 pounds, so they can be easily trailered by light duty pickup trucks and passenger cars. Of course, the largest pontoon boats with all the bells and whistles, can exceed 3,500 pounds or more, and require special permits and larger vehicles to tow on public roads.

Best Fishing Pontoon Boat: Sun Tracker Fishin Barge 20 Dlx

With a starting price of just under $30,000 with a 90hp single outboard, this easily trailerable fishing pontoon boat provides excellent value for money and proven reliability.

Opt for the full $40,000 fishing package and it also includes a full road trailer as well as an almost silent electric trolling motor, fish finder, GPS, aerated livewell, rod holders, dedicated fishing chairs and removable table and stereo system, making the Sun Tracker arguably the best way for 6 people to enjoy a days back bay fishing.

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Top Us Suppliers Of Pontoon Boats On Thomasnetcom

Table 2 displays information about the most popular pontoon boat suppliers on Thomasnet.com in the U.S., ranked by engagement metrics. Details include each companys headquarters location, year founded, and number of employees where available. Dashes indicate where information was unavailable.

Table 2: Top U.S. Suppliers of Pontoon Boats on Thomasnet.com

JPW, based in Aztec, NM, offers inflatable, customizable pontoon boats for rafting and rescue applications, including catamaran and canoe models. They also manufacture accessories, including bags, pads, repair products, and spill containment products.

In Richmond, CA, WAM-V Marine Advanced Robotics offers pontoon boats for scientific research applications including marine surveys, defense and maritime security, marine robotics R& D, and coastal uses. They also provide custom boats.

Brinson Marine, in Syracuse, NY, supplies docks, boat lifts, and new and used boats, including custom and standard pontoons and ski boats. They also provide boat repair and storage, as well as services for trailers, boat lifts and docks.

Veranda Luxury Pontoons is based in Malvern, AR. The company offers six different series of boats from 20 to 27 feet in length featuring aluminum decks. They also offer boat trailers for salt water and fresh water.

Berkshire Sts Fishing Series

The Berkshire STS fishing series is another affordable and excellent pontoon choice for the fisherman in the family. It is available from 22 to 25.7 feet long, with up to 350 hp for up to 14 people on board. There are two aft fishing chairs alongside two rod holders for convenience, as well as a 15 gallon live well/baitwell. There are also two special racks specially provided for storing fishing line. The vessel comes standard with a Humminbird Helix 5 GPS/fish finder, and a full instrument package.

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Where To Buy A Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats are a great choice for most people looking to begin enjoying some time on the water without emptying their wallet. They give you the opportunity to spend your money on the features you want with their customization options.

Before you buy you should be sure you do your research to find out what kind of size you need as well as what engine you want to purchase. You also need to know what types of boat financing options are available and what you qualify for. If you are looking for help selecting the pontoon boat of your dreams, contact us today.

How To Choose The Best Pontoon Boats Buyers Guide

If youre a first-time pontoon buyer, youre likely confused about which one to get from all the different options available. Although it may seem overwhelming, the good news is whatever you decide to go with will likely be able to meet your specific needs. Nonetheless, here are a few things you need to know before you buy your pontoon.

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Best Luxury Pontoon Boat: Bennington Qx

At the high end of the spectrum, the Bennington QX offers performance and luxury in equal measure. The starting point is a 23-30ft aluminum trimaran hull, available in a choice of 8ft 6in or 10ft beam, that supports a spacious deck capable of accommodating up to 13 people. This can be ordered in multiple color options or with a complete custom paint job.

The deck itself is fully configurable with everything from a refrigerated bar area with ice maker, sink and BBQ, to chaise lounges, rotating bucket seats and stowable tables.

The options then move to interior colors and quilting options with the fit and finish to compete with any high-end luxury yacht builder.

Other options include underwater lighting, color-changing cockpit and feature lighting, and a hydraulic sport arch.

Flatscreen electronics with engine integration are standard and high-end stereo systems can be specified to suit even the most discerning audiophile.

Power options range from single outboards up to 600hp on the 8ft in beam, or twin outboards engines up to 900hp on the 10ft beam model.

The fastest versions can easily reach speeds in excess of 75mph, and prices start from just over $100,000 to more than $400,000 for an ultimate spec package.

What To Look For In A Luxury Pontoon Boat

The best luxury pontoon boats come with features that arent offered with your standard, run-of-the-mill pontoon boat. When choosing a luxury pontoon boat, you want to find something that looks and feels better than its competitors, while also having a reputation for excellent performance and durability.

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Choosing A Pontoon Boat Deck Size To Fit Your Needs

Owning a pontoon boat allows for you to enjoy many different recreational activities with your friends, family and neighbors. It’s easy to get caught up daydreaming about fishing in one of the confortable fishing chairs on deck, diving into the lake with your family off the easy water access features, or even moving the neighborhood picnic out onto the boat for a day of fun on lake but how do you know what size to get?

Determining a deck size for your pontoon boat can be a difficult decision, it’s important to take into consideration both the amount of people you’d like to transport as well as the size of the body of water you plan to use the boat on.

Generally, a 17 to 19-foot pontoon boat is best for small bodies of water that tend to be calmer. These boats are great for entertaining groups of up to eight people.

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.

If you need a little help deciding what size deck would work best for you, contact a local Bennington Pontoon Boat dealer.

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How Wide Are Most Pontoon Boats

Most pontoon boats are between 8 and 10 feet wide. About 90% of boats are 86 wide with the exception of newer larger boats being 10 wide and smaller boats like the Bass Buggy being 8 wide.

The width of slip that you need is entirely dependent on how wide your pontoon is. Most pontoons are 8 ½ feet wide, but they can range in size from 8 feet to 10 feet. The Bennington 218 SL, for example, is only 8 feet wide, but the Bennington 30 QSR is 10 feet wide. Smaller pontoons can even be as small as 7 feet wide.

The best way to know the width of your pontoon boat is to check with the maker of your pontoon and ask them directly. If you dont have access to the company or person who made your pontoon, then use a tape measurer to determine the width of your pontoon. Measure the boat from its two widest points to determine the slip size that you need.

Why Use A Small Pontoon Boat

Next, you may be wondering what the advantages are for using a small pontoon boat. Hereâs a list of the benefits to using this style of boat:

#1 â Theyâre good for shallow water.

Pontoon boats work great for shallow water. Without a large v-shape hull, thereâs less space that the boat dips into the water. This is even more so the case with smaller boats. For those wanting to fish on a small pond, these are the perfect choice.

#2 â Great if youâre on a budget.

Boats can be expensive. From the initial purchase, to the insurance and maintenance, youâll have less costs with a smaller boat. The size and price matches best for beginners looking to get started with their first boat.

#3 â Easier to maneuver.

This goes the same for most vehicles, on both water and land. The smaller the boat the easier it is to move on the water, get on the trailer, and dock. Some beginner boaters can get intimidated by large boats so this can be a great alternative.

#4 â Lighter weight for towing.

One of the most challenging aspects to getting a new boat can be transporting it. With small pontoon boats, they have less weight and thus are easier to tow. You can read more about pontoon boat weights to make sure your vehicle is good for the job.

#5 â Better for the environment.

Many smaller pontoon boats come equipped with small motors, and therefore put out lower emissions. In addition, many work with electric motors or even pedal power with little to no environmental harm.

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Berkshire 231 Rfc Sts

The Berkshire 231 is a luxury pontoon boat that is perfect for anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. It is spacious and comfortable, and comes with a variety of perks geared for anglers, like a fishing station, rod holders, and two spooling racks. The 231 also comes with a pop-up room that allows for one person to privately change attire without being seen.

The Berkshire 231 is fitted with comfortable chairs that provide spacious legroom for everyone onboard it even has two chairs specially designed for anglers. Another nice feature that is special to the 231 is the storage compartments in the cockpit lounge, including a space specifically for tackle boxes and spools.

Along with its convenient features, the Berkshire 231 is also built for looks. The instrument panel has a beautiful faux-wooden trim that adds to the boats style. The boat even comes with a state-of-the-art fish finder and GPS system.

If you’re someone who likes fishing trips, but you don’t want to sacrifice your comfort and luxury, then the Berkshire 231 RFC STS is a fantastic pontoon boat. Other special features include ample cup holders, a dining table, and at telescoping ladder that is easy on space and simple to use.

The 231 is the perfect pontoon boat for the angler who enjoys relaxing on the water. Its ability to double as a fishing and recreational boat makes it one of the best luxury pontoon boats available.

Boston Whaler 230 Vantage

This 23-foot boat earned the National Marine Manufacturers Associations Innovation Award for all of the creative ways it uses its space on board. The result is an incredibly spacious boat with:

• Bow seating area with a stowable table
• Crips console and smooth-riding hull
• Port seating that adjusts and can also stow gear
• Aft seating allows you to expand the cockpit area when you want to fish or entertain
• Head that is both comfortable and sleek with a molded sink with drain, and a lockable door. Handy.

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Stunning Luxury Pontoon Boats For 2020

Its hard to beat the luxury of a pontoon boat for a day on the water. Theyre great for lounging, swimming, and work well for most types of fishing. Higher-end models can easily tow skiers and even have privacy stations, so there is no need to run to shore if someone needs to use the bathroom.

Every year luxury pontoon boats add features to attract buyers looking for the ultimate in relaxation. If we could only choose one boat, it would be hard not to choose a luxury pontoon. A day on the water is an entirely different experience in a pontoon vs. a fishing boat. The question is, which one would we pick? Here are our favorite luxury pontoon boats for 2020. Which one is your favorite?

Avalon Excaliber Elite Windshield

The Avalon Excaliber Elite Windshield is aptly titled, as its easy to imagine King Arthur sailing the seven seas with a refrigerator full of mead. Yes, theres a refrigerator and a sink on the Elite Windshield , which come in handy for obvious reasons. The 27 ELW is a triple pontoon, and is often equipped with twin engines. Its stunning in every way.

Starting at $106,600

Grand Tahoe Rear Lounge Windshield

The Grand Tahoe Rear Lounge Windshield takes a different approach with the layout and features two full-size electronic lounge chairs in the aft of the boat. They provide a unique perspective when jetting across the lake and perfect for sunning and midday naps. With a max of 350hp and 16 person capacity, this luxury pontoon boat a real beauty.

Manitou XT

Pontoon Boat Equipment And Accessories

Much of the equipment youll want on your pontoon, be it a party machine, a fishing platform, or a high-performance sport boat, can be integrated by the manufacturer. When youre looking at used pontoon boats, however, someone else made those rigging choices for you ahead of time. Not to worry theres plenty of aftermarket equipment out there which you can use to personalize your boat and make it perfect for your specific wants and needs.

Heres a partial list of some of the most popular equipment and accessories you might want to add, all of which is readily available:

• Stereo systems and speakers.
• Ski tow-bars and pylons along with water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and other towable watertoys.
• Bimini tops to provide shade and protection from rain.
• Electronics including fishfinders to help you locate fish, and chartplotters to assist with navigation.
• Rail- or surface-mount fishing rod holders.
• Courtesy and/or underwater lights.

Theres also some basic gear all boats need, which you should be prepared to outfit your pontoon boat with. Safety gear, of course, is the number-one concern. There are some minimal requirements established by law. The US Coast Guard sets federal requirements, https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDFbut you should also check the laws pertaining to the specific state you go boating in, as some have their own regulations. Aside from that, you should also plan on outfitting with this basic pontoon boat equipment list:

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