How Wide Is A Pontoon Boat
February 6, 2021 by Dan
Pontoon boats comes in different shapes and size. The dimensions of the boats are affected by a number of factors that include the manufacturing company, the model and make of the boat and the purpose it is to be used for. Generally, the length determines how wide a pontoon boat is. These are generally in a specific ratio to each other. Addition of a third pontoon does not necessarily change the dimension of the boat. This article addresses the question How Wide is a Pontoon Boat?
Though different manufacturers have slightly different width to length ratios in their boats, a general classification can be made that defines how wide is a pontoon boat.
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Tritoon Boats For Sale
If you are in the market for a new pontoon boat and are considering an upgrade to the comfort and performance of a tritoon, check out our extensive lineup.
Explore all of the pontoon and tritoon models to compare the differences for yourself, or see what you can create by building your own Manitou!
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Bonus Budget Buster: The Premier Escalante
If your idea of affordable is spending about as much on your boat as the median cost of a house in the US of A, youll probably be interested in a precocious pontoon like the 314 long, 100 wide Premier Escalante. Starting MSRP is $146,800, but thats before you load up to 800 total horsepower onto the transoms and start adding options and accessories.
Highlights of this double-decker pontoon palace include a 12 high second-level deck with seating and a waterslide, a full upright rigid changing station/head compartment, and an entertainment center with a sink, refrigerator, wine chiller, and crystal caddy.
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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.
The Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
Now that youve gone through our list of the best pontoon boats money can buy , go deeper into the subject with our guidelines to choosing the right pontoon boat for your needs.
Remember that pontoon boats are also generally easy to maintain, but they require some rinsing down the right kind of boat paint at least every other season.
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What To Look For/consider When Buying A Pontoon Boat
With all the different choices of pontoon boats, it may be difficult to narrow it down to the one that fits your individual needs. There are many different factors you need to consider before you can pick the pontoon that works for you. Overall cost, the intended use or purpose of the pontoon, the length needed, the type of pontoon, which amenities or options are available with different models, and what type of warranty is being offered with the purchase. You will also need to take into account the various best pontoon boat brands available, as well as the overall budget you have to spend.
A large part of the cost will depend on the size of the engine: the more horsepower the engine has, the more the overall cost of the pontoon boat. Depending on if you need a family friendly boat, or perhaps a platform on which to land that trophy fish with a few buddies , or if a luxurious model that dictates a day of partying out on the lake are all different things that need to be taken into account.
Nrs 14′ River Cataraft
Image from nrs.com
The NRS 14 River Cataraft is the luxury and yet ultimate sportsmans version of the basic inflatable pontoon boat. At almost 14 feet in length and weighing 72 pounds, it has a large upper frame allowing for 2-3 passengers, all the while carrying gear for those trips to that overnight campsite. The pontoons are made of heavy-duty Pennel Orca material which is super abrasion, chemical and UV-resistant for extra durability.
The tubes are comprised of three air chambers, allowing maximum peace of mind in any emergency situation. The Cataraft has a 10-year retail warranty, which goes a long way to ensure they stand behind their product. This is the inflatable you would raft down a river with and have no worries that it would pop on the first rapid you came across. The Cataraft is built to last, and strong enough to endure some major force in its everyday use.
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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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Lowe Ultra 200 Cruise
Watersports fans, the Lowe Ultra 200 Cruise will be of serious interest to you. You can step into this roomy 214 long boat and race across the reservoir with 115 horses on the transom, keeping price down in the $24,000 range. That leaves more than enough money left over for the optional ski tow arch plus a set of wakeboards, water skis, and a tow rope.
And already included in the package youll be getting an aft swim platform with a four-step reboarding ladder, seating for 10 people, and a Bimini top. Tell the kids to hang on tightthis is going to be fun.
Visit Lowe Boats to learn more.
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
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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
Top Us Pontoon Boat Manufacturers
Below are the top companies on Pontoon & Deck Boats Whos Who list for 2014, ranked by the number of models they had for sale in that year. Additional information for each company includes the brand they were recognized for, their company headquarters, and year founded. Dashes indicate where information was unavailable.
Table 1: Top U.S. Pontoon Boat Companies
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Bennington, based in Elkhart, IN, manufactures standard and custom luxury pontoon boats. The company offers five series of pontoon boats, including sports and fishing boats, with various levels of features from 16 to 30 feet long.
Berkshire Pontoons boats, ranging from 18 to 27 feet, feature composite made in the USA. Their boats come in 4 series with custom options. Berkshire is a division of Forest River, Inc., which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.
G3 Boats, which is owned by Yamaha, manufactures outboard motor and pontoon boats in Lebanon, MO. Their outboard motorboats are made for hunting and fishing, while their pontoons are made for leisure applications
Crest offers nine different models of boats, including fishing and leisure boats, with customizable engines, interiors, and other features. The company is headquartered in Owosso, MI.
Apex Marines offerings include fishing and leisure pontoon boats, with its fishing boats made in the USA. The company currently offers 12 series of boats, including four types of leisure pontoons and eight series of fishing pontoon boats.
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Best Small Pontoon Boats In 2021
Pontoon boats can be an excellent way to get out on the water and have some fun. Whether that’s for a ride with the family, or for fishing, these boats prove to be quite versatile. Yet, some standard pontoon boats can be large and somewhat heavy to tow. Instead you also have the option to use small pontoon boats for your boating experience.
In many cases, these boats will offer more flexibility when navigating in lakes and ponds. Not to mention, a smaller boat will be a much more affordable option for those looking to get into boating on a budget. Here’s a list of some of the best small pontoon boats available:
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The 10 Best Pontoon Boats To Buy In 2019
Pontoon boats have changed a great deal in the past twenty years or so. They were once made with a simplistic box shaped floating concept and they really werent that spectacular in appearance. These highly functional water craft have undergone a metamorphosis which can be compared to a butterfly shedding its cocoon, and what has emerged from the original designs is now more geared towards luxury rides than the practical function based models. Here are the 10 best pontoon boats that money can buy for 2019.
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Playcraft Power Toon X
This pontoon boat is one of the fastest in the world, with a speed of 60 miles per hour. Blasted by a 430-horsepower, its performance is enhanced by its handling fins and surface-piercing nose fins.
PlayCraft pontoon boats are known to hit incredible speeds when coupled with superchargers. This boat is one of the series of PlayCraft Pontoon Boats.
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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Bennington S21 Fishing Pontoon Boat
This is the ideal pontoon boat for taking fishing. What makes this model so great is that it is available in 12 different configurations so it can be customized to suit the individual tastes and needs of the buyer. When you visit a Bennington dealer youll be amazed at the thousands of floor plans that they offer for your perusal and theyll assist you in designing the pontoon fishing boat of your dreams.
Bimini Tops Are A Must Have
Virtually all pontoon boats have a Bimini top available either as standard or as an option. They are important to the guests comfort and we recommend getting the biggest one available. Look for one that is easy to deploy. Some boats even have power Bimini tops. Make sure to operate the Bimini prior to purchase as some can be aggravating to set and put in their boot when it is time to call it a day.
All boats should have canvas to protect the upholstery from UV degradation to say nothing of the soot and grit that might be in the air. Those living near highways will be familiar with the light rain of tire rubber and unburned diesel carbon that settles on everything. While a playpen-style full cover might seem like a good idea , individual seat covers are much easier to deal with. Unless a boat is stored in an area where the deck can get covered in leaves or pine needles, go with seat covers.
This Bimini top provides some protection but consider the optional Bimini extensions that some builders offer. Individual seat covers are easy to handle and stow.
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Why Use A Small Pontoon Boat
Next, you may be wondering what the advantages are for using a small pontoon boat. Here’s a list of the benefits to using this style of boat:
#1 – They’re good for shallow water.
Pontoon boats work great for shallow water. Without a large v-shape hull, there’s 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 – Great if you’re on a budget.
Boats can be expensive. From the initial purchase, to the insurance and maintenance, you’ll have less costs with a smaller boat. The size and price matches best for beginners looking to get started with their first boat.
#3 – 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 – 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 – 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.
#6 – Easier to store.
How Do I Choose A Small Pontoon Boat
In order to choose a small pontoon boat, it’s essential to determine the size that suits your needs. There’s the narrow, compact, and mini pontoon boat sizes. Each kind fits best for different people. As a general guideline:
- Narrow: For navigating narrow lakes and rivers.
- Compact: A budget luxury option for families and fishing.
- Mini: A small 1-2 or 3-4 person raft for fishing and cruising.
Buy a pontoon boat that matches what you’re able to tow. Even with a lighter boat, this is an important factor that some people somewhat neglect. If your vehicle can’t properly tow your boat, it will cause serious engine, transmission, and braking issues. You can read the guide on pontoon boat weights to better understand how to do this.
Choose a pontoon boat that’s well made so it lasts. Most manufacturers designing boats include a warranty along with purchase. If buying used, be sure to inspect each element of the boat so that there isn’t anything wrong with it. Overall, most pontoon boats are built strong and last for many years.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a small pontoon boat:
- Ensure you choose the right size boat.
- Buy a boat that your vehicle can tow.
- Choose a pontoon boat that is well made.
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