Introduction To: Pontoon Boats

Not Your Grandpa's Pontoon Boat!

Of all the segments in the boating industry, pontoon boats have without a doubt experienced the most drastic change over the past 10  years.  Years ago, pontoon boats had a much more limited market.  Most had similar furniture layouts, small outboard motors, carpeting, two logs (more on this later), and not much more.  This is far from the case in recent years.  Pontoons have an almost unlimited number of layouts, huge engine options (and multiple engines recently), triple log packages, and all the bells and whistles you could possible imagine.  Lets take a look at the wide variety of pontoon boats on the market today.

Double or Triple?

One of the biggest changes in the pontoon industry in recent years is the popularity of “tri-toons.”  Up until 10 or so years ago, most all pontoons were equipped with two aluminum logs to function as the hull of the boat.  Having two logs is still a viable option in a pontoon boat and in some cases more than adequate, but there are many advantages to adding a third log, or a “tri-toon.”  The main advantage to a tri-toon is overall performance.  Many bi-toons have a maximum horsepower rating for the engine of 90-115hp.  This is fine for cruising around the lake and will power the boat in the mid-upper 20mph range depending on a number of variables, but some people want their pontoon to do more.  Tri-toons greatly increase the maximum horsepower rating for the boat, and outboard motors keep getting bigger and bigger.  Some boats are rated for a maximum of 300-350hp on the high performance packages.  And as of late, there have been a growing number of tri-toons equipped with twin or even triple outboard motors!  Some of these boats are approaching the 700-100hp range!  Although this is definitely the extreme, pontoons with a third log and 150-200hp package are a very popular option and greatly increase the boats overall performance.  In addition to increasing the max. Hp rating for the boat, tri-toons ride much smoother in rough water.  The handling characteristics in turns are more similar to a v-bottom boat.  They ride higher up out of the water, therefore causing less drag and operating more efficiently.  And they open the door for manufaturers to build things into the center tube such as a ski-locker or even an on-board head (bathroom.)  

Furniture Layouts

Years ago, most pontoon manufacturers offered a few different furniture layouts in a few different sizes, and that was about it.  Not the case anymore.  Some companies literally offer hundreds of layouts and will even customize the boat to fit your needs.  Just check out a popular manufacturer’s website (try harrisboats.com) and you will be overwhelmed with options.  Pontoon boats now come with single rear loungers, dual rear loungers, fishing chairs & fishing centers, wraparound seating and even a full bar with barstools!  Your imagination is your only limitation when choosing an interior layout on your pontoon boat, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a setup that fits your needs.

Materials

Another major change in the pontoon industry is the materials used in the construction of the boat, both inside and out.  Starting with the exterior, pontoon boats are offering some very elaborate rail packages giving the boat a very sporty and luxurious look.  And beyond that, some manufacturers are using fiberglass on the exterior of their boats almost making it a hybrid mix between a fiberglass boat and a pontoon.  These boats look great, but keep in mind this come at a price!  Aluminum arches are also popular options on pontoons lately, giving you the options to pull a wakeboard and also a sturdy structure to mount the bimini top or other options like lighting and speakers.

Interiors have also changed significantly as of late.  The carpet or even astro-turf that can be found in older pontoon boats is a thing of a past.  Most companies are now offering vinyl floors with many different styles and colors.  Some are solid color textured floors, some have patterns such as teak, and others are using a woven vinyl floor.  All of these are great options.  They don’t soak up water and they don’t stain like carpeting.  They are easy to clean and not slick.  There are basically no downsides to the new vinyl floor options other than a small price increase depending on the variety of vinyl used in the boat.

The vinyl used in the furniture has greatly improved as well.  Many of the higher quality boats have high density foam to help hold their shape, built-in mildew inhibitors and even cool touch material to prevent you from scalding yourself on a hot summer day.

Should You Consider A Pontoon?

As we mentioned earlier, pontoons used to have a very limited buyer.  With all of the recent changes in pontoons, this is not the case.  Pontoons are one of the largest growing markets in the industry.  Many people who in the past would only consider a fiberglass bowrider are now also shopping pontoons and finding many advantages along with a great bang for the buck.  So even if pontoons weren’t originally on your shopping list, take a look.  You might like what you see!