How to Compare Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats are very popular as a family water craft used for boating, cruising, fishing and water sports. If you are in the market for a pontoon boat, there are differences to consider.
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Size
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Mini-pontoon decks may be no more than 6 by12 feet, with deluxe models as wide as 12 feet and over 30 feet long.
Capacity Plate
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The Coast Guard Maximum Capacities plate will list the maximum total weight allowed, including people, gear and cargo and the maximum horsepower motor allowed.
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Engines and Speed
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Most pontoon boats have outboards, though some come with inboard/outboards or inboard propulsion systems. Mini-pontoons may have electric motors. Some pontoon boats will operate above 25 miles per hour, which is fast enough to pull waterskiers or wakeboarders. Others only cruise, maxing out around 10 miles per hour.
Extras
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Some pontoons furnish little more than floats, platform and motor mount. Others come decked out with roofs, built-in seating, stereos, electronics and as many extras as you need, require or can afford.
Price and Quality
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Lesser priced pontoon boats may have been constructed with less expensive materials such as smaller gauge aluminum, thinner deck boards or other materials. Check out the scope and length of warranty offered by the manufacturer between similar models with vastly different price points.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit pontoon tour image by Thomas Tanner from Fotolia.com
