For one to five people, a 15-foot-long boat is sufficient. For six to 10 people, you’ll want something in the range of 16 to 21 feet. If you want to take along an even bigger crowd, you should consider a model that’s 21 to 28 feet long.
Can a pontoon boat go in the river?
Big Water, No Problem Pontoons are great for the intercoastal, bays, rivers, and so on. They are not made to go 30-40 miles offshore. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can always see the shore and boat in waves no larger than 3-4′.
Can pontoon boats be used for fishing?
Pontoons are extremely stable. That not only enhances comfort, but also means they’re great for fishing with kids. Although many pontoon boats don’t come with fishing accouterments, they can be added (or on a new boat, ordered from the factory) with little effort.
Is 2 or 3 pontoons better?
Three-tube pontoons are very stable and typically have bigger engines with more horsepower when compared to traditional two-tube pontoons. The additional buoyancy and better weight distribution created by the third tube allows for more people, more entertainment options and better handling at higher speeds.
What are the disadvantages of a pontoon boat?
- Speed. Pontoon boats can go over 100mph (160kph) in extreme circumstances, but most pontoon boats sit right around the 28 – 35 mile per hour mark if you have a 90hp engine or faster (and an overall length under 24′).
- Rough Water.
- Wake Shape.
- Handling.
- Outboard Noise.
Are pontoons safer than boats?
Pontoon boats are much safer than others because there are less “don’t go there” parts on the boat. Fence with high rails on a boat reduces chances of falling over into the water. The weight of pontoon boats makes them extra safe. They are easy to drive, and chances of pontoon boat flipping are not very high.
What is the best length for a pontoon boat?
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.
How big of a motor can you put on a 16 foot pontoon?
For 16-foot boats, getting a 25HP motor should do the trick. In calm water, you can expect to ride at about 5 mph. Any boat longer than 20 feet shouldn’t have less than a 115HP motor.
Can pontoons sink?
Can pontoon boats sink? Yes, of course they can. But it’s very rare and it would have to be in exceptional circumstances.
Is fishing on a pontoon good?
Beyond accouterments, anglers will find that a pontoon’s lay-out is excellent for fishing. Broad decks with plenty of pedestal seating options mean that foot-for-foot, more peoples can fish from a pontoon than from a V-hull boat.
Can pontoon boats go in shallow water?
Pontoon boats are an excellent choice for shallow-water boating. They have a small “draft,” which is the depth the boat goes down into the water.
Can you bass fish from a pontoon boat?
The first key to using a pontoon boat for bass fishing is to make sure you don’t turn on the engine very frequently. The majority of pontoons do not come equipped with a trolling motor as it can be very hard to use effectively on a big rig. Instead, they have a high horsepower motor on the back of the boat only.
Do pontoons flip easy?
Pontoons are easy for beginners The shape and water dynamics of the boat, plus the slower overall speed capacity, make pontoons a safer option for newer boats because they are difficult to flip or tip.
How well do pontoon boats handle rough water?
Generally speaking, pontoons can handle much better in choppy water than other recreational boats since they have at least two hulls, providing more stability to the boat than one hull could.
Are Tritoons harder to steer?
While a tritoon theoretically offers greater stability, you’re unlikely to notice the difference on small bodies of water. The third tube on a tritoon can make them much more difficult to steer, which can add complications when you’re navigating tight spaces or attempting to dock the boat.
What is the life expectancy of a pontoon boat?
However, a well-built pontoon installed in a calm water system with regular maintenance should last approximately 15-20 years. As a comparison, a well-built pontoon installed in a calm water system without regular maintenance may only last 12-15 years.
How many years does a pontoon boat last?
Pontoon boats last anywhere between 15 to 25 years but certainly that depends upon the brand and how the pontoon boat has been used in the past, how often it was taken for routine maintenance and how often it was used.
Can a pontoon boat flip over?
Due to the design of pontoon boats, it’s almost unheard of for them to tip over, and the chances are very, very slim. Pontoon boats very rarely tip over or flip over, with recorded cases being very uncommon.
How do you drive a pontoon in rough water?
How far offshore can a pontoon boat go?
That’s why pontoons and smaller recreational boats are great for the intercoastal, bays, rivers, and so on. They are not made to go 30-40 miles offshore. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can always see the shore and boat in waves no larger than 3-4′.
Are pontoon boats high maintenance?
Pontoon boats have a few key characteristics that make them inherently lower maintenance than other boats on the market. They are a lot less delicate, and they are not going to rust as easily. Most pontoon boats come with an aluminum hull which is non-corrosive and not susceptible to rusting.
What is the most popular size pontoon boat?
It’s important to know that every brand is different so there’s not a set rule on what length equals what capacity. The most common lengths offered are 20-25′ pontoon boats.
How far can a pontoon boat go on a tank of gas?
Your boat may be able to go anywhere from 5 to 10 miles to as many as 30 miles or more on a tank of gas, depending on a number of factors, including what kind of boat you have, how fast you are going, and more.
How many people can fit on a 24 pontoon?
Overview. The PARTY BARGE® 24 DLX makes good use of its massive 24′ 1″ by 8′ 6″ deck to provide a crew of 12 plenty of seating, storage and space need for unlimited fun in the sun! In addition to those obvious benefits, this family-pleaser adds in a new 10′ Bimini top, new stereo and cooler storage.
How fast will a pontoon boat go with a 150 hp motor?
How Fast Can A 150 HP Pontoon Boat Go? A 150 HP motor on a pontoon boat has an average top speed of 38.2 MPH, but speeds range from 35 MPH to 43.7 MPH.