Is the Pontoon Craze Justified?

Photo- Nathi Ngwenya & Pexels

In recent years, the number of pontoon boats on our lakes has exploded. Why have so many boaters chosen to buy a boat that looks like a floating dock with living room furniture?

Is the trend justifiable? A lot of people believe it is. Let's look at the facts.

There are over 20 national manufacturers of pontoon boats in North America, plus many local builders. They offer a wide range of models to suit the different interests of today’s boaters -- from family cruising and fishing, to basic water sports. Entry level ‘Toons’ can be found under $20,000, while luxury models can cost over $200,000. Pontoon boat specifications vary widely, but commonly range in length from 16 to 26 feet, with a beam width of 8.5 feet. Horsepower ratings to obtain a reasonable performance begin at 60, but buyers can clamp on sufficient outboard horsepower to satisfy most performance boater’s need for speed.  

The most notable feature of a pontoon boat is a large open floor plan with a capacity for 7 to 15 passengers, making them ideal for large families or people with lots of friends. Ride safety must be closely addressed, because pontoons are not designed for big water or offshore operation. Even a stiff breeze warrants extra caution. Boaters must be sure to obtain a detailed weather check before venturing too far from home.

Pontoons have the capacity and the cushioned seating to transport a lot of people comfortably. Recent sales numbers would seem to indicate that boaters like to do exactly that. One way to reduce the cost of boating per person is to take more people with you when you go. National Marine Manufacturer’s Association statistics tell us that pontoons represent almost 25% of the entire powerboat market. This confirms what we are seeing on our local waterways. About 1/3 of pontoon purchasers buy new, while 2/3 buy used. Interestingly, over 1/3 of ‘toon’ owners also own another powerboat.

If you are currently considering a pontoon, I may be able to help. I have pulled together a simple questionnaire that will point to whether or not you should own one.

Answer these questions with a "Yes" or "No" answer:

1) Do you normally boat on medium sized lakes that produce waves two feet or less?

2) Do you sometimes want to take more than six passengers in your boat?

3) Do you generally cruise at average speeds of less than 32 MPH?

4) Are most of your boating destinations under 20 miles (or 32 kilometres) distance?

5) Can you successfully dock a boat on a windy day?

6) Is good value very important to you when buying a boat?

7) Do you sometimes find it difficult to get in and out of some types of boats?

8) Would you find it fun to sometimes stop and relax on a beach or shoreline?

If you answered “Yes” to all (or most) of the above questions, you are a prime candidate for owning a pontoon boat.

For those of you who may have now decided that you should be on the hunt for a pontoon boat, I have one final piece of advice.

Prices can be much higher for pontoons that have added a few fancy features than those that come with the basics. You may be wise to buy a basic model and then add the items you really need. Also, to be sure you are buying the pontoon features that matter most to you. I recommend you measure and confirm that the build specifications in the brochure are accurate. This includes tube diameter and thickness plus the quality of aluminum support beams and flooring. With a pontoon boat, tube shape and design greatly affects overall performance, so know your stuff.

You should now have a better understanding of whether or not a pontoon is right for you. Keep in mind that you can always leave your pontoon tied to your dock and use it as a waterfront patio with comfy seats. Sounds pretty relaxing to me. #tips #culture