F.A.Q.

When browsing around for a boat, safety is one of the first things on your mind. That’s why you’re considering a pontoon, as you’ve heard many good things from your boater friends. Still, you’re curious as to whether one of these boats is at risk of going under.

Can pontoon boats sink? While no boat is unsinkable, pontoons are not very likely to sink. They have superior flotation and buoyancy thanks to the pontoon tubes. Often made of metal, each tube has multiple airtight chambers. Should one of these chambers puncture, even several, the others would keep the boat afloat.

You do your best to avoid inclement weather while boating, but sometimes a storm rolls in unexpectedly. Should you get stuck in rain or wind on your pontoon boat, you’re curious how safe you’d be.

Can a pontoon boat capsize? Any boat can capsize, including a pontoon boat, but the chances of this happening are low. With their wide design for stability and their flat hull, these boats can withstand stormy conditions. That said, you should still try to get to safety in a storm as soon as possible.

The ocean calls your name, and you’re feeling pretty eager to answer that call. A few fellow boaters have cautioned you against going out in the ocean in your pontoon boat, but you figure it will be okay. Or will it?

Can pontoon boats ride in the ocean? While pontoons can ride in the ocean, we don’t recommend it. During high tide, when the waves get rougher, your boat has a higher likelihood of capsizing. It’s okay to go out during low tide but not very advisable. Instead, try a bay or inland river. You get a similar ocean experience that’s safer, too.

Most boats have many aluminum components. You know these can rust or corrode, so you try to stay out of saltwater. You just bought a pontoon boat and you want to take care of it as best you can. You’re wondering if that means being choosy about which bodies of water you ride.

Can pontoon boats go in saltwater? Yes, your pontoon boat can safely traverse saltwater bodies like swamps, inlets, or bays. We do recommend keeping your pontoon out of the ocean for safety’s sake. Also, you might want to rinse aluminum parts after a saltwater ride so they don’t rust.

You and a few family members purchased some sleek new sets of water skis. You can’t wait to try these bad boys out in person, and you’re thinking your pontoon boat makes for the perfect vessel to tug you along.

Can pontoon boats pull skiers? Pontoon boats have the capability to tow several water skiers, but the experience might not be a desirable one. The average speed capabilities of a pontoon boat (22 miles per hour) don’t lend themselves to the heart-pounding thrills you and your family are probably looking for.

Lately, you’ve gotten very much into wakeboarding. You love the rush of the water as you’re pulled along on the board, your adrenaline high and the world a blur. You’ve had the idea of having someone tow you on your wakeboard on a pontoon.

Can pontoon boats pull wakeboarders? Like with water skiers, pontoon boats can pull wakeboarders, but with their average speed of less than 25 MPH, the riders won’t go very fast. Also, the body of a pontoon doesn’t let it maneuver quickly, so the sharp turns that enhance the riding experience will be lost on wakeboarders towed on a pontoon boat.

The forecast only called for overcast weather, yet here you are, rain pounding your pontoon boat and lightning illuminating the sky in the distance. You also hear the low rumble of thunder. You know you have to get to safety ASAP, but you wonder how your pontoon boat will manage.

Can pontoon boats handle rough waters? With their flat hull and pontoon tubes, pontoon boats can withstand rough conditions. These include choppy seas and light winds. Like most boats, pontoons can’t really stand up to strong winds, so don’t linger in bad weather.

You’ve decided you want your first boat to be a pontoon. This dependable choice seems like a good lifestyle fit for you. Before you make your investment, you want to ensure you get one of the top boats on the market.

Which pontoon boats are best? While the term “best” is subjective, you should consider the following pontoons:
• Premier’s Encounter
• Sylvan’s M3
• Manitou’s X-Plode 27
• Larson’s Escape Cruz
• Regency’s 250 LE3
• Sun Tracker’s Bass Buggy 16 DLX

You only have to take one look at a pontoon boat to know it’s quite a large vessel. Before you buy your own pontoon, you have to know some more info about these boats, including their weight.

How much do pontoon boats weigh? On average, pontoon boats clock in at about 2,200 pounds. Their weight depends on the length and width of the boat as well as how much gear you add on.

Fishing is one of your favorite hobbies, but until now, you’ve always borrowed a buddy’s fishing boat to reel in that next big catch. This year, you’ve decided you want your own boat. One such option you’re considering is the humble pontoon.

Are pontoon boats good for fishing? Pontoon boats make excellent fishing vessels. You can ride these boats in many bodies of water (although not the ocean), and with their slow speed, you’re not at risk of scaring any fish away.

If you’re going to buy a boat, then you want one that will provide an exciting, unforgettable experience for yourself, your friends, and your family. As you go through your many options, pontoon boats come up.

Are pontoon boats fun? Pontoon boats can provide lots of fun, such as with fishing, deck parties, swimming, and relaxing. If your definition of fun is high-octane watersports, though, then you might want to keep looking.

As a thrill junkie, you get bored doing slow, ordinary activities. If it doesn’t make your pulse race, then it’s not for you. You need a boat that can deliver the kind of high-octane excitement you crave.

Are pontoon boats fast? On average, pontoon boats can reach speeds of 22 MPH. Some manufacturers outfit their pontoon boats with powerful engines capable of going close to 50 or 60 MPH, sometimes even more.

The large deck of a pontoon boat begs for sunny days spent with friends, family, and maybe even a pet. Before you bring your kids or your dog onboard, though, you have some concerns.

Are pontoon boats stable? Pontoon boats offer some of the best stability of any vessel. Their flat hull keeps you moving at a sluggish but even speed. The pontoon tubes provide buoyancy and stability. Overall, their design significantly lowers the risk of capsizing, especially compared to V-hulled speedboats.

The kids blew up their favorite inner tubes and have begged you to take them riding on your pontoon boat. You’re thinking of obliging, but you want to know a bit more first.

Are pontoon boats good for tubing? You can tow tubers on a pontoon boat no problem, but you won’t go very fast. The base speed of about 25 MPH means younger kids might be entertained, but your tweens or teens will beg you to go faster. You won’t be able to.

Your buddy wants to check out a cool fishing spot, but they admit to you it’s rather shallow. Before you accept, you want to be confident your pontoon boat can safely ride without risking damage to the pontoon tubes.

Are pontoon boats good in shallow water? Pontoon boats can skate by on depths of at least two feet, but you’ll want to limit the onboard weight as much as possible. Whether you dump cargo or passengers, stay lightweight.

Have you ever taken a second to think about how you’ll get your pontoon boat in the water? You need a trailer, a towing vehicle, and a launching ramp.

Are pontoon boats hard to launch? Although they’re big and bulky, with practice and experience, you can launch your pontoon boat into the water easily. The first few times you launch, you might want to have a second person, aka a spotter, on hand to ensure your accuracy.

You can’t wait to be behind the wheel of your very own pontoon boat. It’s going to be so cool to sit in the captain’s chair and commandeer the boat. You shouldn’t have too hard a time, right?

Are pontoon boats hard to drive? Pontoon boats are slow and bulky, and they also don’t turn extraordinarily well. These factors can make driving a boat difficult at first. Once you get used to the way a pontoon handles, driving one will be like second nature.

The call of nature is one we all have to answer. When you’re on your boat, sometimes it’s not always as cut and dried as that, though. Well, unless your boat happens to include a bathroom onboard.

Do pontoon boats have bathrooms? Most pontoon boats lack bathrooms, but you can always buy a porta-potti as well as a Bimini top and a flexible shower system for all your hygienic needs.

For storing your boat as well as fitting into narrow waterways, it’s important to be privy to the measurements of your boat. You know pontoons tend to have a wider profile than some other boats, but you’re curious how much of a difference exists.

How wide are pontoon boats? On average, pontoon boats might have a width of seven or eight feet. If it’s a boat with a length of 12 to 14 feet, then the pontoon will be seven feet wide. Those vessels up to 20 feet have a width of roughly eight feet.

Safety first! You never leave for a boat trip without sunscreen nor do you ever skip the life vests. You need to feel equally as safe on whichever boat you ride as well.

Are pontoon boats safe? With their low speeds, metal railings, and stabilizing pontoon tubes, you can’t get much safer than a pontoon boat. That doesn’t mean these vessels can’t capsize, and you can certainly overload them, so safety is also at the discretion of the user.