What is the downside of the pontoon boat?
Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well. If there is water in your pontoons: This water will weigh down the boat, decrease performance, put unnecessary strain on the engine, and increase fuel consumption.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.Pontoons Are Known for Versatility These boats aren’t just for leisurely cruises on calm lakes. They can also handle estuaries, rivers, and even coastal waters.A pontoon boat is a different breed of boat that comes with some quirks that can make it a little challenging to dock. Docking a pontoon is a lot like parallel parking a car in that, after you’ve done it a few times, you internalize the size and shape of the vehicle, even though you can’t see it.Exceeding your pontoon’s weight capacity can increase your chances of swamping the deck with water or, unlikely but still possible, even capsizing.
What is the life expectancy of a pontoon boat?
Pontoon boats are known for their durability, but their lifespan can vary based on several factors. Typically, a well-maintained pontoon boat can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or even longer. A mid-size option which can comfortably fit 10 to 12 adults, making it great for family outings or small groups. These larger models can hold between 12 to 15 adults, suitable for bigger parties without sacrificing comfort.Generally, a 16 to 18-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. If you plan to cruise, go fishing, or just spend time on the water with your closest family and friends, a small pontoon boat will meet your needs.A medium-sized pontoon boat holds up to ten people and is 20 to 24 feet long. Such boats are excellent for family activities and are the most common type of pontoons. You can take a medium-sized pontoon boat on large water bodies and have fun with your friends or family.We highly recommend (and include in our price) a “high-thrust” 9. HP engine from Yamaha that has a larger propeller and makes it much easier to maneuver your pontoon boat, even with a small engine. The next size up are engines from 15 to 30 HP, the most popular being 25 HP.
What is the most popular size pontoon boat?
Each manufacturer has its own width-to-length ratios that determine how wide a pontoon boat from their brand will make. A medium-sized pontoon boat holds up to ten people and is 20 to 24 feet long. Such boats are excellent for family activities and are the most common type of pontoons. Generally, a 16 to 18-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. If you plan to cruise, go fishing, or just spend time on the water with your closest family and friends, a small pontoon boat will meet your needs.A pontoon boat is a different breed of boat that comes with some quirks that can make it a little challenging to dock. Docking a pontoon is a lot like parallel parking a car in that, after you’ve done it a few times, you internalize the size and shape of the vehicle, even though you can’t see it.Can You Take A Pontoon Boat Out in the Ocean? While pontoons have long been thought of as mostly inland-water boats, today pontoon boats are increasingly found on larger lakes and rivers, navigating coastal waters, even on occasion venturing into the open ocean. Still, captains should always use discretion.Pontoon boats are a great platform for boat camping. They come with plenty of deck space to spread out, as well as roomy benches and loungers that can double as sleeping platforms.
How many people can fit on a 22 foot pontoon?
A mid-size option which can comfortably fit 10 to 12 adults, making it great for family outings or small groups. These larger models can hold between 12 to 15 adults, suitable for bigger parties without sacrificing comfort. A 90-hp engine on a pontoon boat with a few people on it can easily hit 22 mph. For beginners at water sports, you probably don’t even want or need to go that fast. My two kids (4 and 6) usually don’t want to go faster than 5-10 mph. Pulling those two at 10 mph is cake and a 90 hp engine is plenty enough.Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well.While modern pontoon boats can achieve respectable speeds, they typically cannot match the top speeds of boats designed for high-performance activities like water skiing or racing. This can be a drawback for those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures on the water.As a guestimation aid, for every thousand pounds you add to your boat, you’ll lose about 15% of your average pontoon boat speed. So, a 22′ boat with no load may get up to 29 mph, but it will likely slow down to 24.
What’s the best time of year to buy a pontoon boat?
Ideal Months for Purchasing: Fall and Winter The best time to buy a pontoon boat is often in the fall, right after peak boating season ends. Dealers start clearing out their inventory around September and October, which results in lower prices on both new and used models. Fall and early winter are generally the best times to buy a boat if you’re looking for discounts and promotions. The offseason means less competition, motivated sellers, and a greater chance to negotiate on price. But don’t forget about post-holiday winter sales or early spring deals on leftover stock.