Pontoon Boat Buying Guide
Pontoon boats are stable watercraft that have a lot of deck space. Their popularity can be attributed to their versatility and how easy they are to handle. If you’re interested in purchasing your own pontoon boat, this guide from the experts at Nisswa Marine can help.
The Pontoons
Pontoon boats are named for the hollow cylinders found at the bottom of the vessel. These cylinders help keep the craft afloat and are a big part of why these boats are so stable. While most models have only two pontoons, tritoons have three to better tackle choppy waters. Pontoons vary in size, though most of them have a diameter somewhere between 23 and 25 inches.
Pontoon Boat Activities
Pontoon boats can be used for everything from fishing to watersports. If you plan to use your pontoon boat for a particular purpose, look for a model that will fit that purpose. For example, some pontoon boat models come with a livewell and rod holders already installed, making them the perfect choice for anglers. When it comes to watersports, a model that boasts a lot of horsepower and enough storage space to fit a lot of gear should be your first choice.
Number Of Passengers
Make sure that your pontoon boat is large enough to fit all the passengers that you plan to bring along with you. For 5 people or less, a model that is 20’ long or smaller will usually work. If you plan to bring along 5 to 9 people, you’ll need a vessel that is 20’ to 24’ long. The largest pontoon boats are 24’ long or longer and have enough space for 10 people or more. Larger boats tend to cost more, so don’t overspend.
The Ideal Horsepower
The amount of horsepower you’ll need out of your pontoon boat will depend upon how you plan to use the boat. 40 HP is plenty for cruising around the water, but that’s not nearly enough if you’re planning to do some watersports. If wakeboarding or wakesurfing is your passion, 300 HP or more will be closer to what you need.
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