Why choose a pontoon boat?

By Kristy Bateman

Why buy a pontoon boat?

First of all, it is the only boat that is known as a Party Boat.

However, if you need additional reasons there plenty. This type of boat offers many attractive features; the low price, plenty of extra room for stretching out or taking a group of people for a ride.

They are also easily customized to specific needs, and come in various models. Some pontoon boats are intended for fishing, others for cruising, and some have a dual purpose.

What can I do with a pontoon boat?

There are a wide variety of uses for a pontoon boat. The biggest perk that I know of is that you can fit a lot more people than on most other types of boats. The more, the merrier. Right

There are many accessories available that can be added to your pontoon boat to customize it for your use. You can have bench seating all around the sides, in rows, or just use lawn furniture and tables.

Adding a camper enclosure can make most all pontoons suitable for spending a night on board. Attaching a canopy makes your pontoon boat ready for an afternoon cruise with family and friends by providing shade from the hot sun.

For the fishermen;
you can get built in livewells, rod holders, and bait buckets. The deck of a pontoon boat also makes a great platform for fishing with the buddies. It is also an ideal boat to use for scuba diving.

Some models are even fast enough to pull the kids on water skis, wake boards, or tubes.

These boats are also available with freshwater and toilet facilities.

What is a pontoon boat made of?

A pontoon boat is a lightweight vessel.
The hull of the boat is constructed of tubes called pontoons, which taper in at the front of the boat. This allows for better movement and speed in the water.

An aluminum frame attaches the pontoons to the deck platform. The deck of a pontoon boat can be made out of wood, aluminum or fiberglass. There is a railing all around the deck for safety.

This comes in useful for the occasions when the boat is used for party cruising.

Where should I take my pontoon boat?

The best place to cruise on your pontoon boat is in a lake, river, or other calm water.

They are not made for the sea because of its shallow hull. Waves over two feet will be washing on to the deck of your boat.

So I would stay away from the rough waters of the ocean.

Pontoon Facts:

Depending on the size of the Pontoon boat; it can hold anywhere from 6-17 people.

The sizes range from 14 to 28 feet.

The average price of a pontoon boat is $11,000; with prices ranging anywhere from $7,000 - $30,000 new.

A used pontoon boat can range from $1,000 - $15,000.

Pontoon boats use an outboard engine and stern drive; with horsepower ranging from 10HP to 135HP.

Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl's Blog.