9 Pros and Cons of Pontoon Boats

Nothing beats the excitement of driving your own boat and enjoying the water. Whether you’re aiming at enjoying the scenery, up for water sports, pontoon boats are a popular option!

Pontoon boats are affordable and practical. They’re also one of the safest boats you can find. Knowing the pros and cons of pontoon boats will help you decide whether or not they’re your best option.

If you’re interested in buying one, here’s everything you need to know about pontoon boats.

What’s a Pontoon Boat?

Pontoon boats are light and wide boats designed with deck furniture suitable for being open in the water and comfortable as well. They’re also known for being safe.

Pontoon boats are great for going into freshwater or water with light waves. You can also use them to play watersports.

A pontoon boat is basically a boat or a deck floating over two metal tubes. The design of pontoon boats makes it applicable to customize the style of your boat. Furthermore, you can insert cabins for bathroom usage or changing clothes or storing equipment.

Before Buying A Pontoon Boat

Well, if you love being in the water and want to own a boat that you can use for multiple purposes, then a pontoon boat would be a great choice.

A pontoon boat is also an appropriate choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. They’re not extremely expensive compared to other boats. They’re easy to clean and renovate as well, in case you consider buying a used one.

Here’s everything you need to know about pontoon boats, the advantages and the challenges.

Pros

Pontoon boats can be one of the best choices for you. They’re great for families and you can go fishing or play watersports on them. These are the top advantages of owning a pontoon boat.

1. Family-Friendly

Pontoons are suitable for families and group gatherings. They’re comfortable and spacious. Moreover, they’re safe for kids. Thanks to the soft and airy furniture.

The seating areas and spaces of the pontoon are designed to host several people. You can even host parties or barbeques on board.

2. Appropriate for Watersports

Pontoons are known for their limited speed capacity. However, they can be perfect for most of the watersports.

It won’t be the best choice for racing boats, but for something like skiing or snorkeling, it’ll work just fine.

Pontoons aren’t the fastest boats out there, but they’re fast enough to give you the needed push and excitement to enjoy your favorite watersports, or even try new ones.

3. Comfortable for Fishing

Pontoon boats are one of the greatest options if you want a boat that’s appropriate for fishing.

One of the benefits of fishing on a pontoon boat is comfort. Fishing requires patience and steadiness most of the time. A pontoon boat is well-equipped and comfortable enough to allow you to enjoy the experience to the max.

Comfort while fishing leaves more room for appreciating the activity and enjoying the view instead of worrying about your back pain or uncomfortable seating arrangement.

Pontoon boats also provide you with the needed space. They’re spacious enough to carry all your fishing equipment and catch. This wide space offers you the opportunity to go fishing with friends.

4. Easy to Clean

One of the best features of a pontoon boat is how easy it is to keep it clean. It doesn’t take much effort as the design and material of its deck make it one of the easiest to clean. Not to mention, if well kept, the vinyl seating can last for years.

5. Longevity and Renovation

Pontoons are one of the most budget-friendly options compared to the advantages they offer. Moreover, it doesn’t cost a lot to renovate an old pontoon.

Pontoons live long, so whether you decide on buying a used one and renovate it or decided to restore the glamour of your old boat, your pocket will be happy about it.

It’s fairly easy to find high-quality pieces of renovation for your boat. Pontoon boats aren’t usually used in rough water, which is a reason that contributes to its wellbeing.

There are also a lot of products and ways to keep them safe and clean. For example, you can find covers for the furniture of your pontoon boat that will help it live longer.

6. Safety

Whether you’re new to sailing or already mastered the skill, you probably know you should never underestimate the sea. Even though the nature and purpose of a pontoon boat already keep it away from rough water, it is in itself a very safe type of boat.

Pontoon boats are generally safer than V-boats even in rough water. Their wide surface and design make them safer and more stable.

Cons

As great as pontoon boats can be, it’s essential to know the challenges and downsides you might face.

7. Low Speed

If you like the adrenaline rush and high speed, then probably a pontoon boat won’t meet your expectations.

It depends on the type and power of the engine. However, in comparison with other types, pontoon boats aren’t the fastest.

They’re also relatively light, which means they can be easily moved by the wind.

8. Not for Rough Water

As you might’ve concluded by now, the lightness and speed of a pontoon boat don’t make it a great option in rough water like the ocean.

Controlling the boat and keeping its steadiness can be a challenge in the midst of rough water. Pontoon boats are more suitable in areas and water with light waves.

The size, speed, and wideness of a pontoon boat make it harder to control its turns and angles. This wouldn’t make it in your favor if you took the boat into rough water.

9. High-End Boat Depreciation

In general, pontoon boats are the lowest depreciating type of boat. This makes owning them very inexpensive. However, on the highest end of the market, luxury pontoon boats are built more like a luxury car and depreciate much faster.

Conclusion

A pontoon boat can be your best choice if you’re looking for a boat to relax, party, or even use it for watersports. It’s fairly budget-friendly, easy to keep clean and renovate when needed.

It’s also one of the safest options out there. However, you’d have to be careful if you’re looking for a boat suitable for rough water or speed watersports. In that case, a pontoon boat might not live up to your expectations.