From fishing trips to water-related activities, pontoon boats have gained so much popularity lately. We can go on and on about how amazing they are, but we’re more interested in their speed.
A pontoon boat speed depends on many factors. These include motor power, different design elements, materials, and more. They work together to give the boat enough speed so you can practice all the activities that you love.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you should know about a pontoon boat speed.
Pontoon Boat Speed
The average speed of a pontoon boat can be from 18 to 25 miles per hour. You can clearly see why it isn’t considered a fast boat, but the following elements can change that.
Number of Pontoons
It makes sense that a three-pontoon boat is faster than a boat with only two pontoons. So if you’re looking for a boat with more speed to match your water skiing habits, you should buy one with three pontoons.
As for why an additional pontoon increases the speed, it’s because it makes the boat more stable and buoyant. Also, with a sleek design, it can reduce the water resistance even more.
Weather Conditions
Since pontoon boats are shallow, they can easily be affected by heavy water currents. Therefore, they can gain a lot of speed when moving over rough waters.
This is why you should always be careful and slow down your boat to reduce potential issues. When the weather gets bad, the front of the boat might dip and cause water to fill your boat.
While fast currents can increase the pontoon’s speed, it’s best to stay away from them for your safety.
Engines and Horsepower
Another way to make your boat go faster is by adding a second engine. Moreover, you can buy an engine with more horsepower.
An outboard engine can reach up to 900 horsepower. By increasing that number, you can reach higher speed limits.
Boat Load
Having a heavy load on the boat might keep you from reaching a higher speed. You can reduce the load by choosing one with lighter furniture and equipment.
You can also do that by not inviting too many people to your boating adventure next time.
How the Design Affects a Pontoon Boat Speed
What makes a pontoon boat capable of easy maneuverability is its remarkable structure. Let’s break down its design.
The Pontoons
The tubes that make up the hull are made of aluminum. They come connected by a structural net that attaches them to the deck above.
As we mentioned before, these tubes depend on simple buoyancy physics to keep the boat floating. Also, their unique shape helps in increasing the boat speed. This is because their designs reduce water resistance significantly.
Another reason why these pontoons are great for the speed is that they provide a shallow draft. Therefore, when the boat moves, you can feel like it’s skipping above water.
The Deck
Moving upward, you’ll find a spacious deck securely placed above the hull. This deck is made of marine materials such as firm plywood, aluminum, or fiberglass.
As for the furniture, you’ll mostly find it made of polyethylene. It’s a type of plastic that has a low density.
These materials are relatively light, which is another factor that works in favor of the boat speed.
The Engine
As we previously mentioned, pontoon boats have outboard engines that can reach up to 900 horsepower. Therefore, they can reach a speed of 25 miles per hour.
Never mind that this speed might seem slow. You should be thrilled to know that it’s just the right speed for water activities like tubing.
Types of Pontoon Boats and Their Different Speeds
Pontoon boats come in several types to match everyone’s needs. Let’s find out what they are, and how fast they should go.
Fishing Pontoons
These pontoons are better equipped for fishing trips. They have the advantage of being more comfortable and stable.
Also, they come accessorized with many things you might need when fishing. These elements can include rod holders, tackle boxes, and more.
As for their speed, they don’t need to be the fastest out there. Because of the nature of fishing trips, a speed of 18 mph is sufficient for the boat to reach its destination. After that, the boat often cruises steadily for the rest of the fishing trip.
Performance Pontoons
If you’re into water skiing or wakeboarding, these pontoons are what you might be looking for. They come with high-performance engines to grant you higher speeds. This way, you can practice your adrenaline-filled sports.
They can reach a speed of 25-27 miles per hour.
However, some of them can come designed with V-toon hulls. Wondering what that is?
With these boats, the middle pontoon is designed in a way that keeps it at a lower elevation than the other two. This way, it can mimic a V-shaped hull and get to planing speed faster than a regular pontoon.
After this modification, these pontoons can reach a speed of 35-40 miles per hour.
Luxury Pontoons
Say that you’re not a person who enjoys fishing or water sports.
Luxury pontoons have many features that make them perfect for lounging or swimming. You should find an extended deck space for more people, suitable furniture, and unmatched boat stability.
Same as fishing pontoons, they don’t need the fastest speed to give you what you need. However, you can settle for a speed of about 20 miles per hour to add some fun to your onboard party.
Wrapping Up
You can find endless ways to increase a pontoon boat speed. It’s all a matter of choosing the perfect speed that suits your needs and going straight ahead from there.
There’s no wonder why pontoon boats have earned their spot as one of the most sought-out boats. They can host many activities and are flexible when it comes to improving their speed.