Pontoon boats can be an excellent way to get out on the water and have some fun. Whether that's for a ride with the family, or for fishing, these boats prove to be quite versatile. Yet, some standard pontoon boats can be large and somewhat heavy to tow. Instead you also have the option to use small pontoon boats for your boating experience.
In many cases, these boats will offer more flexibility when navigating in lakes and ponds. Not to mention, a smaller boat will be a much more affordable option for those looking to get into boating on a budget. Here's a list of some of the best small pontoon boats available:
IMAGE
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
OUR #1 RATED
SUN TRACKER
BASS BUGGY 18 DLX
Small pontoon boat with stability for fishing and a wide spacious form factor with extra storage.
Pond King
Rebel Mini Pontoon
Mini pontoon boat for solo fishing as a "pond jumper" to get closer and reduce tedious long range casts.
Avalon
Eagle & Venture Fish
Luxury style small pontoon boats with fishing stations and lounge style chairs for a comfortable boat ride.
Bennington
S16 Narrow Beam
Small luxury style pontoon boat with a smooth interior and room for a family of four.
Tahoe Pontoon
Sport CRB / QL
Boat sized for small lakes, gas and electric motors, easy hauling, and 2 to 4 person sunset trips.
What Is A Small Pontoon Boat?
A small pontoon boat is a smaller sized version of a regular pontoon boat. The boats come in many different shapes and sizes for each kind of use. They break down into a few key categories:
Narrow: This type of pontoon boat works best for narrow rivers and streams. This way, you'll be able to navigate the challenging water much easier.
Compact: A compact pontoon boat fits best for families looking to get started on a budget. This combines luxury with affordability on the water. Not to mention, these small boats still feature many of the same comforts of a larger pontoon boat.
The following YouTube video from Sun Tracker shows their BASS BUGGY compact pontoon boat in action:
Mini: The lightest and smallest pontoon boats are the mini size. These work best for those looking to go on the water with 1 to 2 people max. Some larger mini pontoon boats can fit 3 to 4 people, yet it's a very tight fit. They'll fit a small amount of fishing gear, and there isn't much room for anything else!
The following YouTube video shows one of the smallest (if not THE smallest) mini pontoon boats available:
Why Use A Small Pontoon Boat?
Next, you may be wondering what the advantages are for using a small pontoon boat. Here's a list of the benefits to using this style of boat:
#1 - They're good for shallow water.
Pontoon boats work great for shallow water. Without a large v-shape hull, there's less space that the boat dips into the water. This is even more so the case with smaller boats. For those wanting to fish on a small pond, these are the perfect choice.
#2 - Great if you're on a budget.
Boats can be expensive. From the initial purchase, to the insurance and maintenance, you'll have less costs with a smaller boat. The size and price matches best for beginners looking to get started with their first boat.
#3 - Easier to maneuver.
This goes the same for most vehicles, on both water and land. The smaller the boat the easier it is to move on the water, get on the trailer, and dock. Some beginner boaters can get intimidated by large boats so this can be a great alternative.
#4 - Lighter weight for towing.
One of the most challenging aspects to getting a new boat can be transporting it. With small pontoon boats, they have less weight and thus are easier to tow. You can read more about pontoon boat weights to make sure your vehicle is good for the job.
#5 - Better for the environment.
Many smaller pontoon boats come equipped with small motors, and therefore put out lower emissions. In addition, many work with electric motors or even pedal power with little to no environmental harm.
#6 - Easier to store.
Along with transport, storage of boats can also be a frustrating task. With a smaller boat, it takes up less space whether that's at a marina or your backyard dock. Some mini pontoon boats even fit inside a standard garage like a golf cart or kayak.
#7 - No worry for horsepower restrictions.
Many coastal areas, lakes, and rivers have horsepower restrictions for boating. This bans some boats from being used in some areas. In this case you wouldn't have to worry as much since you'll be well under the engine size limits.
How Do I Choose A Small Pontoon Boat?
In order to choose a small pontoon boat, it's essential to determine the size that suits your needs. There's the narrow, compact, and mini pontoon boat sizes. Each kind fits best for different people. As a general guideline:
- Narrow: For navigating narrow lakes and rivers.
- Compact: A budget luxury option for families and fishing.
- Mini: A small 1-2 or 3-4 person raft for fishing and cruising.
Buy a pontoon boat that matches what you're able to tow. Even with a lighter boat, this is an important factor that some people somewhat neglect. If your vehicle can't properly tow your boat, it will cause serious engine, transmission, and braking issues. You can read the guide on pontoon boat weights to better understand how to do this.
Choose a pontoon boat that's well made so it lasts. Most manufacturers designing boats include a warranty along with purchase. If buying used, be sure to inspect each element of the boat so that there isn't anything wrong with it. Overall, most pontoon boats are built strong and last for many years.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a small pontoon boat:
- Ensure you choose the right size boat.
- Buy a boat that your vehicle can tow.
- Choose a pontoon boat that is well made.
What Are The Best Small Pontoon Boats?
We've looked at a range of small pontoon boats and have selected five boats. The main things we've looked at are quality, price, and sizing. We've reviewed these five pontoon boats and listed the pros and cons for each boat.
our #1 rated
SUN TRACKER
BASS BUGGY 18 DLX
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX is available in a few different colors and sizes. It's their best selling fishing boat and includes a wide, spacious yet stable platform on the water. There's even an electric version labeled the "ET" model. Not to mention, there's loads of under seat storage for keeping the boating essentials stowed away.
Customers who purchased this boat liked that it's easier to load than other larger boats. People said that it was handicap accessible with the gate on the side. Customers also said that their pontoon boat was quite versatile for many uses.
Some customers who purchased this boat found that they still preferred a bass boat for fishing. A few people commented that it can be difficult to reverse with a small motor. Some other people wondered if it would be a saltwater ready barge, since every photo and video is on a lake or river.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Pond King
Rebel Mini Pontoon
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Pond King Rebel Mini Pontoon comes in the tan color. The boat works as a portable pond jumper that fits right in the back of a truck. It features 100% aluminum welded construction with a tread plate deck for non-skid. The lightweight boat extends out with two trays, and includes wheels for getting it down to the water.
Customers who purchased this boat said that it had very high build quality and crafting. People said that it works great even for those larger and over 300 pounds. Customers also said that they liked how it expands outward for extra room during use, yet compacts for transport.
Some people who purchased this boat said it was too small for fitting all their fishing gear. A few customers who used this mini pontoon boat said that they wished it was a bit cheaper. Other customers reported that it was more of a mobile dock than a boat.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Avalon
Eagle & Venture Fish
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Eagle & Venture Fish made by Avalon comes in many colors and size options. Avalon provides an experience that works for leisure, fishing, and fun with the family. It also has space for larger groups in a compact, yet affordable size.
Customers who purchased this boat found it to be fast and comfortable. Some people even said that it was like a Cadillac on water. Other customers commented that their boats are of excellent craftsmanship and better than expected.
A few customers who purchased on of these boats said that getting replacement parts for repairs was a pain. Some other customers also mentioned that their customer service was no the best. A few customers reported that their pontoons had begun to crack at the welds.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Bennington
S16 Narrow Beam
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Bennington S16 Narrow Beam pontoon boat comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. This boat combines luxury feel with affordability, and size to fit a family. Bennington also offers this in the narrow version to make it easier to maneuver around tight waters.
Customers who purchased this boat said that it was quite fast on the water despite its size. People said that they liked the level of quality in the stitching on the seats. Customers also said that there was plenty of storage inside the boat.
Many people who used this boat found that it was kind of expensive for a pontoon boat. Some customers also said that the boat worked well for most conditions, some not so much. Other customers commented that the boat had little to no reviewers on it.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Tahoe Pontoon
Sport CRB / QL
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Tahoe Pontoon Sport CRB / QL comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. The boat fits well for cruising small lakes with easy hauling for its light weight. It also features anodized railings with aluminum seat bases for a durable build.
People who purchased this boat said that it was designed well. Some customers said that they liked the compact feel of their boat. Other people said that they had no problems or issues with their boat.
Some customers who own a Tahoe boat said that their cover had two spots that allowed rain water to get in. A few customers said that their upholstery was not well done. Other people also said that boat cover lasted only a couple years and then dilapidated.
PROS
CONS
To Conclude
Each boat we've reviewed works for those looking to get into boating on a budget. All the boats mentioned feature a smaller frame, tow weight, and an easier time when storing it in the off-season.
After comparing all the boats, the best small pontoon boat is the SUN TRACKER BASS BUGGY 18 DLX.
This boat works well for both family cruising and for people who like to go fishing. It is more maneuverable than larger pontoon boats and has lots of under seat storage. We also like the fact that it has options for gas or an electric motor. Either way this boat will offer fun for families on the water, and at an affordable price point.