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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NEW PONTOON
The popularity of pontoons continues to soar. They are more sporty, convenient, reliable and easier to use than ever. Pontoons might be the most versatile boat ever made. Whether your game is towing water toys and skiers, fishing or entertaining guests for a calm evening cruise, almost any pontoon can get the job done.
Perhaps you’re looking for your first pontoon or maybe it’s time to upgrade to a bigger one with more conveniences. Here are some considerations for comparison shopping to make sure you’re happy with your new pontoon for years to come.
Log or tube size
Pontoons are available with optional logs that have larger diameters. The bigger logs keep the deck a bit higher above the water, but more importantly provide more surface area, which facilitates getting the boat on plane and up to speed. This is most noticeable when pulling a skier or two or a passel of kids on a water toy.
Third log
A huge trend is boaters opting for a third, center log. This basically adds a center keel and even more buoyancy and is a great add-on if you’re a fan of speed as boats with the third log are rated for high-horsepower outboards. The third log also makes the boat ready for bigger water as it helps the boat get up and over bigger waves. You should consider a third log especially if you often take several people along or boat on bigger waters.
Accessories
Some accessories come standard on some pontoons and some are optional, but all are worth considering. Like music? Sound systems with bluetooth connectivity might be for you. While any pontoon usually has room for extra coolers, perhaps you’d prefer to have a cooler that doubles as a seat. If you’re part of an all-day-on-the-lake family, a changing area provides privacy for getting out of swimsuits and into dry clothes. Also, consider lighting options such as an LED system to illuminate the floor.
Layouts
Most models offer lots of cushioned seating for the crew to lounge, and the furniture layout that best suits you is personal preference. You can choose from rear facing lounges to relax and enjoy watersport action. Walk-thru designs provide clear and easy access throughout the pontoon. Walk-thru windshield designs provide additional wind resistance and style. Extended deck models provide more room on the bow or aft for additional water fun space. Also consider a bimini top that easily sets up for sun protection. Many pontoon owners prefer a double Bimini set-up that delivers even more shade. Another popular option is a full enclosure to keep the bugs out and make it easy to camp overnight aboard the boat.
Fish-ability
While any pontoon can take folks out fishing, options such as a livewell, a front electric trolling motor and fish-finding sonar turn the pontoon into an angling machine. Fishing layouts can include under-furniture rod storage; some anglers add rod holders under a pontoon’s hardtop. Owners of boats with front electric trolling motors often choose a layout that puts two chairs right up front so anglers can sit side-by-side, fish and take turns running the trolling motor. Options for anglers include fish-cleaning stations and cabinets that can be dedicated to stowing tackle boxes and other gear.
Technology
Along with an awesome entertainment sound system, you might want autopilot and a smart screen to monitor your outboard, fuel system and batteries. Some front trolling motors have autopilot capability and can keep you on track when slowly cruising. Additionally, you might want high-end chart-plotting electronics and fish finders (some units offer both). A chartplotter helps find fishing spots and your way back to the ramp or marina.
Trailering
Pontoons are often considered the boat that stays in the water for the whole boating season, but they are easily trailerable if you don’t own a cottage or lake property or want to lease a slip. Buying a new pontoon is a good time to get your best deal on a trailer.
Most of today’s pontoons offer limited lifetime warranties that reflect how well they are built. Choose what you want now, and you’ve got that longtime family pleaser ready to hit the water and deliver, well, all different kinds of fun.
The popularity of pontoons continues to soar. They are more sporty, convenient, reliable and easier to use than ever. Pontoons might be the most versatile boat ever made. Whether your game is towing water toys and skiers, fishing or entertaining guests for a calm evening cruise, almost any pontoon can get the job done.
Perhaps you’re looking for your first pontoon or maybe it’s time to upgrade to a bigger one with more conveniences. Here are some considerations for comparison shopping to make sure you’re happy with your new pontoon for years to come.
Log or tube size
Pontoons are available with optional logs that have larger diameters. The bigger logs keep the deck a bit higher above the water, but more importantly provide more surface area, which facilitates getting the boat on plane and up to speed. This is most noticeable when pulling a skier or two or a passel of kids on a water toy.
Third log
A huge trend is boaters opting for a third, center log. This basically adds a center keel and even more buoyancy and is a great add-on if you’re a fan of speed as boats with the third log are rated for high-horsepower outboards. The third log also makes the boat ready for bigger water as it helps the boat get up and over bigger waves. You should consider a third log especially if you often take several people along or boat on bigger waters.
Accessories
Some accessories come standard on some pontoons and some are optional, but all are worth considering. Like music? Sound systems with bluetooth connectivity might be for you. While any pontoon usually has room for extra coolers, perhaps you’d prefer to have a cooler that doubles as a seat. If you’re part of an all-day-on-the-lake family, a changing area provides privacy for getting out of swimsuits and into dry clothes. Also, consider lighting options such as an LED system to illuminate the floor.
Layouts
Most models offer lots of cushioned seating for the crew to lounge, and the furniture layout that best suits you is personal preference. You can choose from rear facing lounges to relax and enjoy watersport action. Walk-thru designs provide clear and easy access throughout the pontoon. Walk-thru windshield designs provide additional wind resistance and style. Extended deck models provide more room on the bow or aft for additional water fun space. Also consider a bimini top that easily sets up for sun protection. Many pontoon owners prefer a double Bimini set-up that delivers even more shade. Another popular option is a full enclosure to keep the bugs out and make it easy to camp overnight aboard the boat.
Fish-ability
While any pontoon can take folks out fishing, options such as a livewell, a front electric trolling motor and fish-finding sonar turn the pontoon into an angling machine. Fishing layouts can include under-furniture rod storage; some anglers add rod holders under a pontoon’s hardtop. Owners of boats with front electric trolling motors often choose a layout that puts two chairs right up front so anglers can sit side-by-side, fish and take turns running the trolling motor. Options for anglers include fish-cleaning stations and cabinets that can be dedicated to stowing tackle boxes and other gear.
Technology
Along with an awesome entertainment sound system, you might want autopilot and a smart screen to monitor your outboard, fuel system and batteries. Some front trolling motors have autopilot capability and can keep you on track when slowly cruising. Additionally, you might want high-end chart-plotting electronics and fish finders (some units offer both). A chartplotter helps find fishing spots and your way back to the ramp or marina.
Trailering
Pontoons are often considered the boat that stays in the water for the whole boating season, but they are easily trailerable if you don’t own a cottage or lake property or want to lease a slip. Buying a new pontoon is a good time to get your best deal on a trailer.
Most of today’s pontoons offer limited lifetime warranties that reflect how well they are built. Choose what you want now, and you’ve got that longtime family pleaser ready to hit the water and deliver, well, all different kinds of fun.
