Who would have predicted the explosive growth and popularity of the pontoon boat?
Real pontoon boaters do it all.
Who would have predicted the explosive growth and popularity of the pontoon boat? Long a family-favorite boat type that served as an economical means of getting the crowd afloat, pontoons now also represent high-powered fun and conspicuous consumption. Notice that I wrote the word “also.”
I used that adverb intentionally. While simple, low-powered and inexpensive pontoons are still available, even a “big-dollar” multiengine pontoon remains a great value for family boaters. One big reason is capacity. I can’t think of another boat type that can safely carry so many people per foot of length. Compared to an equivalently powered runabout of comparable length, a pontoon boat costs about as much but can usually safely and legally carry a larger crew of friends and family. And boy does a ’toon offer the deck space for milling around and lounging about.
Pontoons also prove versatile. Builders even offer specialized versions, equipped to maximize enjoyment by offering tailored design and equipment lists for watersports, fishing, luxury entertaining and higher speeds.
But simple or elaborate, dedicated to an activity or meant for general use, a pontoon boat is still a boat, and we are required to operate it safely. If you are new to boating and considering a pontoon boat—many new boaters are attracted to the great versatility of these craft—please enroll in a boating-safety course. These are offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons, which you can Google for more information. Besides gaining knowledge and confidence, attending a class will introduce you to other boaters in your area, with whom you can share tips, buying experiences and adventures.
If you prefer, courses approved by your state or province can be taken online. Visit BoatU.S. for a listing at boatus.org/free.
Whether you choose an actual class or an online class, the registration fee is nominal. The experience, like that of owning a pontoon boat, is priceless.
While simple, low-powered and inexpensive pontoons are still available, even a “big-dollar” multiengine pontoon remains a great value for family boaters.