Advantages and Disadvantages of Pontoon Boats
Are you thinking about purchasing a pontoon boat? There’s no denying the fact that pontoon boats have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. Their unique dual (or triple) pontoon design offers a fresh alternative to traditional boating. It’s an otherwise simple concept that’s really changed the face of modern-day boating.
Origins of The Pontoon Boat
Ambrose Weeres of Minnesota is credited with inventing the motorized pontoon boat. In 1952, the former farmer placed wooden platforms on steel barrels and welded the contraction to his boat. The use of pontoon-like platforms made Weeres’ boat more stable. He built a few different boats using this method and sold them through various boat dealers. Weeres’ pontoon boat was a hit, and the craze soon spread across the country and throughout the world.
Advantages of Pontoon Boats:
Holds value well over time. Due to the steady demand for pontoon boats, they seem to hold their value better than other boats, making them a financially smart investment.
Stability. Pontoon boats offer greater stability under normal conditions.
Family friendly. Pontoon boats are the perfect vessel for taking the family out on the lake. The large, spacious floorboard and accommodating seating allows people of all ages to comfortably enjoy the unique experience boating experience.
Versatility. Whether it’s fishing, tubing, or just enjoying a day out on the lake, pontoon boats are incredibly versatile.
Economical. Most seasoned boaters will agree that pontoons are cheaper to operate and maintain. This is due in part to the fact that they use less fuel, which is huge benefit of its own given today’s ever-increasing fuel prices.
Storage space. Of course, pontoon boats offer plenty of storage space – something that other boats tend to lack.
Disadvantages of Pontoon Boats:
Speed restrictions. You probably aren’t going to win any races on a pontoon boat. If you’re looking for a boat that’s capable of towing skiers, you should skip the pontoons for this reason.
Lack of performance in rough waters. This is another “potential” disadvantage of operating a pontoon boat. Granted, some models are better equipped to handle rough waters than others, but they generally come up short when riding through rough waters.
To recap, the only real disadvantage of owning a pontoon boat is its lack of speed and performance/handling in rough waters. When compared to all its advantages, however, it’s easy to see why so many people choose pontoons.
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