Pontoon Boat Layouts Explained | Which One is Best for You?

“Pontoon boats aren’t what they used to be”. We’ve heard this phrase time and time again as people flock to the innovations and designs of newer boats. One great innovation for pontoon manufacturers today is utilizing versatility in the floorplans.  

Pontoon floorplans have evolved to be more accommodating and comfortable than they have ever been before. With these new innovations and designs, it may be difficult to know what floorplan is best for you and your family. 

Lucky for you, we’re here to help lead you in the right direction. Let’s discuss the different floorplans with examples from Barletta and Crest and how to choose the right one for you and your family.  

What Activities Are Important? 

Pontoon boats are no longer built to be the slowest and most boring boats on the water. With recent updates and designs, pontoons are built to be the ultimate boat for many families enjoying time on the water. With customizations and versatility, they are now considered “living rooms on the water”. 

Is Entertaining Important? 

You’re in luck if entertaining and hosting guests on your boat is important. Pontoons are, by far, the best boats in the industry for entertainment because of the ease of accessibility, open seating, and convenient features.  

Arguably, every pontoon is great for entertaining guests, at least to a point. Though, there are some floorplans that are better suited for these families. 

Best Floorplans

For those who plan on entertaining guests and families out on the water, you should check out floorplans that include a few features. One feature that makes entertaining more fun is a built-in table. Many pontoon brands offer a floorplan with a bar or table which allows you to bring snacks and drinks out on the water. 

Along with a table, a larger boat is likely going to be a better fit. The larger the boat, the more capacity it will have so therefore, you’ll be able to bring your friends along. Some boats that would be a good fit for this lifestyle are: 

• Barletta – Meridian-Lounge 
• Barletta – Ultra-Lounge 
• Barletta – Ultra-Entertainer 
• Barletta – Quad-Lounge 
• Crest – SLC  
• Crest – SLS 
• Crest – SLSC 
• Crest – SLRC 
• Crest – L 

Is Lounging Important? 

Do you plan on relaxing on the boat? Maybe parking at the sandbar and taking a nap in the sun. If this sounds like you, a pontoon is going to be a great option for you and your family. Between the comfortable seating and amenities, a pontoon is the ultimate boat for lounging and relaxing.  

Pontoons were originally crafted to be slow-moving and relaxing boats. Even with all the innovations and changes, these boats are perfect for that. There’s not always a reason to drive fast around the lake. Sometimes slow and comfortable is the better option.  

Best Floorplans

Several floorplans are perfect for those who want to spend the majority of the time lounging on the boat. Floorplans that are built with an open lounging area in the rear are the most comfortable.  

However, an open lounging area in the stern is not required to guarantee the perfect layout lounging.  Quad chaise loungers can also be very comfortable, all while providing more seats for more guests onboard. 

Some great layouts that would work for these families include: 

• Barletta – Quad-Lounge 
• Barletta – Ultra-Lounge 
• Barletta – Meridian-Lounge
• Crest – SLC 
• Crest – SLS 
• Crest – SLSC 
• Crest – L 

Is Fishing Important? 

Did you know that there are pontoons that are built specifically for families who enjoy fishing? That’s right, many pontoon brands today offer layouts featuring some of the best fishing amenities. This way you can enjoy the boat and when you want, it’s ready for fishing. 

If fishing is a common activity that you and your family enjoy, checking out a fishing model pontoon is a good idea. These boats will accommodate those wanting to fish but will still provide the comfort of a pontoon.  

Best Floorplans

The pontoon layouts that are going to be the best for those wanting to fish will have features specifically for fishing. Some of these features include fishing seats in either the bow or stern of the boat. Some fishing models even have live wells, rod holders, and tackle centers.  

These features will allow you to enjoy the benefits of a fishing boat along with the comfort of a pontoon. Some of boat layouts that would be perfect for these families are: 

• Barletta – Cast-n-Cruise 
• Crest – SF 
• Crest – C4 

Are Water Sports Important? 

The innovations and technology that has been brought to the world of pontoons has allowed these boats to perform well for many water sports. Not all water sports are safe to do behind a pontoon but there are many that are perfectly safe.  

If you’re a fan of tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, or foiling, a pontoon could be the perfect option for you. Pontoons are built with bigger motors than ever before which makes them fully capable of pulling someone on a tube or ski. Pontoons have gained popularity in this segment because of their ample space and comfort for those watching from inside the boat. 

Best Floorplans

Many floorplans work for those who enjoy water sports. However, some are better than others. To start, you’ll need to have a boat big enough to hold a larger motor that can successfully pull a tube, ski, or wakeboard. 

Along with the size and construction, you’ll also want to make sure there’s storage for your boards or skis. Center toon storage is a great addition for those wanting to take skis and wakeboards out on the water.  

One final addition that would make water sports better on a pontoon is the addition of an arch. Depending on the brand and model, archs are available as an upgradable option. These will enhance the experience of those participating in some of the water sports.  

The floorplans that are great for families full of water sports enthusiasts include: 

• Barletta – Quad-Lounge with Sports-Stern and Arch 
• Barletta – Ultra-Lounge and Arch 
• Barletta – Meridian-Lounge and Arch 
• Crest – SLC 
• Crest – SLS 
• Crest – SLSC 
• Crest – L 

The Perfect Floorplan 

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. The best way to choose the right layout for you and your family is to research your favorite activities and go from there. This article offers insight into which floorplans are better suited for different activities.  

From here, your next step is to see the boats for yourself. Sit in the boat and picture your family in it. This will help determine which floorplan is the best fit for your new pontoon boat. Stop by your local Action Water Sports to check out these great options.