Pontoons are some of the most popular boats in the world today. They have gained attention from families everywhere because of their features, abilities, and comfort. And, pontoons in today’s world aren’t what they used to be.
Pontoon boats are no longer “your grandparent’s pontoon” with very little performance and luxury features. Modern pontoons are built to deliver the ultimate experience for hours on the water. You may be wondering, what makes these pontoons so popular?
Let’s review the top five reasons that people love pontoon boats. These are the driving factors that lead families to purchase a pontoon over any other kind of boat that is available.
1. Quality and Comfort
The first reason that families find themselves loving a pontoon boat is the extreme comfort delivered by premium quality. Pontoons are built to be the most comfortable boats on the market, and they accomplish that without a doubt. Think of the modern-day pontoon as a, “living room on the water”.
From the captain’s seat to the bow and stern seats, you’ll find premium comfort. The high level of comfort coupled with innovative amenities allows you to cruise in comfort. To add to the overall comfort, pontoons are much more spacious than other boats.
Guests can easily maneuver around the boat while idling. You and any guest on board will be sure to enjoy your time on a pontoon with the comfort and quality.
2. Versatility
Pontoons are very versatile compared to other boats. When you look at other boats, such as towboats, they are built to deliver a great experience of watersports. However, you probably won’t enjoy fishing on that same boat. And, vice versa for a fishing boat.
Many boats are highly specialized, which is great for families who only plan on enjoying one activity. For those who want to enjoy a wide range of activities, a pontoon is the perfect choice.
On a pontoon, you can wakeboard, water ski, tube, and foil with ease. On that same boat, you can also fish or entertain guests. Whatever you choose to do with your day on the water is up to you and your limitations are minimal.
Along with all the activities that are possible, pontoons also perform very well in several environments. If you’re going to boat on rougher water such as the big lakes or Intracoastal, it is worth it to opt for a tri-toon model rather than a bi-toon. Adding the third toon will make your ride smoother and your boat more buoyant.
Because of the versatility of these boats, many families find themselves choosing a pontoon over any other kind of boat. Not many boats can compete with the versatility of a pontoon boat.
3. Family and Pet Friendly
Another reason families enjoy their pontoons is because they are pet friendly. “What exactly does this mean” you’re probably wondering. Pontoons are typically built with two-three access doors throughout the boat. These doors make loading on and off the boat easy and safe for children, pets, and adults.
Along with the benefit of having doors to easily get into the boat, pontoons have flat decks with an open area. The flat deck with the open area makes moving throughout the boat an easy task. There’s no need to step down or up to move throughout the boat, which makes it easy for everyone onboard.
Many pontoons feature a rail system that wraps around the exterior of the boat which makes it easy to keep small children and pets inside the boat. This system alleviates stress and allows you to relax while enjoying time on the water.
Some pontoons have pet-friendly features. Barletta Pontoon Boats are a good example of this. Standard features throughout all of these boats ensure your pet enjoys their time on the water just as much as you.
Children, pets, and adults alike can all enjoy a day on the water with the comfort and safety of a pontoon boat. Many families love their pontoons because of these great features.
4. Ability to Operate in Shallow Water
Another beneficial reason that draws families to choose a pontoon boat is their ability to go wherever on the lake. Pontoons are equipped with outboard motors which gives captains the ability to adjust the trim of the motor. In shallow water, you can trim up and scoot through without worrying about any damage to your boat.
This is a great feature for families who live in a shallow area. Deeper V-hull boats can be damaged by shallow water. Pontoons can slowly cruise through shallow water if the captain is driving slowly and trimming the motor appropriately.
Since pontoons are built with toons, you can also beach your boat a bit in the front. This is a great feature for those who enjoy spending time at sandbars. You can turn your motor off and raise it completely out of the water to keep it out of harm’s way. All while the front of the toons are slightly in the sand.
5. Easy Operation
Pontoons are very easy to drive and operate. These boats are very popular for new boaters as well as lifetime boaters because of this reason. The outboard motor allows you to navigate the water with ease.
Other boats, such as inboards or jet drives can be difficult to drive because of the way they propel the boat, especially in reverse. Pontoons make moving forward and in reverse very easy and intuitive. This makes reversing out of a boat lift or parking a pontoon much easier than any other boat.
Not to forget about cruising and driving around the lake, pontoons are easy to operate and comfortable for all guests. As a driver, you typically don’t have to worry about taking a surf wave over the front of the boat because a pontoon will just float over it. The ease of operation allows for a relaxing day on the water.
Is a Pontoon Right for You?
After reviewing the top five reasons that have led thousands of families to choose a pontoon for their boat, is it right for you and your family? These boats are very popular because of these reasons and have led to hours of smiling faces out on the water.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable boat in the industry, a pontoon fits that narrative. Along with the maximum versatility of these boats, family and pet-friendliness, ability to operate in shallow water, and the ease of operation have made this boat the ultimate boat for hours in the sun.
