Pontoon boats sit low in the water, typically just a few inches above the surface. This makes them very stable and easy to maneuver, even in rough water. Pontoon boats are also very buoyant, so they can handle a lot of weight without sinking.
So
A pontoon boat sits approximately 2-3 feet in the water. This is because pontoon boats have a wide beam, which helps to distribute their weight and keep them afloat. The average pontoon boat is about 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, so it has a lot of surface area to displace water. This means that it doesn’t need to sit very deep in the water to stay afloat.
How Low Does a Pontoon Boat Sit in the Water?
The Importance of Draft
The draft of a boat is the distance from the waterline to the bottom of the boat. Pontoon boats typically have a shallow draft, which means that they sit relatively low in the water. This is beneficial for a number of reasons, including:
It makes them easier to launch and retrieve from a trailer:
Pontoon boats with a shallow draft can be launched and retrieved from a trailer without the need for a boat ramp. This can be a significant advantage, especially if you live in an area with limited access to boat ramps.
It allows them to navigate shallow water:
Pontoon boats with a shallow draft can easily navigate shallow water, such as rivers, creeks, and lakes. This makes them a great option for fishing, swimming, and other water activities in shallow areas.
It reduces the risk of grounding:
Pontoon boats with a shallow draft are less likely to ground than boats with a deep draft. This is because they have a smaller surface area that is in contact with the water.
The Average Draft of a Pontoon Boat
The average draft of a pontoon boat is around 2 feet. However, there is a wide range of draft sizes available, from boats with a draft of just a few inches to boats with a draft of more than 4 feet. The specific draft of a pontoon boat will depend on a number of factors, including:
The size of the boat
The type of pontoons
The amount of weight on the boat
How to Choose the Right Draft for Your Pontoon Boat
The right draft for your pontoon boat will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you plan to use your boat in shallow water, you will want a boat with a shallow draft. If you plan to use your boat in deep water, you will want a boat with a deeper draft.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right draft for your pontoon boat:
The type of water you will be boating in:
If you plan to boat in shallow water, you will want a boat with a shallow draft. If you plan to boat in deep water, you will want a boat with a deeper draft.
The size of the boat:
The larger the boat, the deeper the draft will be.
The amount of weight on the boat:
The more weight on the boat, the deeper the draft will be.
Conclusion
The draft of a pontoon boat is an important consideration for boaters. The right draft will allow you to safely navigate the water and enjoy your pontoon boat to the fullest.
Also Read: What Is The Best Prop Pitch For A Pontoon Boat
FAQs: How Low Does a Pontoon Boat Sit in the Water?
How much does a pontoon boat weigh?
The average pontoon boat weighs between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds. The weight of a pontoon boat depends on its size, construction materials, and features.
How deep does a pontoon boat need to be in the water?
A pontoon boat needs to be in at least 2 feet of water to float. However, the ideal water depth for a pontoon boat is between 3 and 4 feet.
How high does a pontoon boat sit out of the water?
The height of a pontoon boat out of the water depends on the size of the boat and the water depth. A pontoon boat that is in 2 feet of water will sit about 1 foot out of the water. A pontoon boat that is in 4 feet of water will sit about 2 feet out of the water.
What are the benefits of a pontoon boat that sits low in the water?
There are several benefits to owning a pontoon boat that sits low in the water. These benefits include:
Increased stability: A pontoon boat that sits low in the water is more stable than a boat that sits higher in the water. This is because the pontoons are closer to the water, which provides more buoyancy.
Improved handling: A pontoon boat that sits low in the water handles better than a boat that sits higher in the water. This is because the boat is less likely to tip over.
Easier to dock: A pontoon boat that sits low in the water is easier to dock than a boat that sits higher in the water. This is because the boat is less likely to hit the dock when it is coming in or going out.
What are the disadvantages of a pontoon boat that sits low in the water?
There are a few disadvantages to owning a pontoon boat that sits low in the water. These disadvantages include:
Reduced speed: A pontoon boat that sits low in the water is slower than a boat that sits higher in the water. This is because the boat has more drag.
Increased draft: A pontoon boat that sits low in the water has a deeper draft than a boat that sits higher in the water. This means that the boat needs more water to float.
More difficult to beach: A pontoon boat that sits low in the water is more difficult to beach than a boat that sits higher in the water. This is because the boat is more likely to get stuck on the sand.
