Pontoon boats are a popular choice for recreational boating, and for good reason. They’re stable, easy to maneuver, and can accommodate a large number of people. But
In this blog post, we’ll answer that question and provide some additional information about pontoon boat draft. We’ll also discuss how draft affects the performance of your pontoon boat and what you can do to reduce your boat’s draft if necessary.
So How Much Do Pontoon Boats Draft?
Pontoon boats typically have a draft of 2-3 feet. This means that they can only be used in water that is at least that deep. Pontoon boats with a shallow draft are available, but they are not as stable as boats with a deeper draft.
How Much Do Pontoon Boats Draft?
What is Draft?
Draft is the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of a boat. It is a critical measurement for pontoon boats, as it affects the boat’s performance, handling, and stability.
How Much Draft Do Pontoon Boats Need?
The amount of draft a pontoon boat needs depends on a number of factors, including the boat’s size, weight, and intended use. Generally speaking, smaller pontoon boats with a shallow draft are more maneuverable and easier to tow, while larger pontoon boats with a deeper draft are more stable and can handle rough water better.
How to Measure Pontoon Boat Draft
To measure the draft of a pontoon boat, you will need to:
1. Find the waterline of the boat. The waterline is the point at which the boat is floating in the water.
2. Measure the distance from the waterline to the bottom of the boat. This is the boat’s draft.
What Affects Pontoon Boat Draft?
A number of factors can affect the draft of a pontoon boat, including:
The boat’s size:
Larger pontoon boats have a deeper draft than smaller pontoon boats.
The boat’s weight:
Heavier pontoon boats have a deeper draft than lighter pontoon boats.
The boat’s configuration:
Pontoon boats with a V-hull have a deeper draft than pontoon boats with a flat-bottom hull.
The boat’s accessories:
Pontoon boats with heavy accessories, such as a swim platform or a fishing tower, have a deeper draft than pontoon boats with fewer accessories.
How to Reduce Pontoon Boat Draft
If you are concerned about the draft of your pontoon boat, there are a few things you can do to reduce it:
Choose a smaller pontoon boat:
Smaller pontoon boats have a shallower draft than larger pontoon boats.
Remove heavy accessories:
Removing heavy accessories, such as a swim platform or a fishing tower, can reduce the draft of your pontoon boat.
Install a shallow-water kit:
A shallow-water kit is a set of pontoons that are designed to reduce the draft of a pontoon boat.
Conclusion
The draft of a pontoon boat is a critical measurement that affects the boat’s performance, handling, and stability. By understanding the factors that affect draft, you can choose a pontoon boat that is right for your needs.
Also Read: How Much Do Bennington Pontoon Boats Cost
FAQs about how much do pontoon boats draft
How much does a pontoon boat draft?
The draft of a pontoon boat is the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the pontoons. It is typically measured in inches or feet. The draft of a pontoon boat can vary depending on the size of the boat, the type of pontoons, and the amount of weight on board.
What is the average draft of a pontoon boat?
The average draft of a pontoon boat is around 12 inches. However, some pontoon boats can have a draft as shallow as 6 inches, while others can have a draft as deep as 24 inches.
What factors affect the draft of a pontoon boat?
The following factors can affect the draft of a pontoon boat:
The size of the boat: The larger the boat, the deeper the draft will be.
The type of pontoons: Pontoons come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The shape and size of the pontoons can affect the draft of the boat.
The amount of weight on board: The more weight on board, the deeper the draft will be.
How can I reduce the draft of my pontoon boat?
There are a few ways to reduce the draft of your pontoon boat:
Use smaller pontoons: Using smaller pontoons will reduce the overall draft of the boat.
Remove weight from the boat: Removing weight from the boat will also reduce the draft.
Install a draft reducing kit: A draft reducing kit can be installed on some pontoon boats to reduce the draft.
What is the maximum draft of a pontoon boat?
The maximum draft of a pontoon boat is typically around 24 inches. However, some pontoon boats can have a draft as deep as 36 inches.
Note:
The draft of a pontoon boat is important to consider when choosing a boat ramp. Make sure that the boat ramp has a sufficient depth to accommodate the draft of your boat.
