Pontoon boats come in a variety of sizes, from small 12-foot models to large 30-foot cruisers. The size of the boat you need will depend on the number of people you plan to carry, the type of activities you want to do on the water, and your budget.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different size pontoon boats available, the pros and cons of each size, and help you choose the right one for your needs.
So What Size Do Pontoon Boats Come In?
Pontoon boats come in a variety of sizes, from 12 feet to 40 feet. The most common size is between 20 and 24 feet. Pontoon boats are typically classified by length, beam, and draft. Length is the overall length of the boat, beam is the width of the boat, and draft is the depth of the boat when it is floating in the water.
Here is a table of common pontoon boat sizes:
| Length | Beam | Draft |
|—|—|—|
| 12 feet | 6 feet | 2 feet |
| 16 feet | 8 feet | 2.5 feet |
| 20 feet | 10 feet | 3 feet |
| 24 feet | 12 feet | 3.5 feet |
| 30 feet | 14 feet | 4 feet |
| 40 feet | 16 feet | 4.5 feet |
What Size Do Pontoon Boats Come In?
Pontoon Boat Length
Pontoon boats come in a variety of lengths, from 14 feet to 30 feet. The length of a pontoon boat will affect its performance, capacity, and price.
Performance:
A longer pontoon boat will be faster and more stable than a shorter pontoon boat. However, a longer pontoon boat will also be more difficult to maneuver and will require more power to operate.
Capacity:
A longer pontoon boat will be able to accommodate more people and cargo than a shorter pontoon boat. However, a longer pontoon boat will also have a larger draft, which will make it more difficult to launch and retrieve from a shallow ramp.
Price:
A longer pontoon boat will be more expensive than a shorter pontoon boat. This is because a longer pontoon boat requires more materials and labor to construct.
Pontoon Boat Beam
The beam of a pontoon boat is the width of the boat at its widest point. The beam of a pontoon boat will affect its stability, handling, and capacity.
Stability:
A wider pontoon boat will be more stable than a narrower pontoon boat. This is because a wider pontoon boat will have a lower center of gravity, which will make it less likely to capsize.
Handling:
A narrower pontoon boat will be more maneuverable than a wider pontoon boat. This is because a narrower pontoon boat will have a smaller turning radius.
Capacity:
A wider pontoon boat will be able to accommodate more people and cargo than a narrower pontoon boat. However, a wider pontoon boat will also have a larger draft, which will make it more difficult to launch and retrieve from a shallow ramp.
Pontoon Boat Draft
The draft of a pontoon boat is the depth of the boat below the waterline. The draft of a pontoon boat will affect its performance, handling, and capacity.
Performance:
A shallow-draft pontoon boat will be faster and more maneuverable than a deep-draft pontoon boat. However, a shallow-draft pontoon boat will also be less stable than a deep-draft pontoon boat.
Handling:
A shallow-draft pontoon boat will be easier to turn than a deep-draft pontoon boat. However, a shallow-draft pontoon boat will also be more susceptible to being pushed around by waves and wind.
Capacity:
A shallow-draft pontoon boat will be able to accommodate more people and cargo than a deep-draft pontoon boat. However, a shallow-draft pontoon boat will also have a smaller fuel capacity and a shorter range.
Choosing the Right Pontoon Boat Size
When choosing the right pontoon boat size, it is important to consider your needs and budget. If you plan on using your pontoon boat for fishing, you will need a boat that is long enough to accommodate your fishing gear and large enough to accommodate your passengers. If you plan on using your pontoon boat for watersports, you will need a boat that is fast and maneuverable. If you plan on using your pontoon boat for cruising, you will need a boat that is comfortable and spacious.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right pontoon boat size:
Your needs:
How many people will be using the boat? What activities will you be doing on the boat?
Your budget:
How much can you afford to spend on a pontoon boat?
Your skill level:
How experienced are you with boating?
Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your options. There are many great pontoon boats on the market, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
Also Read: Are Pontoon Boats Hard To Launch
FAQs About Pontoon Boat Sizes
What are the different sizes of pontoon boats?
Pontoon boats come in a variety of sizes, from 12 feet to 30 feet. The most common size is 20 feet, but you can find pontoon boats that are perfect for any size group or activity.
What is the best size pontoon boat for me?
The best size pontoon boat for you depends on your needs and the activities you plan to do on the boat. If you plan to use your pontoon boat for fishing, you will need a larger boat with more fishing space. If you plan to use your pontoon boat for cruising or watersports, you will need a smaller boat that is easier to maneuver.
How much does a pontoon boat cost?
The price of a pontoon boat varies depending on the size, brand, and features. Pontoon boats can range in price from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000.
What are the different features of pontoon boats?
Pontoon boats come with a variety of features, including different types of seating, fishing platforms, swim platforms, and more. You can choose a pontoon boat with the features that are most important to you.
How do I choose the right pontoon boat for me?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right pontoon boat for you. These include your budget, the activities you plan to do on the boat, and the size of your group. Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your options and find the perfect pontoon boat for you.
