pontoon boat site

Have you ever wondered how the pontoon boat got its name. Pontoons are cylindrical objects with the ability to float on water, and due to this characteristic, they are often used for large structures that are require to stay float. They are used in buildings and bridges that have to achieve this objective, whether permanently or temporarily. With such a useful trait, it was not long before some individuals hooked onto the idea of using pontoons to construct vessels that could stay afloat on water and transport humans and goods as well. The end result was the pontoon boat. ⁵

Pontoon boats are a great family boat. Some come with seating or you can take your lounge chairs, BBQ grill and mini-fridge and really enjoy a day on the lake or river.¹

Heads up, everyone - here comes the Party Barge! Pontoon boats are a great way to kick back and relax and enjoy cruising in protected waters. Some of the deluxe models are very comfortable. Just don't ever take these boats where there's a possibility of high waves.³

Pontoon boats are generally lightweight and powered by an outboard motor with a range from 10 to 300 horsepower, depending on the money want to spend. Length frequently ranges from 16 to 25.5 feet (4.9 to 7.8 meters). Due to their construction, pontoon boats should only be operated in calm, protected waters such as lakes and slow moving rivers. Their shallow draft also allow them to be berthed at just about any beach. The versatile pontoon boat is widely known as the "party boat". The pontoon boat's design maximizes space while its slow paced, meandering nature facilitates socializing.⁴

A simple pontoon boat will normally not have any protective railings around its peripheral, as they are used for recreational or even patrolling purposes in neighboring rivers or swamps. However, there are an increasing number of boats which are fitted with railings as a precautionary measure. Some of these pontoon boats even have a mini shelter or cabin built over them, for those who prefer a more sheltered design. Again the designs are kept simple because of the nature of use for these boats. At the same time many prefer getting pontoon boats due to their lower cost and they can be a great vehicle for a family trip or gathering down by the lake or river. These vehicles are also much smaller in size and easier to manage and maintain.⁵

Harris Pontoon Boat Manufacturing of Fort Wayne, IN was a pioneering pontoon builder with the Harris Flote-Bote. In the late 1960's Harris rocked the pontoon boat community by installing deluxe upholstered pontoon furniture on their pontoon boats. Two of the most impressive features of new pontoon boats are the consoles which are similar to what you'd find on an expensive cruiser and of course the pontoon furniture and seating which has evolved from very little pontoon seats to the fully furnished pontoon interiors seen today on new pontoon boats. While there are many types and sizes of pontoon boats all of them come standard with deluxe upholstered pontoon boat furniture. The pontoon boat also has a large seating capacity that sets the pontoon boat apart from other types of boats. With a pontoon boat you can enjoy water sports such as skiing and tubing and you can also fish, cruise and entertain large groups of people comfortably.¹⁰

Because of this, anglers in search of trout and fishing holes that aren't over-fished, frequently resort to floating the rivers in Montana. And for the solo angler, few boats match the versatility and cost of a pontoon boat. Pontoon boats provide the solo angler an easy, and affordable, method to fish mile after mile of river in Montana (or elsewhere, for the matter). There are, in essence, four different types of pontoon boats available that an angler can purchase. While the looks of the boats and features on the boats can vary remarkably among manufacturers, all the boats in the end can be broken down into four types.¹¹

Pontoon boats are great for slow, ambling trips through calm water. Pontoon boats are often called party boats because they're perfect for large numbers of people to gather on and safe enough at slow speeds or when anchored to act as a traveling deck. Some pontoon boats have enclosures built onto them with upholstered seating and tables. Others are just plain and flat (with a rail of some sort around the edges, of course) and boaters can use lawn chairs to sit out. Pontoons are not to be confused with deck boats, though. Deck boats do not use the pontoon design and never have the open space of a pontoon.¹⁴

Pontoon boats do not make good sea boats! Do not attempt to take them out into the open sea. They are stable, but when the waves grow beyond a foot or two, you will find that pontoon boats will flood and you might have your furniture washed out to sea and put lives in danger!¹⁵

Performance boats are the sleek sports cars of the boating world, offering high speeds and precise handling to boaters who prefer their thrills full throttle. Marrying big horsepower with sleek hulls results in boats that are equally at home slicing through ocean swells or tearing up inland lakes. Cranking offshore or simply relaxing in a cove, performance boats deliver lots of smiles per hour.¹⁷

Building Pontoon Boats

Of course if you've got some carpentry ability, you can tear down and rebuild an entire pontoon boat in a weekend or so. The process is pretty straight forward, most of the time required to restore your pontoon boat is in the tear down process. Removing the existing furniture, console, railing, side trim and carpeting/decking are the most time consuming and require the most effort. Now you may decide that your carpet and deck are in fine shape and that all you need to do is replace seating. If this is the case then re-building a pontoon boat is very simply.⁹

Owning a pontoon boat provides many opportunities for lake and river recreation. The options are many and varied. Whether you want to go fishing from your foldable pontoon boat, entertain your family and friends on your party barge or explore quiet waterways in solitude, a pontoon boat can provide the perfect platform. If you're still exploring the possibility of pontoon boat ownership you might want to try renting a boat before you buy. If you're already a pontoon boat owner you may be looking for a pontoon boat cover, a boat lift or parts and accessories.¹³