Most Popular Pontoon Boat Length: What You Need to Know

Pontoon boats can be as small as 15 feet or as big as over 30 feet long¹. It’s key to pick the right size for your needs, like storage, how many people you’ll carry, and what you plan to do on the water. This guide will help you find the best pontoon boat length for you.

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Key Takeaways

Pontoon boat sizes usually go from 18 to 30 feet, offering choices for various needs².
For big groups or lots of entertaining, look at boats 21 to 28 feet long².
Boats 18 to 20 feet are great for small groups or solo adventures².
For safe use in open water, choose a boat 24 feet or longer².
Focus on the boat’s weight capacity over how many people it can hold³.

Pontoon boats are getting more popular for their stability and versatility. They fit many water activities. Knowing the common sizes helps you pick the right one for your boating needs²³¹.

Introduction: Why Pontoon Boat Length Matters

Pontoon boats are a favorite for spending time on the water with loved ones. The length of a pontoon boat is key when picking one. Things like storage, how many people you’ll carry, and what you plan to do on the water affect the best size⁴. Picking the right size is crucial for a safe and comfy boating experience.

Factors Influencing Pontoon Boat Length

There are many things to think about when looking at pontoon boat sizes⁵. These boats can be from 15ft to 30ft long, and their size changes their weight⁵. The boat’s width, from 8 to 11 feet, affects how many people it can hold, from 9 to 18⁵. The size of the pontoon tubes, from 23″ to 30″, also matters for stability and how much weight it can carry.

Importance of Choosing the Right Size

⁴ When picking an engine for a pontoon boat, think about how you’ll use it, the water you’ll be on, and speed limits⁵. Pontoon boats usually go from 18-25mph, and some tricks can make them go faster⁶. It’s important to think about how you’ll use the boat, whether for fun, fishing, or family trips.

By thinking about what affects pontoon boat length, you can pick the best one for you. This way, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable time on the water⁴.

What is the Most Popular Length of Pontoon Boat?

pontoon boat length

Choosing the right pontoon boat isn’t easy because everyone has different needs. Pontoon boat sizes vary from 18 to 30 feet. The best size depends on how many people will be on board, the water you’ll be on, and what you plan to do on the boat².

There are about 10 different lengths of pontoon boats available. But, the choices can be fewer because different manufacturers offer different options³. For example, the Barletta L23U has a 23’6” tube length and a 25’6” deck length³. Adding the outboard engine can make the boat 2-3 feet longer³.

Longer pontoon boats can fit more people and store more stuff. They usually range from 20 to 25 feet long³. For big groups, go for a 21 to 28 feet long boat². If it’s just you or a few friends, an 18 to 20 feet long boat is enough². A boat 24 feet or longer is best for the ocean².

The best pontoon boat length is what you need and like. Think about how many people, what you’ll do, and where you’ll go. This way, you’ll find the perfect length for your boating fun³².

Capacity and Weight Considerations

Pontoon boats’ length affects how many people they can carry and the weight they can handle. Longer pontoon boats have more space and can carry more people than deck boats⁷. But, think about the total weight of everyone, gear, and supplies too.

Person Capacity vs. Weight Capacity

Pontoon boats vary in size, but the weight capacity is key to picking the right one. Some pontoon boats can go over 100 mph, and those 22 feet or longer are best for water sports⁷. They can handle big motors and stay stable at high speeds. Outboard motors are popular for their flexibility⁷.

Estimating Capacity Based on Length

Using a pontoon boat’s length to estimate its capacity is a good start, but focus on the weight limit. Tritoons offer more safety and smoothness, making them great for fast water sports⁷. They’re also good for shallow water, but you need skill to navigate very shallow areas⁷.

For fishing, you can customize pontoon boats with rod holders, live wells, and more. Adding these features helps with fishing. Knowing the pontoon boat capacity and pontoon boat weight capacity is crucial for safe and fun boating. It also helps keep your boat in good shape.

Water Body and Usage Factors

Choosing the right pontoon boat length depends on the water body you’ll be on. For calm lakes or rivers, a shorter pontoon boat is better. They are easier to maneuver and dock⁸. But, for the ocean’s rough waters, you’ll need a longer, more stable boat⁸.

Some places have rules on how big your boat can be⁸. Before buying, check the local rules for pontoon boat sizes in your area⁸. This ensures your boat fits the water and follows the law⁸.

Your pontoon boat should match the waters you’ll be on, whether it’s a lake, river, or ocean⁸. Think about this to get the best experience and stay safe on the water⁸.

Storage and Transportation

When picking a pontoon boat length, think about where you’ll store and transport it. Most pontoon boats are 8 to 10 feet long on a trailer⁹. This is key when checking your dock or storage area. Renting can save you 30-50% on storage costs⁹, which is great for those with little space.

Measuring for Dock and Storage Space

Make sure your pontoon boat fits in your dock or storage spot. Boat trailers vary in height, with bass boats at 6 to 7 feet tall, and ski/wakeboard boats at 6 to 8 feet⁹. Center consoles are 7 to 9 feet tall, and cabin cruisers 9 to 12 feet⁹. Measure your space well to fit the boat’s size, including T-tops that add 4 to 6 feet to the height⁹.

Towing Capacity and Trailer Considerations

Check your vehicle’s towing capacity to safely move your pontoon boat and trailer. Bunk-style and scissor trailers are often used for towing⁹. A 22-25 foot boat is about 10-13 feet tall on a trailer, and a 30-foot boat with radar can be up to 14 feet tall⁹. It’s crucial to know the bridge clearance for safe travel, considering the boat and trailer heights⁹. With most U.S. garage doors 9 to 12 feet tall⁹, ensure your boat and trailer fit in your storage.

If you’re tight on space, look into peer-to-peer storage like Neighbor⁹. This connects you with nearby boat owners who have extra space. Boat and trailer heights vary widely, so measuring and planning are key⁹.

Activities and Pontoon Boat Length

pontoon boat activities

Choosing the right pontoon boat size is key, especially if you’re into fishing. A bigger boat gives you more room and storage for your fishing gear¹⁰. For fishing or small waterways, a 7-foot wide, compact pontoon can fit up to six people comfortably¹⁰.

If you’re into water sports like skiing or wakeboarding, go for a longer, stable pontoon boat¹. These sports need a boat with at least 90 horsepower and enough space, usually 23 to 28 feet long¹.

For relaxing and sunbathing, a smaller pontoon with comfy seating and deck space is ideal¹. Boats between 17 and 22 feet are perfect for calm lakes and rivers¹.

It’s crucial to pick a pontoon boat that fits your needs and the water conditions for a safe, fun time on the water.Check out this detailed guide to help you decide.

Conclusion

Finding the best pontoon boat length depends on your unique needs and what you like¹¹. You should think about how many people will be on board, the size of the water you’ll be on, where you’ll store it, how you’ll get it there, and what you plan to do on it¹¹. With the right info and planning, you can pick the perfect pontoon boat for your adventures.

Pontoon boats are super customizable, thanks to brands like Avalon and Harris¹¹. They’re known for being very stable and easy to move around, which makes them one of the safest boats out there¹¹. They’re also great for fishing, with lots of space for casting and fishing setups¹¹¹².

When looking for a new or used pontoon boat, think about what you want from your time on the water¹². Picking the right size means you’ll have a great time, whether you’re cruising, fishing, or doing other water sports¹².