Boating Newsletter 4

Pontoon boats: Big and lots of fun

This special kind of boat is, as the old saying goes, a horse of a different color. Pontoon boats are specifically designed for entertaining friends and enjoying a leisurely day on the lake. As design and engine power have improved, some people also use their pontoon boat as a ski boat. But most shop for and purchase this type of craft for a limited type of use - sitting back and relaxing. To find out more about pontoon boats, go to www.boating.cooloolabusiness.com. For right now, read the following overview.

How big are pontoon boats?

Manufacturers identify their different lines by size and purpose. For instance, a pontoon boat may be a touring boat, a sport boat or a luxury pontoon craft. But a luxury boat might have an overall length of 25 feet to 30 feet, with a deck that is 10 feet wide. Some of these larger craft will hold 15 to 20 people comfortably. The smaller touring model might be about 20 feet to 24 feet in length and hold 12 to 14 people on a sunny afternoon. The sport pontoon can be about the same size as the touring model, perhaps a few feet shorter, and might hold as many people.

What is a deck boat?

This type of boat can combine the open deck of a pontoon boat with the performance and appearance of the more traditional ski or speedboat. For example, a typical deck boat may be 22 feet long and provide 200 horsepower with the proper outboard engine. The spacious floor plan is similar to that of a luxury or touring pontoon boat.

Is a pontoon boat very expensive?

In fact, smaller pontoon boats can be purchased for about $8,000 with motor, though more luxurious models are available. Outboard boats tend to have some bow rise, but this is not as much of a problem with a pontoon boat as with ski and fishing boats. This is often a good way to start, since the boat tends to be smaller and the engine can be purchased and installed separately.

Learn more

A pontoon boat may be an ideal way to entertain friends and spend time with the family. To find out why, go to www.boating.cooloolabusiness.com and check out the exciting new eBook, "Enjoy Your Boat: A Guide To Safe Boating."

Watch for next week’s tip:

What should I do first when buying a boat?

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