7 Best Pontoon Boats Consumer Reports 2020 – Top Rated

Buying Guide

If you are a newbie or a hobbyist who does not know much about pontoon boats, we are here to help you. We have compiled a list of the must-have features which you must look out for when you are choosing a pontoon boat for your adventures. You can choose amongst the features and pick the one you feel is most suitable to your requirements.

On a Budget

If you think that Pontoon boats will be out of your budget without even giving it a try, you might be wrong. Pontoon boats can now be found in a range of prices with varying varieties and functions, therefore, it is best to search through the market and look for a boat which fits your budget. If you are looking for a sporty version, you might get it for a much cheaper price than you think. Luxury pontoon boats might be a little expensive but it is definitely worth the experience.

Design

The design is the most crucial part of your pontoon boat. An ill-designed boat will be a total rip off where you won’t be able to enjoy at all. Comfortable yet fancy design is a must-have if you are planning a short getaway on the weekend with your friends and family. With less space on the surface, pontoon boats usually have temporary and compact changing booths which can serve as a seat while closed. Look out for these design features that can make your trip a memorable one.

Controls

If you are ready to set your boat to sail, you must be aware of the basic functionalities of the boat. Make sure that the controls are simple and easy to operate so that everyone can fulfill their wishes about being a sailor while being completely safe. Make sure that the Steering wheel, gears, and pedals are well equipped and up to date.

Comfortable Seating Spaces

Make sure that your pontoon boat has plenty of space for people to sit and relax. There is nothing worse than being on a small boat which feels claustrophobic. If you plan to take a couple of friends and family along, you might want to look for a medium-sized or larger boat which can fit everyone.

Narrow

If you are more on the adventurous side and want to travel to hidden lakes and caves through narrow rivers, make sure that the boat you pick is narrow enough to allow you to easily glide through these narrow spaces. These boats might have lesser room for people but it will surely take you to places you’ve never seen before.

Easy to Manoeuvre

Make sure that your boat is easy to maneuver so that you can easily move it on the water, get it on the trailer or dock it. While some beginners get flustered and overwhelmed by large boats, a smaller pontoon boat that is easy to maneuver can help them try their hands on a boat.

Light Weight

Just like every other appliance or vehicle, a lightweight pontoon boat is much easy to transport than vice versa. Being lightweight makes it much easier to tow as transporting a boat can be even more challenging than driving it.

Eco-Friendly

Pontoon boats are driven by much more smaller motors which limit the toxic emissions being released into the environment. Some smaller boats might even have electric motors or work or pedal power which allows it to be a 100% eco-friendly with no harm to the environment.

Horsepower Restrictions

If you are going for a smaller pontoon boat, you must not worry about any horsepower restrictions as there are high chances that your engine is well under the allowed limit. However, if you choose a larger pontoon boat, you might have to check the allowed horsepower limit before making your decision.

Easier to Store

Pontoon boats are much easier to tow and store as they can fit in your garage or they might take a little space at a marina or your backyard dock. Storage will never be a hassle for you.

Additional Luxuries

You might want the pontoon boat to have a couple of luxuries for your friends and family. A pontoon boat that is accessible for the handicapped is extremely feasible for everyone as it is easily accessible. Moreover, modern boats have a fiberglass exterior which not only makes the boat durable but also adds to its finesse and beauty. Hidden compartments for bags and a mini-fridge are common on luxurious pontoon boats which enhance your experience and provide you with top-class facilities.

As a conclusion, there is a wide range of features and designs that you can choose from while picking the pontoon boat that fits your requirements perfectly. Whether you want it for fun, adventure, or quality time with your friends and family, a pontoon boat can provide you with all of the luxuries that you need to make a memorable experience for you. It is also highly feasible if you want to go fishing on a lazy weekend afternoon with endless under-seat storage.

Now that you have read through our buying guide, you must be well versed in the features that you need to have in your boat and therefore you can make your decisions wisely. Choose a pontoon boat that combines luxury with comfort at an affordable price and you are good to go!