Pontoon boats are stylish and comfortable. Since their invention in 1952, there have been several advancements in terms of design and performance. Today, you can choose amongst many excellent models, available in Dual Pontoon or Tritoon option. These are fast becoming one of the most popular boats on the water and offer a luxurious and relaxing experience.
Different pontoon boats may weigh different and, their capacity to carry the weight may also vary, which is a relevant fact for the buyer. If you’re looking for a pontoon boat to spend some quality time with yourself or your close company, a dual pontoon may be sufficient. But for a party, or to carry heavy loads on board, you would need to upgrade to a Tritoon with appropriate configurations. How much weight a pontoon boat holds affects its overall performance, and here’s how:
- When there is a heavier load, the pontoon slows down if the horsepower is not adequate. You might need more horsepower to
- The weight of the pontoon boat affects its capacity and buoyancy. For example, a Tritoon may be heavier, but it can carry more weight and people than a comparatively lighter dual pontoon.
- A heavier boat is hard to carry out of the water. Extracting a Tritoon out of water is a much more complicated process than a dual pontoon. With a Tritoon, you’d often have to block it higher to get the trailer out from under it.
- The overall weight of the boat also affects its balance. An overloaded boat may be prone to losing its balance on the water.
An average pontoon boat weighs approximately 2200 pounds with everything on board(most pontoon boats weigh 100 pounds per foot). Usually, the capacity of these boats is around 2000 pounds, making the overall weight of these devices after loading around 4200 pounds.
To understand weight distribution in a pontoon boat, you can look at its dry weight (the weight without fuel), its quantity with all the furniture and passenger on board, and the overall weight of the vessel with a trailer (a pontoon trailer typically weighs 3,600 pounds). Gasoline weighs around 6.183 pounds per Gallon, and you can calculate how much weight adds on when the tank contains fuel.
Calculating the weight of your boat helps you make important decisions about the pontoon. Whether you need to add or remove something, how the performance can be better; these concerns and more are easy to handle once you know how much your boat weighs.
Pontoons are multipurpose, and if you’re looking to buy one, it is a good investment for you and your family. Read the particulars of the pontoon boat before buying. Whatever you have planned for your boat is crucial in determining which one will be the best option for you.
In this article, we’ll be listing a few of the best options for you in varying weight categories. You can choose the one best suited for your adventures.
1. StarCraft (Pontoon CX 21 C)
Special Features: Marine Grade Plywood Deck, Boarding Ladder, Bimini Top, 21 Gallon Tank, Rotocast furniture base, windscreen, etc.
CX 21 C is a well-constructed pontoon, with marine-grade plywood decking and an array of deck amenities such as a boarding ladder, Rotocast furniture base, Integrated drain, deck cleats, windscreen, and more.
The boat has a beam of 102 inches, and the diameter of the tube is 25″. The length boat is 20’10”, and the Transom height is 20 inches. The interior depth of CX 21 C is 27 inches. Dry weight if the boat is 1850 lbs, with a fuel capacity of 21 Gallon.
It can hold up to 10 people max (1410 lbs), and the max capacity of this boat is 2110. Max horsepower of the CX 21 C is 124 hp, and with an additional third tube, the max horsepower goes up to 200hp.
With Extreme tilt steering, it is comfortable to steer. With a color-coordinated bimini top, you can make shade and stay out of the sun. You can make additions to the boat to make it more up to speed with your needs.
2. The Retreat 230 RFL
Special Features: Delux vinyl flooring, Reclining, Plush lounge seating, Below-console storage space w/ door, Under-seat storage, Tinted windscreen, Marine Audio stereo, waterproof LCD, LED-backlit buttons, App ready, Bluetooth compatible, Double bimini top, and more.
A beautiful pontoon from Lowe, The retreat 230 RFL is a luxurious pontoon that comes with deluxe vinyl flooring, and LED-backlit controls, and similar, high-tech amenities. It is a gorgeous boat that can hold up to eight people comfortably (11 with minimal gear).
The overall length of the boat is 23’7″(7.19m), with a beam of 8’6″(2.59m). The max hp of the pontoon ranges between 150-250 hp, depending on the model you’ve chosen. The approximate weight of the hull is b/w 2461-3042 lb, and the deck length is 23′(7.01m). Pontoon log length is 22’3″(6.78m), and pontoon diameter is 25″(63.50cm).
The boat has a fuel capacity ranging between 24-50 Gallon (depending on the model). The weight per foot of the pontoon is between 108 to 125 pounds. The maximum weight capacity ranges between 2,100 and 2,700 pounds.
The pontoon features Bow and stern mooring cleats and raised fiberglass console with an integrated kick panel. USB and MP3 ports are available, and the boat is app-ready, Bluetooth compatible, with waterproof LCD and LED backlit buttons. There’s also a stainless cup-holder you can use to hold your drinks while you chat or relax.
3. Avalon Catalina DRL 24
Special features: Hard Vinyl Deck, Vinyl Snap Carpeting, Front Umbrella, Dual Bimini, Removable Cup holder, Storage Area, Ski Locker, USB Port, Jensen Marine Bluetooth Stereo, Smoke Glass Table.
Avalon Catalina DRL 24 is a Tritoon and comes with a lot of great features. It has a vinyl deck with vinyl snap carpeting and an optional umbrella in the bow section. The Sea-Star power-assist hydraulic steering makes controlling the pontoon easier, along with Suzuki smart meter and the rev limiter.
The Boat has the 5×7 Waveglider option, with twin 25-inch outer tubes and a U-shaped center tube measuring 27 by 24 inches. The tubes have HPP lifting fins, and along with a wave shield underskin, allow for better hydrodynamics. Catalina DRL 24 features Suzuki’s DF200 four-stroke with a 2.29:1 gear ratio, allowing more usable thrust.
This 24-foot pontoon has a dry weight of about 2,050 pounds and comes with a 45-gallon fuel tank. You can also get the 90-gallon tank (placed in the center tube) for extended cruising. The pontoon can hold about 11 people and go up to 41.3 miles per hour.
You get a Dual bimini option with Catalina DRL 24, along with removable cup holders and a smoke glass table with two wine-holders. The Jensen Marine Bluetooth stereo and USB port are there for your entertainment and convenience. There is plenty of room for your things onboard, with storage space underneath the recliner seats in the front and a ski locker in the center of the pontoon(6-8 feet deep). The rear lounger has a changing stall underneath it.
4. The Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX
Special Features: Full-width aft swim deck, Woven 16-oz. (.45 kg) marine-grade flooring throughout, Marine-grade- UV-resistant- top-coated upholstery, Aft squared gate, Port & starboard LED navigation lights, Bimini-mounted anchor/navigation light, Sport steering wheel, Tinted windscreen, Bluetooth-capable stereo head unit, Ergonomically positioned Mercury binnacle control box w/trim, and more.
The Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX is a well-made pontoon with a 20′ length. The deck length is 17′ 8”, and its width is 8’2″. The Pontoon log is 18’4″ long and has a diameter of 24″.
The average dry weight of the pontoon is 1450 lbs, and it has a duel capacity of 32.1 Gallon. It is ideal for up to nine people and has a maximum person weight capacity of 1220 lbs. Along with the motor, gear, and people, the max weight capacity of the pontoon is 1750 lbs. The average package weight is 2965 lbs., with Package Height 9′, and Package Width 8′ 2”.
Towing and storage length of the Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX is 27’3″.
The pontoon is NMMA certified and features an aft squared gate, along with gate latches & heavy-duty hinges that open inward. It features a color-keyed Bimini top with LED courtesy lights and a protective boot, and it also accepts an optional drop-down changing curtain. The sports steering wheel, with 4:2 ratio no-feedback steering, allows for responsive, easy turning.
The pontoon features an AM/FM Bluetooth-capable stereo head unit with an integrated low voltage alarm & 2 speakers. There are illuminated tachometer, trim & fuel gauges, and Lighted rocker switches for user convenience and, the Mercury binnacle control box with trim has ergonomic placement.
The Bimini top has storage space, along with the Aft L-lounge with under-seat storage, the Bow port couch with under-seat storage, and the bow starboard couch with under-seat storage. The pontoon has a Full-width aft swim deck, Marine-grade, UV-resistant, top-coated upholstery with 26-oz. (.74 kg) base material & multiple densities of foam., movable drink holder/armrest, small items tray, drink holders, and several such amenities.
5. G3 Suncatcher X22RF 22-foot
Special Features: Roto-Molded Furniture, Wrap-Around Lounge Seating, Deluxe Upholstered Fishing Chairs & Pedestals, Console with Speedo, Tach, Trim, and Fuel Gauge, Premium Jensen receiver with Bluetooth, iPod & MP3 Compatible, High-Density Foam “Slim” Pedestal Table with molded-in Cup Holders, Yamaha Binnacle Controls, Cables & Key Switch
G3 Suncatcher X22RF is a well-designed pontoon that features stylish and comfortable furniture and has a length of 22′ 6″. It has a widebody Design of 8′ 6″ width, along with Anodized Deck Rails and Trim. The pontoon feature Yamaha Binnacle Controls, Cables & Key Switch, and Console with Speedo, Tach, Trim, and Fuel Gauge.
The boat is comfortable with Deluxe Upholstered Fishing Chairs & Pedestals. There’s Wrap-Around Lounge Seating with Under Seat Storage and a Stern Fishing Center with Livewell & Rod Holders. The width of the Trailer is 102″, and the package length is 31′ 6″.
G3 Suncatcher X22RF has a dry weight of 2370 lbs and has a fuel capacity of 3 Gallons. The boat is ideal for up to 11 people, and it can give a max horsepower of 115hp.
The pontoon has plenty of amenities to make your time onboard comfortable and fun. There’s the Contoured Bimini Top with Boot and 1.25″ Aluminum frame and support, and the pontoon also features a Premium Bluetooth Jensen receiver, compatible with iPod & MP3. For lighting includes floor Level Courtesy Lights, Navigation Lights, and there’s a fishfinder on board.
If you’re interested in slightly increased weight capacity, or horsepower, you can also opt for 322RF, another version that is available for the buyers.
Conclusion
Pontoon boats are becoming more advanced in terms of performance as well as overall aesthetics. Tri hull pontoons or Tritoons are a big hit amongst buyers as they offer more horsepower and weight capacity. You can enjoy a good time with friends on your pontoon, and with advanced models, you can do a lot of fun activities like barbecuing, water sports, or just a pleasant party onboard.
Various models give several choices in terms of performance, pricing, amenities, etc., and you can choose a model that best suits your requirements. Be careful to check the recommended weight limit of your pontoon, and see if you can upgrade it to gain more weight capacity and horsepower. Get a boat that is right for all your adventures on the water.
An article by Floating Rafts
