19 Different Types Of Pontoon Boat For 2023

What is a pontoon boat?

A pontoon boat is a particular type of boat that relies on big size pontoon tubes on both sides for buoyancy. The tubes on both sides are inflatable in nature and keep the ship elevated on the water. 

Many pontoon boats are a great combination of luxury and comfort, making them a perfect way to spend a day on the water by exploring new waterways or trying more fun acitivtes which could make your day. 

Pontoon boats have great qualities, they are versatile and flexible too. Although they are slightly difficult to maintain and clean, they offer a safe boating experince under favourable conditions on the water. You can also customize a pontoon boat to the next level with a bathroom, grillers, slides, deck platform, lounge seat and captain’s chair for the boat. 

What is the difference between a regular boat and a pontoon boat?

As the name implies, a pontoon boat will feature two or three big size pontoon tubes on the side that makes them extra buoyancy and offers amazing stability while riding. On the other hand, a regular boat does not feature a pontoon on the sides. Rather they are made with PVC, rigid or drop stitching material, which makes them float onto the water. 

Regular boats are made with different types of hull shapes which are as follows: 

– V shape hull design

– Planing hull design

– Displacement hull design

– Flat hull design and more. 

Each hull type allows to the boat to perform differently on the water. For example, a flat hull-type boat will give more stability while a V shape hull boat will give more speed and vice-versa. 

Coming to customisation and comfort, a pontoon boat surely has an edge over both these attributes. You can customize them to the next level and make them as per your wish and need. Whereas, regular boats do not offer room for customization and comfort. 

What are the benefits of a pontoon boat?

Although there are many benefits of a pontoon boat, to keep this blog post short and precise, I have listed only 6 benefits and advantages of a pontoon boat. 

1. Humongous carrying capacity

The carrying and payload capacity of the pontoon boat is surely on top o the world. A regular size pontoon boat can easily carry 4 big-size guys without compromising on speed, stability, balance and tracking experience. 

Advanced level and big size pontoons can additionally be individuals up to 10 and more, provided that you own a big size boat. This type of boat will also give you more room for customization, storage space and superior comfort. They are best suited for luxury rides, family outings or partying with friends. 

2. Good for fishing

Yes, there are fishing pontoon boats as well, which are specifically built to take your fishing or duck-hunting activities next level. These types of pontoon boat are fully accessorized for fishing and hunting. They are loaded with loads of mounting accessories, gear and toolsets to give you the ultimate fishing experience. 

A fishing pontoon is suited for bass fishing, stand-up fishing, trout fishing and fly fishing on a variety of waterways. 

3. Durable and long-lasting

Another great benefit of this type of pontoon boat is that they are very durable and suited for long-lasting usage. Although the furniture and accessories of your pontoon boat might break, but the performance of the boat will remain intact. Even if you terribly handled the boat, you can give it a renovation and make it new by spending a few dollars. 

The average life span of a pontoon boat is somewhat around 10-15 years, provided that you use them with care and comfort. 

4. Easy to maintain

The pontoon boats are made with aluminium, drop stitching material and thick fabrics on the deck platform, which might cause dent easily. If you use the boat on lakes, rivers or on shallow areas, you can just expect that sooner or later. But you don’t need to worry as pontoon boats are very easy to clean and maintain. 

5. Comfort 

Pontoon boats are the epitome of comfort and luxury rides. They remain highly stable on a variety of water types and offer tremendous buoyancy because of the big and inflatable pontoons on the side. For your comfort, they also feature adjustable seats, a deck lounge area [only some pontoon boats], recreational facilities and much more. 

Why should you buy a pontoon boat over another type of boat?

If budget is not your constraint, then you should surely consider buying a pontoon boat over other types of kayaks and boats. Pontoon boat comes with several added benefits like comfort, stability, and long-lasting life which gives them an edge over others. Also, pontoon boats are suited for a wide range of activities including fishing, duck hunting, recreational rides, touring and camping adventures on the water. 

The only drawback of a pontoon boat is that they are slightly slow in speed. However, you can attach a motor mount on their back and take their next to next level. With the help of an outboard motor, you can take their speed up to 30-40 KPMH. In fact, some boats might also go up to 100 MPH of speed. 

What are the core characteristics of a pontoon boat?

When buying a full stack type of pontoon boat, you should look into the following characteristics of the boat.

1. Comfort

This is the number factor that you should take into consideration when buying any type of pontoon boat. A pontoon boat is a costly affair and if you are not getting comfort and a smooth ride in the boat there is no need to buy or rent a pontoon boat. 

Look for the seating arrangement, deck padding material, and material of the seat or executive lounge chair. All these elements should be made with thick and cushioned material that will give stunning comfort to your back and bum. 

Also, the deck padding materials should be built sturdy and rigid to give good grip and traction while you are standing on the deck. 

2. Stability

This is yet another feature that you should look into while buying any type of pontoon boat or kayak or paddle board. Stability will give you the confidence to take your ride into tight spots and even on daunting conditions on the water. It will also give you smooth tracking, manoeuvrability and effortless boating with utmost care and comfort. 

If your pontoon boat is stable, it can also tackle bumps and small choppy waves as well. 

3. Carrying capacity

The next thing you need to look at before buying a pontoon boat is carrying capacity. If you are going for a ride with family and friends, you need a pontoon boat that can carry a load of 5-10 people. If you are looking for fishing or hunting experince, you can buy a boat with a limited carrying capacity of 1-2 individuals. 

19 different types of pontoon boat

1. Fishing Type of Pontoon Boat

The first type of pontoon boat on my list is a fishing pontoon boat, which is also one of my personal favourite boats. I love fishing pontoons because of two main reasons. First, they are jam-packed with features and loaded with stunning gear. 

From fishing rod holders to rulers to measure the size of your catch, from storage pouches to gear track and accessory mounting points, from cup holders to carry handles and everything in between – fishing pontoon boats are truly one of a kind.

They are great examples of a smooth ride, stability, and balance. If you are looking forward to go on an action-packed adventure on the water – these type of pontoons should be on top of your buying list.

Best Suited For:

As the name says, these boats are suited only for fishing and hunting adventures on the water. You can explore them on blackwater, saltwater, fresh and flatwater types as well. Inflatable fishing pontoons can also take mild waves and choppy water types. 

Why should you buy it?

Although they are slightly low in speed, but you can attach a motor at the back and take the speed of your ride next level. 

Cost and Pricing:

The starting price of a fishing pontoon boat is $500 and it goes up to $5000. The average price of this type of boat is $2500. 

2. Mini Pontoon Boat

Whether you agree or not, pontoon boats are bulky and heavy to carry and it is next to impossible to store them in your home. This is where the mini type of pontoon boat comes into the picture. 

As the name says, mini pontoon boats are small and compact in size. They are lightweight and can be transported easily without the need of a kayak rack or trailer. You can also store these boats in your home or garage, or store. 

Speaking of their performance. They are made with inflatable and drop stitching materials, which makes them lightweight, good at speed and implacably stable on a wide range of water types. 

In the market, different types of small-size pontoons are available ranging from inflatable to fishing, recreational to camping and much more. 

Best Suited For:

Those who are looking for lightweight pontoon boats and don’t want to take the hassles of carrying and transportation should opt for mini pontoon boats. 

Why should you buy it?

Buying a mini pontoon boat comes with several advantages they are lightweight, affordable, and multi-purpose in nature and you can store them anywhere you want. 

Cost and Pricing:

The smallest pontoon type of boat starts at $400 and goes up to $100,000 in the luxury range. 

3. Inflatable Pontoon Boat

If you personally ask me which is the best type of pontoon boat for 2023, then I would go with inflatable pontoon boats. These boats are a great combination of lightweight design, sturdy construction and durability. 

Besides everything, you can take inflatable pontoon boats for a variety of watersport activities including camping on the lakeside, river rafting, surfing on the ocean bays, fishing and hunting purposes as well. And most importantly, they are economical and affordable. 

Plus, you can also attach a motor on the back and take the speed of the inflatable pontoon to the level of awesomeness. 

Sea Eagle, Classic Accessories, Survival Kits, and FRM BOARDS are some of the top-rated inflatable pontoon boat brands. 

Best Suited For:

They are multi-purpose in nature. You can use them for a wide variety of water sports activities. 

Why should you buy it?

Inflatable pontoon boats are very quick and easy to set up. By using a boat pump for inflation you can easily set these types of pontoons in 15 minutes. Moreover, you can also use an electric paddleboard pump to set this boat. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost of an inflatable pontoon boat starts at $400 and goes upto $3000. The average price is $1500. 

4. Regular Type Of Pontoon Boat

A regular pontoon boat is might feature every possible add-on and upgrade that you need for an awesome ride on the water. That’s why these pontoons are slightly on the expensive side. They have got a bathroom, slides, lounge sheets, a captain’s seat and lot more accessories. 

Also, the carrying capacity of such boats is more as compared to other pontoon boats, which makes them suited for luxury rides, family celebrations and get together, parties and outings on waterways. 

With so many advantages and benefits, a regular type of pontoon boat does come with certain drawbacks. For example, you cannot store them in the garage, home or store, because of their size. You either need a boathouse or a place on the water to keep them. Also, a professional rider or captain is required to handle the boat. Not everyone can take them for a ride. 

Best Suited For:  

A regular pontoon boat is suited for recreational activities, tubing on water, wakeboarding, surfing, waterskiing, family get together and parties. 

Why should you buy it?

They are the epitome of a luxury ride, comfort and stability. Also, the speed of regular pontoon boats is good, all thanks to their power-packed engines. 

Cost and Pricing:

The starting price of a regular pontoon boat is $20,000 and goes up to $200,000 or more. 

5. Pontoon Boat With Slides

If you have a knack for snorkelling, swimming, diving or surfing on water, then a pontoon boat with slides is the best option for you. 

A slide for a pontoon boat might come pre-attached with your boat or you can also purchase them from elsewhere. This accessory ensures that you can get the waterslide-like experince in the middle of a lake, beach or ocean when you are going for a ride. 

A pontoon boat with slides is great fun for the whole family and a winning idea to entertain kids or put on a top-notch pontoon party.

Of course, even adults can enjoy it and have all the fun. The slides can also be inflated and deflated easily, allowing you to store them anywhere you want. Also, you can also attach detach them from the pontoon at any time. 

Best Suited For:

Pontoon boats with slides are best suited for swimming, sliding into the water, fun activities on the water, diving and snorkelling purposes. 

Why should you buy it?

Such type of pontoon boat will give you ample of room for personal space and 100% privacy. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost and price of a pontoon boat with a slide starts from $100,000 and goes upto $500,000 or more. The average price is $250,000. 

6. Bar Pontoon Boat

Do you want to own a pontoon boat like your own resort? Are you looking for a pontoon boat with ample of space for entertainment and joy? If yes, our next type of pontoon boat has got your back covered. Pontoon boats with bars are great examples of luxury, comfort and smooth ride on the water. 

Such boats are solely designed for entertainment purposes and some of them also come with built-in bars, restrooms, living spaces and dining areas as well. You can also customize this type of pontoon and include your bar tables, coolers, fishing features, bed, sofa set, griller and seats and a lot more. 

What’s more? You can also attach some or a stereo system to enhance your entertainment to the next level. Some of the top-rated interior features of such boats are adjustable chairs, vinyl flooring, suspension seating, lounge arms seat, privacy curtain, a sound system, non-skid strips for entry gates and a lot more.

Best Suited For: 

Such pontoon boats are suited for pure entertainment purposes only. 

Why should you buy it?

If you are looking for an ultimate entertainer with a combination of luxury and ample of room to enjoy a picnic on the water, you must buy a pontoon boat with a bar.

Cost and Pricing:

The starting price of such pontoon boats start from $50,000 and goes upto $200,000. 

7. Pontoon Boat With Bathroom

Yes, I totally agree with you that pontoon boats are great fun on the water. They are classic examples of comfort, convenience and luxury with ample space and room for accessories. But what if you want to poop in the middle of your journey? Of course, you can’t poop or pee in the waters. This is where a pontoon boat with a bathroom comes into the picture.

Pontoon boat with bathroom comes with either a portable toilet or a complete restroom where you can unload your stomach, take a bath or a hot shower and relax on the water. 

Some more advanced level type of pontoon also comes with storage compartments. It has two lounges, many sofas, and bar chairs, which makes it a large seating area. 

Best Suited For:

For recreational and long-distance boating, such pontoon boats with bathrooms are best suited. 

Why should you buy it?

For your comfort, luxury style travel and superior technology, you must opt for this type of pontoon boat for sure. 

Cost and Pricing: 

The price of a pontoon boat with a bathroom starts from $100,000 to $200,000 and goes up to $500,000. 

8. Family Pontoon Boat

As the name says, this type of pontoon boat is suited for families and capable to carry 5-8 individuals in per sitting. More room, more features, built-in quality construction, and versatile design are some of the attributes you’ll find in a family pontoon boat.  

The quality of such boats is top-notch and they are mostly used for camping, recreational rides, swimming, fishing, tubing, surfing and carrying other water sports activities. If budget is your constraint, you can also rent a family-type of pontoon boat and enjoy your day with your family on the water. 

Such boats are bulky and heavy to carry. So, you might need a large size kayak trailer to carry and transport the boat from one place to another.

Best Suited For:

This type of boat is best suited for family rides, camping with friends, and long-distance touring on water. 

Why should you buy it?

Family pontoon boats come with a humongous carrying capacity. They can carry a load upto 1000 lbs+, making them suited for 5-8 fully grown adults. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost of a family boat starts from $100,000 and goes upto $200,000 or even more. 

9. Performance Pontoon Boat

If speed is something that boils in your blood, performance pontoon boats are waiting for you. They are loaded with a top-rated motor system that will take the speed of the boat next level and allow you to reach your spot in a quick time. 

Such boats can also hit the speed up to 30 KMPH in 10 seconds How can it reach such good speed? Well, they are equipped with an advanced motor engine that gives power-assisted hydraulic steering and stunning cruise control. Also, the ultimate outboard motor makes them glide at a lightning-fast speed.

Another cool thing about such pontoon boats is that they are more compact in design and small in size, meaning you can easily store them in a boathouse or near the dockyard by attaching an anchor system. 

Best Suited For:

A performance pontoon boat is best suited for speed, high-performance rides on water, tubing with a pontoon boat, skiing with a boat and other high-performance activities on the water. 

Why should you buy it?

If you want to reach your favourite destination on the water quickly, high-performance pontoon boats are surely made for you. 

Cost and Pricing:

The price of a high-performance pontoon boat starts from $100,000 and goes up to $500,000. 

10. Lounge Pontoon Boat

Lounge pontoon boat layouts are one of the best in the world which makes them suited for recreational and touring adventures on the water. With the luxury deck and blow lounge chairs, this type of pontoon boat will allow your friends and family to create beautiful snapshots in time with peace of mind. 

The game-changing feature of this type of pontoon is a lounge stern seating arrangement which makes them perfect for unwinding and relaxing on summer days. The boat promises twice the comfort as compared to other pontoon boat types. 

Best Suited For:

This type of pontoon is best suited for smooth, comfortable and luxurious rides on a variety of water types. 

Why should you buy it?

Lounge pontoon boats are seaworthy and the epitome of comfort and stability. You can take this type of boat on flatwater, small choppy waves, blackwater and fast-moving river rapids as well. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost of a lounge pontoon boat starts from $200,000 and goes up to $500,000 or even more. 

11. Twin Tube Type Of Pontoon Boat

If you are looking for a stable and easy-to-manoeuvre type of pontoon boat, the two-tube pontoon should be on your list. Such type of boat runs on minimum horsepower and will give you stable rides on a variety of water types. They are perfect for cruising and fishing on the water. Although they are not great at speed, the tube pontoon boat are ideal for you if you are not in hurry to reach your boating spot.

Moreover, twin-tube pontoon boats are beginner friendly as well. Anyone with less experience and skill can take it for spring and enjoy carrying out their best activity on the water. 

There is also an advanced model of tube ponton available with lifting strakes fixed on the outside and inside of the tubes. These allow the boat to glide at great speed

Best Suited For:

For utmost stability and cruise control, tube pontoon boats are best. 

Why should you buy it?

Beginners and newbie-level boaters can also take them for rides and enjoy carrying out any recreational activity on the water. 

Cost and Pricing:

The price of a double-tube pontoon starts from $50,000 and goes up to $200,000. 

12. Tripple Tube Type of Pontoon Boat

If you are looking for a pontoon boat with exceptional carrying capacity and large deck space, three tube pontoon has got your back covered. With triple tubes, this type of pontoon will give you better performance, handling and stability. Also, they are good at speed.

They are mostly suited for water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. These boats are stable at higher speeds even in choppy water due to the centre tube.

Best Suited For:

Tripple pontoon boat is mostly suited for all types of water sports activities. However, they are not made for camping, touring and luxury purposes. 

Why should you buy it?

If you want to glide on the water at great speed, a triple pontoon boat should be your choice. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost of a triple pontoon boat starts from $150,000 and goes up to $600,000. 

13. Arch Pontoon Type Of Pontoonn Boat

There are many different types of pontoon boats available in the market. Some come with luxury seating space, while others have tubes underneath the fence near the seating space. But if you want to add more style to your pontoon boat, you can opt for arch style pontoon.

Such pontoon boats are incredibly stable and easy to manoeuvre. You can use them for water sports activities like wakeboarding, tubing, surfing, gliding and a lot more. 

What’s more? You can also attach a speaker system on an arch pontoon boat, all because of their wide deck space and stunning carrying capacity.  Adding speakers will take your entertainment to the next level.

Best Suited For: 

The arch pontoon boat is multi-purpose in nature and you can take it out for a variety of activities except fishing and duck hunting on water. 

Why should you buy it?

They are affordable and can be used by beginner-level boaters. 

Cost and Pricing:

The price of an arch pontoon boat starts from $50,000 and goes up to $200,000 or more. 

14. Pontoon Boat For Watersport

If you want to enjoy a variety of watersport activities on water like paddle boarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, boating, surfboarding and a lot more, then you can opt for a pontoon boat that is specifically crafted for watersports. 

Such pontoon boat also features ample storage space, allowing you to carry your watersport and other relevant accessories. 

Best Suited For:

Such types of pontoon boats are suited for watersport activities and adventures on the water. 

Why should you buy it?

To enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding in the middle of the ocean, you can buy this pontoon boat and reach your kayaking spot in no time. 

Cost and Pricing: 

The cost starts at $60,000 and goes up o $100,000. 

15. Pontoon Boat For Kids And Beginners 

This pontoon boat is specially crafted for newbies, kids, teens and beginner-level boaters who love to spend time on the water and carry out some ultimate watersport activities and adventures. Such types of pontoon boats are small in size and lighweight enough to carry from one place to another. 

Because of their small and compact size nature, these types of pontoon boats can be also kept in your home, garage and store. In fact, some of these pontoon boats are made with drop stitching material and inflatable technology which makes them even easier to carry and transport. 

Best Suited For:

They are ideal for small kids, teens, beginners and newbie paddlers or boaters. 

Why should you buy it?

Along with affordability, this type of pontoon boat is lighweight, easy to carry, easy to store and can be lifted by anyone without a kayak trailer, cart or trolly wheels. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost of a kids pontoon boat starts from $500 and goes upto $2000 or more. The average cost of this pontoon boat is $1000 only, which makes it the most affordable on the list. 

16. Fiberglass Pontoon Boat

Fibreglass pontoon boats are made with plastic and fibre construction materials. Such pontoon boats are very limited in the market and were crafted to make the boat carrying and transportion process easy-peasy. The exteriors and interiors of the fibreglass pontoon boats are eye-captivating and very shiny. 

Moreover; the fibreglass construction of the boat makes them extremely lightweight and easy to carry from point A to point B. also, the lightweight construction adds more speed and swift movement to this type of pontoon boat. 

Best Suited For:

They are very speedy and lightweight, making them ideal for flatwater types only. You can take them for fishing, luxury ride, camping, and day or night touring activities as well. 

Why should you buy it?

They are all arounder boats and suited for all types of water sports activities. However, they are not at all suited for rough water types and fast-moving river rapids. 

Cost and Pricing: 

Fully constructed fibreglass boat will cost you anywhere between $100,000 to $200,000. They are slightly cheaper than aluminium pontoon boats. 

17. Aliminium Pontoon Boats

The Aliminium Pontoon boats are exactly the opposite of fibreglass pontoon boats. They are made with rigid and durable construction material, which makes them long serving in live. On the other hand, they are slightly heavier as compared to fibreglass and another type of pontoon boats, making it daunting to carry.

Best Suited For:

These boats are best suited for night camping and long-distance paddling. 

Why should you buy it?

The durability of the aliminium pontoon boat is top-rated and they are long-lasting in nature. 

Cost and Pricing:

The cost of this pontoon boat is $50,000 to $100,000.

18. Cheap Pontoon Boats

Whether you agree with me or not, Pontoon boats are surely expensive watercraft. So, if you are running tight on the budget and looking for something on the cheaper side, affordable or cheap pontoon boats should be on your list. 

If you are buying a cheap pontoon boat it does not mean they’ll compromise with speed, stability, control or performance. In fact, they are made similar to modern and new-age pontoon boats with reasonable restrictions. 

Best Suited For:

Those running tight on the budget can thing of buying a cheap or affordable pontoon boat. 

Why should you buy it?

They are affordable and come loaded with all the features similar to expensive pontoon boats. 

Cost and pricing:

The cost of this type of pontoon starts from $500 and goes up to $1000. 

19. Pontoon Boats With Speaker

Are you an audio file? Are you an ultimate music buff? Do you want to listen to your favourite songs and music while on the water? If your answer to the above question is yes, then you should buy pontoon boats with speakers.  Pontoon boats with speakers are the next big thing in the boating industry. 

These are an advanced-level boat that comes along with a complete audio system, stereo system and music system for your entertainment purpose. Such boats are also loaded with an advanced Bluetooth system, allowing you to listen to your best track. 

Best Suited For

Listening to music along with a stunning ride on the water. 

Why should you buy it?

They are a great combination of entertainment and stable ride on the water. 

Cost and pricing:

The cost of a pontoon boat with speakers starts from $200,000 and goes up to $500,000 or more. 

FAQs About Different Types Of Pontoon Boats