Introduction
The 18ft pontoon boats are the ideal size of boats for first-time buyers and enthusiasts of pontoon boats. The boats do not offer only the same quality as the larger pontoon boats, but the boat’s size comes without the larger boats’ troubles. The 18ft pontoon boats are cheaper, more portable, and versatile for all sorts of water; this makes them suitable for learners.
The boats come in different designs and features that collectively offer an angler or family the best experience. A few also run on solar energy, which environmentalist highly acknowledges to offer a green and carbon-free environment suitable for the ecosystem.
Below is a list of a few of the 18ft pontoon boats in the market one can choose from.
Why 18ft Pontoon Boats ?
The 18ft pontoon boat does not just stand out because of its size, but the boat has proven to be the ideal size to sail on any water due to its low weight. What’s more, an extra advantage of these sizes of boats is that they mostly don’t get to fall under the various restrictions put up by local authorities against sailing on several water bodies. This makes them the best option to sail on restricted waters without causing a fuss.
Some of the reasons to choose 18ft pontoon boats are:
It is possible to sail on lakes with limits
Local authorities sometimes impose restrictions to protect the waterways. The physical constraints include the constant fluctuation in water depth that is caused by rain or a lack thereof. For these conditions, 18ft pontoon boats are the most ideal.
It is ideal for shallow waters
Most ponds have extremely shallow waters, which makes it harder for heavy or large boats to sail. Pontoon boats of 20 feet overall and more will not be suitable for these waters. Therefore, it is crucial to go for the 18ft pontoon boats with lesser weight.
One can overcome horsepower restrictions
Most lakesides have horsepower restraints due to their volume or even environmental constraints. However, the use of a lower horsepower engine does not affect the performance of small pontoon boats. Due to their lightweight, the boats move well regardless.
It is perfect for a first-time purchase
These boat types can be a significant purchase when considering repair costs, storehouse, and further aspects. If one doesn’t want to buy a full-size pontoon, 18 feet pontoon boats are more cheap selections for new buyers lowering overall expenses.
It is easy to maneuver
This boat size is the best option for anyone intimidated by the stress and money involved in putting a boat on the water. Eighteen feet boats are easy to handle, trailer and dock.
It is easy to store in a garage
The small size of 18ft pontoon boats makes them easy to store in a garage, unlike the bigger boats. The boats fit perfectly in a garage and inside any basic garage length; this provides space for other vehicles as well. It is also easy to maneuver an 18ft pontoon into one’s garage. One doesn’t have to worry about how hard it’ll be to make a turn from the street to the driveway.
It solves the issue of environmental concerns
Most 18ft pontoons are so small that the boats don’t need a diesel engine. In fact, because of their size and weight, it is not advisable to go for anything greater than 75 horsepower. A horsepower greater than this will cause damage to the boat. This makes 18ft boats a little more eco-friendly. Some waterways may also require the usage of an electric motor, which gives one an objective.
It is quite stable
18-foot pontoons can have the same draft as an aluminum canoe or fishing boat. However, the pontoon has some additional benefits. Instead of a constant rocking motion, the flat deck keeps the sailor and any equipment stable. In addition, unlike a V-hull, it reduces the wakes that scare fish away.
The Best 18ft Pontoon Boats
Below is a list of the best small model pontoon boats in the market suitable for shallow waters, ponds, and lakes. While these boats are small, they can carry a decent number of people onboard and comprise standard quality suitable for every angler or family to enjoy every trip on the water.
Some of the best 18ft Pontoon Boats include:
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL
The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX is an ideal boat for fishing and other water activities. It has two fishing chairs mounted on it that are foldable. This gives a sailor and boarders space if there is the need to do something else, like playing games.
The Sun Tracker pontoon boat also has an L-shaped lounge. The lounge comes in quite handy as one can store different things underneath. This 18-footer boat is simple yet classic; it’s worth checking out.
Features
- Has an L-shaped lounge.
- Has a Bluetooth stereo system.
- Measures 16 inches long and 8 inches in width.
- Has dual bow fishing chairs.
- Measures 18.5 feet overall.
Pros
- Ideal for fishing.
- Has an aerated live well.
- Has enough space for storage.
- It can carry seven people.
Cons
- Not suitable for harsh weather conditions.
Lowe Ultra 162 Fish N Cruise
The Lowe Ultra 162 Fish N Cruise is also a contender in this category and performs admirably. Lowe Boats have come a long way in selling the boat business, just like Sun Tracker with over 50 years of experience. One of the special small boats of Lowe falls under the Ultra series. The boat offers several value packages that make it stand out even among the bigger pontoon boats.
The Ultra 162 Fish N Cruise is cheap regardless of its various features like live well, fishing pole holders, and comfortable seating and layout appearance. This model stands out for a small boat even compared to larger boats.
Features
- Measures 17.10 feet overall.
- Mas folding bow fishing seats.
- Has a stern 4-step ladder.
- Has two bow fishing seats.
- Weighs 1600 pounds.
Pros
- Has many storage compartments.
- The seats are very comfortable.
- It can carry a lot of passengers.
- Accepts 50 horsepower motors.
Cons
- The fishing pole holder is not that strong.
Princecraft BrioE 17
All thanks to the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 2,000 watts electric outboard that powers the boat, Princecraft BrioE 17 runs at a decent speed that doesn’t damage the ecosystem in any way. This makes it the ideal boat for anyone that frequents a lake or pond that doesn’t allow gasoline motors. Or an environmentalist that wants to have the lowest carbon footprint around.
The price is slightly over $20,000 when one includes the price of the pair of 24-volt solar panels. The power system is what makes the boat unique; regardless, it has standard features that every pontoon boat has.
Features
- Runs on a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 2000 watt electric outboard.
- Measures 17.7 feet overall.
- The boat weighs 1365 pounds.
- Has a beam of 2.5m.
Pros
- Eco-friendly.
- Has ample storage.
- It is really quiet.
Cons
- Not fast like the gas-powered boats.
- It can only carry a few passengers.
Bennington S18 L-Bench
The Bennington S18 L-Bench pontoon is one of the best cruiser boats on the market. The design is very nice, and it guarantees to give couples an experience never to forget. The boat has an L-bench with a sun pad and a large amount of storage underneath.
This boat is unique because buyers can select the same model in 13 different configurations, which the manufacturer can customize to one’s taste and preferences. It isn’t that expensive, and it’s worth every penny.
Features
- Has a sun pad with storage at the rear.
- Has an 8 inches narrow beam.
- Has an L-bench midship.
- Measures 18 feet and 4.5 inches overall.
Pros
- Offers great value for money.
- Has a lot of storage space.
- Can be customized during purchase.
Cons
- The engine is loud at high speed.
Sunchaser Vista 16 LR
The 16 LR is a decent boat from the Sunchaser company. It comes with a 40 horsepower outboard, and one can choose a lower one to cut down the cost further. The boat has Sea Weave carpeting and a Bimini top; six passengers can fully enjoy the boat’s features.
The basic model arrangement of the boat is not too extra, but it provides the comfort necessary. Two sofas face each other in the bow, while a third port side sofa sits in the stern, across from an-arm resting chair. It also comes with a 6-year warranty covering several parts of the boat.
Features
- Measures 17 feet.
- Has a dry weight of 1275 pounds.
- Its fuel capacity is 21 gallons.
- It can carry six passengers max.
Pros
- It is not expensive.
- It is customizable.
- The captain’s seat is very comfortable.
- It has a canopy.
Cons
- The engine is loud at high speed.
Cypress Cay C 171 Cruise
The C 171 Cruise is one of the C series of Cypress Cay models. The boat is the perfect competitor to the large boats on the water as it is loaded with various conceivable options and accessories, unlike some larger boats. The price is within the $18,000 mark, and it includes a 50 horse Mercury FourStroke on the transom. One must agree that’s cheap.
The C 171 Cruise also offers a seating arrangement that’s a bit different from the norm, with a forward-facing couch, helm and passenger’s pedestal seats and a pair of forwarding loungers. The seating arrangement allows it to carry eight passengers at the same time regardless of its size. It’s a go-getter.
Features
- Measures 17 feet overall.
- Has a captain chair that revolves.
- It is compatible with a 50 horsepower motor.
- It comes with a warranty.
Pros
- It is customizable.
- Very cheap
- It can fit a lot of people.
- Has a good seating arrangement.
Cons
- A lot of people complain that the eight-passenger capacity is hype.
- The motor is noisy.
Harris LX 160 Cruise
The Harris boat company is one of the companies to have bagged several awards over the past decades, and one of its boats that made it possible is the Harris LX 160 Cruise. Even though the boat doesn’t look like much compared to the modern day’s quality, it remains sturdy on the water as always.
Despite the LX160’s small size, this pontoon can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people, making it one of the most spacious vessels. It also has several decent features, and the boat is quite cheap.
Features
- Measures approximately 18 feet overall.
- Has an L-bench.
- Has a beam of 8 feet.
- Has a foldable ladder.
Pros
- It can carry a decent number of people.
- It is not expensive
- Accepts 50 horsepower.
Cons
- The 8 person capacity is not entirely true.
- The motor is noisy at high speed.
Final Thoughts
The 18ft pontoon boats have been of great help to curb the several problems that anglers face, ranging from a depth of water, restrictions, and many others. Thanks to these small sizes, everyone can now enjoy fishing and sailing without fear.
