A pontoon is a metallic tube, flotation device with buoyancy sufficient to float itself as well as a heavy load over it. Boats using pontoon as a floating device are called pontoon boats. Pontoon boats are typically cylindrical and do not have inside access; they are simply for flotation.
When we generally talk about fishing, people generally think of a sturdy aluminium V-Hull, or a sleek bass boat or even an offshore tolling machine. But these views are changing. With the advent of technology, pontoon boats too are gaining popularity as the families’ choice for fishing. And they have their own reasons to be becoming the favourite among the fishing boats! They are stable, they have multiple anglers to cast, and they can accommodate a number of people on board to enjoy fishing together. They also have high tech fishing features included within them due to the technology today, which makes fishing more fun and easier on a pontoon boat in comparison to other contemporary boats. One can add a number of add-on features as well on the pontoon boat as it has ample space on its deck for the same. You can add fish finder or GPS or both, and to make fishing a more comfortable experience, you can also add tables for meals and even a mini bar!
Small Pontoon boats are pontoon boats of width 7 or 8 feet and are available in shorter lengths. These pontoon boats are perfect for cruising smaller lakes accommodating two to four people on onboard. The main advantage of these pontoon boats is that these type of boats are easier to handle and easier to maintain and can be taken anywhere!
Small pontoons are generally equipped with electric motors as they are used for treading short journeys over small water bodies. The advantages of small pontoons can be summed up as follows:
- In case there are any local restrictions put in place to protect the waterways, and those restrictions are in form of physical challenges like constant water depth fluctuation, small pontoons are very practical.
- Small pontoon boats are environment friendly as they do not require a diesel engine and would need 75 horse power.
- This kind of pontoon boats is very favourable in shallow waters, especially in local ponds.
- These are more stable and the flat deck keeps the boat and the gear steady , instead of constant rocking motion.
- It is perfect for beginners who want to start their fishing ventures, but do not have much idea about boating. The stability and the steadiness in these boats would further encourage a beginner to use it to its potential.
- Handling, maneuvering and docking big boats can be difficult but the small boats are easy to do so!
Most of the pontoon manufacturers in the market are in the business of small pontoons. The following pontoon manufacturers are well known for their small boats : Apex Marine (Qwest, Gillgetter), Pond King, Sunny Days, Pro Strike, Tahoe, Kennedy and Outcast.
