Pontoon Boats

How Wide is a Pontoon Boat

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Pontoon boats comes in different shapes and size. The dimensions of the boats are affected by a number of factors that include the manufacturing company, the model and make of the boat and the purpose it is to be used for. Generally, the length determines how wide a pontoon boat is. These are generally in a specific ratio to each other. Addition of a third pontoon does not necessarily change the dimension of the boat. This article addresses the question “How Wide is a Pontoon Boat?”

How Wide Is a Pontoon Boat

Though different manufacturers have slightly different width to length ratios in their boats, a general classification can be made that defines how wide is a pontoon boat.

Small Pontoon Boats

Small size pontoon boats can be defined as ones that have a length that is less than 20 feet. These boats typically have a width which is around 8 feet. They generally have two pontoons with a diameter of 24 to 26 inches each. A smaller boat which may be 12 or 14 feet in length, may have a width of 7 feet. Sport CRB / QL from the house of Tahoe Pontoons is an example of such a boat. Its 14, 16 and even 18 feet models have a width of 7 feet. The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX has a width of 7 feet while the Party Barge 18 DLX from the same manufacturer is 8 feet and 2 inches wide.  Small pontoon boats that are 7′ wide or less can also be characterized as mini pontoon boats.  Click the following link to see our comprehensive guide to all major mini pontoon boats.

Mid-Size Pontoon Boats

The mid-size pontoon boats are classified as those having a width from 8 to 10 feet. These boats generally have a length that can vary between 20 feet to 40 feet depending on the manufacturer. The boats can have two or three pontoons as per the choice of the buyer. This segment has the highest number of boat models and is quite sought after. The 27 feet wide beam QX series from Bennington has a width of 10 feet and can accommodate 18 people easily. However, as you can see from a Sylvan brochure (one of my favorite pontoon boat brands, and most likely the brand that I will be purchasing JUST as soon as we have enough money saved up), all of their standard boats have a 102″ (or 8.5′) width. In the 20′-30′ range I would say most standard pontoon boats hover around the 8.5′ (+/- 6″) range.

How Wide is a Sylvan Pontoon Boat

Large Pontoon Boats

If someone is thinking how wide is a pontoon boat at maximum, there are a few pontoon boats that are almost 12 feet wide. The Dodici manufactured by Premier pontoon has a width of 11 feet and 10 inches and is available in 29 and 31 feet lengths. The boat can easily accommodate 26 people and has 26-inch side pontoons and a massive 42-inch center pontoon.

Different Widths of Pontoon Boats

By width of the pontoon boat, it can mean either the deck width or the tube width. Different manufacturers can include either one of two of them in their specifications. Now, beam width is something which is more of our concern as it will reflect on the space in the deck. Tube width on the other hand will reflect on the performance of your pontoon boat.

Width of Customized Pontoon Boats

how wide is a standard pontoon boat

Besides the standard widths of models from different pontoon boat brands, customized boats are also available. Various manufacturers, fabricate pontoon boats that are as per the requirements of their customers. The biggest of these boats may have width anywhere from 12 feet to 20 feet in proportion to the length of the boat and the intended usage for the boat. The boats can be from 30 feet to all the way up to 50-60 feet. These boats require pontoons that may be 30 to 60 inches in diameter. These boats are generally used for hosting parties and events for a large number of guests on the water. We hope that this articles has answered your Question “How Wide Is a Pontoon Boat”. Please feel free to ask questions below.

Factors to Consider when Selection the Right Size Pontoon Boat

Now we have had an idea of what we can expect in terms of the width when looking for pontoon boats. You can arrive at the proper choice of size of pontoon boats only after making some considerations. This becomes important as pontoon boats are a huge investment. With the right size of pontoon boat, you can have the right experience. Several factors influence the choice of pontoon boat size. Let us have a look at each of them in detail.

Storage and Transport

Storage and transport means need to be thought of even before you look out for the floorplans. The pontoon boat you intend to buy should fit your storage dock and the trailer in which you are looking to transport it, both in terms of length and width.

It is better to take the proper dock space measurements before looking for pontoon boats so that you can be assured that you are equipped with proper storage requirements beforehand.  This will ensure that the pontoon boat fits the trailer. With the measurements of your dock space you can compare the measurements of the pontoon boat you intend to buy. This will give you guarantee that the pontoon boat you intend to buy will fit your space. Now if you plan to tow and store the pontoon boat in your storage space, then remember to include the length and width of the trailer too. Now in case of towing, take into account the combined weight of the pontoon boat and the trailer. This should be within the towing capacity of the vehicle you intend to use for towing

Note:

When considering length of pontoon boat, remover to include length of outboard motor which can take up about two or three feet.

For example, a 19 foot pontoon boat requires at least a 22 foot long trailer (with outboard motor)

Passenger Capacity

In order to arrive at the right choice of pontoon boats, you also have to have an idea about the people you expect to have with you in your pontoon boat adventures. The market is flooded with different pontoon boat models having different holding capacities. There is no shortage of options. So why make the wrong choice and repent later? It is not like you can go looking for new pontoon boats after a year or so when you realize the pontoon boat is not fitting your passenger capacity. Now, overloading your pontoon boat is a great unwanted risk. It can be very dangerous when you are out in the water and your pontoon boat is overloaded. The pontoon boat will remain stable, comfortable and safe in the water while traversing within its carrying capacity.

Now, the small pontoon boats can carry about 8 persons. As size increases, the carrying capacity increases. The medium sized pontoon boats can have about 10-12 people. There are larger pontoon boats with over 20 people capacities.

Location or Body of Water

how wide is a pontoon boat location body of water

There are different water bodies or locations to which you can take your pontoon boat. You can take them to lakes, rivers, bay, creeks, etc. Based on the location or the water body, the size consideration can vary. Now the smaller pontoon boats with smaller motors are well suited for small bodies of water like ponds and rivers. They are suited for such water bodies without high currents. If you take them to large bodies of water, they will have a hard time hitting those high currents. Now if you go for the reverse case and take a larger pontoon boat with you to a small river, then this can lead to navigational limitations. So if you are frequently into calm water bodies, then a small sized pontoon boat can let you sail smoothly, even through the shallow ones. However, if you look to navigate on those locations where the wave action gets high, then it is better look for larger sized pontoon boats, which are more stable under such conditions. It is better to go for those 23 to 28 feet long ones or the much larger ones with width ranging from 8.5 to 10 feet in such cases.

Note:

There are limitations on the sizes of boats in certain locations. This varies from state to state. So it is better to have a check on that before going for any larger models.

Pontoon Boat Recreational Activities and Size Considerations

Pontoon Boats are used for many different recreational activities. You can use them for fishing, partying, lounging or any other recreational activities like tubing, wakeboarding, etc. There are variations in the size considerations based on the intended purpose of using the pontoon boat. Then only you will be able to achieve the right experience in your water activities. So let us look into how we can select the correct pontoon boat sizes suiting the water activities we intend to carry out.

Fishing

Fishing is something which pontoon boat owners watch out for.  Some cruising models also include options for fishing. The floorplan for fishing models should allow you to take all your fishing gears with you. There can be fishing rods, fishing nets, etc. requiring sufficient storage space. There can be livewells so that you can keep your catches fresh. The floorplan can also include fishing stations, tackle storage, etc. In general, about 22 feet long pontoon boats with 8.5 feet width will be a good choice for those passionate fishing anglers. As size increases, you get more in terms of storage and convenience. For those involved in occasional fishing and more of cruising, 19-20 feet long pontoon boat with 8 feet width will be a good choice.

Water Sports

how wide is a pontoon boat lounging swimming

For swimming and snorkeling, there is not much in terms of storage requirements. In this case, you need to have a check on the passenger capacities. You just need to have a check on the carrying capacity of your pontoon boat. You can take as many passengers with you based on the safe limit of your pontoon boat. For scuba diving and water skiing some equipment is required and hence storage requirements are also needed.  Water sports like water skiing requiring pulling the ones involved in the activity require you to look into the speed and the motor of the pontoon boat. In such cases, the pontoon boat should have at least 90 HP maximum engine HP. You can ride wild with higher horsepower engines. Thus as the intensity of the water activity increases, you need to look for proper engine horsepower considerations too.

Sunbathing and Lounging

If you are just interested in cruising or partying with your friends, then you look for larger decks. With comfy seating options, you can relax and enjoy with your friends. The double decker pontoon boats with upper decks can give you a great location for sunbathing. They offer more shade. You also get much greater field of view from the upper deck. You can alsohave water slides which are great fun. These models usually come about 25 feet and more in length with width of 8.5 feet or more.

Small Pontoon Boats

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Small pontoon boats are perfect for your pontoon boat adventure with small groups of people. You can go fishing, cruising, partying or involve in water sports activities with your small group. They do have the have enough horsepower for cruising with several people and even enjoying water sports like water skiing.

Being small in size, these pontoon boats are easier to handle, maintain, and store. You can take them anywhere, from small, shallow lakes to rivers and even to the sea. The small pontoon boats come with all comfort you need so as to make your adventure worthy and the moments memorable. This article is about small sized pontoon boats and the best options you can have.

Small sized Pontoon Boats

Small sized pontoon boats are less than 20 feet in length. They can have width around 8 feet. There can also be mini pontoon boats with width less than 7 feet. Mini pontoon boats can be used in ponds or for limited access fishing on lakes. Most models of small pontoon boats can hold about 8 people. These values vary based on manufacturer.

What to look for when buying small pontoon boats?

Before setting out to buy a small pontoon boat, be sure that the pontoon boat has the passenger capacity you intend to have for your water adventures. It should be large enough to hold the people you plan to take with you. There should also be enough storage options for the gears you intend to take with you. There should be scope for fishing rod holders, swim platforms etc. The lounge seats should be comfortable. In case of fishing pontoon boats, you can also look for livewells, tackle storage etc. Some can also include optional fishfinder for detecting the fishes. With advancement in technology, most of the small pontoon boats though small in name sake come big in terms of features.

Best Small Pontoon Boats

The market is flooded with various options of small pontoon boats. You can find models for cruising, fishing and anything and everything. Here we present some of the best small pontoon boat options if you are in serious search of one for your summer adventures.

Avalon GS Cruise II

Avalon GS Cruise II

Avalon Pontoon Boats, committed to “The Art of Pontoon” has over 40 years of experience in the boat manufacturing industry. They offer a wide range of pontoon boat options in varying sizes and affordability. The GS Cruise pontoon boat models are small pontoon boat models built to cruise in comfort. The Cruise model floor plans have double corner upfront and grand corner seating area in the stern. There are two rear sundecks that can be used to house the privacy station or for more storage. The furniture is made with durable matrix 50 seat covering. The Gs Cruise models come with a Cadet II  Rotacast Helmstand with full gauge cluster and cup holder. The external smooth wall panels are easy to clean. There is also a powerful fusion Bronze Lite stereo system. You can also personalize the type and color of the flooring. There are also power performance packages. The Cruise II eliminates the side gate and offers maximum seating. The Cruise II has a length of 19 feet and can have 8 people capacity. The prices start at $33,540 and a sufficient horsepower motor is included.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 19′ 5″
  • Deck Length: 19′ 3″
  • Width: 8′ 5″
  • Pontoon Diameter: 25″
  • Dry weight: 1,650 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 25 gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 8
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 75 HP

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16XL Select

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16XL Select

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy16 XL Select can provide you with features meant for fishing, cruising and even swimming. The small pontoon boat comes with a Bimini top and tinted windscreen. There is also the Bluetooth stereo system. With the16 feet long deck it is spacious enough and also provides a stable platform for a variety of activities. They have dual bow fishing chairs so that cast away the day comfortably. There is a forward-console livewell/seat which is perfect for placing your keepers. The console also has rod storage. You can relax in the aft L-lounge which has a swiveling helm seat which forms a private spot for conversation in the stern. It also has storage below. If you intend to go swimming, then there are three gates which can provide quick access to the water. The aft swimming platform also has a fold-down retractable boarding ladder. With 7 passenger capacity, the prices start at $18,595.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 18′ 5″
  • Deck Length: 16′
  • Width: 8′
  • Pontoon Diameter: 24”
  • Dry weight: 1,310 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 6 gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 7
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 50 HP

Sweetwater Cruise 1886 C

The Sweetwater Cruise comes with unlimited options of customization. You can enjoy the water and waves and relax. The Sweetwater Cruise 1886 C comes with excellent cruising performance with optimal seating for the whole family. There is also the conversation friendly L-shaped stern seating with bow loungers.  You have plenty of room for everybody. The Sweetwater Cruise also has vast storage space also. There is also the sturdy, stainless steel, stern-mounted ladder which lets you connect with the water. Other than in floor storage offerings, there is space for storage between the helm cubbies and under seat. With the optional rectangular stern-mounted table you can have more room for drinks, snacks and our friends.  They have about 10 person capacity. Prices start at $36, 388.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 19′ 11″
  • Deck Length: 18′
  • Width: 8′6”
  • Pontoon Diameter: 25”
  • Dry weight: 1,900 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 30 gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 10
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 75 HP

Harris Cruiser LX 160 Cruise

Harris Cruiser LX 160 Cruise

You can have fun in the Sun and live your best life on the water with Cruiser LX. It comes loaded with all the features you may need to spend your day on the lake at an affordable price and in a compact model. You can cruise the water, relish nature or fish like a pro.  They are smaller in size compared to the other models, yet you can store all of your gear under the helm or loungers so you have the space to move about the deck. They also have the port, bow, and stern gates. You can park this small pontoon boat at your dock or pull up to your favorite restaurant in the waterside. The price is extremely affordable. They can carry a maximum of 8 passengers for your pontoon adventures. The prices start at $16265.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 17′ 10″
  • Deck Length: 16′
  • Width: 8′
  • Pontoon Diameter: 25”
  • Dry weight: 1,578 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 6.6 gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 8
  • Maximum Engine Horsepower: 50 HP

Manitou Aurora Le

The Manitou Aurora Le comes with a traditional pontoon floorplan. The standard model features a spacious rear sundeck. There is also plenty of additional bench seating. With the super-plush furniture you can stay cool during summer days. You have the privacy station. The small pontoon boat also has the Bimini top and Ski tow bar. They have Fusion Bluetooth stereo system. The flooring is of vinyl. There is also the 4 step rear ladder. They can carry a maximum of 8 passengers. Prices start at $21,200.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 17′ 17″
  • Pontoon Diameter: 25”
  • Dry weight: 1,670 lbs
  • Passenger capacity: 8
  • Maximum Engine Horsepower: 60 HP

Sylvan Mirage 818 Fish

Sylvan Mirage 818 Fish

The Sylvan Mirage 818 Fish is the most compact of the Mirage Fish pontoons from Sylvan Marine. The Mirage Fish 818 has comfortable seating. They also have open space deck areas. You can have the comfort of standard Sea Weave aft flooring and carpet flooring. The rear fishing station has two fishing seats. There is also the low-back helm swivel chair. There is a Bimini top. You also have the stylish Torcello steering wheel. There is also the Jensen stereo with Bluetooth. If you are looking for a versatile family fishing vessel of exceptional value, then your search ends here. They have a passenger capacity of 8. Prices start at $28,895.

Specifications:

  • Length: 19′ 0″
  • Width: 96′′
  • Pontoon Diameter: 23”
  • Dry weight: 1,425 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 21gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 8
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 60 HP
  • Sylvan Mirage 818 Cruise

Sylvan 818 cruise boats can be used for day-cruising, fishing in freshwater and watersports activities. The model offers superior handling. They have rotary tilt steering. For seating, they have the Rotocast Furniture Bases. They also have the low back helm swivel chair. There is carpet flooring. There is also the Bimini top. They have the Jensen Stereo with Bluetooth. They have a passenger capacity of 8. Prices start at $29,990.

Specifications:

  • Length: 19′ 0″
  • Width: 96′′
  • Pontoon Diameter: 23”
  • Dry weight: 1,425 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 21gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 8
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 60 HP

Lowe Ultra 162 Fish and Cruise

Lowe Ultra 162 Fish and Cruise

The Ultra 162 FC offers best value in fishing and cruising. The feature rich console is gel coated so that it does not fade, crack, chalk or turn yellow. You get anti feedback steering. There is a bimini top. With the 4 step fold down ladder, you get the extra support. With the aft bench seat, your cruising experience will turn out memorable. You get innovative storage spaces so that you do not feel short in terms of storage requirements. There are cup holders. Also, there is an array of options for the serious anglers. This includes bow aerated livewell, rod storage, tackle storage, fishing stations, fish finders and many more. The Ultra 162 FC has folding bow fishing seats. They come with deluxe vinyl flooring. The model is of great value for the features it comes with. They can have 8 people on boardPrices start at $20,061.

Specifications:

  • Length: 17′ 10″
  • Width: 8′′
  • Pontoon Diameter: 23”
  • Dry weight: 1,629 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 6.6gal (portable tank)
  • Passenger capacity: 8
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 50 HP

Bennington SV18 L-Bench

Benington SV18 L-Bench

The Bennington SVL is rich in Character Not in Price. They are built with comfort in mind. The class models offer some of the best floorplans and come with the same high-quality furniture. They have a stylish console. They have plenty of storage options. There is the Sun pad with storage in the rear. There is L shaped stern lounger. They have twin bow lounge seats. The 188 SVL comes with bamboo vinyl flooring. The model features Kicker Stereo system. They have Flush Mount Speakers from Bennington. There are 2 stainless steel portable cup holders with mesh pocket. They have a carrying capacity of 7 people.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 18′ 4.5″
  • Deck Length:  16′ 11″
  • Width: 8′′
  • Pontoon Diameter: 23”
  • Dry weight: 1,663 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 24gal
  • Passenger capacity: 7
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 60 HP

Sunchaser Vista 16 LR

Sunchaser Vista 16 LR

The Sunchaser Vista 16 LR is built for small lakes and rivers. There are three big lounge seats: two big bow lounge seats and a third big stern lounge seat. The lounge seats are comfortable. There is the fiberglass helm console. They have SeaWeave flooring. There is a Bimini top. The 5-step aluminum boarding ladder is retractable. You can have many additional options. They have a 6 passenger capacity. Prices start at $23,533.

They also have the Vista 16 Fish with a plumbed livewell and pedestal mount fishing seats.

 Specifications:

  • Length: 17’ 0”
  • Beam: 96”
  • Pontoon Diameter: 23”
  • Dry weight: 1,275 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 20 gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 6
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 40 HP

Pond King Lil’ Cruiser

Pond King Lil’ Cruiser

The Lil’ Cruiser comes with a standard 9.8 HP Tohatsu outboard motor which can be upgraded to a 15 or 25 hp outboard. The small pontoon boat has an extended rail with front and side gates. The steering console has switch panel. There is the adjustable captain’s chair. The bench seating includes an angled lounge seat. There are cup holders. The model also offers a Bimini top and table. The Cruiser comes with carpeted marine grade plywood deck.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 16’ 6”
  • Beam: 85”
  • Pontoon Diameter: 20”
  • Dry weight: 800 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 20 gal.
  • Passenger capacity: 5
  • Maximum Engine HorsePower: 25 HP

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor – Your Fishing Adventure Can Begin!

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Since electric boat motors are often used for fishing, they are commonly called “trolling motors”. Many fishermen use trolling motors to steady their boat against wind or to slowly cruise exactly where they want to go (hopefully right where the fish are). Normally the trolling motor is attached to the bow of the boat but it can also be attached to the stern.  Fishing for bass, for example, means that you will want a trolling motor for fine adjustments to the boat without the noise of the engine because that frightens fish away off. A small pontoon boat with trolling motor is ideal for any fishing expeditions because trolling motor makes navigation easier.

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor AQUOS 7.5

A pontoon boat is your everyday boat but a small pontoon boat with trolling motor is actually a boat powered by electric trolling motor, with an option to paddle, and typically includes a deep cycle lead battery with it. The boat has exceptional stability and calmness in choppy waters and navigates with breeze any waterway. There are some things to know before buying a small pontoon boat with a trolling motor.

Purchasing a Small Pontoon Boat

First, you need to decide what you are going to use your small pontoon boat for. Typically people don’t buy a boat with a trolling motor unless they have one main activity in mind: Fishing! Assuming that you are purchasing a small pontoon boat with a trolling motor for fishing, then there are typically a few different types of small pontoon boats with trolling motors that you can choose from, depending on how portable you need the boat to be when transporting it to the lake, and how much range and stability you need once you are on the lake.

Inflatable One Man Pontoon Fishing Boat With Trolling Motor

Starting at the smallest and lightest end the most portable types of small pontoon boats that can come with a trolling motor include the one man inflatable fishing pontoon boats. These are a great choice if you want to be as portable as possible because most of these boats can fit into the trunk of a car, and some are pretty heavy but with a little sweat and tears you can walk one from your car to your lake by yourself and get fishing on the water in no time. Once you are on the water the trolling motor can get you going quickly since the inflatable boats are relatively light compared to a traditional pontoon boat. Some disadvantages include the risk of developing a leak in the boat and with an inflatable boat (other than a couple of options) you are going to be fishing alone on the boat. Sure you can bring a friend on “another” boat but the majority of these boats are made for a single person. Click this link for a full list of the 10 Best One Man Pontoon Boats or if you are in a rush here are a few of our favorites:

AQUOS Heavy-Duty Inflatable Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor Aquos 7.5 with trolling motor

The AQUOS Heavy Duty Inflatable Pontoon Boat is kind of like a hydrid between an inflatable fishing boat and a standard pontoon boat. It comes with a great sturdy chair on a rigid platform as well as a support pole to hold your gear. The difference with a traditional pontoon boat is that the platform is sitting on top of 4 inflatable pontoons. You can easily attach a trolling motor to the bow or stern of the platform and AQUOS even has an option available where you can buy the AQUOS Heavy Duty 7.5 ft Inflatable Boat With a Trolling Motor already included in the package. People who have purchased it in the past say that it’s a great quality and it’s a very nice platform to fish from. Some recommend buying a separate trolling motor that is a 35 lb or 55 lb thrust rather than the standard 20 lb thrust as it gets you around the lake better. Additionally, some of the larger customers (i.e. over 160 pounds) felt a little unstable on the 7.5′ model. Luckily we have just learned that AQUOS is releasing an 8.8′ model and a 10.2′ model that should be more suitable for people over 160 lbs. Trust me I don’t consider 160 lbs “big” either so I definitely have my sights on the 10.2′ model! Please note that although this boat is described as “portable” I wouldn’t plan on hiking it into the mountains or anything soon you can carry it but plan on making multiple trips, although AQUOS is releasing a new “Backpack Series” of boats for 2021 so check them out and see if they are any more portable than the first generation of boats.

Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat

Another inflatable small fishing pontoon boat with a trolling motor is the Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat. This boat is one of our most popular one man fishing pontoon boats and we are ecstatic that it comes with a perfect rear storage rack and mount that is absolutely perfect for a trolling motor and battery. They don’t typically come as a set with a trolling motor but you can purchase whatever you want for a motor anyhow. Most people who own a Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat absolutely love it. Some feedback from owners are that it is a very well made boat with high quality components. Many people modify the seat to make it into a swivel seat, although we just recently noticed that Classic Accessories came out with another Colorado model that makes a swivel seat optional. It is very portable and holds people up to 400 lbs, so it is quite stable! You may get a little wet in the boat since it’s so close to the water when you are sitting. Overall this is one of the best and portable small pontoon boats that you can get with a trolling motor.

Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor Sea Eagle 375fc Foldcat Inflatable fishing

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375fc is a classic small fishing pontoon boat for either one or two people. It’s got a classic design, and it’s got a nice, stable deck attached to it (similar to the AQUOS design). This boat is a more sturdy and larger than the other small inflatable pontoon boats and you pay a little bit more price for it, but it is definitely made for two people and you will be thankful for the steadiness on the water when you are catching fish out on the lake! The boat comes in a few different packages including oars only, an electric trolling motor (70 lb thrust), or even a 3 hp gas motor if you want to stretch your range as far as you can. Buyers of the Sea Eagle 375fc are impressed with the stability and quality of the boat. Their only complaints are that some of the screws come loose on the seat and the oar holders’ position is a little awkward when fishing but they have found easy fixes for the issues and are generally very happy with the boat.

Mini and Small Pontoon Boats with Trolling Motor

If you want a little more “robust” fishing boat that is made of steel or aluminum instead of inflatable rubber, then there are a number of manufacturers and models available. For a full list of manufacturers please visit our Mini Pontoon Boat Manufacturers article, or if you are in a hurry here are a few of the most popular models:

Pond King – Patriot Mini Two-Man Fishing Pontoon Boat

small pontoon boat with trolling motor pond king

Pond King has been a mainstay in the mini and small pontoon boat industry since it started in 1995 as a pond management company. They know ponds and it shows in the high quality of their pontoon boats. The Patriot Mini Tow-Man Fishing Pontoon Boat is just one of a number of models that Pond King offers geared toward having a solid but small pontoon boat out on the lake for a great day of fishing. The Patriot Mini Pontoon is built entirely out of aluminum to withstand the elements and has been “modularized” so it can be shipped and assembled easily. It comes equipped with two seats and with a 45 lb trolling motor (or you can buy a motor of your choice). Pond King has a number of excellent models available as a one man or two man small fishing pontoon, but we wanted to spotlight the Patriot specifically because Pond King has an excellent annual program that gives away Patriot boats to veterans. We think that this program is absolutely fantastic and think that it’s a wonderful way to support our wonderful veterans and bring honor and recognition to those who served our country.

Fun Toons Pro Bass 19 Small Pontoon Boat

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor Fun Toons Pro Bass 19

The Fun Toons Pro Bass Small Pontoon is a solidly built little pontoon boat that is made for two people. It is built for fishing as it is super stable and has two swivel seats and a rail that extends around the perimeter of the boat. You can choose a trolling motor or a small gas motor to propel the boat.

Laker 612 Trolling Fisher Pontoon Boat

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor Laker 612 Trolling Fisher

The Laker 612 Trolling Fisher Pontoon is nearly as “deluxe” as you can get when it comes to small pontoon boats with a trolling motor. The Laker boats are all typically built with square pontoons and all aluminum construction with a “bed liner” floor for excellent durability. The Laker resembles a full-sized pontoon boat with it’s solid rail around the perimeter, canopy, and 4 swivel chairs. It can be propelled with a 55 lb. C2 Minn Kota trolling motor, a 5 hp outboard engine, or up to a 20 hp outboard if you buy an aftermarket bracket for it.

Select a Trolling Motor for your Small Pontoon Boat

After you select your boat model then you should select a trolling motor brand, then a model, and then mounting and other accessories. One detail that could be of importance when picking up the brand is if you already have a fish finder.  This is because of the fact that trolling motor and fish finder manufacturers often work together to make their technologies compatible. The first step to determine the model you want is where you want to mount the trolling motor.  Your main options are bow, transom (rear), or engine mount. The issue of power is important because pontoon boats are large and do not have the hydrodynamics of a v-hull boat. Speaking of accessories and mounting options, batteries and charger should be in your focus.  Contrary to your boat’s engine, the trolling motor is battery powered and does not recharge by running the motor, which means you will need to charge the batteries at home before each trip. The type of battery needed for a trolling motor is a deep cycle battery.  The deep cycle battery is aimed for longer battery drains that will often drain the battery entirely. When it comes to charging batteries, you should be sure to get one that is graded for marine conditions, has the connections for the number of batteries you will use, and be sure to get a “smart” charger to preserve the longevity of the battery.

Small Pontoon Boat with Trolling Motor Motorguide Varimax 24 volt

MotorGuide VariMAX 24-Volt Freshwater Hand/Pontoon Mount Trolling Motor is one of the leading brands used for making a small pontoon boat with trolling motor.  Key features include 75 lbs., thrust, 50″ shaft, hand-control pontoon, pontoon mount style, precise BluVis integrated speed and battery indicator.

Another good brand of trolling moter to make a small pontoon boat with trolling motor is Minn Kota Terrova 55 Bow-Mount Trolling Motor. Key features are: easy to stow and deploy, universal solar, waterproof, low profile foot pedal, pre-installed i-Pilot gives you great control, two year warranty.

A small pontoon boat with trolling motor is a small but powered boat that can be an integral part of your big fishing pleasure!

Small Pontoon Boat Kits

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To own a pontoon boat, one does not necessarily have to spend huge amounts of money. There are small pontoon boat kits available from different manufacturers that enable a person to build their own pontoon boat. These kits give a high degree of customizability to a person allowing them the freedom to add features and components to their liking. These are perfect for do-it- yourself enthusiasts.

What do the kits contain and how to choose the right kit?

These kits contain all the parts that are required for assembling of the pontoon boat. They allow freedom to build a boat as per their requirement and at a substantially lower cost as compared to pre-manufactured boats.

The small pontoon boat kits generally comprise of following parts.

  • Pontoons

The kit generally comes with two pontoons. These are made up of an aluminum-magnesium alloy though some manufacturers also sell polyethylene ones. While selecting the size of a pontoon a person must consider the gross weight of the boat including those of the number of persons that the boat will carry and the purpose of the boat.

  • Engine

A kit may or may not include an outboard motor engine. There are different companies that manufacture engines with varying horsepower such as Yamaha and Mercury. The boat buyer may choose a motor as per their requirement and compatibility with the kit.

  • Steering and Console

Steering wheels and consoles are one of the integral equipment and their quality must be considered while selecting a small pontoon boat kit for assembling pontoon boat. These may be available by the kit manufacturer or other companies.

  • Deck Frame and Flooring

Decks are available in different materials like wood and fiberglass. The kit will also contain a frame that will be used to attach the pontoons to the deck and provide structural integrity and strength. Multiple flooring options such as carpets and vinyl are available with different kits.

  • Furniture

Another aspect to consider while buying a boat kit is the furniture that a person intends to install on the boat. A boat may be installed with anything from two simple chairs to luxurious vinyl lounges and even special fishing chairs. Selecting the furniture will depend on the number of persons that the boat is required to carry and the purpose.

  • Railings

The small pontoon boat kits may come with railings that are used both for safety and aesthetic purposes. The railings come with various graphic decorations with some manufacturers giving options for customizing the design to the buyer.

  • Other Accessories

The kits also include bolts, nuts and screws, instruction manuals, mounting brackets and other hardware required for assembly. In addition, the boat buyer may consider additional gadgets and accessories depending on the purpose of the boat.

While choosing a small pontoon boat kit, a few factors must be considered. The boat kits are available in different size and a person may choose one that fits their needs and the intended usage. Kits for fishing pontoon boats will slightly differ from those intended for cruising. For salt waters, the kits will be made of a material that is less prone to corrosion and a person must buy these if they intend to use them in salty water bodies. Some companies manufacture kits that are customized to the requirements of the customer.

Manufacturers of Pontoon Kits

There are a few manufacturers of small pontoon boat kits.

U-Fab Boats: The company has been in the boat business since 1999 and is a manufacturer of pontoon boat kits made of aluminum. They manufacture kits in different sizes and depending on their intended usage.

American Pontoon Co.: Another manufacturer of small pontoon boat kits is American Pontoon based in Manning city of South Carolina. Different kits are fabricated by them that are in accordance with the design and specifications of the boat buyer.

Advantages of Pontoon Boat Kits

Using a boat kits has a number of advantages. The kits are straightforward to assemble and there is no need of welding for building a pontoon boat out of them. It is easy to ship and transport kits as compared to a full pontoon boat saving delivery costs for the boat buyer. It is much cheaper to assemble a pontoon boat from a kit rather than buying a fully fabricated pontoon boat. For someone looking for a pontoon boat at low costs and having a knack for doing things themselves, the small pontoon boat kits are perfect.

Pontoon Boat Types

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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.

In today’s world, pontoons have become a common item in most of the households. Pontoon boats are suitable for families and can accommodate furniture as well. With its many designs, pontoon boats offer a variety of features to make it more comfortable and more appropriate for the usage of the boaters. There are small pontoon boats, mini pontoon boats, fast pontoon boats, fishing pontoon boats, wakeboarding pontoon boats and many more. Each of them have their own features and characteristics which make them unique and customized according to the preferences of the customers.

There are many manufacturers present in the market today. They build and create and sell all the types of pontoon boats as mentioned above. To describe a few of them in a gist:

The best pontoon boats available in the market today are:

  • Aqua Patio 250 Express: Targeted to appeal to the younger generations, this pontoon boat is styled very edgily. It has up to three hundred horse power. IT also comes in the form of triple pontoons. It is fit to use in bigger waters and for water sports too.

  • Premier 220 Cast away: It provides a composite fish station with an integrated livewell, and two flanking fishing chairs. The lid serves as a bait prep station with built in lockable rod lockers.

  • Cypress Cay Sea breezes 230: With an upscale layout, it provides a sun pad for all out lounging, with supportive accommodations.

  • Manitou 23 Legacy Ship: It comes with a patented V-Toon technology with twenty-three-inch diameter outer pontoons with a twenty seven inch centre tube.

  • Harris Grand Mariner SL 250: It consists of a large low-profile sun pad, with a pivoting back rest with an excellent quality of upholstery.

  • Sylvan 8525 Mandalay Bar: Dubbing the design of “Revolutionary Planning Technology” , Sylvan Mandalay Bar comes with an actual bar at the craft’s stern!

  • Sweetwater SW 1880: This is a small pontoon boat, with a standard 50 horse power enough for a small group for fishing.

  • Bennington Q25 I/O: In Bennington Q25, the anchor housed below the motor is a Mercruiser or Volvo-Penta drive with a power of three hundred horse power.

  • Avalon Windjammer Quad Lounger: Places a premium on kicking back, with wrap around seating, lining the perimeter of the boat. It is fastened completely outside the perimeter rails giving a sleek look to the exterior.

  • Suntracker Bass Buggy: It is furnished with fishing chairs with screw in pedestals at the bow, an aerated livewell, vinyl flooring, rod holders and drink holders.

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