Characteristics:
The Pontoon Boat - known as a "Party Boat" by some - has a hull
constructed of round tubes (called sponsons) that are attached to the
outside, bottom edge of a large flat deck. The deck is surrounded on all
sides by a safety railing. The helm station is placed either in the
middle of the deck or off to one side. While the "Plain Jane" version
uses lawn furniture for seating, "Deluxe" models may have built-in,
upholstered seating, a dinette table, a roof, a cooler and maybe even a
head (toilet).
Capacity:
6 to 12 people.
Power:
Powered by outboard,
gasoline engines (either the 2- or 4-cycle version) in generally 10 to
100 hp models.
Size:
16 feet to 22 feet in length.
Hull:
The hull is constructed of 2 or 3 welded, aluminum tubes (called
sponsons or pontoons), tapered at the forward ends to facilitate
movement and speed. These pontoons are attached to the rigid deck
platform by means of an aluminum frame, which forms a deck made out of
aluminum, wood or fiberglass.
Trailerable:
Yes, however, a special pontoon boat trailer is needed.
Uses:
Put a canopy over the deck and you have a great party barge! It is ideal
for taking your family and friends out for an afternoon cruise on small,
inland lakes, rivers or other protected waters. Pontoon boats are also a
fine, stable platform for still fishing.
Limitations:
Pontoon boats are NOT good sea boats. I think that anyone who
tries to use one of these boats on a large body of water, exposed to the
possibility of large waves, is nuts! In waves over two feet in height,
you're going to have solid blue water washing you and your lawn
furniture overboard.
Price Range:
New: $8,500.00 to $30,000.00 - with motor
(US).
Information
courtesy of Jim SHephard of www.powerboat.about.com
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