Inboard pontoon boats are a popular choice for many boating enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of comfort, stability, and versatility that is hard to find in other types of boats. But like any other boat type, they have their advantages and disadvantages. Pontoon boats are becoming increasingly popular among water lovers for recreational boating.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of inboard pontoon boats, exploring their working mechanism, benefits, and potential drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision about your boating dreams.
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Understanding Inboard Pontoon Boats
Before we delve into the advantages and disadvantages of inboard pontoon boats, it's essential to understand what they are and how they work. Inboard pontoon boats, also known as deck boats, are characterized by their large, flat decks and buoyant tubes, called pontoons, which keep the boat afloat.
Unlike other boats that have the engine mounted on the outside, inboard pontoon boats have their engines installed inside the boat, hence the name 'inboard.' This design offers several advantages, including better balance, increased space, and improved aesthetics.
How Inboard Pontoon Boats Work
Inboard pontoon boats operate on a simple principle. The boat's hull is made up of two or more pontoons, which provide buoyancy and stability. These pontoons are typically made of aluminum, which is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the water's pressure.
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The engine of an inboard pontoon boat is located inside the boat, usually at the center or rear. This engine drives a propeller shaft that extends from the back of the boat. The propeller pushes the water backward, creating a force that moves the boat forward.
Steering in an inboard pontoon boat is achieved through a rudder, which is controlled by the boat's steering wheel. When the wheel is turned, the rudder moves, changing the water flow direction and, consequently, the boat's direction.
Advantages of Inboard Pontoon Boats
Inboard pontoon boats offer several advantages that make them a favorite among boating enthusiasts. Here are some of the key benefits:
Stability
Inboard pontoon boats are renowned for their stability. The wide, flat design of the deck, coupled with the buoyant pontoons, makes these boats incredibly stable, even in rough waters. This stability makes them ideal for activities such as fishing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Furthermore, the inboard engine's central location contributes to the boat's balance, reducing the chances of tipping over.
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Spaciousness
One of the defining features of inboard pontoon boats is their spacious decks. These boats offer ample space for seating, storage, and even amenities like a bar or a grill. This makes them perfect for group outings, parties, or family trips. Pontoon boats have large decks on top of long tubes called pontoons, and they have an outboard motor.
The inboard engine design also contributes to the spaciousness. By placing the engine inside the boat, more deck space is freed up, allowing for more room for passengers and activities.
Smooth Ride
Inboard pontoon boats are known for providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The pontoons' design allows the boat to glide smoothly over the water, reducing the impact of waves and creating a more enjoyable boating experience. The height also helps pontoons cut through waves, leading to a smooth ride.
The inboard engine also plays a role in this. By being located inside the boat, the engine's noise and vibrations are significantly reduced, contributing to a quieter and smoother ride.
The construction of a pontoon boat significantly contributes to its smooth ride quality. Equipped with lifting strakes on the pontoons, these boats have the ability to plane out quickly, allowing them to glide smoothly on top of the water. Unlike V-hull boats that struggle through choppy waters, pontoon boats cut through waves more efficiently, thanks to design elements such as nosecones and wave tamers. These features absorb the impact of waves, providing passengers with a comfortable and stable ride akin to the suspension of a car that absorbs bumps along the road.
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Versatility
Pontoon boats offer a versatility comparable to SUVs, making them suitable for various activities and outings. Whether you desire a leisurely sunset cruise, an afternoon entertaining the kids, a fishing adventure, or socializing at a bar-side setup, pontoon boats can accommodate it all. With an array of floorplans and engine options available, there's a pontoon boat perfectly suited for every on-water excursion, making it a great family boat.
Easy Maintenance and Cleanup
Maintaining and cleaning a pontoon boat is hassle-free. Regular care and engine maintenance ensure its longevity with minimal labor. Outboard engines, commonly used in pontoons, require only one or two service appointments per year, depending on usage. Winterizing the boat and performing light service before each season are crucial practices. The interior is easy to clean with durable marine vinyl, while newer models feature mildew-resistant flooring that can be easily hosed down. Cleaning the exterior panels with soap and water, power washing the pontoons, and gently removing marine growth keep the boat looking pristine without the need for repainting.
Because the hull sits above the water, it's easier to clean and less likely to get dented than other boat models.
Easy to Drive
Pontoons handle well and are an excellent option for beginners.
Disadvantages of Inboard Pontoon Boats
Despite their many advantages, inboard pontoon boats also have a few drawbacks. Here are some of the main disadvantages:
Cost
Inboard pontoon boats tend to be more expensive than their outboard counterparts. The inboard engine's design and installation process is more complex, leading to higher manufacturing costs. These costs are then passed on to the consumer, making inboard pontoon boats a pricier option.
Maintenance costs can also be higher for inboard pontoon boats. Due to the engine's location, repairs and maintenance can be more challenging and require professional assistance, which can add to the overall cost. Pontoon boat prices range widely based on the manufacturer, size, engine, and other features.
Maneuverability
While inboard pontoon boats offer excellent stability, they can be harder to maneuver than outboard boats. The inboard engine's central location can make the boat less responsive to steering inputs, especially at low speeds. This can make docking and navigating tight spaces more challenging.
Speed
While inboard pontoon boats offer a smooth and comfortable ride, they are not built for speed. The wide, flat design of the deck and the buoyant pontoons create more drag, which can limit the boat's top speed. If you're looking for a fast, sporty boat, an inboard pontoon boat may not be the best choice. Lower speed: Pontoons can hit decent speeds, but they typically go slower than other motorized boats.
Limitations for water sports
When it comes to intense watersports like wakeboarding and wake surfing, a pontoon boat has its limitations. These activities should never be attempted behind an outboard engine due to safety concerns, as the propeller is not safely tucked under the boat. Wake surfing and similar sports near the engine are both dangerous and, in many cases, illegal. Serious wakeboarders or skiers seeking optimal results should consider alternative options such as dedicated towboats designed specifically for watersports.
Not A Great Option For Fishing Enthusiast
While it's true that nearly every pontoon manufacturer offers fishing models, they may not meet the specific requirements of avid anglers. Fishing pontoons typically include features like fishing chairs, tackle, and rod holders, and a livewell, making them suitable for multi-functional use. However, if you are a dedicated angler participating in bass tournaments or prioritize fishing above all else, a dedicated V-hull fishing boat with features such as baitwells, lockable storage, premium fish finders, and spacious fishing platforms would be the more suitable option.
Wider than the average boat
The width makes them harder to tow behind your car.
Pontoon Boat vs Wake Boat
| Feature | Pontoon Boat | Wake Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Watersports Performance | Suitable for occasional watersports like skiing, tubing, and foiling | Optimized for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and waterskiing |
| Wake Creation | Cannot produce large wakes needed for advanced wakeboarding | Designed with systems to create large, customizable wakes |
| Surfing | Not suitable for surfing due to outboard motor placement | Equipped with inboard motors and systems for safe surfing |
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive due to specialized surf systems |
| Capacity | Higher capacity for passengers | Lower capacity, can feel crowded with larger groups |
| Appearance | Designed for maximum space and comfort | V-hull shape designed for creating wakes |
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of inboard pontoon boats can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right boat for your needs. Whether you value stability and space over speed and cost will ultimately determine if an inboard pontoon boat is the right choice for you.