Difference Between a Deck Boat and a Pontoon Boat

Boating is a popular recreational activity in many areas. Whether you are boating on a lake, river or stream, a deck boat or pontoon boat can provide a great way to enjoy the company of friends and family while cruising the waters. While both boats are intended to comfortably seat more people than the average boat, there are fundamental differences between the two designs that make them suited for widely different activities.

Structural Design

One of the key differences between deck boats and pontoon boats is the way that the hull of the boat is designed. Deck boats are often based on a V-hull design, but have an extended width and a deck placed over the bow of the boat. This allows them to seat 8 to 12 people comfortably, while maintaining the performance and maneuverability of a runabout.

Pontoon boats float on top of two or three large pontoons. These buoyant cylinders are typically made of aluminum and run the entire length of the boat. The deck of the boat is often rectangular and spans the length of the pontoons. Because of the pontoons' height and length, these can provide a smoother ride. However, pontoons do not handle rougher waters well and are typically slower than their deck boat counterparts.

Functionality

In general, deck boats will have a higher top speed, cornering speed and overall power than a pontoon boat. The possible exception to this is a tritoon. Tritoons are pontoon boats that have been engineered for power and functionality. By adding a third pontoon to the center of the setup, cornering and stability are improved drastically. These also tend to have larger engines producing speeds, in some cases, in excess of 60MPH. Both these boat styles provide ample performance for popular water activities such as waterskiing, knee boarding, wakeboarding and tubing. However, due to the way the engine sits in the water, the wake produced by a tritoon may not be ideal for technical jumps or tricks. If you are looking for a true ski boat-like experience, the deck boat provides much of those benefits with the additional seating capacity of a pontoon.

While a pontoon will often pull a tube or might be feasible for skiing and boarding applications for children, these often lack the power to support the same activities for adults. However, what the pontoon boat lacks in functionality for people in the water, it makes up for with infinitely flexibility for those on deck. With an expansive open deck, you can design a pontoon boat to fit nearly any need. Whether you want a mobile bar and grill, a shady nook and on-the-water campsite or the ultimate fishing fortress, the only thing stopping you with a pontoon is designs and money.