Common Problems with Pontoon Boats

When buying an new pontoon boat, you want to know what the common problems with pontoon boat are. Although pontoons are one of the most versatile and lowest cost of boat ownership choices out there, no boat is perfect and you need to know the negatives before you buy. In this video we cover:
0:00 Intro
1:30 What happens to a pontoon boat when left uncovered?
2:08 Are pontoon boats hard to handle?
2:37 How fast do pontoon boats depreciate?
3:39 Are pontoon boats easy to damage or hard to handle out of the water?
4:24 How do pontoon boats handle rough water and are they safe?
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[@SeanHorsfall]

What are some other pontoon boat problems we missed? Please share your ideas!

[@Blueknight1960]

There is no perfect boat, buy what makes you happy or what your needs are.

[@trafalgar1938]

What pontoon boats can be trailered? Are there some you may need a wide permit? When using them on a lake they need to be transported and some will now operate coastal so it's a very important topic.

[@Nub00005]

The main problem I see is idiot drivers. Please fix this issue for next year's model

[@TubeRJF]

The biggest problem with a pontoon boat is, no matter how hard you try, you look like a dork riding in one. Seriously, they are ugly, slow and incapable of helping a guy pick up chicks out of his league

[@saltysteel3996]

@@TubeRJF All I ever see on pontoons is chicks in bikinis. Seems like they love hanging out on pontoon boats.

[@Maynardd]

Yep, your phones and tablets definitely listen to you. I haven’t looked up a single pontoon boat online, I’ve only discussed it in my house for the last couple of days, and now I’m getting pontoon boat recommendations in my feed on KZbin. Big Brother is real!

[@boatinglessons]

😂 happens to us too Joel!

[@Will-tm5bj]

Lol oh well

[@stephanieburns4560]

Yes, that has happened to me. Can't remember the subject, but it was freaky!

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Any single yt video you watch can get you on a feed. It happens to me all the time. You watched this one, so ...

[@skyelamattina1516]

It's not your phone. It's the vaccine.

[@davegoodwin1848]

The biggest problem with a pontoon boat.... I don't have one.

[@angelazayas345]

I truly enjoy how informational your videos are. We are trying to get as informed as we can before we invest in a pontoon. Thank you for sharing

[@jerryjohnson3487]

Problems? This video convinced me to buy one.

[@zeus-mt7wx]

Thank you. Wifey and I moving on from center steer forked skiff type to pontoon boat.

[@boatinglessons]

That is great zues! If you have any questions or need help, we are only an email away - [e-mail]

[@truman5838]

I love how you can stand up and walk around on it. Multiple people can fish and lounge on a pontoon. You can comfortably spend the entire day on a pontoon.

[@kai-xs3ix]

My family has a pontoon boat and we love it! The only down side we have is that it’s slow and wheatering seats and it mostly gets you wet in rough waters, but kinda easy to park on land!

[@boatinglessons]

Glad you love it!!

[@glismelensi]

Thank you Sean you are a pro explainer!

[@brother197854]

Always learn something from you guys every time i watch a video. Thanks

[@boatinglessons]

Our pleasure! We appreciate your kind words :)

[@curtcollett2893]

A while back I saw a stripped pontoon boat used as a porch. If maintained and easily detached from the house it could be a lifesaver for those living in major flood zones.

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

that is a cool idea and probably cheaper to build and maintain, lol,

[@daveumpref]

I've had a pontoon for years and the main negatives are that it handles very poorly you need to anticipate more than you would in a V-hull, It will handle true but, very slowly. Also, you need to keep bimini tops down when pulling out or in. They act like sails and will pull you 3ft or more and that's the difference between a perfect dock and a costly repair. Other than that, they are fantastic. Less maintenance and worry about bilge pumps and rear seals. I take mine out alone all the time and it's not difficult at all. when you can, take a morning when no one is around, no one is looking and making you nervous and self conscious, and practice pulling in and out a few times, and then a few more times and before you know it you'll have a feel for pulling into the slip cleanly. I've had both V-hull and pontoon and those are the only real problems with the pontoon. The overall plusses and minuses are for another time but, those are the two real issues with new pontoon owners. If you practice for a while, you'll be just fine.

[@msk3905]

I’m new to boating coming in with zero experience so joined Freedom boat club, they have pontoons so wife wanted me take one out one day. I love these things they are like floating living rooms but we boat off cape cod and can only take them in river off sound so have no ocean experience with them; however, where we dock them is a wind pocket and i have to believe more experienced people’c comments but here is my take. Never had an issue docking, it does drift a bit more but this first year boater had no issues docking into the slip, in no wake area they handle no different than the center consoles or bowriders i take out?

[@daveumpref]

@@msk3905 mainly because you are going slow in the no wake zone so you’re not drifting too much. Also, I would never pull into the dock with the Bimini top up. It catches so much wind that it’ll pull you off your track by three feet. Anything more than a slight breeze and it’s folded up.

[@msk3905]

@@daveumpref weird i find that boats drift more in wind and currents than when moving at a decent clip, i must be something wrong. Bimini always up and i agree they act like sails

[@msk3905]

@@daveumpref hmm like i said new to boating but i have been finding that going slow increases chance of drifting over going faster especially in docking situations where i have to give some gas to correct? Bimini’s are up and remain up at all times

[@mustangracer5124]

Alone once, I stepped off the boat at the dock, turned around and it was 4' away!.. I had no grabber or ropes out.. the big oops!

[@ronpage101]

If you get a pontoon boat, covered storage is a must. Very expensive to replace the vinyl and carpet. We loved ours. Will be getting a tri hull in the future.

[@homepage714]

Bought a tri-toon and absolutely love it! Have many fellow boaters tell me they should have bought a tri-toon before buying a wake-boat and we can tube and ski as good as a wake boat..just can't provide a wake like a wake boat. Have fished with the boat in 2 feet of water. I live near the coast and are planning to run the bays but not taking out to the open water even though was told it could handle 3-4 foot swells. Not risking that tho! These tri-toons have come a long way.

[@arinasan247]

Very nice video, thanks!

[@wierpkevin]

Thanks, good info

[@boatinglessons]

Our pleasure Kevin!

[@williamdavis5052]

Have owned 4 pontoons and a professional Mariner agree with you on most points. Exception docking, Tri tube pontoon can handle much better than the typical two story no basement powerboat. Low windage with most is aft gives predictable wind drift. Three hulls all with keels have triple the directional stability of a single hull planning design. Pontoon tracks straight and outboard powered responds well to “ kicking” the stern with power. Docking shown bow in stern out and pulled in with a shore line handler could have been so easy. As she coast forward go hard right rudder and give her a quick bump reverse. Stern will move in boat snugs up nicely.

[@boatinglessons]

Yes and it sounds like you could give a few lessons on the topic :)

[@marty906]

Good video. May just have to borrow or rent one soon.

[@nhbiker1961]

I made the rookie mistake when my boat was brand new. I flipped the bumpers into the boat and I gently pushed the boat off and by the time I for to the driver's seat, the wind pushed the boat back up against the dock and it put a deep scratch on one of the toons. Lesson learned...now I open the bimini when out on the water and I push off hard if the wind is blowing and bring the bumpers in the boat when under way.

[@helenarusso]

Hi John how are you doing 😊

[@mustangracer5124]

I'm going for clip on bumpers soon.. the hot dogs ten to float out of the way.

[@emersonc6443]

One thing about loading pontoons on trailers, if you have a bunked trailer where each toon is resting on the bunks, some will be very tall on the trailer and if you get them crooked at all they can fall off. Happened to someone on our lake.

[@bossgobbler226]

My 22 ft goes 22 mph with only a 60 horse Honda. Fully loaded (8-10 people) we do good to hit 20, but who cares. We are never in a hurry and my fuel tank doesn't seem to ever need filling.

[@johnamstutz]

I had a 24 ft suntracker and loved it . We were able to pull a skier and in comfort!

[@timshull59]

what size motor did you have?

[@johnamstutz]

@David Blue I don't really remember.

[@53glowe]

Very informative video...thankyou 👍

[@boatinglessons]

Our pleasure GazLowe!

[@thomasritchie7151]

People don't realize how inexpensive and quick to have built are steel carports/garages if you have enough space on your property. This eliminates the problem with damage to your boat when sitting idle. My 20 ft. carport was less than $1500 and was built in half a day by installers. The price included the installation.

[@wg7644]

Exactly boats don't wear out they "weather out".

[@coalitionofarttechnologycl9063]

I'm looking forward to build a pontoon boat for sea voyage. I need someone to guide me...

[@robertbretz5613]

@@coalitionofarttechnologycl9063 1:51 1:51 1:51

[@woodrowtreadway6258]

Great information

[@boatinglessons]

We appreciate the feedback Woodrow!

[@gllyson]

Thanks for the info

[@boatinglessons]

Our pleasure!

[@jakebumbstead]

What are diameter pontoon is considered to be “small” , or what size Is preferred? Thinking about roughly 18-20 ft boat.

[@bluecollardiyer7248]

Pontoon boat problems........ Don't store food in your seats on a boat slip. You may come back to a shredded interior, rotten food and raccoon crap everywhere. Then your slip neighbors get their boats shredded as well and you're the reason. My 2017 24' Sweetwater pontoon that I paid 19k for last year looks like a 1980's that's been sitting out in the woods. Don't store food, bring it with you and take it when you leave. Also, never trust your fuel gauge. Always top your tank and if you leave it sitting for anymore than a month, use a marine grade fuel treatment. If your tank is left unfilled, it's more susceptible to condensation buildup. Bonus...... If you see storm clouds on the horizon..... Get the boat docked immediately. Don't try to ride it out.

[@boatinglessons]

Great advice Bluecollar DIYer ! Sounds like a video we could make: "Never do this on a boat"

[@NoJodas671]

So what you're saying is "Stupid people shouldn't own a pontoon".

[@bluecollardiyer7248]

@@NoJodas671 More like, "I was trying to be helpful..... But now that you mention it, I can give you my address and maybe you can swing by sometime."

[@yourmama69]

Bluecollar DIYer hey don’t be mad at that guy because you treated your boat like garbage so now it looks like garbage 🤷‍♀️

[@FilmSchoolforMarketers]

This is a terrific video! Not too shabby on the view count either :) Great job, Len's Cove!

[@boatinglessons]

Thank you FSM crew! We certainly got a little help from our friends😉

[@rttholcken7450]

@@boatinglessons to

[@SeanHorsfall]

RT Tholcken did you have a question for us to answer?

[@carlwestfall2006]

Question if u benefit from putting on a Jack Plate, 22ft with a 200hp SHO , Playcraft has them on a high end pontoon

[@pitchnsnowrturnnow8181]

This video is GR8... My wife and I evolved from a "Sport Fish" runabout to a "Deck Boat" to Pontoons as our family aged. While I loved all of my boats, pontoons are my favorites. Hat's off to Len's Cove

[@boatinglessons]

Thank you so much for the compliments! We love them too. Where in the world are you boating?

[@pitchnsnowrturnnow8181]

In Walker Minnesota on beautiful Leech Lake.

[@crosisofborg5524]

You really couldn’t take the time to type out the word great?

[@pitchnsnowrturnnow8181]

@@crosisofborg5524 I'm so sorry you were offended. It was foolish of me to use my unusual and fantastic boat slip number "GR-A8" instead of typing the word "great"! I will never let this happen again.

[@longyarn4288]

I'm looking at getting a pontoon paddle boat. There's a company in my general area that makes them. They look much easier to get onto, and off of, than a plastic version, especially for those of us who are approaching vintage status. 🙄 Have you seen or heard of them and/or any problems it might have? I can get you the link if you want it.

[@nhgriff1]

We just got our first. Should the Bimini top be down when in motion? By the way, I had a good friend in high school named Libby Horsfall.

[@craighellberg4366]

I can’t seem to find the downloadable PDF that compares size with motors. Can you tell me where it is?

[@mikebelcher6692]

I had aluminum angle welded on front of tube and 6’ on bottom front. Now I can pull into the bank and not worry about tube getting a hole in it from any rocks.

[@chrissibersky4617]

Not too bad. About what I expected. Nice video.

[@boatinglessons]

We appreciate that Chris :)

[@giovanniinfantino4256]

What do you think on ss 210 lowe poonton

[@carllange3432]

any thoughts on how long touch screen dash's that control electronics and engine monitoring last in the long haul? costs involved with computer/screen replacement?

[@boatinglessons]

Carl, we have had touch screens on some of our boats for several years and we have had to replace about 10% of them while under warranty. I feel that the failure rate is dropping quickly.

[@carllange3432]

@@boatinglessons even in the humid enviroment of an often neglected helm w/wet towels and forgotten trash , life jackets, i could go on but you know what i'm talking about.what's the costs when out of warranty say 10 or 12 yrs in and 3 or 4 owners later?

[@hookednrolling2009]

@@carllange3432 probably won’t make parts for it after say five years

[@majormegapix]

Hi Sean. Good video. I enjoy your channel. This is my 1st season with a tritoon, switching from a bowrider after many years. Though handling characteristics were mentioned here, I want to add that I feel like a newbie docking now. If there's any wind, forget it. My wife and I have been practicing but it's almost like "look at this guy, guess he's never docked a boat before!" And a funny thing is, I pretty much "came to the end of the internet" looking for an instructional, practical, real-time video of docking a pontoon in the wind. Maybe that's one you could do.

[@Mihalyofficial]

Are there any other noticeable differences going to a pontoon from a bowrider? I have a bowrider and i wish it was more stable and handled better at lower speeds.

[@majormegapix]

One thing I did was switch to a four blade prop. In my case the merc Spitfire designed to be pretty much a direct size/pitch replacement. I think I lost maybe 1 mph top end but gained in useful ways. The ‘toon feels more stable at cruising speeds, has better control with a load in front, and Much less apt to ventilate in turning or trimming. Also, improved acceleration. Even better, it is more responsive when docking.

[@celtickitc]

Ooh, you need to see the seats on our pontoon boat.... pollen and sun....we need to buy new seats....90 hp motor, 24ft, standard 2 toons...but it's great fun on the river 😁

[@chestercrain4300]

What size Prompt can I put on my 50 horse Suzuki to get more Spade

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

All True ✅... Tri-Toons are the Best in my book 👍🏻🤠🇺🇸

[@TheMrLebaron]

I have a Sun Tracker XP3 Tritoon with a 250 Four Stroke on it, I love it

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

@@TheMrLebaron NICE .. I Have a Sweet Water with a Merc 115 Four Stroker HeeHawww 🤠✨

[@TheMrLebaron]

@@stabbincabbincowbboy3770 Thats awesome man, Sweet Waters are great boats, Ive always just been a Sun Tracker guy. I can hit about 55 with it on smooth lake water. Your 115 probably uses WAY less fuel lol so thats good

[@TheMrLebaron]

@@stabbincabbincowbboy3770 Sadly we are moving from Pittsburgh to Tallahassee to escape PA, so before fall I'll have to sell my Boat, as much as I love it. We'll be 40 minutes from the ocean and I REALLY want a nice used Key West 24 Foot Center Console for me and the wife to cruise around the coast. Pontoons just arent made for the ocean.

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

@@TheMrLebaron Awsum & I Can’t Drive 55 hahaha I’m on Big Bear Lake Caly and That Maybe Get U a Ticket Here..

[@lisamcnelly8868]

Yes, we had a pontoon and upgraded to a tri-toon. Unbelievable the difference it makes in rough waters.

[@boatinglessons]

You are so right Lisa!

[@michaelbean9183]

Sick video, I’ve wanted a bass boat but feel like Pontoon boats will give me and my family way more fun for our money. I can still fish off of it and have tons of fun doing lake bbqs

[@Q_StangGT3000]

Yes exactly. I was going back and forth with a tracker or this type. And this type seem more fun with friends

[@stephenmatkovich6867]

Hi, always wanted a pontoon boat since we enjoy Pymatuning Lake and it's great for a family. Now it's only myself, is it smart to buy just for one person all the time, concerns are it's easier to dock, load and unload with another person. Would appreciate an honest response if this is right for me. Thanks

[@aaronfaure304]

Looking to get one for Pyma too. Tired of renting all the time

[@rf9061]

Covers are not that difficult if you learn how to fold them when you take them off

[@MommyG60]

Looking at a used 2017 Qwest Lanai 23 foot with 150 Suzuki 4 stroke...anyone know about these kind of boats? Thank you in advance.

[@boatinglessons]

Sorry for the delay. Qwest is a low volume producer, and Suzuki has the fewest marine dealers than most other national brands. That being said, some people rave about them!

[@johnbegovich1307]

I have a 22 ' Angler Quest tritoon with a 115 Merc. Top speed 37 mph.(three men aboard) with a trolling plate I get her down to 1.2 mph.on lake Huron. I absolutely love the angler quest pontoons and did quite a bit of research before purchase. They are made in St Louis , Michigan

[@wyattearp1418]

Shaun, what cons you mentioned are no different than any other boat. I have had no problems with mine.

[@boatinglessons]

Wyatt, in some ways you are right. I am not trying to say pontoons are bad. Quite the opposite, we LOVE them. We are just trying to gain the trust of pontoon shoppers by being honest with what to expect.

[@mpgarr]

@David Blue The thing is with boating, just like being a golf nut, into horses, seriously into photography, or flying an airplane even if you don't own one outright or a share of one, all of the things we do for recreational time gets pricey. Even if you don't do any of those things and you have kids and they are into sports, cheering or band. To me, of all these things, boating wins hands down.

[@beevang7219]

Good to know video. What do you think about motion sickness? Will a Pontoon Boat help prevent wobbling from the water that causes motion sickness. Thank you!

[@princessglittersparkle4146]

No pontoon boats aren't any better for motion sickness. So, I take 1/2 of a tablet of dramamine, for motion sickness. Good for a day on the water.

[@mikerandazzo6085]

What is the best prop for speed on a 22' tritoon with 150hp yamaha . Best i get with a 16" pitch is 24mph.

[@Bradamsmx5]

I think weight may be a big limiting factor for you. 150 is sort of mid range for a tri-toon of that length. 24 mph is definitely respectable. The only way to figure out what is the best prop is to test different diameter, pitch, blade count props on your particular pontoon. There are so many contributing factors to what prop is best. You need to know what the optimal window of RPM is for your motor and get a prop that keeps you in that window and maximizes your speed.

[@JT_70]

That sounds slow. I’m running a 135hp Honda on a heavy 25’ pontoon (not tritoon), no lifting strakes, 15-1/2 x 13 SS prop and get 28-29 mph GPS. It’s odd, but i get better performance going into the wind with the Bimini up. Have you checked your motor height? It may be set too low and is adding drag. Plus, are your toons clean?

[@ThePorgie]

I’d think you might be a little over pitched with a 16. How close can you get to WOT? If you’re more than 200-500 below id say for sure you’re over pitched. But like was previously stated, make sure your logs are clean. I loose 5mph with gunky logs. My 20’ tri will do mid 30’s with a 13 pitch mec 150. Truth be told i need to slap a 14 on there as I can reach my max rpm with clean logs.

[@Rocco25.6]

I want an owners manual for the 20 18 16 foot pontoon 50 horse motor I want the electrical on the control panel on the helm of the Pontoon and all of the wiring diagram where can I get this I am sure in need of it The electric control panel isn’t working THE MOTOR STARTS AND RUNS BUT THE ELECTRIC IS NOT WORKING

[@toyman9642]

Having grown up at a cottage on a lake in the Kawarthas region of Ontario, Canada, I've watched people at a nearby marina attempting to dock their pontoon boats in high winds. It's a nightmare. Talking to owners, that seems to be their biggest frustration.

[@boatinglessons]

Yes, I have seen that also. It can be frustrating if you want it to drift and it won’t or if there is a sting breeze and it makes the pontoon into a “sail”

[@goozerette]

Once someone sitting near the boat ramp came over to me and said how impressed they were at my getting the pontoon onto the trailer so quickly. While it always feels SO satisfying to get it on the first try - especially when there is an "audience," I also then KNEW (as suspected) that they were sitting there judging my performance! It can be frustrating when it's windy! On that day, they needed a placard with a "10" on it. Some days (especially back when it was new) they need a gong!

[@LAVirgo67]

We love renting pontoon boats. It's like floating around the lake / river on a deck =)

[@MARCELIOUS18]

Great info

[@boatinglessons]

Thank you!

[@paulrock4816]

I grew up on Buckeye Lake in Ohio; Pontoon boats are about 80% of the boats out here, I think because you can put so many people in them. Unlimited horsepower on this lake as well.

[@boatinglessons]

Sounds like a pontoon playground :)

[@jjramz7]

Considering getting a pontoon. One of my worry is HP. Is a 90 hp strong enough for tubing 2 ppl with about 5 people on board be enough???? thanks in advance

[@petelivorsi9648]

jj ramirez It depends. What length are you looking at...double or tri toon...lifting strakes or not. I have a 25ft tri-toon with lifting strakes and a 150 hp motor. I can pull/tube 2 adults with 10 adults on board. So maybe.

[@boatinglessons]

Pete is right to ask about length. If if is 18-20', likely yes. Any longer, than likely no.

[@LM-zn9zy]

jj ramirez, look at the label/stamp on the pontoon you are looking to purchase. It will tell you the passenger weight capacity. You are talking about having 5 passengers on board and pulling 2 more. You also have to consider cargo weight such as safety equipment and drinks/ cooler. You may be pushing it with a 90hp. Lake use you will probably get 25 mph out of it. The river will be less going against current. Perfect for cruising though. If you are going to have that many people on board and pulling then I recommend getting a pontoon capable of handling at least 150hp. My first pontoon was 90hp. and could not get past 25mph with 7 passengers. Now I have Manitou with a 250hp and my Max is 45-50mph with passengers and cargo. 0 issues pulling adults on a water toy.

[@kenkysely1882]

L M w

[@Maynardd]

I would jump it up to at least 115 hp motor

[@gregmccorrister4061]

Thanks for info

[@samantharobertson-walker2631]

What is your opinion on pontoon boats on tropical lagoons as we don't have many at all here in French Polynesia and as a family we are interested

[@boatinglessons]

Samantha, are you asking because of salt water issues?

[@samantharobertson-walker2631]

@@boatinglessons no more wind issues than anything

[@r5yamaha]

Would you recommend a Pontoon for tooling around or fishing on Lake Erie?

[@boatinglessons]

I commented on your other post George

[@mpgarr]

I have had three pontoons over the years. The only pontoon I would run on Lake Erie would be a tri-toon with a motor no less in horsepower than a 150 HP. Always make sure you have checked the weather forecast for the area before heading out on Erie.

[@rondesanghere]

Full cover on a princecraft Ventura 221/2 deck boat is the perfect boat !!!

[@user-bt7ek9cp1s]

have a 23 foot older pontoon w/90hp four stroke. thinking of adding aftermarket third pontoon. do you have any thoughts on improved speed, better ride in chop? is it worth it?

[@boatinglessons]

You would get better ride, smoother, drier, more weight capacity. You will not get any speed/performance improvement unless you increase your horsepower though

[@user-bt7ek9cp1s]

@@boatinglessons thanks.

[@isaacezekielthecolorblindg7343]

Went on one with some of my boys yesterday on a huge lake took us hours to go anywhere haha but i liked the boat

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi can you fish on a pontoon boat in saltwater bays thanks

[@Jjason601]

I think this the boat for me😎

[@boatinglessons]

Glad you like it!

[@tlindsey9769]

Are the pontunes susceptible to leaking? How hard is to to repair the pontoons?

[@texak1974]

You can hit rocks and put a hole in one. Just find a welder that can weld aluminum and have him tack up the hole and grind it smooth.

[@RGD1982]

Check out Barletta pontoon boats I’m a welder there and we have some of the best on the market that won’t break the bank and we make a slide out deck version

[@boatinglessons]

Do you like working for them?

[@joesmith7123]

I don’t see the slide out option on the website .

[@Rottypiper]

Putting the cover on after every use is a pain.

[@boatinglessons]

Yes Chris you are right! We have lots of customers that don't, and their boats hold up well for years. We always suggest a middle ground. Cover it when you aren't going to use it for a week or more. Leave it open if you will be using it within the next day or so.

[@SEMPERFI8387]

Takes us less than 5 minutes on or off on a 23’ toon.

[@runtpacket]

Have a 2019 Bennington with quick clip's on the mooring cover. Only takes a few minutes to remove or install.

[@boatinglessons]

@@runtpacket those certainly help for sure - it is the sheer size and awkwardness of the cover that usually is the deterrent 😂

[@reidjordan4545]

I have a 25 Super Nautique and after the weekend I have to put the cover on, it really meshes into our cleanup routine and doesn't cause problems after a while

[@mustangracer5124]

Good strong dock grabbers are a big + if there is any wind. Pontoons float on top of the water and will drift away in a breeze or a mild water current Throw your ropes out over the dock when 5' away and keep your grabber with you if you are alone. 'toons can get away fast!

[@boatinglessons]

Great point, thanks for sharing!

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

Another common problem on aluminum pontoon boats is they can develop cracks in the pontoons and the brackets that support the pontoons. A lot of pontoon boats have separate chambers in the pontoons to avoid total sinking, but the boat will list to one side. Sun Trackers seem to be the worst for this.

[@boatinglessons]

You are right. The weld and material quality has improved, and we used to see a lot more of this 10-20 years ago. Still a consideration now to make sure you get a quality brand.

[@coalitionofarttechnologycl9063]

I want to build a sea pontoon boat for sea voyage. Can someone help me?? I don't want tidal waves and rocks to damage my boat. How do I make a strong DIY Sea Pontoon Boat??

[@johnnieblack1061]

Me too!!!

[@winstonleach1]

2016 Avalon Pontoon Boat, technical assistance req'd. Both rear speakers not working. Where is location of the fuse panel?

[@jamescolter6597]

How are the vinyls weathering specific to pontoon boats?

[@boatinglessons]

James, more that do to the nature of people leaving them uncovered more, we see more vinyl wear than in other boats (nothing to do with the vinyl itself or the boat structure - more human nature).

[@krazyj1957]

Had some friends T-boned on their pontoon boat by a drunk in a ski boat back in the late 90's. Ski boat went right through the Aluminum fence killing a child. Are they any stronger today?

[@boatinglessons]

That is absolutely horrible Jay A!! They are a little stronger, but not strong enough to stop a heavy PWC at speed - so sad.

[@ryano.5149]

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a stupidity-proof boat, even if it is someone else's criminal stupidity.

[@bluerider7922]

No, they are not.

[@andresbaos4427]

Hello my friend. I want to buy a ponton in miami, You have a store for buying. Thank you. Give me link.

[@boatinglessons]

I wish we did! Look for a certified dealer in your area here: www.discoverboating.com/buying/certified-dealers#certified

[@largol33t1]

Good video because it's short and gets to the point. However, there is one issue: almost all, even the mega-pricey ones, lack a bathroom. This can quickly become an issue as many owners tend to have parties on these boats. Nothing kills the fun faster than having to go back to shore again and again just because nature called...

[@boatinglessons]

Yes. Some have "change room" options with porta-pottis in them. Not the most fun place to answer the call of nature though :-)

[@teop7887]

Just dive in the water... 😂😂😂

[@slliks67]

@@teop7887 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jz3689]

Pontoon boats are the dumbest invention all time. So yes not having a bathroom or just a place to go inside to get out of the elements for the price you pay is ridiculous

[@myriamc7529]

@@teop7887 g

[@MelMelx365]

I never knew

[@danielleesplin1930]

Naya Rivera's case brought me here.

[@sarahs3325]

Danielle Esplin I came here for the exact reason

[@32ndStreetStudios]

Same she and her son must have left the boat

[@lillinstarburst5994]

Same. I’m trying to see how do you climb insider.

[@JennyTheBarbiexo]

Me too I want to know why she chose this boat. Hope they find her ❤🙏🏽

[@StevieLee2114]

Same. Just how did her son get on and not her 😢

[@mcconn746]

We have a 20' pontoon fishing boat with 60hp outboard. The maximum speed is 19mph. We trailer close to where we fish so it works out great and costs less than 3 gallons per half day trip.. If left it at a marina, I would want more hp so I could fish more distant spots.

[@boatinglessons]

Makes sense to us too!

[@XotxAndalusians]

Pontoon boats are really bad in wind. Even to the point of capsizing. It’s happened twice on Pueblo this year.

[@randywilson6536]

Pontoons are awesome ! But like any thing you have to take care of it ! I worked at a factory for 20 years and pontoon boats have come along way ! And very expensive!

[@DJSHaKa]

I have always wondered, what makes them so expensive? Seems like it would be cheaper to build them than lets say - a fiberglass boat of the same length

[@WilleJamesHuff]

@@DJSHaKa just to buy say a mercury 150hp outboard is 15-16k dollars

[@helenarusso]

Hi Randy how are you doing 😊

[@roywalls5595]

My dad just got a 2023 bass buggy pontoon 16 xl because we are getting older and disabled and we got older models 1976 Ranger bass boat can't get in out of it no more! 😅

[@boatinglessons]

It does make it easier to still go boating!

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Nature is 24/7 , a cover goes a long way helping from sun & rain , on the flip side , if it’s not out of the water when not in use it’s a 24/7 growth that constantly needs addressing .

[@boatinglessons]

Yes, you are right and I should have stressed the cover suggestion more. Thanks for your input for our viewers

[@lesnorthrupjr8562]

Mine has Sea-Legs. Love this for my pontoon, keeps them clean and shiny. Pull up to a friends dock and lift your whole pontoon up out of the water, very impressive!

[@billyrichardson1215]

Why do they have the lowest depreciation of all styles of boats?

[@boatinglessons]

Billy, that is a good question. It is a combination of market demand (many people shopping for used pontoons), shift in demographics (aging population), improved performance of pontoons, and how well they hold up over the years.

[@Maynardd]

I called A Bennington representative. A new Bennington pontoon boat comes with a 10 year bumper-to-bumper warranty and six years on the motor. I don’t know if that’s Standard in the industry, but that’s one heck of a warranty! 10 years! I bought a New 23 foot chaparral about 20 years ago, it only had a five year warranty. They told me the warranty was also transferable on the Bennington. Maybe this helps with the depreciation?

[@bluerider7922]

$8000 to $10,000 to replace upholstery after 5 years of being sun-damaged, neglected and left uncovered. Depending on length of boat. (Stitching falls apart)

[@shawncrissup8093]

Put all new seats,couches and live well on 21’ sun tracker and it was $2,000? Where are taking your boat?

[@Maynardd]

My buddy just had his 28 foot chaparral completely reupholstered. $2500.They came to his house and did it right on the dock. In my opinion the new upholstery looks better than the factory.

[@wes326]

The plywood flooring tends to rot out, but they are fairly easy to replace. Some come with aluminum or synthetic flooring. They also are sluggish to turn at low speeds. On the positive side, they are good for entertaining, as a swim platform, and can be beached easily. Personally, I would like to get a used one with a bad motor and convert it to solar power. Would make socializing more pleasant.

[@boatinglessons]

Interesting idea Wesley!

[@SEMPERFI8387]

Not true, it’s marine plywood and almost any half decent manufacturer will have lifetime warranty on ply.

[@wes326]

@@SEMPERFI8387 Maybe new ones have better decks but I had to replace a deck on my pontoon after about 5 years. The holes from the hardware allowed water to get in. When I replaced the deck I put sealant on the top and used bolts with washers instead of screws. Hopefully it lasts longer.

[@alive4082]

You really had to put the most cheese life vest on 😆

[@boatinglessons]

Of course! ;)

[@elainemeloni2059]

I am looking for a used small pontoon boat!

[@boatinglessons]

Hi Elaine! They are tough to find right now. Where do you boat?

[@Mememe.03]

1:40 they come with covers

[@baitandbullets5893]

How to they hold up in salt water?

[@boatinglessons]

That is something that we do not have a significant amount of experience with. We do know that engine lower units are made of aluminum and it is very common to have them fail more quickly if left in salt water and not raised. However, in the case of a pontoon, it is likely 100% aluminum below the water line (no steel/stainless as there is with a lower unit) and therefore should be better. Having two dissimilar metals together speeds up the corrosion process. From our understanding, pontoons are less popular in costal environments.

[@mpgarr]

Many of the makers now have models designed just for saltwater. The aluminum they use is of a different thickness and grade and they often put zincs on them to reduce corrosion due to electrolysis that is bound to occur due to the different metals of the engine and boat. You can use ones not made for saltwater but don't leave them in the water for longer than a few days and wash them off with freshwater when you haul it out.

[@hacker3191000]

cooool

[@mrzif0013]

you did not mention submarining conditions ..

[@boatinglessons]

True! Totally slipped my mind!!!

[@jhgt6]

It's the driver

[@richmac918]

Biggest problem with pontoon boats - being under powered. I've been trying to find a used tri-toon with a 150HP (or more) and the only boats that seem to be for sale are 60HP pontoons which are something I'd never consider purchasing.

[@boatinglessons]

Yes, and they are for sale because people are disappointed with them (for the most part)

[@helenarusso]

Hi Rich MAChow are you doing 😊

[@richmac918]

@@helenarusso Good, how are you?

[@gaylewilliams4805]

I really didn't hear any truly significant issues.

[@martyharless5097]

Low power, displacement pontoons give more range per gallon of fuel wouldn't they? Long, narrow "torpedo" shaped hulls move quite well without the need for powerful gas guzzling engines. If you don't have the need for higher speed it would be much more economical to purchase and operate.

[@fitzfarm8694]

Had a little 18 foot pontoon with a 40hp on it and it drank gas like no other. Sold it and got a 19 foot bowrider with a 4.3L mercruiser, it uses much less gas. I think the little out board on the pontoon had to work too hard to move the boat along.

[@martyharless5097]

@@fitzfarm8694 if the pontoon boat stayed in the water all the time and got a lot of growth on it that could definitely cause it to use a lot more fuel and slow the boat down a lot. If the pontoons were designed to have lift to get the pontoon boat to plane out then that would be a lot of boat for a 40 horsepower motor to get up on plane. Propeller selection would have a lot to do with the performance. What year was the outboard motor?

[@fitzfarm8694]

The motor was a mid 90's Johnson. It had a pretty flat pitched prop on it. The boat was never designed to get up on plane. I was just saying that even though it had a small outboard it would use a ton of gas because it just plowed through the water.

[@martyharless5097]

@@fitzfarm8694 the pontoon boat would more than likely struggle to attain the cruising speed of your bowrider if it was even able to go that speed at Full Throttle. It very well could be that 40 horsepower was not enough. I have the same size bowrider with a 4.3 L engine and they are very good on gas.

[@fitzfarm8694]

Yes, the pontoon only moved along at about 12mph at wide open throttle. It was never ment to go fast. I was trying to answer the original comment about lower horse power pontoon boats fuel consumption. Just becuae they are low hp doesnt mean they are fuel efficient.

[@Westtexascataddict]

All those are great but the main one is leaking toons especially when the boat is brand new I’ll never buy one again!

[@williamsmith5521]

They dolphin with two pontoons , they are aluminum , aluminum boats ABSOLUTELY require zinc diodes....all alectrical on board has to be insulated ....aluminum goes paper thin in one season if not..

[@byronteer8251]

dont forget that pontoons with only 2 logs are great in warmer weather several can get under the boat shady water is cooler

[@Z-e-r-0]

lmao sorry but your boat sitting there doesnt make thousand of millions of gallons of water cooler lmao. just like sitting under a tree doesnt make the air cooler. your just in the shade. lmao "I went boating to hide under my boat from the sun" 🤣🤣🤣 lived in Florida for 25 years, never seen or heard of anybody hiding under their boat. your there to enjoy the water and sun

[@hitman_s1]

Great way to get run over. Derp derp

[@johnphillips2396]

That 's where the gators hang out.

[@edl617]

Party barges higher boat insurance than sailboats