A pontoon boat is a type of recreational watercraft featuring a large, flat deck that rests atop two or three cylindrical flotation tubes, commonly known as pontoons. These boats are typically powered by outboard motors attached to the transom (a horizontal beam reinforcing the stern of a boat) with the aid of a sponson (a buoyancy chamber fitted to a boat’s hull). Pontoon boats are celebrated for their exceptional accessibility, offering easy boarding and disembarking due to entry and exit gates that are flush with the deck.
Pontoon boats are ideal for larger groups and cater to a variety of activities including water sports, leisurely cruises, fishing, and ample storage. Their design makes them versatile and accommodating, providing a stable and comfortable platform for a wide range of on-water adventures. Whether you’re looking to relax, entertain, or engage in water-based activities, pontoon boats offer a perfect solution for diverse recreational needs.
When it comes to pontoon boats, there are essentially two main types: traditional pontoons and larger tritoons. Understanding the differences between these can help you choose the best option for your boating needs.
Traditional pontoon boats feature a flat deck supported by two cylindrical tubes, or pontoons. These boats are typically equipped with a sponson and an outboard engine that provides sufficient power for leisurely cruising around lakes and calm waters. The simplicity of the design makes traditional pontoons an excellent choice for relaxed outings, family gatherings, and casual fishing trips.
Tritoons, or triple-toons, enhance the pontoon design by adding a third tube. This additional pontoon, which extends to the transom, acting as a sponson, often is equipped with other performance-enhancing features such as:
This design provides superior performance, offering a smoother and more stable ride compared to traditional pontoons, but it also requires a larger motor, which increases fuel demand and cost.
To counteract this, some tritoons feature a performance planing tube, which runs 60-70% of the boat’s length instead of a full-length third tube. This configuration is more cost-effective while still offering improved performance over traditional pontoons. However, a full-length center tube offers the best performance, providing a better driving experience, higher person and fuel capacity, and enhanced stability.
If you’re looking for pontoon boats in Ontario, you’ll find a wide range of dealers offering great brands and selections. At Town & Country Marine, we pride ourselves on being one of the largest single-store pontoon dealerships in Canada, and are dedicated to offering the best brands and selection in the country.
At Town & Country Marine, you can rely on us to provide the perfect pontoon boat for your needs, backed by exceptional customer service and a wide selection. So come Visit Us Today and find the right boat for you.
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Please note, we will be closed Monday March 31 due to a power outage resulting from ice storms over the weekend. We will update when we are back to regular operations as soon as possible.
