Pontoon Layouts 101
When shopping for a pontoon boat, one of the most overlooked, yet most important, decisions is the layout. While pontoons may look similar at a glance, the way seating and open space are arranged can dramatically change how the boat feels and how you’ll actually use it on the water.
What is a “Pontoon Layout”?
A pontoon layout refers to how the furniture is arranged on the deck, not the engine, not the tubes underneath, and not the horsepower.
Layout affects:
- How people move around the boat
- Where people naturally gather
- How open or closed the boat feels
- How versatile the space is for different days on the water
Two pontoons of the same size can feel completely different purely based on layout.
Here you can see some of the most popular floorplans today.
Center Walkthrough
With a straight alleyway from north to south on your boat, with symmetrical loungers in all four corners, this layout provides maximum accessibility throughout the entire boat with plenty of seating. What some boat owners love about the center walkthrough floor plan is it does a really good job at closing off the entire cockpit for pets and small kids. It’s a really good way to keep your entire family safe.
Lounger
With two symmetrical seats in the front of the boat along with a couch-like lounge in the back of the boat, the lounger is lauded for its on water comfort. With the multiple seating configuration the lounger provides you can be involved with the conversations at the front, lay back and watch the family swim off the back, or lay the whole thing flat to soak up the rays.
Entertainer
Most often featuring a fixed bar top with bar stools and bar seating, this layout is ideal for those of us that want to enjoy some company out on the water. Whether it’s laying out a lunch spread for the kids or enjoying some snacks and drinks with family and friends, this layout has you covered.
