Best Pontoon For Towing

Bennettc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
57
I have been looking at craigslist for deals on a pontoon. I would like to spend $3000-$3500. I have seem some that seem like good deals but I don't really know what to look for in a pontoon. I would also need to tow the pontoon whenever I use it and was looking for any suggestions about that. I have a new minivan with 3500 pound towing capacity. Any suggestions on length and trailer type would help a lot.


Thank You!
 

rogerwa

Commander
Joined
Nov 29, 2000
Messages
2,339
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

I was in the same boat, no pun intendede, as you about 9 years ago. Almost exactly.

I bought a 21ft Northwoods pontoon and a single axle float on trailer and towed it with my Olds minivan.

AS far as the Pontoon is concerned, look for pontoons in good shape, a solid deck (inspect underneath for rot), and a good outboard motor. Everything else can be fixed or lived with. Even the deck can be replaced. You can pull bad funiture and use lawn chairs until you can replace it. You just don't want engine trouble or leaky dented pontoons.

As for towing, that will be a challenge. It is not so much the weight but the fact that pontoons under tow act like a big sail. Sway is also a problem so you want a hefty vehicle so you are not pushed around.

So smaller would be better if towing.
 

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

I purchased last year and researched the same questions. I too only had a minivan to tow with. The trailer seems to be the most important element. Tandem axel will take the weight better and will drive better. Surge brakes are more common than electric, but either way, brakes are necessary. Bunk trailers seem to be more stable for towing distances rather than the scissor type. I tow a 20 ft. I don't have to go far but want the rig to be good for greater distances. Minivans are fairly light duty so be sure to have the tow package with the tranny cooler etc. And, DON'T BE IN A HURRY. Slow and easy will get you there.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

Let's start with the towing situation. It is possible to tow virtually any pontoon of any length provided you have a suitable trailer. What you need to consider is what you intend to tow the pontoon with. Your minivan is a front drive vehicle which make poor vehicles on sandy, slimy, slippery or unimproved ramps. Thats problem number one. Problem number two is because you have limited towing capacity (3500 pounds) that limits the size of the pontoon. Remember, that what you put INTO the van counts as weight so you need to add that to the weight of the boat and trailer. So if you have two kids plus the better half, you add that weight and all of the gear, fuel, water toys, adult beverages, fishing gear, batteries, etc. I can tell you that a bunk style pontoon trailer for an 18 - 20 foot pontoon weighs about 800 pounds. A basic 18 -20 foot pontoon weighs 1100 - 1500 pounds (dry) so you are already at 2000 - 2300#. Add an engine that weighs 300 - 350 pounds and you are at 2650. Add 25 gallons of fuel and you have another 150 pounds. Add a battery and that's another 35. See how quickly this stuff adds up. So from this example, I can tell you that with an 18 foot pontoon, 50 HP four stroke, the usual furniture, you will be at or slightly over the 3000# range. A 20 footer will probably put you over the tow limit without anyone or any thing in the van. I tow an 18 foot Misty Harbor with an all-up weight of just at 3000 pounds with a Chevy S10 Crew Cab pickup with 3.73 gears and a 4.3 V6. I would not want any less power. But I also want excellent performance and low stress on the vehicle which this vehicle has since it's rated for 5000# plus. Your vehicle would be at or over the tow limit and that is not generally good for the vehicle. It's unfortunate that you bought the vehicle before the boat but if that's what you have, then you will be limited to an 18 foot pontoon, or a 20 maximum. Even at that you are really pushing the capability of the van.
 

Bennettc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
57
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

Thanks for the info! I would actually like a smaller pontoon. I don't need to load it full of people. We'll be having three kids in carseats and needed a van pontoon or not. Now I'm just looking at ways to fit everyone in the boat. I have quite a few lakes near me and wouldn't be towing it more than 30-40 minutes in most cases. Maybe a trip or two camping each summer. Thanks again!

Let me know if you have any more advice.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

i tow my 20ft with a 1986 Chevy Astro Van, 4.3L automatic, it is rear wheel drive. i highly suggest trandem axle over single axle trailer. i have a heavy duty single axles, and would rather have a tandem.
 

Bennettc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
57
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

I got a reply to my graigslist ad for an 18 foot Hurricane deck boat. Do you know how these boats are for weight and towing? I'm still waiting for more info but I thought I would ask the experts first.

Thanks!
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

You are now dealing with a glass boat and probably the same weight or more. Check the NADA used boat price guide. They list boat weights but remember, that's just the boat -- no engine, fuel, batteries, gear, etc.
 

bowman316

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
1,822
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

The good thing about towing with a mini van is the whole party can all ride in the tow vehicle. It is not like it is a 2 seat pick up.


But I would be most worried about the front wheel drive on the ramp. I need 4WD sometimes to get out of the ramp when loading the boat back on it.
 

Bennettc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
57
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

Thanks for all of the great info! I ended up buying a 1990 Tracker Bass Buggy. It is in pretty good shape and seems to tow with my mini van alright. It may need some new seats in the future because most were taken out.
 

Bennettc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
57
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

I looked up the boat I got on NADA and it says that it weighs only 880 pounds with a motor. It lists a 25hp but mine is a 40HP. Do you think this weight is correct? I know I have to add the trailer weight which is 700 pounds. So if I take into account the bigger motor, trailer and boat It would be around 1700 pounds. If I add gas and people I am still 1000 pounds under the capacity. Is there anything I'm missing? Is there anything I can do to help at the launch with the front wheel drive?

Thanks!


Boats and Personal Watercraft
1990 TRACKER MARINE
TRACKER MARINE LP
SUN TRACKER SERIES
BASS BUGGY(*)
Pontoon Boats

Length: 18'
Model Name/Description: BASS BUGGY(*)
Boat Type: Pontoon Boats
Hull Material: Aluminum
Beam: 8'
Engine: 1
25 HP
Gasoline
Net Weight: 880
 

Rancherlee

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 6, 2006
Messages
621
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

That is the weight without the motor on it, OR furniture. A 40hp 2 stroke is in the 140-175# range usually. Bare 18'-20' pontoons are in the 750-1000# range and furniture adds quite a bit of weight. I've seen some of the newer 20' pontoons with full furniture weigh over 2000#
 

Pontuned

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
47
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

I looked up the boat I got on NADA and it says that it weighs only 880 pounds with a motor. It lists a 25hp but mine is a 40HP. Do you think this weight is correct? I know I have to add the trailer weight which is 700 pounds. So if I take into account the bigger motor, trailer and boat It would be around 1700 pounds. If I add gas and people I am still 1000 pounds under the capacity. Is there anything I'm missing? Is there anything I can do to help at the launch with the front wheel drive?

Thanks!


Boats and Personal Watercraft
1990 TRACKER MARINE
TRACKER MARINE LP
SUN TRACKER SERIES
BASS BUGGY(*)
Pontoon Boats

Length: 18'
Model Name/Description: BASS BUGGY(*)
Boat Type: Pontoon Boats
Hull Material: Aluminum
Beam: 8'
Engine: 1
25 HP
Gasoline
Net Weight: 880

It looks like we are in the same boat...........sorry but I had to say it.

I just purchased a 97 Bass Buggy w/ a 60 hp motor today. I have a little cleanup work to do before I take it out but I think I am going to enjoy this boat. I just towed it home tonight and I can tell you that you will definitely feel this boat behind a minivan. i have a V8 AWD Explorer and I could feel it pushing a little. It isn't a heavy boat but you will need to be somewhat cautious with the vehicle you will be using. Have fun with your new toy.

BTW- I am glad I found this forum, search is definitely my friend.
 

Bennettc

Seaman
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
57
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

Since getting my boat I have towed and launched the boat a few times. The boat tows well. I go pretty slow and would probably borrow a truck when I need to go long distance. Lucky I have a lot of lakes in the area to choose from. The boat is light enough that I haven't had any trouble at the launches. I have only gone to the really nice county owned ones in my area. I plan on putting slides on the trailer so that I don't have to put the van's back bumper underwater to get the boat off the trailer. Thanks for all of you help with my questions and guiding me towards the right size boat for the family!
P5230040.jpg
 

Pontuned

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
47
Re: Best Pontoon For Towing

Since getting my boat I have towed and launched the boat a few times. The boat tows well. I go pretty slow and would probably borrow a truck when I need to go long distance. Lucky I have a lot of lakes in the area to choose from. The boat is light enough that I haven't had any trouble at the launches. I have only gone to the really nice county owned ones in my area. I plan on putting slides on the trailer so that I don't have to put the van's back bumper underwater to get the boat off the trailer. Thanks for all of you help with my questions and guiding me towards the right size boat for the family!
P5230040.jpg

Very good looking boat. From the pic it looks like it was well taken care of prior to you getting it. I have spent the day cleaning mine and I have a little bit to finish up tomorrow. I will be on the lake next weekend........ I hope.

Enjoy it.
 
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