Pontoon Size

[Brandt]

Hey there, i wanted to see if anyone has experince going from a smaller pontoon to a larger one. We currently have a 20' pontoon and are looking at newer used models to upgrade. We could see getting more space at the 22 or 24' size. However, recently i came across a listing for a nice model that is 27'. At first thought this seems like it is too aircraft carrier like, but maybe a few feet more doesn't cause much of a difference as far as moving around, navigating on a medium sized lake. any thoughts?

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Pontoon Size

Hey Brandt, I don't think you would have any problems transitioning from 20' to 25-27'. It should handle the same. Towing could be an issue if you don't have a full size truck. Storage could be an issue as well.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Pontoon Size

If you know how to handle your boat this should not be an issue. I love my 25'er and have absolutely no issues with getting around. I spend most of my time on a 300 acre lake. But really like the size when going into the connected 1500 acre lake and being just as comfortable when it is far more choppy. In fact I would to go to a 30'er. That way I could land the cargo planes as well.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Pontoon Size

The bigger the better. .02

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: Pontoon Size

One thing to consider when upgrading for size is what are you looking for? More seating? More room to maneuver? Front porch? Sun deck?

My 26' has the room of a 21' inside the "living room", but it has an ample sundeck in back and a nice front porch for kids to jump off of when swimming. Also makes for a great aid in docking, staging loads for a day on the lake, casual fishing. But it's not for everyone. Towing it is not
a piece of cake, even with my Yukon. Also gas consumption will increase if you want to go tubing or skiing. You are moving a large object that is like a billboard in the wind.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Pontoon Size

The bigger the better. I went from 24 to 30 to 32 and back to 24. There is little difference in handling and trailering.

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: Pontoon Size

If you have a family of 4, I can't think of a bigger falicy than "bigger is better". Gas consumption goes up disproportionately, manuverabilty decreases, and towability is affected. I don't know where the cutoff is exactly, but up to a point the 3.5 litre SUV's can handle the pontoon, but certainly the bigger v-8's are needed at 25 feet and above. But if you are independently weathly, pay no attention to what I'm saying and go for it.

If you are frugal, consider the amount of time you want to entertain a crew of more than your immediate family. Is all that weight and size worth paying for? Are you a skiing family? If not why put your money into the biggest engine the spec calls for?

 

[Dakota Dave]

Re: Pontoon Size

I have a 20' for a family of four. I can bring several others if I want.
A couple years ago we borrowed a 28' for the fourth. It worked very nice for a pot in the lake to swap out skiers and tubers. and tie uyp the other boat for lunch. The 28' was not going anywhere fast with a 115 but it docked the same as a 20'. i've also borrowed a 15' at one time it was to small to be comfortable on anything but glass smooth water.

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: Pontoon Size

Brandt, you did not mention the lake environment that you operate in. For instance many boaters are on protected damed up rivers which tend to be a whole lot more calm than the Texas lakes we frequent here. If you have never tried to load a large pontoon on a public ramp that is located on open water, it's a real trip. All spring we had 15 to 30mph cross winds at the ramp. That experience is not for a novice. It can be a two-man job. It's that kind of consideration that one might think about when buying a pontoon larger than what is need for your intended purpose.

Our extended family wants to swim, ski, tube, and knee-board. Fuel consumption is not an issue if you motor out to friends, tie-up and party and swim. But for the sports that require you to be on and off the throttle all afternoon, the cost of operation is exponentially greater the bigger the rig and motor. Example- a new HPDI 225Yamaha 2 stroke eats upwards of 8 gallons a running hour at higher rpm's. Gas is $4/gallon in Texas marinas. Mixing oil is $22/gallon. Ringfree additive (recommended by Yamaha) is $26 pint. So 4 hours can run upwards of $150 for a fun active day on the lake. Another reason I say consider carefully what your intended use is when upsizing.

Again if running out on the lake and tieing up with friends is the mission, fuel consumption is not a big issue.

 

[Brandt]

Re: Pontoon Size

Thanks for all the replies, it would be used exclusively on a 3,200 acre lake in Wisconsin. Trailering isn't a big issue as it only goes in at the start of the season and out in the fall.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Pontoon Size

Just a small note, W have a 24 ft pontoon boat. It has a 90 hp Merc. two stroke. It has planty of room, full deck, no wasted space. And it's great on gas. I use regular gas. We trailer it and we cover it when not in use. .It holds 14 people, has never had more then five and the family dog.Get's around 18 mph at 4200 rpm's. We use it in the upper waters of the Chesapecke bay. Sometimes the depth gets around 40 feet and the waves about five ft.

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: Pontoon Size

Your story is a great example of a family that has sized their pontoon to their needs, while not hauling around extra weight or paying each outing for too much horsepower. It can be done, but there is no "one-size-fits-all" in the boat arena. There are a lot of moving parts in selecting the right boat for your family and its life style on the water.

Great story SE.