How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured

[jimmyj]

I am looking at picking up an old Sanpan mid 80s don't quiet know the year. The current owner states that it is a 24 foot. When I measure it the deck is 20 and the Pontoons are just shy of 24. I assume they are measured by the length of the toons themselves and not the length of the deck. Am I correct in my thinking?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured

Yes -- you do measure the tube length.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured

A rare occasion, but I believe Silvertip is not totally correct. My '88 toon had a 20' deck and 22' toons, including the cone part on the rear and is classified as a 22. But my new '08 has 18.6' toons with the deck extending beyond the back of the tubes and is classified as a 20. the mfg. will stretch it any way possible.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured

actually the coast guard regulates it and it is LOA length over all longest measurment has nothing to do with manufacturer lieing to you this measurement is the boat only and not running gear (outboards drives etc.)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured

I totally agree with Slasmith. Some pontoons have the motor pan flush with the tail end of the tubes (as mine is) and therefore the tube length is the LOA. The pontoons Bass Pro sells for example, have an extended motor pan so in that case the LOA is from the pan to the front end of the tube.