Re: Deckboat V's Pontoon Boat
So okay, here's a recap.
1. Don't get a barge. Get a deckboat. I heard from the internet they're better.
2. If you do get a barge, don't use orange life jackets or leave your fenders hanging from the rails while you're cruising around at 15 mph with your 40 horse wide open. And please, whatever you do, change out of your Docker shorts and Polo shirt before taking the helm.
Now that that's out of the way, how about some actual beta? Just remember, our advice is worth what you're paying for it.
As rrhodes has demonstrated, the reputation of the pontoon boat as the old grandpa of the lake is no longer universally applicable, but it is still a boat that primarily excels at chillaxin' and family fun at a slightly slower pace. A properly equipped pontoon can easily facilitate water sports, but if you expect to do a whole lot of skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, etc., you'll be disappointed with a barge. Will it work? Sure, but that's not why the pontoon boat was conceived.
Now, as has been said, deckboats can be rough on the posterior and spinal column in the chop, so there's that to consider. If your crew is heavily into watersports that likely isn't as much of a concern for you. Also, a deck boat won't be as good for lounging as a barge, but will be no slouch in that category. So, if you envision a lot of lounging with a smattering of water sports, a deck boat will do but might not be the better choice.
Enough has been said about the physical implications of the pontoon design versus the displacement hull, so I'll leave that dead horsey alone. I also didn't mention the need to rinse the toons after every use since that burden is no greater than the washdown requirements of any other boat used in salt water. Man you salt water guys have to work hard to boat.
Docking, launching and loading is no more difficult with one design as compared to the other. The only other significant factors are cost and availability. It's been my experience that barges in the secondary market tend to be a little cheaper and a little more widely available. Your experience may vary since Delaware is a considerable distance from Arkansas.
In my mind that pretty well sums up the difference, which as I recall is what you desired. Good luck.
