got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

[riverbottomhunter]

Well first off, I guess Im not a pontoon owner yet, but maybe sooner than later. We had kicked around the idea of getting a different style of boat then have changed our mind to going to a pontoon.

I have rode on pontoons plenty of times, but never operated or cared for one. What do I need to know about operating pontoons? I know it is a pretty general question but talk me through it. Is there any difference in operating/stearing/loading on a trailer? Not really anything to wax, but how do you care for them?

 

[The Rooster]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

Yes, that's a rather broad based question. Have you decided what size (18-26+). Twin tubes or triple tubes? Will you be looking at new or slightly used? Towing wise, I don't find them difficult at all. We've always had the bunk style trailers, and full size trucks w/V8 power. Launching and reloading, I always drop the tailgate on the truck. Helps me see position of trailer axles and how much boards are submerged, usually 1/2 to 2/3. Steering wise, once you jump above about 115hp, you really should consider hydraulic/power steering. Since you've been on several, you probably know how much more sensitive they can be to wind, and current, Basically, they sit on top of the water, and without the usual deep-V most other boats have, there isn't much resistance to counteract those forces. As far as cleaning the panels, a clean rag and water, is all we use. Sometimes we'll use the cheap spray-on car wax as recommended while it's still wet, then wipe dry.Good luck. Plenty of more knowledgeable people here than I.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

+1 for the Rooster

 

[riverbottomhunter]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

What Im looking at is a 21' with a 60 hp motor (sun tracker). I will be on lakes so really im not worried about current. I don't plan on being out on real windy days, but how do they differ on small waves?

The trailer it comes with is a single axle and I have a v8 4x4 pickup.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

What Im looking at is a 21' with a 60 hp motor (sun tracker). I will be on lakes so really im not worried about current. I don't plan on being out on real windy days, but how do they differ on small waves?

The trailer it comes with is a single axle and I have a v8 4x4 pickup.

With small waves (less than 18") you won't even feel them. The pontoons will cut through, resulting in a very smooth ride. As far as the trailer goes, you are running the max. Your weight will be around 3500 lbs. and that's the carrying capacity of most trailer axles. Tandem would be better.

 

[bigdee]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

Pontoons are the easiest and in most cases the most economical to maintain. If you have alot of friends or kids and dogs it is the right choice. You will sacrifice speed and some ability to pull skiers but it is possible to pull wakeboards and tubes

 

[riverbottomhunter]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

Pontoons are the easiest and in most cases the most economical to maintain. If you have alot of friends or kids and dogs it is the right choice. You will sacrifice speed and some ability to pull skiers but it is possible to pull wakeboards and tubes

My thoughts too!!!

At first we were looking for a bit faster boat, but then we really got to thinking. We have 2 small kids, I don't ski but might tube and might take the dog. I also am no mechanic so less to maintain is a +. All that added up makes a pontoon the best choice for us.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

THINGS TO KNOW:

1. Pontoons are very durable and easy to maintain. They're usually powered by outboard motors, which are also easily maintained. A good cover for storage is a great investment, and upholstery should last 25+ years if you keep it clean, out of the weather and treated with 303 Protectant.
2. As it has been said, pontoons are easily pushed around by the wind. When you dock in a crosswind, it's best to drive into the wind, turn into the dock and keep it in gear. Sometimes you have to use reverse and the throttle aggressively to stop a pontoon in a crosswind.
3. Pontoon boats are usually square, and they won't glance off a dock like a pointed bow boat will. If you hit a dock or catch the corner of a dock with the square deck of a pontoon boat, it's going to stop instantly--taking passengers off their feet (if standing.)
4. If you're boating in "big water", you've got to be careful not to nose dive the front end into swells or big white cap waves. Sometimes they require feathering the throttle to keep out of the water troughs. Most inland lakes won't be that rough, however.
5. Pontoons are easy to launch off a trailer, and not that hard to put on a trailer if you have trailer guides between the toons. They can be a handful in a crosswind, however. Choose a boat ramp located in protected water--not out on "big water."
6. Pontoon boats are aluminum, and they don't deteriorate like fiberglass boats if left in the water for extended periods. You can leave pontoons in water in marinas for the season--and not have to trailer them.

 

[riverbottomhunter]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

Thanks for everyone's help. The lake I will be going to is about 30 minutes from my house. It doesn't have a marina so each time I go I will have to haul the boat. Sounds like it shouldn't be too bad to do this.

 

[a1nowell]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

Riverbottomhunter,
Look around the lake you are going to go to the most and see if there are any garage style storage places. I also live about 30 minutes from the lake I frequent most and have kept my boat at home and now it is in a storage unit 2 minutes from the launch. I use my boat much more now that it is close to the lake. I just haul it out of the shorage unit and bang I am on the water. When it is time to go home I just put it on the trailer, drive 2 minutes, back it in the storage unit close and lock the door and home I go. Everything I need is left on the boat and when I am ready to go again it is all there ready to go again. Oh! one thing, if you have caught some fish be sure and take them with you before you lock the boat up.

 

[lncoop]

Re: got a newbe pontoon owner question for you

With small waves (less than 18") you won't even feel them. The pontoons will cut through, resulting in a very smooth ride. As far as the trailer goes, you are running the max. Your weight will be around 3500 lbs. and that's the carrying capacity of most trailer axles. Tandem would be better.

Single axle will be fine for that barge. A second axle just means another set of bearings and brake parts to repair/maintain.