How to Choose the Right Pontoon Boat

If you want a boat that’s perfect for family cruising and entertaining friends, look no further than pontoons. Pontoon boats are an extremely popular and practical choice for boaters who want something that will be great for family entertainment and relaxing cruises. It’s hard to beat the comfort and stability provided by these vessels.

We at Chatlee Boat & Marine have created this pontoon buying guide with some important information. Keep reading for more details, then visit our dealership to check out the models that we have in stock right now. You’ll find us conveniently located in Sanford, North Carolina.

Consider the Size

One of the most important factors to consider is the size of the pontoons. Generally speaking, standard pontoon boats have a diameter between 23 and 25 inches. This size option is great for the average boater. Larger pontoons are between 27 and 28 inches, which is perfect for handling additional weight without sacrificing performance. Keep in mind that this setup situates the boat higher on the water than other standard models.

Passenger Considerations

Don’t forget to address how many passengers you’ll be bringing along with you for your pontoon adventures. You want to avoid overestimating the size of your group, which will lead to you paying for a ton of space that you won’t use. Additionally, you don’t want to undershoot it and end up feeling cramped and uncomfortable. As a general rule of thumb, 1 to 5 passengers require a pontoon boat that is 20’ or less. If you’ll be boating with 6 to10 passengers, you should choose a pontoon that is between 20 and 24’ long. Those who have 10 or more passengers should always buy a pontoon boat that’s at least 24’long.

Horsepower Needs

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right amount of horsepower for the type of boating you plan on doing. If you’ll be enjoying some leisurely cruising around a lake, you can shoot for something in the 40 hp range. If you’re looking to find the middle ground of speed potential, you’ll want to aim for something around 150 hp. Those thrill-seeking boaters who will be frequently towing watersports enthusiasts should opt for a pontoon boat in the 300 hp range.

When you’re in the market for a family-friendly vessel, there’s no better option than a pontoon boat. These comfortable and spacious boats are ideal for creating long-lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a large group of friends or enjoying a day on the water with family members, the possibilities are endless.

We hope that this pontoon buying guide has been helpful. For more information or if you are looking for some quality pontoons for sale in Sanford, North Carolina, visit Chatlee Boat & Marine to explore our inventory. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Raleigh and Greensboro.