Why a pontoon?

[David]

I get that my situation might not be typical. 19 J Craft for skiing. SS2000 for going fast. Either or both for cruising. And a cottage on the water as base for activities.

I have no idea what I would use a toon for. What are they good at?

[Chaz]

The woman that hands out cheeze burgers off of one @ Gilligans Island is usually top-less by the time she starts cookin ... If thats any indication .

[home made tunnel]

You can't put a waterslide on either of your boats.... Just sayin.
And they fit more people - Good sight-seeing vessels.

That's the extent of their advantages.

[LakeFever]

Pontoon boats are nice docks that cruise around the lake. That’s how I always thought of them. A close family friend of ours bought one in the early 90’s and it was the most popular craft for fishing with young and old folks. Speaking of old pontoons are by FAR the easiest craft to board especially if the dock is made the same height as the deck. Seems like most of us larger types prefer the toons because of the “couch on water” features. They also usually have an excellent canopy for sun protection and ride very stable. Lots of pluses for comfort but for a speed machine? I just don’t get it. Forty or fifty hp four strokes are plenty for the type of toonin I like because when we are out in one we like to enjoy the cruise and sights and whatnot.

Pontoons you ride on, most glass boats you ride in

[V-bottom]

They are kinda like a minivan...they are quite practical.

I get that my situation might not be typical. 19 J Craft for skiing. SS2000 for going fast. Either or both for cruising. And a cottage on the water as base for activities.

I have no idea what I would use a toon for. What are they good at?

[Euroski]

And if zzu have enough $$$$ still can run 100mph

[MattGreen]

Inexpensive “party platform” - take a look at YouTube footage of any boat raft up party.
If I’m not mistaken the larger ones can have enclosed head compartments, that means a lot to 50% of the population
Matt

[tnelsmn]

My brother has one. Great for putting 10 people on and doing a 15mph cruise around the shoreline with drinks. Very stable ride and non intimidating for non boat folks.

[papalobster]

I use mine for floating, fishing, touring, pulling a skier/tube/kneeboard, sleeping, camping and sometimes grabbing 12 of my friends and heading out for dinner. It doesn't do 100+, but I'd spill my cocktail going that fast anyway. I need 18 inches of water to float, so I can get into shallower bays that my v-hull friends can't make in.

Minivan indeed.

[Tom Foley]

Great for taking out a group , dogs etc . Great at the Sandbar with a grill and shade to retreat to . Ours is 23 ft seats 6 comfortably and with the V-6 150 runs 30 mph . I run it on the Suwannee River during summer months when the sturgeon are jumping ! Picked it up cheap and look forward to using it . Never thought I would own one but when the deal popped up it was too cheap to pass up .

[David]

I see a toon as inferior for skiing and going fast compared to what I have. People capacity would be a plus, but I don't mind using two boats when we have a crew.

[idvette]

They're frigging awful to paddle when you have them loaded with people and don't realize how much fuel they'll burn running 3/4 throttle......

[mikesufka]

Check out the Bennington Q Series ... Could be my next boat .... or a slightly bigger Skater

MDS

[kellytheaker]

They are as stated above in posts just an excellent addition to any cottage . When family and friends - young and old show up it' the go to platform . Obviously I'm getting older and have made sure my lift is capable of holding one, the ladies especially enjoy the slower pace . We all end up wanting one because they are a great dock - very comfortable and the whole gang gets to enjoy the tour even the pets . I have a next door neighbour and she is in a wheel chair - i believe they are much happier than the 20 ft boat . Lets face it we are all heading towards a pontoon as we age - i never even thought about them in my 20s or 30s but at 58 i can see it in my future . They are popular and some real nice seating . Great platforms for fishing and swimming

[V-bottom]

Check out the Bennington Q Series ... Could be my next boat .... or a slightly bigger Skater

MDS

Geez that's like comparing a decked out motorhome to a Corvette. I could never replace a performance boat with a pontoon. I think they are great for putting around the lake with a group of people. To spend $75 or 100K to power them beyond 30 or 40 mph just seems like a waste as towels, water toys and cheese and cracker plates would be flying out the back. Have you ever witnessed the people with the 100K pontoons at the boat ramp