Pontoons vs. Deck Boats: Which One to Choose?

Deck and pontoon boats are versatile vessels that can include various features. You are spoiled for choice with multiple storage, space, speed, and recreational options. But even the best deck boat can pale in comparison to a pontoon boat with the works, or vice versa. So which one should you choose?

What is a Pontoon Boat?

A pontoon is a boat comprising a stable platform supported by floats, aka pontoons. These boats are used for recreational purposes such as sunbathing, fishing, and swimming, thus the platform. But pontoons can also ferry passengers from one point to another.

What Is a Deck Boat?

As the name suggests, a deck boat is a vessel that features an open deck. This is located at the stern and offers seating and other amenities for passengers. These boats are usually used for recreational purposes such as swimming and sunbathing. They can also be outfitted with features that accommodate water sports and fishing.

Pontoon vs. Deck Boats – What’s the Difference?

If you are uncertain which one you should choose, take a look at our guide and make an informed decision:

Size and Space

A pontoon can be as long as 20 feet and as broad as 8 feet. You can also get a vessel with two pontoons 25 inches in diameter. Smaller ones can be 12 to 14 feet long and 7 feet wide.

A deck boat can look smaller than it actually is. You can get large ones that are 19 to 23 feet long or smaller ones. Some of these vessels can be as wide as 26 feet. This is why most deck boats look smaller than they are.

Choose pontoon boats if you have a big family or want to spend time out on the water with 10 to 20 of your loved ones. These are more spacious than deck boats, which can accommodate 8 to 12 people.

Stability, Ride, and Hull

A pontoon with a multi-hull design has two pontoons that support the deck. This results in a stable and spacious space to host parties. The level hull keeps the vessel steady as it bobs on the water, whether moving or anchored.

That is not the case with deck boats. These have v-hulls that are designed to slice through waves while the boat is moving. The pointed hulls allow these vessels to accelerate faster than a pontoon and don’t require as much fuel to reach their top speed.

However, v-hulls have a central axis that can make deck boats rock a lot when they encounter strong winds, waves, or heavy traffic on board. You can find options with streamlined v-hulls which maintain stability.

So we can say that if you are a thrill-seeker or want to pull water sports equipment such as skis, go for speedy deck boats. If you want a quiet day out on the water or want to hold a party on deck, go for steady pontoons.

Styling

Styling options in pontoons and deck boats come down to your preferences. You can find deck boats that have a fiberglass hull, as well as those that have aluminum toons. These vessels have a pointed hull compared to pontoons which sit on aluminum toons to remain high on the water.

Fiberglass does not corrode easily in seawater, so you should get a deck boat with this hull if you plan on taking it out on the ocean. You can also find modern pontoons that are built for the sea. You can get several options with saltwater-safe components.

Regarding looks, deck boats stand out because of their sleek design. But, today’s pontoons have become more eye-catching as well. Ultimately, the style you need comes down to your aesthetic and practical needs.

Space

Pontoons can carry more people than deck boats because of their spacious and stable design. While the v-hull of a deck boat offers several seating options, walking along the deck can be dangerous. On the other hand, pontoons have a lot of space for passengers to move about without making the vessel tip over.

Pontoons and deck boats offer spacious storage options such as in-floor ski lockers. However, the former also boasts a different type of storage. Tri toons, for instance, also have storage in the center that can accommodate other gear, such as sand anchors.

So we can say that pontoons offer more storage space than deck boats, making them better for fishing and other recreational activities. Choose the latter if you plan on skiing or indulging in other water sports that don’t require a lot of gear.

The Engine

Both pontoons and deck boats have a range of options for engines. Most of the latter offer outboard engines which can give between 25 to 450 horsepower. However, pontoons cannot accommodate every boat engine. The length of the vessel also limits the horsepower of the engine.

Deck boats, on the other hand, are known for their powerful engines. They have two options – an outboard or an inboard/outboard hybrid. Small models can accommodate large engines, but small pontoons cannot do the same.

The Price

Again, this comes down to your preferences and budget. Pontoon boats were traditionally more cost-efficient than deck boats, but the price difference has narrowed exponentially. The total price of the vessel you choose also depends on the engine you need and the additional options you’re looking for.

While pontoons are still considered the affordable option compared to deck boats, your choice of engine and options will add to the bill. In other words, cost should be the last thing you look at when you are confused about which option you should choose.

Maintenance

A clean and well-maintained boat can last for years and give hours of fun without breaking down prematurely. While maintenance takes effort in both vessels, the hull determines the length of time it can take.

For example, aluminum pontoons are easier to maintain than a deck board with a fiberglass hull. The latter has to be hosed down each time it returns to the dock. Otherwise, it develops unsightly watermarks that can be difficult to remove afterward.

How to Choose the Best Vessel

Ultimately, your choice will come down to what you want to use the vessel for rather than its aesthetic appeal. Here are some categories that you should consider:

For Fishing

You can find several deck boats and pontoons that are designed to accommodate fishing. Pontoons are best for those who fish in shallow waters with friends and loved ones. This is understandable since this vessel is roomy and doesn’t rock as much as a deck boat can. You can also add fishing rod railing systems and other equipment to pontoons.

Go for a fishing deck boat if you want to fish and ski using the vessel. These boats can accelerate fast. They can also be customized with fish finders, rod holders, satellite radio, and other fishing gear. Large deck boats also offer storage space that can accommodate fishing gear and skins. Some even have small bathrooms, so you don’t have to go back to shore when nature calls.

The Winner – It’s a draw and depends on your preference and needs.

For Large Groups

A pontoon is larger and more spacious than a deck boat. It can accommodate more people in comparison. You can easily take 16 to 20 people out on the water on this vessel, and it will remain stable. On the other hand, a large deck boat can accommodate 12 people at most and doesn’t have enough seats to accommodate them all.

The Winner – Pontoons are clear winners in this case. They are often used as party boats because they can fit many people without rocking.

For Watersports

Compared to pontoons, deck boats can reach top speed in seconds and are adaptable. The v-hull design easily slices through reasonable waves, and the powerful engine can facilitate a range of water sports. These vessels can make sharp turns, and big wakes that skiers love. The seating also faces forward, giving spectators a great vantage point.

Pontoons are stable, but they don’t hold a candle to deck boats regarding horsepower. While they may have sufficient power to pull skiers, the ride is not as thrilling. You can increase horsepower with other engine options, but the additional speed will be negligible.

The Winner – Deck boats are the clear winners when it comes to speed, so they are best for water sports.

Conclusion

So should you choose a pontoon or a deck boat? Ultimately, your choice depends on the needs you want to fulfill. The former gives the best value on the water as party boats, and the latter is best for thrilling, high-speed rides and water sports. You can find both options at Westshore Marine & Leisure. We offer a wide range of new and pre-loved models in our inventory.