Pontoon Vs Deck Boat: Which is the Suitable One?

The surest way to make an appropriate selection is to learn how different boat options perform in various applications. By comparing the boats, it becomes easy to discover which is more suitable for a specific use.

Both pontoon boats with decks and deck boats are versatile vessels that are ideal for fishing, cruising, watersports, and a host of other water-based activities. Even though they offer similar benefits, they couldn’t be more different.

This blog post compares key features of pontoon vs deck boats and highlights the construction, pros, and cons of each boat, enabling buyers to make a profitable decision.

The following table shows the differences in the hull type, speed, stability, and activities that are suitable for each type of boat.

Understanding the Core Hull Differences

In essence, the pontoon boat and the deck boat differ in the very structure of their hull, which defines many of their attributes and features. The pontoon boat, as the name suggests, is made of two or sometimes three hollow tubes or pontoons, which are usually made of aluminum. These buoyant cylinders provide a stable base for a large flat deck to be built on. This type of hull design offers great stability, especially when anchored and in flat water, unlike inboard configurations. It is a floating structure that has to be as large as possible on the surface of the water.

On the other hand, the deck boat has a V-shape hull design and is usually made of fiberglass material. This design is similar to that of many runabouts and sport boats. The V-hull is designed to slice through the water, which gives better speed, maneuverability, and stability, especially in rough water. The deck boat is designed to have the beam, which is the width of the boat, extending further forward than a V-hull boat and has a much larger bow area similar to that of a pontoon boat. However, the basic concept is still a single planing hull intended for high-speed operation. This difference in the structure of the hulls establishes the basis for the differences in performance and handling that we will discuss next.

Performance Showdown: Speed vs Stability

With pontoon boats and deck boats, performance is managed as a balance of speed and agility. Although the introduction of new technology has somewhat blurred the boundaries, the differences in hull shape still largely control the on-water experience.

Deck boats tend to outperform other boats in speed and sharp turns. Their V-hull design enables effective planing, which leads to more rapid acceleration, higher speeds (often over 40-50 mph depending on the engine), and better steering. The V-hull has the potential to slice through waves in moderate chop, providing a smoother ride than a typical twin-tube pontoon, which rises over waves more bluntly. When it comes to turning, deck boats perform better.

Historically, twin-tube pontoon boats have had slower speeds and are better suited for leisure cruising. Their design places a greater level of importance on stability versus speed. While their top speed is not exceptionally fast, their strength is found in their outstanding initial stability. They are very stable when at rest or when moving slowly for activities such as fishing or swimming. In comparison to a V-hull, these boats are better at resisting listing or rocking, even with a large number of people on board. This has changed with the introduction of tritoon boats, though. These three-tube pontoon tritoons, which typically have lifting strakes, under-skinning, and powerful outboard motors, can reach exceptional speeds, in some cases even exceeding many deck boats (30-40 mph is standard, and some even further). Unlike the twin-tube models, handling with these boats is better, however, the greater width of these boats makes it likely for them to have a wider turning radius than a comparable deck boat. Their turns are less sharp than that of a V hull’s, thus allowing them to travel in wider and more stable arcs.

If the most important aspects to you are thrilling acceleration, responsive cornering, and confidently navigating through choppy waters, deck boats often hold the upper hand. On the other hand, if your ideal boating experience includes easy cruising, a stable platform for socializing, or fishing while anchored, then a pontoon boat, specifically a Tritoon for better overall performance, is a great option.

Space & Layout: Maximizing Onboard Room

As for the onboard space in the similar lengths, the differences between the pontoon boats and the deck boats are quite significant in terms of the usable space. Pontoon boats have a deck that is almost as wide and as long as the pontoons and are more open, flat, and versatile. Therefore, for a given length, a pontoon boat offers more usable deck space than a deck boat. This translates to increased passenger carrying capacity; for instance, a 22-25 feet pontoon can hold up to 12-15 people or even more. As for the layout, pontoons are also more versatile, and manufacturers offer different configurations of the floor with wraparound sofas, forward and aft-facing sofas, pedestal seats for fishing, built-in tables, changing rooms, and even bar sections. It is possible to divide the space into different functional areas by placing furniture. It is usually located under the seats and in the helm console.

Deck boats, as a type of V-hull boats, are designed to provide as much space as possible within the hull, and therefore, they have less open deck space than a pontoon of the same length. The V-hull shape leads to a lower and narrower interior floor, especially towards the bow. While they also have plenty of seating, especially in the bow area, which is wider in these models, the arrangement is usually more rigid and may include forward-facing bow seats, helm seats, and a bench or an L-shaped lounge at the stern. They are comfortable and designed for cruising, and in most cases, they provide less maneuvering space, especially when fully loaded with passengers. Storage is usually very good and can be found under the seats and in the console, and sometimes in-floor lockers for storing skis or wakeboards, which is not very common in pontoons.

If your primary requirements are to have more space for children, pets, or equipment, or if you need to provide a large area for people with a focus on the ability to change the location of the seats, then the advantages of a pontoon boat are obvious. If you prefer comfortable seating for slightly fewer people and like the built-in storage that is common in fiberglass hulls, deck boats offer ample space in a more sporty design.

Ideal Activities: Watersports, Fishing, Relaxing

Perhaps the most important aspect that will determine how you will spend your time on the water is the primary reason for choosing between these two versatile boats. Although they are both versatile machines, their construction makes them more suitable for specific activities.

• Watersports (Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing):

Here, the deck boat has the traditional advantage. Its V-hull usually forms a more distinct wake suitable for skiing and wakeboarding (although tow boats are more appropriate for this). It has a faster acceleration and better maneuverability to pull skiers out of water easily and also to provide more fun when towing tubes. Performance tritoons with large engines and tow pylons or arches can perform these activities and are used more frequently for watersports. They provide a stable base for getting ready for the battle but create a different kind of wave and do not respond to the turns as sharply as a V-shape. For casual tubing or kneeboarding, any pontoon with enough power will do the job.

• Fishing:

The pontoon boat is usually preferred by fishermen who want a stable and large fishing platform. The flat top surface of the boat is spacious enough to allow several people to fish without crowding one another. Stability at rest is a great advantage when fighting fish or when moving around the boat. Some pontoon boat manufacturers provide fishing layouts that include swiveling pedestal seats, livewells, rod holders, trolling motor gates, and easy-to-clean vinyl flooring. It is important to note that deck boats can be used for fishing, but they do not have as much dedicated space, the V-hull is not as stable when the boat is not in motion, and there is less room to move around.

• Relaxing, Cruising, and Entertaining:

For a slow boat ride, for mooring in a bay, for swimming, or entertaining guests, there is no better boat than the pontoon boat. It has a large area of the deck, comfortable sofas, it is inherently stable and can be easily reconfigured, which makes it perfect for social purposes. It is very convenient to navigate, to arrange food and beverages, and just chill. Deck boats are good for cruising, especially if you do not have the time to get to your destination at a leisurely pace. It is suitable for forward-facing travel, but they have less space for mingling and maneuvering once anchored than a pontoon.

Think of the pontoon as perhaps the versatile “SUV of the water,” capable of handling many tasks well, particularly those involving space and stability. The deck boat is more like a sporty “crossover,” blending space with more athletic performance. They are good for small events and casual days when you want to experience the best of what it has to offer.

Comfort & Ride Quality Compared

For us, being on the water is not about speed and size; it is mainly about comfort. The construction of the hull is greatly responsible for comfort regarding smoothness, dryness, and general ease.

• Smoothness:

In flat to slightly choppy water, pontoons provide a very soft and stable ride and are very comfortable. They move smoothly and with little effort on the surface. As the waves increase, traditional twin-toons may show a little flex or slapping as the waves impact the deck’s underside between the tubes. Tritoons equipped with central tube and more often with under-skinning, perform better in handling medium headed sea, giving better contact. Deck boats, which have V-shaped hulls, are designed to slice through the water instead of rising and falling over it to a great extent. This means they can take moderate chop better than a twin-toon, with less beating. However, because they sit on a narrower V, they may be more prone to rolling side to side in beam seas (waves coming from the side) than the wide stance of a pontoon.

• Dryness:

Pontoons are usually built to be higher above the water level and, therefore, are less likely to be affected by water splash in calm water. Nevertheless, their blunt bows can sometimes act like a paddle and create a spray, especially when you are in a windy environment or some choppy water without trimming the boat appropriately. Deck boats are lower, and while their V-hulls help to throw the spray out to the sides, at high speed or in windy conditions or waves, some of the spray may go over the bow or sides, especially for those in the front.

• Noise:

The two types of boats are relatively quiet since they are fitted with modern four-stroke outboard motors. Hull noise can be different; you can get more slapping of the water under the pontoon deck when in waves as compared to a V-hull boat that is likely to make more noise due to the way it is carved out to cut through the waves.

• Movement Onboard:

The stability of a pontoon is much higher than that of a regular boat, especially when the boat is at anchor or moving slowly, which makes it much easier and safer to move around, serve food, or look after children. The V-hull of a deck boat implies that the movement of passengers can lead to more tilting of the boat, even when it is not in motion.

Comfort is relative, however; if one is looking for maximum stability and a smooth ride on relatively flat water, then the pontoon does the job. If it is important to handle moderate chop with less pounding and you are willing to accept more roll, the deck boat is good.

Budgeting Your Boat: Cost & Ownership

Purchasing a boat is not just the cost of the boat but also other costs that are associated with it. Therefore, considering all the costs involved in owning a pontoon and deck boat is necessary to make a wise decision.

• Initial Purchase Price: Compared to deck boats, entry-level pontoon boats are usually cheaper. However, high-end equipped pontoon boats, like tritoons, can cost as much as or more than many deck boats. This means it becomes difficult to say one is always cheaper since the answer depends on specific makes and model details.
• Fuel Costs: Lightweight twin-tube pontoon boats may be more fuel-efficient for leisurely, low-speed cruising, but fuel consumption increases dramatically with higher speed demands, especially on tritoons. Deck boats can be efficient when planing, but their powerful engines often mean higher overall consumption.
• Maintenance Costs: Basic pontoon boat hull maintenance usually only requires cleaning the pontoons, while deck boats’ fiberglass hulls require maintenance and are sometimes costlier to repair. The cost of maintenance of the engine is also correlated with the make and type.
• Other Costs: Do remember insurance (which depends on the value of the boat and its usage), storage (marina fee, trailer storage, winter storage), trailer (purchase expense if applicable), registration expenses, safety equipment, and maintenance consumables. These expenses are roughly similar for both types but increase with the size and worth of the boat.

In simple terms, if you are willing to spend less money at the start and are going to use the boat for recreational purposes and at slow speed, then a pontoon boat may be more suitable for you. If you are interested in sporty performance and higher speed and if you are ready to pay more for the boat and its maintenance, then a deck boat will be more appropriate.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

The decision on whether to choose a pontoon boat or a deck boat comes down to essentially how well you can measure factors – the boat’s merits and your requirements. There is no “better” boat, just the boat that you will enjoy more. Now, let’s evaluate the critical choice factors.

Consider a Pontoon Boat if:

• You have large groups of people or a whole family that needs the maximum space and capacity.
• You need ultimate stability, especially at rest, for socializing, swimming, or fishing.
• You need layout flexibility for different activities like lounging, dining, or fishing.
• Your primary boating waters are calm inland lakes or rivers.
• You prefer leisurely cruising and entertaining as opposed to speed.
• You desire a highly customizable platform, especially for fishing or luxury features.

Consider a Deck Boat if:

• Speed, agility, and responsive handling are high on your list.
• You frequently engage in watersports like skiing or wakeboarding.
• You often boat in areas with moderate chop and value a hull that cuts through waves.
• You prefer the aesthetics and feel of a traditional V-hull boat.
• Integrated storage for gear like skis is a plus.
• You prioritize cruising performance and getting places efficiently.

The Tritoon Wildcard: Like modern tritoons, they provide significant flexibility in performance. Their space and stability are comparable to pontoon boats, while their speed and handling fall somewhere between a deck boat and a pontoon. They do tend to be pricier than twin-toons or twin-deck boats, though.

In the end, the best way to choose is to try them both for yourself. Demo drives are a must. Consider how you will use the boat 80% of the time, be realistic with your spending, and select the craft that best guarantees the lifestyle you envision living aboard a boat.

Enhance Your Boating with the Right Dock

Making the correct choice of boat, either a large pontoon or a deck boat, is just the first step in enjoying your boating excursions. Your method of boarding and docking your vessel is also essential in determining how much fun you have on the waterways. Beyond serving as a place to moor, a dock undergoes life-changing transformations by becoming the access point to astonishing aquasport-seeking escapades. Conventional wooden docks take a lot of time and effort to maintain during the summer when the time can be better used boating. Thankfully, today’s boating culture is catered to by modern modular floating docks that are hassle-free and easy to use.

Since 2006, Hiseadock has served consumers in depth for over a decade and focuses on these systems. For boat owners, they offer their services with the utmost toughness and with simplicity in mind:

• Lasting Durability, Minimal Fuss: Hiseadock modules are made from strong, UV-resistant HDPE plastic. It does not fade, get impacted, or suffer damage from weather without falling victim to wood rot or splinters. Forget about yearly sealing; instead, drenched in little upkeep, the platform boasts a 5-year warranty, with assurances of outlasting numerous competitors.
• Stable, Safe Access: A Combination of non-slip surfaces, rounded corners, and iconic interlocking modules create a strong surface that can be trusted by everyone accessing a pontoon or deck boat. The design guarantees safe footing for everyone boarding as well.
• Unmatched Flexibility: Propelling them to serve clients in over 80 countries, the global experience of the company is vast. Their modular design functions like building blocks for the waterfront, able to be configured into any shape and size, perfecting the fit for the intended activities, boat and shoreline being used even in shallow waters.
• Engineered Resilience: Conventional docks are known for failing during winters, but these docks were built using modular designs that can endure waves & are capable of withstanding ice in many climates.

Opting for Hiseadock is choosing the appealing blend of convenience and peace of mind. It means less hassle, more relaxation on the water, and an elegant interphase between your life on land and adventures in water. This orthogonally assists whichever boat you ultimately decide on.

In the end, the process of getting a boat is very personal. Balance the differences, factor in your lifestyle, and if possible, take the wheel of both. Hiseadock, paired with a vessel of your choice, is sure to provide years of memories, and no matter what adventures await, you are guaranteed the shores of choice. with. Ensure that only superior-quality plastics are used in constructing your floating dock products.

FAQ about Pontoon Boats

• Are pontoon boats easy to drive?

Yes, operating a pontoon boat is easy. This makes them perfect for beginners or families. They are flat and stable and thus easy to operate and provide a good experience in the water. There are models with easy steering, which makes it fun to ride.

• How fast does a pontoon boat go?

A pontoon boat’s speed relies on the boat’s dimensions, capacity, and powerful engine. Smaller pontoons having 50-90 HP can achieve a speed of anything between 15-25 mph while other larger model boats equipped with over 150 HP can have a speed of over 40mph. Most importantly, if the cruise ranges leisurely activity, most pontoon boats can run smoothly at a pace of 15-20 mph.

• What size pontoon boat do I need?

It primarily relies on your wants;

For smaller groups, I would recommend a 16 to 20-foot boat as it can comfortably accommodate 2 to 6 people.

For a medium group of people, seating around 6 to 10 people, I recommend Models sitting between 20 and 24 ft.

For bigger groups, where the number exceeds 10 people, it would be suitable for a pontoon boat greater than 24 ft.

Apart from that, you should also consider your expected use, whether it’s fishing, cruising, or war sports for the correct size of the boat.

• How much gas does a pontoon boat use?

The amount of usage on a pontoon is determined by the cruising speed, power of the motor, and how often it is utilized. On average:

The majority of the time, a pontoon boat for the casual rider will spend anywhere between 3-5 gallons an hour onboard.

However, if a pontoon is pushed to higher cruising ranges, its gas consumption can rise to 6-8 gallons per hour.

Efficient fuel management and avoiding high speeds can help reduce fuel usage.

• Are pontoon boats good in rough water?

Mostly pontoon boats are used in dead lakes and calm seas but some large versions are designed to withstand rough waters with strong (reinforced) hulls and tritoon (three tubes) designs. However:

Pontoons are not as good for high seas or large waves as Deep V hulls.

Always prioritize safety and avoid venturing into extremely rough waters.