When you're looking for a new boat that's comfortable, easy to man oeuvre and has plenty of room to entertain family and friends, both deck boats and pontoon boats are great options. Both are spacious, easy to man oeuvre and versatile, making them popular in the family boating market. But while they have many similarities, they also have many differences, and the choice between these two types of boats should be based on personal boating preferences. This article explores the basics and differences between deck boats and pontoon boats, as well as selection advice that will help you make the most informed choice.
The Basics of Deck Boats and Pontoon Boats
Deck Boats
A deck boat, as you can guess from its name. It's a boat with generous deck space, its hull top flares outward for extra accommodation, and the design borrows from pontoon boats and fiberglass boats, born in 1974. The manufacturer replaced the twin hull tubes of the pontoon boat with a streamlined V-shaped hull, which not only allowed the boat to increase its speed dramatically, but also left the original spacious deck intact.
Pontoon Boats
The pontoon boat design has many similarities to a deck boat, but the pontoon boat is considered the ultimate recreational vessel. They have more deck space than deck boats, and some are equipped with kitchens and bathrooms, allowing passengers to stand up, walk around, and even cook in the galley. The pontoon boat was introduced in 1951 and since its introduction, it has become ideal for large group boating due to its spacious deck. It floats primarily on aluminum pontoons, powered by a powerful engine.
The Difference Between Deck Boats and Pontoon Boats
While there are many similarities between deck boats and pontoon boats, there are also some differences between the two. Here are the differences between deck boats and pontoon boats in various aspects:
Versatility
Both deck boats and pontoon boats can be a lot of fun, and activities that can be done on a deck boat can also be done on a pontoon boat, but activities that can be done on a pontoon boat cannot necessarily be done on a deck boat. For example, boat camping is better experienced on a pontoon boat because it is stable, comfortable and spacious. For sports such as tubing and wakeboarding, a pontoon boat provides enough power, while a deck boat is faster and more popular with thrill-seeking water sports enthusiasts. As a fishing boat, both are adequate, but the pontoon boat, with its flat and stable platform, is better able to support man oeuvres and avoid capsizing when fishing.
Speed
Pontoon boats are generally slower, with less horsepower, and top speeds averaging 25-30 mph, but there are some that have been modified to go as fast as 114 mph. Deck boats are fast, compared to pontoon boats, with most models capable of 50-70 mph at the same horsepower, and are suitable for advanced and professional water sports enthusiasts, with the ability to get to their destination quickly and make nimble turns.
Deck Layout and Space
Deck boats and pontoon boats share many similarities in deck layout and space, with plenty of seating and space, and ample storage under the seats and under the floor. While there are many similarities between the two types of vessels, there are also some significant differences. For example, pontoon boats have a much larger passenger capacity and can accommodate 16 or more people, while partial deck boats can only accommodate up to 12 people. The large, flat decks of pontoon boats also feature amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas that are suitable for boating accommodations, something that deck boats cannot have.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing a boat. Deck boats, with their V-shaped hulls, perform well and are faster when travelling in rough water, but when it comes to fuel efficiency, pontoon boats have the edge, consuming on average only about 5 gallons of petrol per hour, compared to up to 8 gallons per hour for deck boats. If you're looking for fuel efficiency, a pontoon boat is the better choice.
Maneuverability
In terms of maneuverability, pontoon boats are considered by most owners and experts to be one of the easiest boats to drive due to their slow, steady ride, more predictable movement, easier to fine-tune steering, and less demanding of driver reaction time. Deck boats, on the other hand, are sportier and, with their powerful outboard engines, are able to cruise at faster speeds and cut through high seas with ease, making them more suitable for those who have some experience in sailing and enjoy cruising at high speeds.
Exterior and Design
Traditional pontoon boats may not be sleek and modern enough when it comes to looks and design, but today's manufacturers are updating their designs to give new pontoon boats a more sophisticated and sportier look. Some also feature a V-shaped hull that can enhance the boat's look and performance, and its flat deck is key to stability. Deck boats, on the other hand, have been sporty from their inception, with streamlined designs and V-shaped hulls similar to fiberglass boats, with stylish and comfortable interiors, using plush high-density foam and high-grade vinyl to upholster the seats, and a cooler looking exterior.
How do I choose between a deck boat and a pontoon boat?
When choosing between a deck boat and a pontoon boat, the key is personal needs. Both types of boats differ in terms of features, speed and layout, and if you're looking for a well-equipped boating experience, then a pontoon boat may be better suited to you, complete with a range of amenities. If you prefer wakeboard boats or other high-energy activities, then a deck boat may be better for you; they are fast and can get you where you want to go quickly.
