Pontoon Boats For Sale in the United States

Should You Buy a Pontoon or a Tritoon?

Pontoons and tritoons are popular recreational watercraft due to their versatility and stability, but what are they and how are they different from each other? The experts here at Tommy’s Boats have put together this handy guide detailing everything you need to know in order to make your choice.

What’s the Difference?

Pontoons are named after the tubes on the bottom of their hulls which give them their floatation. It is due to these tubes that pontoon boats are so inherently stable. While normal pontoon boats have only two tubes, one on either side of the boat, tritoons have an additional tube in the middle. While this may not seem like a big deal, it does offer some advantages!

Size

Tritoons are usually bigger than normal pontoons. Some of the biggest tritoons can accommodate up to 25 passengers, which is great if you want to host large boating parties. This bigger size means a bigger engine, with more power and bigger fuel tanks for fewer refuels. Of course, standard pontoons are plenty big already, so figure out how much space you’ll need and go from there.

Expense

Unfortunately, a bigger boat also usually means a bigger price tag. The price difference between a tritoon and a pontoon can be as much as $15,000. While it’s worth it if you really do need the extra space, you shouldn't feel pressured to buy a model that is more than you need. Remember to stick to your budget and account for extra expenses like a boat slip and ongoing maintenance.

Environment

One final point is to consider what kinds of waters you intend to frequent. If you plan to stick to local lakes and rivers, a tritoon might feel a bit bulky. Furthermore, you probably won’t need the additional stability of a bigger boat, as traditional pontoons are already reliably stable. For choppier waters with more room for a bigger boat, the extra weight and size of a tritoon might come in handy.

When making your decision, go by what you will need and what you can fit within your budget instead of what anyone tries to pressure you to purchase. For more information, visit Tommy’s Boats online or in-store. With fourteen dealerships, including three each in both Michigan and California, we’re not hard to find!