Deck Boat vs. Pontoon: What Are the Differences?

With plans of international travel still jeopardized due to the ongoing pandemic, Americans are turning their vacation dreams inward. Rather than international flights, they see road trips across the state.

Rather than new countries, cultures, and cuisines, they see new campgrounds and National Parks. And rather than a cruise, they are buying boats and hitting the open water near their home.

They aren’t asking if they should buy a boat, but which to buy. Deck boat vs. pontoon, what’s the difference between these two beginner-friendly boat models, and which should you choose for your aqua-based adventures?

Keep reading our pontoon and deck boat guide below to find out now. 

What Is a Deck Boat?

Both deck boats and pontoons are great for parties, entertaining, and relaxing. But deck boats are geared to those who like to go a little bit faster when they’re out on the water.

Deck boats feature a V-shaped hull and fiberglass construction. This makes them easy to maneuver. They can turn quickly, and perform well either when cruising or when engaged in watersports like skiing or wakeboarding. 

These boats usually offer a dual-cockpit, with wrap-around seats at the front of the boat, and some sort of bench seating in the rear of the boat as well. You can also expect the boat to have a swim platform at the back, with a ladder for easy reentry. 

And you can find deck boat models that either use an outboard motor or an inboard motor, giving you the flexibility you need to perform your favorite activities. 

Benefits of a Deck Boat

Deck boats allow you to bring the whole family on the boat with you, with plenty of space for everyone to find a spot and get comfortable. You can sue them to slowly cruise around the lake. Or just drop anchor, open the cooler, and make some drinks.

Kids can jump in the water from the back deck. And when you’re ready to shake things up, deck boats have the option to go fast. They aren’t just cruisers but can handle speed and watersports as well. They offer great handling and response to your driving instantly. 

Deck boats are some of the most versatile boats you can get, capable of handling almost every type of activity. They are the favorite boat for families with children, as the ability to pick up speed can keep kids entertained for hours.

If you’re a first-time boat owner, be aware that fiberglass, although light and nimble, can damage easier than other materials like aluminum. But with the right tools, like epoxy resin, and a little know-how, you can keep your fiberglass boat in good condition. You can learn more on boat epoxy and how it works here. 

What Is a Pontoon Boat?

Pontoon boats have an unmistakable style. They are made of aluminum, which is much more forgiving than fiberglass. And they are built on top of two large aluminum air tubes called pontoons.

Likewise, a boat with three air tubes is called a tri-toon and is becoming more and more popular as well. 

These tubes of air are what keep the boat afloat. And because they are airtight, it’s almost impossible to sink one of these. 

The deck is flat and the floorplan of most pontoon boats is wide open and spacious. But since the functionality of these boats is so simple, and performance is not much of a concern, manufacturers are able to put most of their attention towards luxurious interior features.

This makes pontoon boats very comfortable. Pontoons are the ultimate relaxation boat and they’re perfect for entertaining.

But pontoon boats are quite slow. They are intended for cruising and floating. And when you’re at top speed, handling is slow. You can’t make quick maneuvers, making these less than ideal for watersports.

But for enjoying a dinner on the water or going fishing, these boats can be a blast. 

Benefits of a Pontoon Boat

Because pontoon boats are slower, more stable, and considered much safer than other types of boats, they are the ideal choice for families with small children. They are also popular for older boaters who aren’t concerned with speed, but just want to enjoy a casual ride on the water, and maybe some fishing.

Pontoons are less energy-intensive, meaning they use less fuel than other types of boats, including deck boats. 

And since pontoons are built for entertainment, these boats can often fit 10 or more people on board at one time. On other types of boats, it can be very uncomfortable to have that many people on one boat. 

And it’s a great boat for fishing because it’s so stable. When you move from one side of the boat to the other, the boat barely moves. That means you won’t be spooking the fish constantly, which increases your chances of a catch. 

Deck Boat vs. Pontoon

So which type of boat is right for you? Both deck boats and pontoon boats are great for families. But it depends on what your families like to do.

If your kids are older and want to go fast, as well as try out sports like wakeboarding, a deck boat may be a better option. You still get the opportunity to entertain and fit a lot of guests onboard. But you have the option to glide across the water and enjoy nimble maneuverability.

If you have younger kids, however, a pontoon may be the better option. Pontoons are safe, smooth, and slow. They are a great first-boat, as they are easy to get used to.

There’s little room for error, so you don’t need to be stressed out when using a pontoon. Made from aluminum, it’s unlikely you’ll get a hole. Rather, you’ll just dent it and carry on. 

And pontoon boats are generally more spacious, fitting more guests without feeling like the boat is weighed down or imbalanced. The stability provided by the pontoons is unmatched. This also makes them a great choice for those who get seasick easily. 

Try Before You Buy

So deck boat vs. pontoon, which are you going to invest in? Before making an expensive decision, it may be worth renting each type of boat for a day or two to see how your family enjoys each type.

Renting for a couple of days is a lot cheaper than buying the wrong boat.

Looking for more boating tips? Head over to our blog now to keep reading.