If you’re looking to invest in a new boat, there are several factors to consider. Many people narrow their options to choosing between a pontoon boat and a deck boat. Which boat is right for you? Obviously, it depends on what you’re looking for in a boat.
There are a few things to take into consideration:
- Design and construction: Deck, hull, space, seating arrangement
- Performance and handling: Speed, stability, maneuverability, fuel efficiency
- Features and amenities: Storage, accessories, platform
- Boating activities: Entertaining, watersports, fishing, cruising
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PONTOON AND A DECK BOAT?
Comfort and Space: Which Boat is More Spacious?
The actual size can be quite similar from a deck boat to a pontoon boat, so if this is your deciding factor, consider the purpose of your boat. Deck boats can usually accommodate up to 12 people, but the more-spacious layout of a pontoon boat can comfortably and safely fit up to 16 people on large models.
Pontoon boats have always been known as one of the best values on the water because of their ability to hold so many people at such an attractive price point.
When comparing comfort and space, pontoon boats typically have the edge due to their wide, flat MAX decks and spacious layouts. Pontoon are known for their expansive seating areas, making them ideal for larger groups who want to relax, socialize, or even host small parties. With their open floor plans, pontoons offer ample room to move around, spread out, and enjoy a day on the water in total comfort. Their boxy design maximizes deck space, which means more seating, lounging areas, and space for storage. Families and large groups often favor pontoons for their superior space and comfort.
On the other hand, deck boats, while still spacious, have a more streamlined design that allows them to balance comfort with performance. Most deck boats have all seating facing forward, which is especially nice when cruising at a high speed, whereas pontoons have the flexibility to face any direction, even re-arranging furniture while entertaining friends or family on the lake. If you're looking for a mix of speed and moderate comfort, deck boats provide enough room for family outings while offering a sporty edge.
Both types of boat will have a fair amount of storage space, but generally speaking, a pontoon boat will have more.
Boat Performance and Handling
The decks of most pontoon boats lay flat across the two pontoons (also known as a multi-hull design), which makes them ideal for socializing. The flat hull keeps the boat steady in the water, both while moving and sitting still.
Deck boats, however, use v-hulls, which cut through the water while moving, allowing deck boats to accelerate more quickly than traditional pontoons. A pontoon boat trying to reach the same speed as a deck boat will require more fuel to do so; however, pontoons are much more fuel-efficient overall.
The downside of the fiberglass v-hull comes from its central axis, which leads the boat to rock with wind, waves, or movement of the passengers on the boat.
You no longer have to choose one or the other, though. Manitou’s V-Toon Technology, available on many of our models, mimics a traditional v-hull in shape while maintaining the stability of traditional pontoons.
Generally speaking, because of the different types of hulls, deck boats are better for slicing through the water, but pontoon boats keep you steady, whether you’re in motion or not.
Customization and Versatility
When it comes to customization and versatility, pontoon boats offer a wide range of options to suit different recreational needs. You can easily modify the layout of a pontoon boat with features like additional seating, upgraded sound systems, fishing gear, or even a small grill for on-water BBQs.
Pontoons are incredibly versatile and can be set up for fishing, cruising, or hosting family gatherings, making them a top choice for boaters who want a personalized experience. Their flat, open design allows for easy modifications and ensures that no matter what your boating needs are, a pontoon boat can be tailored to meet them.
Deck boats also provide a solid level of customization since they are built for multi-purpose use. You can customize deck boats with wakeboard towers, fishing equipment, or upgraded upholstery to enhance both leisure and sports activities. This makes deck boats perfect for families or groups that want to enjoy a variety of activities. While they may not offer as much space for customization as pontoons, deck boats excel in blending comfort.
Boating Activities
With the recent increases in power on pontoon boats (again, depending on the type of engine you select), the disparities between what you can do on a deck boat as compared to a pontoon boat are shrinking, especially when you consider V-Toon performance.
For instance, a pontoon with a 150-horsepower engine is plenty for tubing or water skiing; however, it’s worth noting that if you’re an experienced tuber or skier, you may not catch as much air as you’d like. Deck boats are still superior in that respect, as they slice through the water and give you some wake to navigate.
If your watersport of choice is fishing, a pontoon boat is the way to go. Not that you can’t fish from a deck boat, but the stable platform and additional room on a pontoon boat will definitely be to your advantage as you try to reel in tonight’s dinner.
Boat Maintenance
As with any watercraft, it’s essential to keep your boat clean and in working order. This requires effort on both deck and pontoon boats, but the difference here is most noticeable on the hulls. The aluminum pontoons are far easier to clean and maintain than the fiberglass hull of a deck boat, which needs to be wiped down after every day spent on the water. If you don’t wipe the gelcoat meticulously, water spots become ridiculously difficult to remove later.
Cost of a Pontoon VS A Deck Boat
In general, a deck boat will be more expensive than a pontoon boat. However, more luxurious pontoon models will begin to approach price point similar to that of a deck boat. And, depending on what type of engine you choose for either, that alone could cost up to 50% of the price of the boat itself. Obviously, prices vary among both styles of boats, but in most cases, a deck boat will cost more.
