Pontoon boats are popular among boat owners that prefer more space inside their boats for entertaining pleasure. It is often called a party boat for this reason. Lake parties with family and friends are truly enjoyable inside the pontoon boat’s flat deck and spacious seating capacity.
A pontoon boat is a boat with a hull that is constructed of two or three-welded round aluminum tubes known as "sponsons". These sponsons are tapered at the forward ends to facilitate movement and speed. They are attached to the rigid deck platform by means of an aluminum frame, which forms a deck made out of aluminum, wood or fiberglass.
Safety railing surrounds all sides of the deck with the helm station placed either in the middle of the deck or off to one side.
The smaller pontoon boats can sit around six people while the bigger pontoons can accommodate as much as twelve. The ordinary versions of pontoon boats use lawn furniture for seating but the more sophisticated and expensive models feature upholstered seating, a small dining table, a roof, a cooler and maybe even a toilet.
Brief History of Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats have been around for more than fifty years. Several companies claim bragging rights as the originator of pontoon boats. Suffice it to say that several boat manufacturing firms have in one way or the other contributed to the development of the modern-day pontoon boat.
There is the story of the Kayot pontoons built around the mid-fifties. It is believed to have been started by the owner of the Kay Auto Parts Company, an auto parts store. The owner originally designed the pontoon boats for the family’s use but people on the lake saw them and wanted one. This demand gave birth to Kaye -Yacht Pontoon which later came to be known as Kayot Pontoons.
At about the same time, Michigan-based Aqua Patio was also making galvanized steel pontoon boats. The company was bought by Godfrey Marine which has retained the Aqua Patio brand to this day. Godrey has grown to become one of the leading pontoon boat manufacturers in the industry.
Other pioneers in the pontoon industry include Harris Pontoon Boat Manufacturing of Fort Wayne, IN was a pioneering pontoon builder with the Harris Flote-Bote. Sylvan Pontoons of North Webster, IN was also a pioneering pontoon boat builder. Many other companies are building pontoon boats today.
Uses of pontoon boats:
Aside from parties, pontoon boats are also good for an afternoon cruise on small, inland lakes, rivers or other protected waters. They can also be used for still fishing as they provide stable platform. Some pontoon boats may also be used for overnight camping.
There are also one man and two man pontoon boats that are good for fly fishing. These types of pontoon boats are ideal for fly fishing because they are easy to maneuver owing to their V shaped pontoon hulls. It is perfect for quick turns necessary for fly fishing. Pontoon boats are also very durable and flexible.
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Pontoon boats
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Do you own a pontoon boat? Have a look at some options for looking after and transporting your pontoon boat.
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Pontoon Boats 